Page 129 of Red River

Lake murmured, "I was named after my granddad. I wonder what he’d say if he knew."

Igor and Van kept their heads down, suddenly very focused on their toast, looking uncomfortable.

Aiden, however, muttered, "We don’t talk about Dad’s family. Father said so."

It was like a wave of different energy spread through the room, and Archer immediately straightened up.

"Aiden, missing your family is natural," he stated in a firm tone. "Dad expressed how he feels, and in this house, we always have a safe space to share our feelings."

Aiden blinked and swallowed. "But Father said they hated him—"

Then, an unexpected voice cut in. "Archer’s our alpha now," Igor sounded sternly.

"But he’s not our father!" Aiden protested, frowning.

"This is his house, and his rules," Igor responded just as fervently.

"It’s okay, Igor," Archer interjected. Then he turned back to Aiden. "Your dad is free to talk about his family as much as he wants in my house. That is not up for debate. Remember, there are two sides to this situation—your father’s and your grandparents’. Which one do you think has more valid arguments?"

"Father’s," Aiden mumbled, looking sulky. "Obviously."

"Why?"

"Because… just because our father was—" Aiden trailed off, lowering his gaze.

"And what if both sides had valid arguments?"

A brief pause. Finally, Aiden sighed. "So what were theirs?"

"They loved your dad and cared about his future. They wanted him to be with someone who could support a big family, someone healthy enough to work and actively help raise kids. Does that sound bad?"

Aiden kept his head down. Only Lake was still looking at Archer, while Van and Igor continued eating.

After a brief pause, Archer added, "But I also see your father’s side. He fell in love with a beautiful young omega who saved his life—dragged him out of a burning car, a real hero, an angel. And then that wonderful person told your father he felt overwhelmed, trampled over in his own home. So your father wanted to do exactly what had been done for him. Save the angel."

Aiden’s head snapped up, wide-eyed, as he swallowed nervously. The other boys also glanced at Archer.

"He tried, no doubt," Archer continued. "He had a good heart. But some things are more powerful than the flames of a wrecked car."

"What’s more powerful?" Aiden murmured, his voice slightly trembling.

"Our own limitations."

The silence was so deep, I could hear their hearts beating as if my head were pressed against their chests. Aiden’s was racing the fastest.

"I… want to talk to you, Dad," Igor suddenly cut in.

For a second, I just blinked, as if snapping out of a dream.

"Can… it wait? We're in the middle of something."

"It’s relevant to this conversation," Igor added quickly. "You might want to see it."

All eyes turned to Igor. Even Archer raised an eyebrow.

Clearing my throat, I reluctantly stood up. "Okay, Igor, let’s go." I tried to keep the annoyance out of my voice.

Igor and I left the kitchen.

---