Page 87 of Alpha Marked

"River, you can't." Bianca tugged on River's arm to stop her from going to the door.

"I can't stand it. I have to know what is happening."

"Princess, please," said Lachlan. "This is for your safety as well as Prince Ares'."

"I'm going crazy up here, not knowing what is happening." It surprised River as much as it did everyone else how concerned she was for Ares and the negotiations. She needed the shifter packs to back him. Needed them to believe in him. If they didn't… she didn't want to think about what would happen. If Titan wanted a war…

River marched for the door.

"Princess, I don't want to have to stop you."

River rounded on Lachlan. "How? You aren't allowed to touch me, are you?"

Lachlan ran his hand through his hair. "Well, uh… no."

"So, how will you stop me if you can't touch me?" She made for the door again, and as she reached for the handle, Lachlan stepped between her and the door and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Move." River's irritation rose.

Lachlan shook his head.

River tried to shove him out of the way, but he didn't budge. "Move, you giant lap dog."

Lachlan smiled. "Sorry. No can do."

River growled and pulled out her phone. She speed-dialed Ares' number. It rang twice and went to voicemail.

She dialed again. Again, it went to voicemail.

"Fine," River said. "If I can't go, let my sister out. Ares didn't say anything about Bianca having to stay in the room, right?"

Lachlan looked between them. "Well, no."

River prodded Bianca toward the door. "Go down and find out what is going on."

Bianca's eyes widened in horror. "Dressed like this?" She wore a lounge suit with the word 'cutie' on the butt.

"No one will see you. Peek in, see what is happening, and come right back."

Bianca scrunched up her face. "I don't think Zeke will like this…"

"It will be fine. He won't know. Please."

Bianca sighed. "Okay. But I'm only going for sixty seconds, and if I don't hear anything, I don't care. I'm coming right back up."

"Fine."

River nodded for Lachlan to open the door, and as he turned to open it, River shoved him aside and slipped out the crack.

"Princess!" Lachlan called.

River punched the elevator button several times, and to her surprise, the door opened, and she ran smack into Ares.

Ares grabbed her by the arm, his eyes concerned. "What's wrong?"

She couldn't hold back the relief that flooded her. Her wolf chuffed with happiness.

"I… Nothing is wrong."

---