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CHAPTER TWELVE

APOLLO

A pollo paced in the safehouse, his muscles tense with pent-up energy.

It had been a day since Ares left for Indianapolis, and Apollo was going stir-crazy waiting for news.

His wounds had mostly healed, but he still hadn't regained full strength.

Doctor Keller insisted on more rest, but how could he rest when River was out there somewhere, in danger, and he sat doing nothing?

Okay… that wasn't true. He'd been busy. More than busy.

Calling Alphas. Coordinating transportation.

Sending condolences. Smoothing things over.

Asking for more support. Demanding loyalty from those who seemed unsure before.

Reinforcing the fact that they still ruled.

Ensuring everything ran smoothly despite the disaster surrounding them.

Apollo paused by the window, staring out at the wooded property surrounding the safehouse.

His wolf whined, desperate to break free and search for their mate.

Apollo gritted his teeth, forcing the urge down.

Charging off half-cocked would do more harm than good.

But every instinct in his body screamed for him to act.

A knock at the door interrupted his brooding. "Come in."

Silas entered, a tablet in hand. "We've got an update from Ares."

Apollo's heart raced. "Did he find something?"

Silas nodded, his expression grim. "He tracked down the chemist making the suppressants. Titan ordered a substantial quantity about a month ago- enough for hundreds of wolves. But that's not the worst part."

Apollo's gut clenched. "What do you mean?"

"The suppressants aren't just stronger. They've been modified to increase suggestibility. Almost like..."

"Mind control," Apollo finished, a chill running down his spine. "Shit." He ran a hand through his hair, mind racing. "Where were they shipped?"

"They are to be delivered tomorrow to a storage unit in Ohio. Ares is heading there now to investigate."

Apollo nodded, already moving towards the door. "I'm going too. Have the jet ready in thirty minutes."

Silas blocked his path. "Apollo, you're not ready. The doctor-"

"I don't give a damn what the doctor says," Apollo growled, his eyes flashing gold. "That's my mate out there. And if Titan's planning something with those suppressants, we don't have time to waste."

Silas held his gaze for a long moment, then sighed and moved aside. "I'll have the team ready to move out in twenty."

As Silas left to make the arrangements, Apollo picked up his phone and dialed Ares. His brother picked up on the first ring.

"I'm on my way," Apollo said. "Send me the address for the storage unit. I'll meet you there."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Ares spoke, his voice tight with contained emotion. "No, brother. You have to stay there. I need you there. I need you to keep things running."

Apollo swore. "I never should have let you go. I'm the oldest. I'm the Alpha of Alphas. It's my job-"

"To keep tight reins on our kingdom. That's your job.

You know when shit hits the fan, I can barge in and make things happen, but this isn't the time.

If we are to stay ahead of Titan and on top of the whispers and rumors that are more than likely flying around right now, we need a king.

A king who is logical but also caring. You are that king.

Let me do my job, and you do yours. It's what we do.

You're the mercy. I'm the justice. Two sides to the same shit sandwich. "

Apollo snorted. "Wow. Couldn't think of a better analogy?"

"Nope. That's why I'm not the brains."

Apollo rubbed his forehead. "Fine. I'll stay here. But no more talking to Silas or any of the others. You call me."

"Will do."

"Every two hours."

"Okay. Except, I'm going to grab some sleep. Theo will wake me if anything changes. I'll call you immediately if it does. Otherwise, we both need sleep."

Sleep? How the hell could he even think of sleeping with River still gone?

"Apollo?"

"Yeah."

"Go to bed. You're no good to her if you aren't fully healed and you're exhausted."

Apollo swallowed hard. "I hate it when you're right."

Ares laughed. "Then you must hate me all the time."

Apollo shook his head. What an ass.