Page 135 of Red River

"I want to reconcile with my whole family… but yeah, my dad and father are the first on my list."

Archer gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

I murmured, "Let’s wait until the ceremony is over. We shouldn’t interrupt or distract them right now."

Archer studied me for a moment.

"Just don’t wait too long, or it'll feel even weirder," he said with a small smile, trying to encourage me.

"Yeah, yeah, I’m getting myself ready… preparing…"

We watched as the ceremony unfolded, Igor was recording it on his phone, and my ball of nerves grew to the size of a planet. When the newlyweds exchanged rings and then stepped down to receive congratulations, my hands were literally drenched in sweat. I swallowed nervously, unsure of what to do—should I goup and offer my congratulations too? Should I wait just a little longer?

A wave of fear, guilt, and shame was so strong that I almost wobbled.

"I can’t do it, Archer!" I squeaked. "It was a mistake coming here!"

"River…"

In a mad impulse, I turned around abruptly, wanting to run away. But just as I lifted my leg to start my shameful escape, I noticed someone standing behind me, staring at me with strange, pale violet eyes.

I recognized him by his eyes alone.

My brother, Snow.

The one who rarely spoke, who was even more estranged within our family. The one they called a weirdo, a freak. Always on the sidelines, yet ever observing, ever present. I knew—remembered from my time here—that he had some strange abilities I couldn’t quite comprehend. Eventually, I gave up trying.

"Snow?" I muttered, swallowing hard.

He said nothing.

We just stared at each other. I felt Archer’s presence behind me, but he didn’t intervene. This was my part to play.

"Hi. Nice… to see you. You’ve… grown."

It was true. The last time I’d seen him, he was eleven. Now he was thirty-two, though he didn’t look his age. More like early twenties! Had he also found his True Mate?

Snow appeared peculiar, as always. His almost-white blond hair was tied in a short ponytail at the back of his head. His face was strikingly symmetrical and chiseled, making him look a bit like an ancient Viking. He was probably around 6’6" or 6’7". But those pale violet eyes… they made his face seem almost otherworldly, supernatural. Nobody had eyes that color—it wasn’t a typical human hue. That alone made him a little intimidating.

"I—I… wanted to say hello, but maybe this isn’t the best time…" I managed to stutter.

His gaze remained locked on me with strange intensity.

"They’re probably busy. I don’t want to be some wedding crasher…" I coughed awkwardly.

Snow’s eyes stayed fixed on me, and I suddenly felt… stupid. Silly. After all, I had come here with my whole family, dreaming of a reunion, craving it—yet now I was chickening out?

Slowly, Snow raised his hand and pointed toward something.

Hesitantly, I turned to see what he wanted to show me.

I saw my dad and my father moving slightly to the side, talking with two betas—probably Kay’s brothers.

It was the perfect moment.

None of my other brothers were with them; they were all clustered around the newlyweds. I wouldn’t have to face all my family at once.

Archer placed a hand on my arm. "River, this is it! Your chance."

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