Page 47 of Alpha Marked

"Why is it me who has to be patient?" he asked. "Why can't she get with the program?"

"Because that's not how it works, unfortunately. You have to understand shifters have been taught to fear Lycans from birth. Lycans are the boogeymen under the bed. It takes time to break down those years and years of indoctrination. Yes, her body wants you. Yes, her wolf wants you. But in her head, you are still the executioner of shifters."

"But I'm not the one who started those rumors, and I'm not the one who keeps trying to perpetuate them. That's why I'm here to meet with the Alphas. I'm trying to break those rumors."

"I understand. And I know that now, but it took me time too, when I met you. Same with the others. She doesn't know yet. But she will. Just like we know."

"So, what do I do, Zeke?"

"Firstly? Try to control your temper. River may like a take-charge guy, but she doesn't like being scared of him."

"I would never hurt her." Even as the words left his mouth, he realized he'd been ready to an hour before.

"Show her."

Ares turned to the door again. "Make sure they have my suite ready for tonight. I don't know when I'll be back."

He walked out of the second bedroom and down the hall to the sitting room. He smelled River in the master bedroom but didn't dare say goodbye.

"Drew, Santiago, let's go."

He stalked to the suite entrance.Damn. It would be a long day.

* * *

River spentthe day in her room. Within fifteen minutes of the suite door slamming shut, it flew open again with a bang, and her bedroom door flung inward. She stiffened, waiting for a verbal barrage. But it wasn't Ares, it was Bianca. Tear-streaked face, makeup, and hair untamed, she burst into the room and ran to River.

"I'm so sorry, sis. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. It's all my fault. I should never have made you come out with us. I didn't know." Bianca flung her arms around River.

River hugged her little sister and squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to break down. She wanted to bawl her eyes out, too, but she couldn't. She had to be in control for both of them.

"It's okay, B. It's not your fault. None of this is your fault. It would have happened sooner or later. I had hoped it would be later, much later."

Bianca searched River's face, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Her face scrunched up, and she pinched River hard.

"Ow!"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Cherry and Strider didn't want me to. They didn't want anyone to know."

"You could have told me. I wouldn't have let it slip."

River pushed the dark hair from her little sister's eyes. "I know, B."

Bianca chewed her lip. "Are you… did he…"

River shook her head, remembering Ares's eyes. "No. I thought he might, but he didn't."

Bianca flung her arms around River again. This time, as Bianca hugged her, River hugged her fiercely. Her emotions swirled inside her as her wolf glowered at her. How the hell did she live when half of her wanted to be free, and the other half wanted to be his?

After several minutes, Bianca let go and went to the racks. She chewed her bottom lip, and River chuckled.

"Go on. You're dying to go through them."

Bianca's eyes shone. "Are you sure? He won't be mad?"

River's brows knit. "I don't care if he does. They are mine. He said so. If I want to light them on fire or donate them to charity, that's my choice."

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