Page 36 of Alpha Marked

Ares gripped the crystal flutes so hard one of them cracked. He gulped down both glasses of champagne and slammed them onto a table. He growled as someone joined him.

"Boss."

He turned to Zeke.

"Why don't you go outside for air? I'll make sure she doesn't go anywhere."

"Because you did such a great job before?" he spat.

Zeke stiffened, but his face remained impassive.

Ares was being an ass. But every instinct told him to grab River, throw her over his shoulder, jump into his car, and fly straight to his estate, where he'd keep her locked away from everyone else.

"Some air would be a smart idea." Ares looked at River once more. She mingled and laughed with Bianca and other people in a natural way he'd never possessed.

His wolf grumbled, wanting to go to her.Mine. Mate. Omega.

Ares rubbed the ache in his chest and walked out to the street. He sank against the building, sucking in a breath.

His body relaxed a fraction for the first time since entering the art gallery, but his wolf howled as he could no longer smell her.

His phone rang, and he pulled it out.

Vanessa.

He needed a new assistant before River heard rumors about them.

He rejected the call.

The sky had gone dark,and people began to stream out of the gallery when Ares re-entered.

River stood in the back of the gallery amid a heated discussion with Zeke. Zeke touched her arm, and Ares growled, sending several humans scurrying away. Zeke turned, spotted him, and removed his hand.

River eyed Ares and then walked out of view.

Zeke approached him.

"What's happening?" he asked.

"She's… being River."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning she doesn't want to come back to Montreal."

"Not an option."

Zeke nodded. "I understand, but…"

"But what?"

Zeke glanced over his shoulder.

"Spit it out, Zeke."

"You planned on being in town for another week for business anyway. What if we all stayed together in the hotel?"

"No."

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