Page 29 of Red River

"And? How’s the inspection? Do I meet your ideal alpha’s abs standards?" I asked with a hint of arrogance.

"Perfectly," he squeaked like a little chick.

His shyness was adorable. I’d always been proud of my abs, and my exes loved touching them, saying they felt like a washboard. The fact that River even brought it up was… encouraging. But I also knew exactly how far I could push before spooking him. So, I changed the subject.

"I called the high school about Igor, as well as the elementary and middle schools about the others. We can go there to enroll the kids tomorrow if that works for you. School starts in a week."

His head snapped up, and I saw gratitude in his eyes. "Really? You called? I’m so glad. Yes! I’d love to go if you have time for the paperwork."

"Of course. We also need to do some major grocery shopping. I stocked up a bit, but I’m sure you’d prefer to choose the ingredients yourself, so I think we could swing by the supermarket and do a big shop."

River stared at me for a moment. "Archer, I’m really grateful for everything you’re doing for me. It’s so much… almost too much. I’m overwhelmed."

I saw his hands trembling slightly, his eyes a bit wet. His body was still saturated with stress.

"No need. You’re worth all of this."

He swallowed hard. "Archer… all this is just trouble for you—expenses, dealing with such a big group of people, and Igor—"

I turned away and walked to the window, looking out at the darkening garden.

"Trouble… What does that even mean, River? I live alone in this house. My life revolves around morning jogs, work, gym sessions, Muay Thai training at the Darton club, and eating. I haven't been in a relationship for eight months. I want more than what I have. You are that ‘more’."

River didn't respond for a long while.

I slowly turned to look at him. "I wanted you to be mine since I was six. But then I realized it wasn't realistic. So I went to college and tried to forget—with a certain redheaded omega. Then another, and another, and another. Something didn’t feel right. It was never it."

River bit his lip so hard it must have hurt. "And how was it with them?" he whispered.

"What exactly are you asking?" I crossed my arms. "About sex?"

River’s fingers trembled so much that he dropped his spoon, spilling some stew on the table. He quickly grabbed a paper towel. "In general," he mumbled, his heart pounding loudly.

"Well, I was never in love with any of them. Maybe I'm just not the type who can fall in love easily. I analyze too much, plan too much, overthink. I choose things and pursue them. I chose you—when I was just a kid. Don’t call it a problem, River."

River stared at the table, not lifting his eyes. Suddenly, he whispered, "That was really cute. You were such an adorable six-year-old. It’s amazing how much you’ve changed. Now, you’re a man."

There was something in his tone, a subtle note, that made me look at him more closely. It was almost fleeting, but if I had to interpret it, I’d say he was overwhelmed by my change—intimidated and… excited.

How did I know all that? Once more, I realized I could read his emotions a bit. How odd.

"What about the other… part?" he mumbled, looking down.

Impossible—River asked about it, for real? I knew exactly what he wanted to know. Good, I was on board with the subject.

"Do you want to know in detail?"

"Just… in general, also."

"Well, after our kiss, I thought I would never meet you again, River, so I went on with my life. About a year later, I met a redheaded omega during a summer holiday, and I had my first time then."

Something flashed across his face, almost like… jealousy? Again, I had a pretty clear read on his inner state!

"Have you ever… spent heat with an omega?"

"A couple of times, actually. I’ve had probably close to ten relationships during college. Omegas were interested in me, in my looks, but for me, there was always something missing."

"Were they all… redheads?"

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