Page 25 of Red River

River’s breath quickened. "Some say love is something you should give without limits…"

"Do you give kids sugar without limits?"

He exhaled, like he was carrying a weight he didn’t know how to release.

"You’re right, I don’t. But I don’t know if I can change myself."

"Don’t. Omegas provide a different perspective—one that’s much needed. We complement each other. Omegas can heal what’s hurt and soothe what’s tense. When an alpha accepts an omega’s love, it’s the most beautiful act."

River’s big eyes, up close, seemed less scared now. His pupils dilated, and I subtly smiled.

"You should give Igor softness and love. But… let me also give him structure. Without a balance between the two, everything collapses."

River’s expression shifted—he finally understood. "I don’t want him to collapse. And Igor sees himself as a failure now."

"So we have to make sure he doesn’t, River. He needs an embrace, but a firm one. From both of us."

River nodded slowly, taking deep, shaky breaths. "Yes. I won’t interfere with how you handle him. Just… please, don’t beat him. He might provoke you."

"He sees physical power as the only way to maintain authority. But when the latentMusthebbs away, he’ll understand—that’s not how real leadership works. That’s not how you gain respect from those you want to lead."

River’s eyes stayed locked on mine. We stood very close to each other, and I continued to speak in a low voice.

Despite my suppressants, I was almost sure I could catch a whiff of his sweet scent, but maybe I was imagining it?

"Will you… be our leader, Archer?" he whispered, his voice soft and breathless.

"I will," I said calmly, "but not the way Igor tried."

River nodded again, and I could feel the frantic, scared energy within him finally begin to disappear. It was reallybizarre how well I could sense his nervous system—it was almost like I was looking at an X-ray picture of his emotions.

Slowly, I tilted my head. "Right now, we should go downstairs. The guys from MoveOn company have probably finished unloading your things. We need to get them into the rooms."

River started to follow me, but I stopped and gestured for him to stay. "Where do you think you’re going?"

He blinked. "To help carry the stuff."

"Stay here with the boys. I’ll handle the rest."

He bit his lip. "But Igor’s down there—"

"So?" I raised an eyebrow, my expression slightly amused.

River swallowed hard. "I could reheat some food. You mentioned that."

"If you’d like. Come on, I’ll show you where everything is."

I led him to the kitchen, where I showed him the pot of stew and where to find the dishes and plates. Then I walked out without another word.

Downstairs, by the truck, there was already a big pile of stuff the two movers were finishing unloading.

To my surprise, Igor finally emerged from the driver’s cabin. He stood leaning against its side, looking toward the house. As soon as he saw me approaching, he tensed up. I could see it even from a distance.

He probably thought I would come over to him, but he was wrong. I ignored him and walked up to the movers. "Thank you, gentlemen. Does the service include carrying everything into the house?"

"Yes, of course."

"Great. Follow me inside. River will help us sort everything into the right rooms."

---