Page 88 of Alpha Marked

Ares' eyebrows creased. "You called twice in a row."

"I wanted to check on you." Her cheeks flushed with heat.

His gaze went to Lachlan. "I thought I told you to keep her safe."

"I'm sorry, Highness. I tried to-"

"Wait." River pulled her arm from Ares' grasp. "You told him to keep me safe, not prisoner."

"River-"

"Don't get mad at Lachlan; get mad at me."

The elevator dinged, and the doors tried to close. Ares stepped out of the way, and Theo and Santiago followed.

"I'm not mad," he said. "I'm worried. There's a difference. Come on, I need to change anyway."

"Why? What's happening?"

Ares ushered her back into the suite, shucked off his coat, and undid his tie before they entered the bedroom.

"I am meeting a few senior Alphas for drinks."

"So, things didn't go well?" A knot formed in her stomach.

"No, things went better than expected. Even so, it won't hurt to commit as many as possible. Some agreements need to be worked out."

"What kind of agreements?"

Ares slipped off his shoes and untucked his shirt before crossing to her and cupping her face. "Beloved, I will tell you everything I can later, but right now, I need to go. I wish I didn't, but it is what it is. This is my responsibility to all shifters and Lycans."

She wanted to protest and demand that he tell her what happened, but it would make no difference. He had responsibilities beyond his feelings and commitment to her.

She nodded. "I understand."

"You do?"

She crossed her arms. "Yeah, I do. I wouldn't say I like it, but I understand. I mean, I'm gonna have to get used to it, aren't I? Whether I like it or not, you aren't an everyday shifter. Or even a shifter Alpha. You're… well… you. And that means you have to take care of a lot of people. Like, a lot. I don't want to be the reason others are hurt. And if you don't do your job and get the Alphas on your side, people will definitely be hurt. So, do what you need to, and I'll wait for you."

Ares crossed to her, cupped her face, and clamped his lips down on hers. "I couldn't imagine anyone better for me than you." He laid his forehead on hers. "I honestly don't know how I survived before you."

River smiled. "Well, I know what I did before you. Whatever I wanted."

Ares slapped her rear. "Smart ass."

She growled. "Do it again."

Ares groaned. "River…"

"I know. I know. You have to go. But I need something from you."

"Anything."

"If I call, pick up. Tell me something, anything. Tell me you're busy. Tell me I'm annoying you. Tell me to strip naked and be ready for when you come home. Doesn't matter. Just… don't not answer."

She gripped his arms and hated how much she wanted him to stay with her.

A smile quirked up the corners of his mouth. "I think the last option is going to be a favorite of mine. I will probably use it quite frequently."

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