Page 40 of Alpha Marked

Theo knelt and bowed to River. "Your Highness."

"This is Isaac. He is the youngest of the group but also the most vigilante. He, Lachlan, and Theo will be assigned as your guards whenever you leave my sight."

River bit the inside of her cheek, turned back to the men, and nodded.

"This is Drew. He and his younger brother Lachlan are the ones who talked to your old Alpha to try and find you in Andover."

"You know Zeke already, and lastly, there is Santiago."

River nodded, and a tense silence settled in between the group.

"Boss, the chef is still here if you and your mate would like something to eat," said Theo.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

River nodded.

"Have him prepare something and bring it to the master suite."

"Would you like Vanessa to get you anything? She can go anywhere in the city if you need her to."

Vanessa stiffened. She wasn't used to being the one who ran his errands, but more than ever, she had to learn her new place in the house of Wolvenguard.

"I don't need anything," River replied, looking only at him.

His wolf chuffed at River, already asserting her dominance in his pack and household. Good girl.

Ares nodded to Vanessa. "You may go back to your room downstairs. But keep your phone on in case my mate needs anything."

Vanessa's cheeks flamed, but she bowed and left without a word.

Ares led River to the master bedroom and let go of her as he turned to lock the door. She walked to the expansive window and peered out at the night sky.

Something calmed inside him, knowing he had her in his room, in his suite, in his hotel, and under his protection.

Ares stood by the door for a long moment, trying to keep his wolf in check. River stared out over the city, her small, slender form taking up all the oxygen in the room.

His mate. He'd found his mate. An Omega. Having her at his side would make him stable enough to turn the tide of the war with his half-brother.

"You've slept with Vanessa," River said flatly.

Damn. He had been an idiot to think she wouldn't pick up on it.

"I don't want her in my house." River didn't turn from the window.

Her house?They hadn't even gone home yet, and it was already her house.

His wolf chuffed.

"I'll fire her now." He pulled out his phone.

"Ares?" Vanessa said.

River turned.

"You need to pack your things-"

"No," said River. "You have meetings. I am sure you need her here for them. You can dismiss her after. But I don't want to see or smell her for the duration of my stay."

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