Page 82 of Alpha Claimed

"Cherry," Strider said softly.

She looked at him and took a deep breath before looking at Ares again.

"Until my daughter is well again, I am making the decisions. If you don't like it, I'd happily take her back to our pack doctor in the States."

She looked from Ares to Apollo.

The two shared a look, and Apollo shrugged.

Damn pussy.Couldn't even stand up to Cherry. And he was supposed to be the next king of the Lycans? Never gonna happen.

"The three of us will make decisions for her until she is better," Ares said smoothly. "You are welcome to return to the States, get your doctor, and bring him here."

"Her. Our doctor is a woman. The smarter and more logical choice, of course."

Ares ground his teeth together.

Cherry turned back to River and her dress. She pulled River's arms out one by one.

River's eyes fluttered open. "Mom? What are you doing?" She started to struggle, but Cherry grabbed her arms.

"I'm taking you out of this ridiculously tight dress. Why the hell do you let them show you off like arm candy anyway? It's so degrading."

River blinked. "I like how Ares looks at me when I wear what he wants."

Her mom threw Ares an icy glare. Ares couldn't help but smirk.

"You aren't their toy doll, River. You are you. Don't let them take it from you."

River shook her head. "You wouldn't understand. You never dressed up for Dad or Strider."

"Damn right. I like a man who takes me as I am."

A cough sounded from the door as Cherry and Strider got River's dress off her. Ares rounded on the newcomer and snarled.

Apollo jumped in front of River, shielding her from view.

"Sorry, Highnesses," said Bennett.

Ares took two steps forward. "Did you screw something up when you took that bullet out of Princess River's shoulder?"

"What?" Bennett looked to Apollo.

Ares stepped forward again. "I asked you-"

Apollo stepped between the two. "That's enough. You speak to Bennett respectfully, or don't speak to him at all."

Ares' last nerve snapped. "Listen asshole-"

"No, you listen," said Apollo. "Everyone in this room cares about River. You aren't the only one. So back the fuck off so we can find out what's wrong with her."

Ares stared at Apollo, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. His nails lengthened, and he worked his jaw so hard he thought he might break it.

Apollo's words had Ares wolf's hackles up, but Ares couldn't help but admit he was impressed by his brother's outburst. About damn time.

Ares took several deep breaths, and Theo stepped into the room.

"Ares. I know Bennett. He's a good guy. He wouldn't leave something half done. If Bennett says he got all of the bullet out, he got it out."

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