Page 94 of Alpha Claimed

"To get you something to drink." He stood, leaned over her, and kissed her head as his wolf tugged on his restraints, trying to get free and force Apollo to stay with her.

"Can I have a soda?" Her eyelids fluttered closed again.

"Of course." Apollo kissed her once more, but she was already asleep.

He picked up his shirt and phone from the floor before going to the bedroom door.

“Apollo?”

“Yes, Kitten.”

“I need you to know, really know. I’m glad you were with me first. That we bonded first. Even though we met second, doesn’t put you second place in my heart. You have every ounce of love in my body. You are my mate. My Alpha. And I am your Omega. No matter what else happens. I am yours. Always and forever.”

He looked at her for only a moment before slipping into the hallway before she could see the pain he couldn’t conceal in his eyes.

Every step he took from where she lay made his wolf go into even more of a frenzy.

We have to, he said over and over.She needs him.

His wolf didn't buy it.

Apollo wasn't surprisedto see Cherry and Strider sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a large bottle of whiskey. They looked up as he entered. He made his way to the fridge and pulled it open. Grabbing a bottle of freshly squeezed OJ, he chugged it down, set the bottle on the counter, and wiped his mouth.

He splayed his palms on the counter and stared at it, surrounded by the feel, the touch, and the taste of his mate. His mate. River was his mate. But not only his.

"Well?" Cherry asked.

Apollo looked at her to find the bags beneath her eyes, deep as bruises.

"Call him."

Cherry nodded and pulled out her phone.

Apollo didn't listen as Cherry told Ares to get to the house. He went to the pantry and grabbed a six-pack of cola and a bucket. He filled the bucket with ice and then set all the items, as well as a glass, onto the tray.

He took a breath, pulled out his phone, and texted Bennett.

Pick up at the kitchen door.

His phone beeped almost immediately.

I'll be there in five.

He shoved his phone back in his pocket. "She's thirsty. She'll need the sugar. She's hotter than yesterday, so the ice will help, too."

He couldn't meet Cherry's eye, so he walked toward the back door.

"Is she… okay?"

Apollo nodded. "She's fine. I just…"

"What?"

"I don't understand. We bonded. She bit me, and I bit her, but still, I could tell she needed something else… someone else. She really does belong to both of us, doesn't she?"

When Cherry didn't answer, he stepped toward the door, but Cherry's words stopped him.

"Are you okay?"