Page 96 of Alpha Claimed

"I'll take care of her. I promise on my life. I'm going to take care of her, whatever she needs."

An expression came over Cherry's face resembling respect, and then she nodded. "You'd better, or I'll eat your balls for breakfast."

The door closed behind them, and Ares couldn't help but smile.

River moaned and rolled over. He undid the French cuffs on his shirt and then threw off his tie and unbuttoned his crisp shirt as he sat on the bed and touched her too-bright cheek.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she tried to focus on him. "Ares?"

"Yes, Beloved. I'm here."

She whimpered, and he'd barely stripped off his shirt before she crawled into his lap naked and needy. Her lips clamped down on his, and his wolf howled in delight. He tangled his hands in her hair, and she kissed him franticly, her hot hands roaming his skin.

She kissed down his neck, and his arousal strained, almost bursting the zipper.

She ran her hands down the front of his pants and rubbed him through them.

Ares growled as she licked back up his throat and kissed him again. Her fingers fumbled with his belt buckle, and she grumbled in frustration.

Her scent invaded him, making him want her all the more, but then a second scent hit him.Apollo.

Ares wolf snarled.Ours. Our mate.

Ares broke the kiss. "River."

Her mouth slammed down on his again. He groaned as one hand rubbed him through his pants, and the other tried to undo his belt again.

Ours. Mine. Mate. Claim.

Ares fought between wanting her and needing to wash Apollo away. It took every ounce of strength he had, but he grabbed her wrists and pulled his mouth from hers.

She looked at him bewildered through bleary eyes.

"Beloved, stop."

"You… don't want me? Is it because of Apollo? Did it break us?"

Ares wolf roared in pain, and Ares took a deep breath to keep from finding his twin and ripping his throat out. But in the moment that he fought to calm himself, he realized that nothing changed for him. His wolf still wanted her. He still wanted her. And they both still knew she was meant for them.

He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Do you still feel like I'm meant to be your mate?"

River nodded vigorously. "I need you, Ares. I want you."

"Then that's all that matters."

"But-"

"That's all I care about. My wolf is still telling me you are his. And I know in my heart you are still mine. I don't care what happened with Apollo. I only care what happens between us. Here. Now. That's all that matters. But I need something from you first."

"Anything."

"I need to get his scent off you."

She nodded. "Shower?"

He purred. "Absolutely."