Page 79 of Red River

But understanding Sam a little didn’t mean I wasn’t hurt—heartbroken, even.

He had known me for years, and despite that, in the heat of the moment, he still assumed the worst—that I was some kind of predator. That I had planned this.

And it wasn’t true.

I stood up and walked to my bed, where I collapsed. My nest was higher than usual—lately, I’d been instinctively building the walls stronger. Now, I curled up inside, shaking. I didn’t want to think about this. I didn’t want to torture myself over it. Archer had asked me to relax, to let go of work, to focus on healing, to break out of my cycle of stress. And I had been getting close! After everything with Igor had finally started to settle, was I really going to let this ruin the rest?

I couldn’t allow that to happen. My life with Archer—our relationship—I had a say in how it played out. I had to make it a priority.

Archer was already doing everything he could. Was it fair to make him carry not just my family baggage, but me—this walking ball of stress I became every time something went wrong? I had to get a grip.

Sam didn’t live our life. I had to push his voice out of my head. I wanted to focus on Archer. The moment his face appeared in my mind, a wave of bliss washed over me.

Archer.My Archer.Could I call him that?

I didn’t care what the world thought. It could hate me altogether. I wanted to be with him.

As I curled up inside my nest, hugging myself tightly with my arms, I heard a quiet knock.

"Come in…" I muttered.

Archer stepped inside, his face peaceful.

"River, I can feel how upset you are."

For a moment, I just stared at him. How could he know? A thick wall separated us!

He walked closer, moving slowly, and sat at the edge of my bed. The moment I felt his warmth, I practically jumped out of my nest, right into his lap.

"Archer, just hold me, please. Just… hold me."

And he did. His strong arms wrapped around me and my head landed on his chest. It was the safest place in the world, at least for me. He didn't say anything, didn't ask, just let me be in his soothing space, and I was grateful. As he slowly stroked my hair, I let myself forget, just… melt into him.

My God, that was the best feeling.

***

Archer’s cousin was supposed to arrive at 11 am. I’d been a little on edge all morning, but I was doing my best to keep it together.

Right on time, a Jeep pulled into our driveway.

I had spent all of Saturday morning convinced that Sam would call Archer and tear into him about our relationship. But interestingly enough, it didn’t seem like that had happened. Unless he had—and Archer just didn’t tell me?

Archer was acting completely normal, as usual. He spent the morning either training with the boys or sparring with Igor. He even had Igor bring out the training pads so they could work outside, right next to the obstacle course. Van, Aiden, and Lake were watching them, and Van looked like he was considering joining in—until Igor shot him a look that quickly changed his mind.

I was a little nervous about meeting Archer’s cousin. I wasn’t sure how to act—should I openly treat Archer like mypartner? Or just as my… host? Or maybe just as a friend? I knew what Archer wanted, but I had no idea how much he had told his family.

After yesterday's situation with Sam, I really wasn't looking forward to testing what could happen on my own.

So when I saw the Jeep pull up, I followed Archer onto the porch and grabbed his arm before he could head to the car.

I murmured anxiously, "How am I supposed to act? What’s my role in this house when it comes to your family?"

Archer raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly.

"What do you mean? You’re my omega. And besides, whether we sleep together or not is nobody’s business."

Then, as if this was the simplest thing in the world, he started walking toward the Jeep. I swallowed hard and hurried after him.

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