Page 5 of Red River (Eden’s Omegaverse #4)

That evening, I wrote what was probably the longest email of my life to Sam. I had so many questions, especially about River’s kids and their interests. I wanted to get to know their personalities a little better.

Sam filled me in on Riley, the oldest son.

He was an award-winning violinist and an accomplished student who had started college a year early and was currently studying music. Apparently, he fully supported River moving in with me. However, with everything going on with Igor, Riley had already decided to head back to campus—even though it was still winter break—because he couldn’t stand being under the same roof as his younger brother for another minute.

Then there was the troublemaker, Igor, the fifteen-year-old alpha. Sam told me Igor had thrown a full-blown fit when he found out about moving into my house.

If Stephen hadn't stepped in, it could have ended badly. Evidently, Igor remembered me from when he was just a kid, and had labeled me an arrogant jerk. Now, he was doing everything he could to talk River out of the move.

Interestingly, Sam also mentioned that Igor hadn’t been a difficult child before. He was helpful with household chores and a good student, though he had been heavily influenced by Thomas.

There was also one thing that had recently changed.

A few months ago, he started making funny videos and video challenges for social media—the crazy kind where you swallow Mentos with Coke or stick your hand into a wasp’s nest. He even sprained his ankle once while trying to jump over a concrete channel during an amateur parkour rivalry incident.

After Thomas scolded him, he promised to avoid more dangerous stunts, but he continued taking on smaller challenges and had gained a substantial social media following.

River’s third son, Van, was twelve and a half. Named after River’s uncle, he was supposedly the quietest and most introverted of the brothers. His sub-gender hadn’t manifested yet, though Sam suspected he might be a beta. Van’s passion was rock climbing, especially bouldering. While he didn’t mind the move, he was understandably nervous about starting at a new school in the middle of the semester and meeting unfamiliar kids.

The two youngest, however, were reportedly the most excited about coming to my house. They probably saw it as an adventure and a chance to escape the sadness of their home, which was full of memories of Thomas.

Aiden, River’s fourth son, was nine years old. Sam described him as lively and determined. He loved building with Lego, playing with Little Handyman sets, and watching superhero movies—Spider-Man and Superman were his favorites.

The youngest, seven-year-old Lake, was strongly suspected by Sam of growing up to be an omega. He was into cartoons, especially OmegaCat, and loved drawing. He was also trying to teach himself to play the keyboard. Sam described him as an adorable but slightly peculiar kid, with the early signs of a very independent personality, who knew exactly what he wanted.

Over the next week, I threw myself into preparing and furnishing the rooms, trying to match each kid’s age and interests. I picked out new curtains, colorful furniture sets, fun wall murals, and even new bedding, hoping to make them feel at home as soon as they arrived.

Of course, I set up a room for River… right next to mine. For some reason, I found myself putting the most effort into his space. I replaced almost everything—new carpets, wardrobes, and even a vanity table, though I wasn’t sure if River was the type to spend time in front of the mirror. Still, I wanted him to feel happy and comfortable.

I also bought him a brand-new laptop. Sam had mentioned that his had broken down a month ago, and River had been borrowing Igor’s for work. That didn’t sit right with me, so I made sure he’d have his own again.

And, of course, the house got a deep clean from top to bottom, attic to basement. Oliver, the middle-aged beta I employed, helped me scrub it spotless. I also promised him a raise to stick around and handle cooking for a big family, which would help take that responsibility off River’s shoulders. I didn’t want him to feel like he had to manage meals and housework during such a stressful transition. He deserved a break.