Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

ARES

A sharp set of fangs pierced Ares’s shoulder. He roared and grabbed the rogue by his jaws and pried them apart until they snapped, and then he ripped the rogue’s throat out.

Another rogue took his place, but Ares shoved his fist through the wolf’s chest and ripped his heart out before he’d even made a scratch.

“Ares!”

He turned as a rogue slammed a chair on Apollo’s head. Ares jumped over his brother and flung the rogue across the room.

“No one kills my brother but me,” he roared.

Apollo bled heavily from several places, and his skin turned ashy. Another rogue raced at Ares, but Ares grabbed him by the throat and ripped his head clean off.

He scanned the room for River and just caught sight of the edge of her pink gown as Titan disappeared with her into the hallway.

All around, the Alphas fought the rogues. Mates were hurrying from the room, but several had already been taken down.

There were too many rogues. They were outnumbered at least five to one.

Ares’s gut clenched. He had no idea Titan had collected so many.

Apollo dragged himself next to Ares. “What the hell are you doing? Where is she?”

Ares pointed.

“What the fuck are you waiting for?”

Ares looked at his glassy-eyed brother, who could not even sit up.

The poison coursed through Ares’s veins, slowing and weakening him. It wouldn’t be long before he himself lost consciousness.

Ares’ vision clouded as he looked down at his Apollo. No. He was not going to lose them both. Apollo may be an asshole. But he was Ares’ asshole.

Suddenly shots rang out as Theo took down three more rogues. More men rushed into the room. Bloodied and ripped apart, both his and Apollo’s men tore into the room like a tidal wave. They made their way to the front, taking out rogues as they went. Theo and Santiago grabbed Ares.

“We need to get you out of here.”

Ares shook his head. “We need to save as many Alphas as we can. And to keep as many rogues alive as possible too. I have questions.”

Santiago looked around. “Where’s your Princess?”

“Titan.”

A rogue rushed them, but Santiago pulled the trigger, and the wolf dropped.

Lachlan limped forward. “You’re hurt.”

“Not for long.” Ares leaned heavily on Theo and took a deep breath before digging a talon deep into a bullet wound and yanking the metal free. He did the same with the second bullet in his knee. Damn. That one was going to take time to heal.

With the bullets free, his wolf roared and clawed to finally be let out. Ares wasn’t sure just taking out the bullets would be enough but he needed to try. He’d heal faster in Lycan form.

“Silas, Thomas, get Apollo out now! Santiago, Theo, and the rest of you save the Alphas,” Ares called. “Don’t kill all the traitors. I want answers. I am going after my mate.”

“I should go with you,” said Santiago.

“No.” Ares stripped off his shirt. “I need you to take charge here. This is something I need to do myself.”

“But what if-”

“Then you have Apollo. So make sure he lives.”

Santiago wanted to say more, but Ares growled. He didn’t have time for this.

“Go! I order you.” A ripple pulsed through Ares and his Alpha command was not one that could be ignored.

Santiago’s gaze turned yellow, and he burst from his suit, fur sprouting all over his body as he leapt onto the floor.

Ares shifted and raced for the door.

“Find her!” Apollo’s words echoed down the hallway as he headed for the front entrance.

He had to find River. Find River and murder Titan.