Page 37 of And Omega Makes Four
"You know there are risks to that, too, right?" It sounds great on paper, but in reality, it might create new or bigger issues. "The local hunters may be receptive to friendly relations, but there are still those out there who hunt and kill wolves."
"I know, but I think it's worth the risk. I really believe we can build something here. Something that will last. Something that will protect us for generations to come."
"I think you're right." I kiss his shoulder then up to his ear, nipping at the soft skin. "And I think you're already an amazing leader."
"You really think so?" He looks at me with a hopeful expression.
"I do. I promise." I wrap my arms around him and pull him close, letting him feel my love and support.
"It won’t be easy to completely change your pack's culture of isolationism." I pull away from the kiss and tilt his head up to face me. "A lot of people will probably disagree with you."
"I know, but I think I can convince them. Especially if I have you three by my side."
"Always." I suck his lower lip into my mouth, kissing him again. "We'll always be by your side."
"Thank you, alpha."
I grin and give his butt a playful smack. "Now, it’s time to get dressed. You've got a busy day ahead of you, and Frankie's already gonna lecture us for sleeping in."
"Oh god, you're right." River laughs and hurries to get dressed.
It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, Kyle, Frankie, and I were vagrants. Nomads. Traveling from place to place, running from the past but not headed toward any particular future.
Now everything's changed.
River and I emerge from the bedroom, fully dressed and ready for the day. As soon as we make our appearance in the dining room, we're swamped. The work of a pack leader is never ending, and there's always something that needs his attention or someone who wants help.
At first, I was worried he'd get overwhelmed by it all, but he's adapted better than I ever imagined he would. He's a natural leader, and people genuinely respect him.
"Ah, there you are." Charles joins us at one of the tables in the dining room after the initial crowd of wolves has cleared away. True to his word, River's father has been acting as an advisor and counsel. Now that he's no longer in absolute control of the pack, he's not as much of a dick as he seemed to be when we first met.
"Morning." River greets his father with a smile.
"I want to talk to you about the upcoming breeding season." Charles sits down beside River and glances at the rest of us before laying a stack of papers on the table. "These are the applicants who want to be considered for breeding rights this year."
“What?”
Charles frowns at his son. “You know about this.”
River shakes his head slowly, obviously confused. "I knew you've been limiting the number of couples who are allowed to breed each year, but I didn't realize we had so many who wanted to have pups of their own." He eyes the stack of paper with a rather somber expression.
"Well, we do." Charles shrugs with indifference. "And, as the new leader, you're gonna have to make the final decision on who gets to breed this year."
"What if..." River looks up at Charles and furrows his brow. "What if we don’t limit anyone. We just let them all have pups?"
"That's not how it works." Charles sighs and shakes his head. "We've been trying to keep the pack population under control for decades. If we suddenly allow everyone to have pups, we'll have too many mouths to feed. Too many people to house. We'd end up having to expand our territory, and that would make us vulnerable."
"Only if we keep doing things the way we've been doing them." River straightens his back, and I know what’s coming. I squeeze his knee under the table, silently supporting him. "What if we have access to more resources? Like, if we start bringing in more outside resources. We could trade with the town for food and supplies. We have plenty of strong laborers who could find work in the surrounding area, bringing in money we could use to support the pack."
"That's a dangerous game to play." Charles isn’t at all open to the idea, immediately writing him off. "We've kept ourselves isolated for generations, River. Opening ourselves up even more than we already have is risky. There's a reason why we've done things the way we have."
"I know. But I think we can make it work. If we're smart about it, we can make this pack thrive."
Charles looks at River like he’s seeing him in a whole new light. "Honestly, I’m not so sure. I think you're getting ahead of yourself. This is a lot to take on at once."
"That's why I've got you here to advise me."
"I'll do what I can." Charles blows out a deep breath, giving in to the idea. "But you need to be careful. Think things through before jumping headfirst?—"
