Page 14 of Red River

Of course, I had no intention of testing this theory. I planned to take pheromone suppressants while River stayed here, blocking my Allure scent completely. I’d rather not find out we were incompatible—it would complicate the plans that were starting to take shape in my mind.

The sound of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts, bringing another wave of determined energy in me.

But as I answered the call, a calm, strange sense of peace settled in my system.

On the other end, I heard River’s pleasant, melodic tenor, though he sounded slightly cautious.

"Hello, Archer?"

"Hello, Red River."

My voice remained steady and deep, exactly how I wanted it to sound.

"Um… hi. It’s been a while." He cleared his throat nervously. That adorable, slightly wobbly energy of his… I could detect it even through the phone.

"I’m calling because Sam told me about your invitation. I have to say, I’m greatly, um… but pleasantly surprised by your proposal."

"Are you really surprised, River?"

I smiled to myself as I heard him take a deeper breath at my slightly arrogant tone.

"Well… we’re a big family, and not without some problems. Sam probably told you what happened with Igor, and, well, our financial situation isn’t great. I know taking us in will be a big burden."

I stayed silent, carefully considering what words I should use to ensure River precisely understood my intentions.

"I think you know why I made you this offer, River."

My voice remained calm and low. I could hear River’s quickened breathing through the receiver.

A long pause followed. Seconds ticked by as my words settled in, slowly reaching his full consciousness. I felt almost satisfied, waiting patiently for his reaction.

"I’d rather hear it from you. I—I don’t want to assume anything," River finally stammered, his voice slightly trembling.

He hadn’t changed a bit. His nerves were almost palpable through the line.

"The time has come. Are you ready to bemine, River?" My tone was unshakable.

My sharp hearing picked up the faint sound of his galloping heartbeat. I knew how strongly this affected him.

This was exactly what I wanted—to have him under my influence from the start.

Just like when I first told him I’d marry him years ago, and he instinctively nodded; I felt that exact same energy between us still.

Him, opening to submitting to me.

The silence dragged on, but I had no intention of breaking it. He needed time—time for all the gears in his head to turn, for all the pieces to fall into place—before I heard his response.

When it finally came, it brought me only partial contentment.

But it was still a good start.

"If that’s what you want… then I will," he replied, almost breathless, his tone slightly hoarse, as though his throat had dried with emotion.

I had hoped for a simple, firm ‘yes’ in an ideal world. But this? It was still a solid foundation—an indication of how our relationship would look—and a tentative promise of his acceptance. I could live with that.

"Great. Then you don’t have to worry about anything anymore. Finish up the stuff you need to take care of there, and I’ll expect you in my house before the school semester starts. Everything will be ready—the kids’ rooms and all else that needs to be arranged."

"There’s one more thing—"

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