Page 33 of And Omega Makes Four
Elias nods, his expression sour. "I’m leaving, but I won’t forget this."
"I'm sure you won't." River is the most confident I’ve seen him. It’s pretty hot, actually. "And I'm sure the rest of your people won't forget either. My claim against your territory still stands. I can assert it whenever I want."
"You're making a mistake." Elias growls as he stands up. “One day, you're gonna regret this."
"I don't think so." River shakes his head slowly, not dropping his gaze for a second. "I'm pretty sure I'm gonna enjoy watching you slink back to your territory with your tail between your legs."
Elias turns to leave, his steps heavy and angry.
"Don’t get cocky, Son." Charles looks at River once Elias is gone. "That Alpha is dangerous. He's not gonna let this go."
"I know." River exhales deeply and nods. "But unlike you, I'm not gonna let a complete stranger force us to give up everything we've ever worked for."
Charles's expression softens slightly. "You've proven yourself far more resourceful and resilient than I've given you credit for. I'm proud of you, River."
River looks up at his father, his eyes wide with surprise.
"I'm sorry I didn't believe in you." Charles clears the emotion from his throat. "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. And most of all, I'm sorry I didn't protect you like I should have."
"I know. And…thank you, Dad."
"If there's anything I can do to make amends," Charles says, his gaze shifting across all four of us, "just name it."
"You can start by being one of my advisors." River chuckles lightly as his new reality sets in. "I don't know the first thing about leading a pack."
"I think we can manage that." Charles looks at his son with pride that brings a tear to my eye.
"In the meantime..." River looks at his mother. "You should go find Jenna. Annul your relationship with Dad and follow your heart."
His mother looks at him with wide eyes, then glances at Charles.
"It's alright, dear." Charles reaches for her arm and gives her a squeeze. "I'll sign whatever you need me to."
Her eyes well up with tears as she places her hand over her husband’s. "I...I..."
"I've always known." Charles shakes his head with a sigh. "It's why I never pushed you for more pups. We had River as our heir, and that was enough. You've fulfilled your duty to your pack. Now it's time for you to look after yourself."
"Thank you." She stands up and gives him a firm hug. “Thank you for the life you gave me, and the life you’re giving me now.”
"Now, if you'll excuse me." Charles rises from his seat and turns to the rest of us. "I need to go inform the pack that they're no longer in danger and that they've got a new leader." He looks at River and smiles before leaving the room.
River's mother lingers for a moment, looking at her son with an expression of mixed pride and sadness. "I'm so sorry," she says, her voice cracking. "I should've been stronger. I should've protected you better."
"It's okay, Mom." River stands up and approaches her. "You did what you thought was best. And...it worked out. I'm safe. I'm happy. I'm finally free."
"I love you, Son. So much." Tears spill down her cheeks as she embraces him. "I'm so proud of you."
"I love you too." River turns his head into her neck, hugging her tightly.
She pulls away and looks at him with a smile. "I'm gonna go find Jenna. I'll see you later."
Finally, at long last, the four of us are alone.
"I guess that's it." Devon huffs out a long breath like he’s been holding it the whole time. "We did it."
"Yeah." River crosses his arms over his chest and laughs nervously. "I guess we did."
"So...what now?" Frankie looks at each of us in turn.
