Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

RIVER

T he SUV stopped on a busy street, and River looked around at the bustle of the evening.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

Ares smiled. "I thought that since this will be your new home, you might appreciate seeing some of Montreal's beautiful things. We won't go out every night, but the city has some amazing sites."

That wasn't an answer, but like his brother, Ares didn't like to give up his surprise until the last minute. She made a note to be true to her word and figure out a surprise for both brothers that she wouldn't tell them for at least a week.

Theo rolled down the driver's side window and spoke to a policeman on the street. The man nodded and showed Theo down to a private parking spot. They parked, and Drew pulled up the second SUV right behind them. Ares hopped from his side of the vehicle and walked around to her side. He buttoned his suit jacket and then opened her door for her.

River's dress rode up her thigh as she stepped out in the heels Ares picked for her. She tipped sideways only a fraction before Ares wrapped his arm around her, steadying her. Her cheeks heated, but she still didn't have the guts to tell him she'd only worn heels on two previous occasions. Once, when her cousin had mated, and River had been part of the ceremony; and the second time at her show a few weeks prior.

"Damn, have I told you how good you smell today?"

"Only a couple times." She shook her head. "Have I told you how sexy you are in a suit?"

Ares growled and nipped her neck. "I wish you had let me shower with you."

She kissed his cheek. "But then you wouldn't have taken me to see what the city has to offer."

"Trust me, I can offer more than the whole city from the comfort of my bed."

She snorted. "You are so cocky."

"Only for you, Beloved."

Ares straightened and nodded to Theo and Santiago, who led the way. They exited the private parking area and came out on a crowded street. A wave of fear washed over River as she realized she was in a city of strangers, in a foreign country, and had no way of getting anywhere if something happened.

Ares pulled her closer. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. Just like in New York."

She heard the words he didn't say– Like Apollo had.

She took a breath and nodded.

Ares ushered her forward with Theo and Santiago out front and Zeke and Lachlan behind. The wall of black suits and gigantic men made River feel safer but also blind. Though she could see the occasional person snapping photos of the strange group, she could see nothing else.

After about a block, they came into a brightly lit area.

Theo stopped. "I'll get your food. Santiago, take them to the La Grande Roue de Montréal and get them seated, and I'll be along shortly."

Theo peeled to the right as Santiago led them forward. With half her shifter wall having walked away, River could finally see where they were headed.

Her stomach flopped. "I'm not getting on that thing."

Ares chuckled. "We will be in a private gondola. It is enclosed in glass and will take us up slowly to the top."

"Yeah, and then it comes back down over and over."

He squeezed her hand. "No, it won't. I bought all the tickets. We have the whole thing to ourselves for the next hour. Trust me, once you see the sunset from the top of La Grande

Roue, you will never see it the same way again."

River looked at him dubiously.

Ares leaned in and whispered. "If you get scared, you can sit on my lap."

She narrowed her eyes. "Is that the real reason you brought me here? To get me on your lap?"

He smiled. "I am pretty sure I could have thought of a lot easier way of getting you on my lap."

True.

Her wolf chuffed.

They approached the wheel, and the man bowed and opened the door to a glass-encased gondola. River swallowed hard but had to admit it looked pretty safe inside. There were four leather seats. Little tables. And warm air wafted out.

She hesitated and thought about begging Ares not to make her go, but what kind of Omega would she be if she let a little Ferris wheel scare her? She looked up. Okay, a huge Ferris wheel.

"If you don't like it, we will come back down. All right?"

She swallowed hard and nodded, trying to keep from screaming and running away.

Ares helped her in, then ducked and followed her. The gondola swayed slightly, and River sat in the nearest seat.

Ares chuckled and sat across from her.

She blew out a breath and rubbed her palms on her short dress.

The minute Theo showed up with the bags of food, River grabbed the soda from him and sucked it down.

"Thank you," said Ares.

Theo nodded and closed the door. Outside, he said something to Drew and Lachlan, then nodded to the operator.

River closed her eyes and pressed her palms into the seat armrests. As the wheel moved backward, she groaned.

Ares sat forward and took her hands in his. She squeezed his hands tight.

"Hey."

She couldn't reply.

"Look at me."

She blew out a breath and opened her eyes. He leaned in and kissed the knuckles on both hands.

"Just keep your eyes on me."

She nodded as her throat tightened.

"I promise. This might seem scary, but you are going to love it."

She nodded again, trying to force her muscles to relax.

"I was five the first time I came here," he said. "My parents brought Apollo and me downtown for the Christmas season to shop. I saw this giant wheel and wanted nothing more than to go on it."

"And that's when you fell in love with it?"

He snorted. "Uh… not exactly. I started to freak out the minute we got inside. Apollo just sat there staring out the window like it was nothing. But I almost pissed myself."

She couldn't imagine Ares being scared. "What happened?"

"My mother cradled my head in her lap while I cried the entire time and refused to look out the window. And then the minute we got off the ride, I vomited all over my mom's shoes."

River couldn't help but laugh.

"After that, my father brought me every year at Christmas. Just him and me alone. He would get us a gondola and make me look out the window. He would talk to me and hold my hand. He talked about his life. My mother. Being King. He asked what I wanted from life. What I saw myself doing in the future. And most of all, he talked to me about what it would be like when I found my mate. How to treat her and how to give her everything she ever wanted. It was my favorite day of the year growing up. I looked forward to it all year long. It was the only time I ever got him all to myself. He spent so much time with Apollo that I cherished our hours together. By the time I was ten, I wasn't scared anymore, but I pretended I still was just so my dad would bring me."

River looked into his eyes and saw the pain in them. "You miss him, don't you?"

Ares nodded. "More than you can know."

She gave a sad smile. "I do know."

He stared at her, and they shared a moment of pain from the loss of their fathers. But he was right. As much as she missed her dad, Strider had stepped up and been everything she could have asked for in a stepfather. Ares and Apollo hadn't gotten that.

The wheel slowed, and River glanced out the window at the sunset before returning to Ares.

"He sounds like a great man."

"He was. Strong. Smart. He was kind but ruthless when he needed to be. I heard he was not known for kindness before meeting my mother. But I never knew that man. I only knew the man he was because of my mother. And that's what I want. I want to be a man like he was."

River reached up and cupped his cheek. "You will be."

He leaned into her palm and closed his eyes. "You make me want to be that man, River."

Her chest squeezed. They sat that way for a minute, and then he opened his eyes.

"Let's eat. We only have about forty-five minutes before we need to leave."

"Is there somewhere else we need to be?"

He nodded.

She sighed. "Let me guess, another surprise?"

He chuckled.

She shook her head. "You know, one day, I'm going to be very happy when I know what my schedule is for the day instead of having everything sprung on me at the last minute."

"Trust me, Beloved. I will never stop surprising you. I will never stop taking you to experience new things. And I will never let a day go by that something magical doesn't happen for you."

She squeezed his knee. "Ares, you don't have to do that."

He nodded. "I know, but that's the thing. I want to. Making you happy is the only thing I want out of life. You and our children are more important to me than anything. Nothing else. Nothing. You are all I want."

River's chest squeezed, and tears filled her eyes. Damn Lycans.

"And you are who I want. Even if that means I have to deal with bodyguards, people not saying my name, a Council who thinks they can tell me what to do, a huge house I will never clean, and dressing in high heels to please you. Though at some point, I will most likely break an ankle."

He kissed her gently, opened the bags of food, and pulled out two sandwiches. "Grilled cheese or turkey?"

She smiled. "Which one do you want?"

"The one you don't."

"We're going to starve to death playing this game. Which one do you want?"

He looked at the sandwiches. "Turkey."

"Then I will have the grilled cheese. See, making magical things happen every day goes both ways."

His face changed in that moment, and when he smiled, River saw the true Ares.

After eating sandwiches, a plethora of pastries and cakes, and drinking the best-tasting wine she'd ever had, they rotated back to the ground, where Lachlan opened the door, and the guards walked them back to their SUV.

"Where next?"

Ares kissed her head, and she rolled her eyes.

"You know someday I'm going to have a great big surprise for you, and you will hate it so much that you will stop trying to surprise me."

Ares chuckled, and just when she was about to question him further, the car stopped, and River spotted a large cathedral on the right.

She laughed and looked at Ares. "You're taking me to church? Should I be wearing a white dress? I didn't even know you were Catholic."

Ares got out of the vehicle, and like before, he opened the door for her and helped her out. He held her hand and walked her up on the sidewalk.

"Yes, I am taking you to a church. No, I am not Catholic. But you don't have to be a Catholic to enjoy what we are about to see."

She looked at him quizzically and continued forward through the crowd. They reached the cathedral's entrance, and Santiago handed over six tickets. The man at the door took them and motioned for them to enter. River's eyes widened at the sight. The inside of the cathedral was like nothing she'd ever seen. Stained glass, tall statues, and candles adorned the building everywhere she looked. The ceiling joists alone left her breathless. She stood in awe, taking it all in and relishing the beauty and craftsmanship of the building.

"Do you like it?" Ares whispered.

"It's breathtaking. Did you make it?"

He snorted before smacking her rear. "Smart ass. Let's get some seats."

Santiago and Drew went in first, followed by River and Ares. Lachlan and Zeke brought up the rear. They located seats in the second row and sat.

River didn't like the idea of taking Zeke from Bianca just so he could guard her, but she reminded herself it was his job. And he wasn't just watching after her; he watched over the possible next king of the Lycans. But as soon as they were all mated, she planned on talking to Ares about letting Zeke and Bianca come with them to things like this as a couple. As well as the other mates of his men.

For several minutes, River continued to look around, and then the lights in the cathedral dimmed, and music started. She shivered as her body cooled but felt too warm at the same time. Damn. She hoped she wasn't coming down with something. Nothing was worse than being sick and on your period.

For the next fifty minutes, she watched what could only be described as Monet meeting Beethoven. Lights flickered, sprouting colors all over the walls and ceilings. Gorgeous hues of blues, greens, and purples bathed every surface. It was like an indoor firework show set to medieval chamber music and Renaissance paintings. It both dazzled and took her breath away.

The only thing that detracted from the performance was how her clothes felt too constricting, and her dress began to make her skin itch. She wished Ares had opted for a backless dress or something so she wouldn't have had to put a bra on. She took to fanning herself with a piece of paper she'd found in her purse, but she was sweating anyway.

After the show, she pulled Ares in and kissed him until she was breathless.

"If that's what I get for showing you a church, I wonder what taking you to a royal palace would get me."

She smiled. "This was amazing. I… I have no words."

"That may be a first."

She shook her head. "Way to ruin a moment."

"If I kiss you again, will the moment start over?"

"Maybe."

Ares' gaze intensified, and then he laced his fingers at the base of her neck and pulled her lips to his again. He started soft, but soon his lips claimed hers, and his tongue probed her mouth, wanting more.

Minutes passed, and he pulled away.

"You smell amazing. I've missed you, Beloved."

She touched his face. "Me too."

Ares' eyebrows scrunched for a moment, and he held her palm against his face and sniffed it.

"Are you feeling all right? Your skin is almost hot."

"Maybe that's just because you are so hot that being near you rubs off on me," she teased.

His eyes darkened, but then Zeke interrupted them. "Highness, most of the place is cleared out. Should I get the car?"

Ares nodded. "Yes."

Until that moment, River hadn't noticed that the guards had surrounded them, shielding them from every angle.

"Can I go see the front?"

"Of course." Ares took her hand and led her to the front of the basilica, where hundreds of candles flickered in glass jars. She looked at the statues behind the altar. Though she had never been religious, she could appreciate both the beauty of the statues and the effort put into creating them. In the middle, the crucifixion of Christ was framed by four statues on either side. The apostles, she guessed. There were further statues even higher up. Gothic woodwork and metalwork framed the entire space. Gorgeous gold foiled pillars in deep blues and reds were stunning to behold. She imagined bending the metal and the wood to the shapes she wanted to achieve the gothic aesthetic. Pointed, round, beautiful, perfect. She'd never been able to paint or draw like the beautiful scrollwork done in the cathedral, but she sure would like to take a crack at possibly making a stained-glass window sometime.

River didn't know how long she studied the structure before Ares's phone buzzed. She looked at him, and he nodded to Santiago.

"Car is out front. We can stay longer if you want, though."

She wanted to stay forever, but in a rush, fatigue washed over her, and she shivered.

"No, that's okay. But I would like to come back in the daytime and see it in the light."

"We can do that whenever you like."

She snuggled into his side, and they walked down the aisle to the exit. She wished she could do something for Ares. For Ares and Apollo. They'd both done so much for her, given so much for her. She wished she could return the favor but had no idea how.

As they stepped out into the chilly night air, Ares immediately removed his jacket and put it around her shoulders.

"You'll get cold," she protested.

"Nonsense. I'm used to the cold of Montreal. You, however, aren't yet. Besides, we are only going a hundred yards to the vehicle. And you can't hide the fact that you've shivered at least a dozen times inside the building, but your skin is still warmer than it should be. You are getting sick."

She gave him a weak smile. "I think it's just exhaustion. Coming to Canada, going to the woods, the shooting, and then working all day today. I think I overdid it a bit, is all."

"I didn't realize that shifters got sick."

"It's rare, but we do. Don't you?"

"No. Our metabolism burns everything out too fast."

His eyes held concern, but she took his hand, and he walked her to the SUV.

As soon as they slid into the backseat, River snuggled into Ares's arms and closed her eyes.

"Thank you for tonight," she said.

"You are most welcome."

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Ares' scent cocooned her.

"We could sit on a deserted island watching coconuts grow, and I would enjoy myself as long as I'm with you."

She chuckled. "I could think of many better things to do with our time if we were alone on a deserted island."

Ares purred, and River relaxed further. Even the itchiness of her dress no longer bothered her.

Sleepiness washed over her. "I'm glad you found me, Ares."

He kissed the top of her head. "Me too, Beloved. Me too."

* * *

ARES

When they reached the estate, Ares tried to wake River, but she snored lightly at his side. He smiled and kissed her forehead but was immediately struck by how warm her skin had become on the ride home. He felt her head with his hand and then her neck. She was several degrees hotter than she should be. Even her scent had grown stronger in the last hour. He was pretty sure he would even be able to smell it from his room while she slept. He was not going to get any sleep.

Panic twisted his gut, and his wolf whined.

Something. Not right.

It's fine. She just needs to rest.

Zeke opened Ares's door, and Ares gathered River in his arms and stepped from the vehicle.

Zeke looked at River and sniffed the air. "Is she okay?"

"You smell it too?"

"She smells…" Zeke cleared his throat and took a step away.

His wolf snarled. Mine.

Ares looked down at her flushed cheeks. "Get Lachlan and meet me outside River's room."

Zeke looked at her again and then away. "Are you sure?"

"Is there a problem?"

Zeke's jaw worked hard, and then he shook his head and hurried to the door.

Ares watched him. Something was definitely wrong.

His wolf paced, agitated.

Theo opened the front door. "Problem?"

"I hope not."

Theo sniffed the air, and his eyes widened, and he looked at River and then away.

Don't. Like. Mine .

What the hell was wrong with everyone all of a sudden?

"What?" Ares demanded.

"Uh… nothing, Highness."

Ares growled and stepped into the front hallway. He looked at River. In the light, her face had grown pinker than it should be.

"Please get Princess River's mother and bring her to River's room."

Ares did not want to deal with Cherry, but things would be a hundred times worse if he didn't tell her.

Ares ascended the stairs and walked down the hallway to River's room.

She stirred in his arms. "Are we home?"

"Yes, Beloved."

She scrunched up her face and scratched her neck. "I'm hot."

"I know. It's okay. I'll get you some medicine and water."

She moaned, and his wolf paced and whined.

Ares shoved open the double doors to her room, hoping he wouldn't need to call a locksmith for the second time in twenty-four hours. He strode to her bed and laid her on it. He removed his coat from her shoulders, then removed her heels and set them on the floor.

"Highness?"

Ares turned to find Lachlan in the doorway.

He kissed River's forehead. "I'll be right back."

He hurried to the doors and closed them as he stepped into the hall.

"You were there when the bullet was taken out, right?"

Lachlan looked at the closed door. "Yes."

"Who took it out?"

"Bennett."

"Did he get it all out? The whole thing?"

Lachlan's eyebrows smashed together. "I'm sure he did."

"Did he, or didn't he?"

Lachlan blinked rapidly.

"I'm sorry." Ares wrapped his arms around himself. "I'm sorry. But it's important."

Lachlan thought for a minute and then shook his head. "I thought he did. The bullet looked pretty intact."

"But it's possible he didn't?"

"It's possible."

Apollo exited his room. "What's going on?"

Ares stormed over to him, but Apollo didn't blink. Damn, he hated how Apollo could keep his cool so well. Ares had always been the one who wore his emotions on his sleeves.

"Where's Bennett?"

Apollo shrugged. "In his room."

"Get him," Ares demanded.

Apollo's eyes flashed, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "Why?"

Ares didn't want Apollo in the middle of what was happening, but there was no way he could hide it from him.

"Something's wrong with River. She has a fever, and I want to know if he missed a piece of the bullet."

Apollo's gaze flicked to River's bedroom, and he uncrossed his arms and took a step forward, but Ares pushed him in the chest.

"Is there a possibility he missed something?"

Apollo swiped Ares's hand away. "No. He's a field medic. If something is wrong with River, it's not his fault." Apollo shouldered past Ares. "Now, get the hell out of my way so I can see my mate."

Ares growled and grabbed Apollo's arm. Apollo turned and, without warning, slammed his fist into Ares's jaw. Ares let go of him just long enough for Apollo to reach River's door.

"Leave her," said Ares. "She's sleeping."

Apollo pulled out his phone and punched in a number while opening River's doors and walking in.

Ares growled and followed him.

"Bennett. I need you. Bring your kit. It's River."

Apollo dropped his phone onto the nightstand and sat next to River. He did what Ares had done. He touched her forehead and neck before leaning in and sniffing her. He groaned.

"She smells stronger than in the barn. What the hell is she wearing? That can't be comfortable." Apollo tried to pull her dress off. "We need to get this off her so Bennett can look at her."

"Hell no," Ares snarled. "There is no way he is going to look at my mate while she's naked."

"Well, I hate to break it to you, brother, but he's already seen her with nothing on but a sheet, so…"

"I don't care. That dress does not come off-"

"The hell it doesn't!"

All eyes went to the doorway where Cherry marched in. "Whose stupid idea was it to leave her in a frickin' straight jacket to sleep?"

Apollo cocked an eyebrow at Ares as Cherry pushed past both of them and walked to River feeling her head, then her cheek, and then her throat.

Cherry looked past the twins. "Strider."

River's tall, quiet stepfather entered the room.

"Help me get this thing off her."

Strider sat River up while Cherry unzipped the dress.

"I'd prefer if-"

"If what?" Cherry snapped. "You lot have done a bugger all good for my daughter so far. So, as far as I'm concerned, you can take your preferences and shove them right up."

"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."

Ares looked to Theo and then back to Bennett, who hadn't flinched an inch from Ares's anger.

Ares licked his lips. "Did you get it all?"

Bennett nodded. "I did."

"Highness, why don't we step into the hall while Bennett looks at Princess River?" Theo said.

Ares looked to Apollo, then to Bennett, and back to Apollo. "He doesn't touch her. Not even for a moment."

Apollo looked like he might argue. Instead, he nodded.

Ares wanted to punch Apollo so bad his muscles twitched. Finally, he followed Theo and walked into the hall.

* * *

APOLLO

Everyone in the room let out a collectively held breath when Ares left. Apollo's wolf was crazy with worry for River, but something else as well. Something neither of them could process.

Apollo refused to let fear take over until they knew what they were dealing with.

Apollo clapped Bennett on the shoulder. "Take a look, please."

Bennett nodded and headed to the side of the bed. Strider moved to the side of the room to give Bennett access to River, but Cherry didn't move a muscle.

Bennett pulled down the sheet covering River and inspected her shoulder.

Apollo's wolf roared. No. Touch. Mine.

Easy. He has to touch her.

Bennett looked at it for a long minute before Cherry said, "It's not the shoulder, is it?"

Bennett shook his head. "Has she been sick before?"

Cherry shrugged. "I… I…" She looked to Strider.

"A few times," he said. "Nothing serious. A cold here and there. Once, she had the flu pretty bad. She was about fifteen."

Bennett nodded.

So not only had River's father been the one who'd cared for her, but Strider had taken over when he and Cherry got together. The dynamic in River's family was almost as strange as Apollo's.

Bennett reached into his med kit and pulled out a thermometer. Cherry turned River's head to the side, and Bennett pressed the thermometer to River's ear. A second later, it beeped loudly.

Bennett showed the thermometer to Apollo. 102.3. Shifter normally ran warm at around 100 degrees. 102 was not normal.

"She's fighting something," said Bennett. "But I don't know what."

"She complained this morning about being uncomfortable and warm," said Apollo.

"She shivered several times while we were out as well. She said she was hot but welcomed my jacket when I offered it."

Apollo turned to see Ares leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, face a mask.

Bennett looked at her again. "Could just be the flu, maybe? Exhaustion?" He thought for a moment. "When was the last time she had her period?"

Ares growled.

"She ate her way through half the candy in the pantry today," said Apollo. "She said it was PMS. So I am assuming she will be having it sometime soon."

"Wait." Cherry's eyes widened, and she looked at Ares. "Where are her pills?"

"Her blockers? I don't think she brought them. There was no need since we'd found each other."

Cherry jumped from the bed. "You're joking. Tell me you're joking. Please."

Ares straightened. "No."

Cherry looked at River and then at Strider, Apollo, Ares, and Bennett. She grabbed her hair.

"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Oh no. Please no. This is not happening. This is not." Cherry marched up to River and grabbed River's breast.

River whimpered, and her legs moved under the sheets.

Cherry looked at all of them in terror. "Get out," she whispered. "Get out. All of you. Everyone. Get out! Get out now!" The hysterical pitch that Cherry's voice took on made even Strider straighten.

Strider rounded the bed to where Apollo stood. "Highness, we should go."

"Hell no," said Ares. "What's going on."

Cherry stared at him. "Get the hell out of my daughter's room, or so help me, I will kill you with my bare hands."

"Please," said Strider to Ares. "Please let Cherry be with her daughter. Whatever it is, my mate obviously has a very good reason for wanting us all to leave."

Ares looked about to argue, but then he held up a hand. "Five minutes. You get five minutes to do whatever it is you need to do, and then you will tell us what is going on or so help me-"

"Brother, let's not finish that sentence," Apollo said.

Ares looked at him and huffed.

Apollo nodded to Strider even though his wolf snarled and barked at Apollo for leaving.

"Bennett, let's go."

Bennett collected his stuff and walked from the room.

Apollo took one last look at River and then backed out as well. Before he closed the doors, he said, "Five minutes. Then we all want to know what is going on."