Page 75 of Alpha Marked

"What?"

"I don't want you at the meeting. It's too dangerous. There will be unmated Alphas, and even if I bring in all my men, I can't promise it will be enough to keep them from trying to get at you."

"So, you don't want me there?"

"It's not about want, Beloved. It's about keeping you safe until we are mated."

River wasn't a porcelain doll. She didn't need to be locked up in a cupboard and kept safe. Even so, the look in Ares's eyes told her he would not be swayed.

"All right." River took his hand. "Let's clean up."

He nodded and told his men to clean up, eat, and rest. Theo offered to be the liaison between Vanessa and Ares about the dinner, and Ares agreed, but said he wanted to pick the menu.

Then, before he figured out more work to do, River pulled him into the bedroom suite. She locked the door and then marched him into the bathroom.

* * *

Ares stared in the mirror.It'd been a long time since he'd been in a full-out battle, and what bothered him most was his suit wasn't salvageable. Damn. He'd only worn it once.

"Show me your wound."

"I wasn't injured."

River cocked an eyebrow. "The one from earlier."

"River-"

"I wasn't asking."

Her expression told him she wouldn't take no for an answer. Damn, he loved the fiery protective side of her.

He licked his lips and undid his tie, dropping it to the ground. Then he took off his jacket as well. She watched him intently as he unbuttoned his shirt.

Without a word, she stepped to him and ran her hands over his skin, making him harden instantly. Her slender but strong fingers ran over his torso, his arms, and his back, checking for wounds. She lifted his arm and inspected his bandaged side.

She peeled back the tape and gauze. "You ripped it open. The bandages are soaked through. I'll clean it, and then we can rebandage it."

"River, there's no need."

She steeled her gaze. "I will clean it, and we'll rebandage it."

His wolf chuffed at her tenacity. Damn, he liked her.

"Then I'm looking you over and making sure you aren't injured."

She glared at him. "You know I wasn't."

"Why is blood on your dress?"

She inspected the dress. "Damn. I thought I'd been careful. I liked this dress."

"I'll have another one here in the morning."

"That's not the point."

She ran the water, retrieved a soft hand towel, and wet it.

"So why is blood on your dress?" he asked again.

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