Page 45 of Alpha Marked

Stop, her mind screamed.Stop being so weak. You don't even know him.

But her wolf squelched the thoughts spurring her onward.

"Ares," she panted.

Ares worked his way back up to her throat and flicked his warm tongue over the tendon at her throat.

"Tell me," he demanded.

"Ares."

"Tell me," he said again. "Tell me you want me to mark you. That you want to be mine forever."

He licked her throat, and his fangs grazed her skin, bringing her back to reality. She stiffened at the sensation of his sharp canines on her skin.

No! No way! She wasn't ready.

"River-"

"No," she said sharply.

He nuzzled her neck, sending panic tumbling through her. Memories flashed, and dark eyes stared at her from the other side of the pantry door.

"I said no!" she shouted.

The sudden sound of footsteps rushing to the room pulled Ares' mouth from her skin. The door flung open, and Zeke, Lachlan, and Theo rushed in.

Ares roared at them, and Zeke aimed his weapon at Ares.

"Back away from her," Zeke commanded.

"Get out! She's mine."

"No," said Theo. "She's your intended; there is a difference. We all heard her. She said no. It is forbidden to take a mate without her consent."

"Those are Lycan laws, she’s shifter."

Zeke steadied his aim on Ares. "Don't make me do it, Boss. Please don't. I know what you are feeling right now, but she said no. If you cross this line, you will lose her forever."

River's heart hammered as Ares' grip tightened on her body.

"Please, Your Highness," said Lachlan. "This isn't you. You know it isn't."

"I take what I want."

"Not this time, Ares. Not like this," said Theo.

Ares stared down at her, his all-black eyes as terrifying as the inhumane expression on his face.

He took her in. His eyes cleared, and he let go of her.

She scrambled backward on the table, pressing her palm to her skin to see if he'd drawn blood.

His expression shifted, and he stalked out of the room before she said a word.

River began to shake, and her breathing came in and out in harsh bursts.

When a door slammed across the suite, she almost fell off the table. Zeke steadied her, and she clung to him.

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