"Alpha River... I will give you the ring only if you take me as your mate," the beta announced, leaving both brothers stunned.
"What the hell? Who do you think you are to challenge me?!" River shouted, losing his temper.
View frowned when he saw the baby getting restless again. "Let someone take the baby upstairs. All this tension is stressing him out."
"Who are you to order me? I know what to do!" River snapped, but the baby began crying louder.
"Rain, go upstairs with the baby," River ordered. Rain wanted to refuse, but River's hard glare left no room for argument.
With a heavy heart, Rain nodded and carried the baby away.
When they were alone, View sat casually on the couch and flashed a bright smile.
From his coat, he pulled out a folded letter and waved it in front of River.
"This letter was written by your father for you," View said.
River's eyes widened in shock. He snatched the letter before View could hide it, tearing the envelope open.
His face darkened as he read the contents. Rage boiled in him—he crumpled the envelope and glared at View.
"What nonsense is this? Do you think I'm a fool?!"
The letter claimed that their father had transferred all properties to View.
If River wanted them back, he had to take the beta as his mate. If he refused, View would become the legal guardian of both Rain and the baby.
River's anger exploded. He rushed toward View, ready to strike, but View dodged with surprising speed.
In one swift move, the beta shoved River down on the couch and pinned his hands above his head.
River froze, shocked. A beta being stronger than him? Impossible. Yet View sat on his lap with that same innocent smile.
River struggled, but View's grip tightened. "Killing me won't help you. If I'm gone, your brothers will end up in an orphanage. You don't want that, do you? So cooperate."
"Who the fuck are you?! Why would Pa leave everything in your name?!" River demanded once View finally released him.
"That I can't tell you. But I assure you—I mean no harm," View replied calmly.
River laughed bitterly. "Mean no harm? You threaten me, force me into mating, and expect me to believe you?"
"Alpha... this is best for all three of you."
"Shut the fuck up!" River roared, sweeping everything off the table in fury. He pointed at View with blazing eyes.
"I'm done with your nonsense! Return my father's ring and get the hell out before I kill you!"
View rolled his eyes and stepped closer, their noses almost touching. His mocking voice cut deep. "Or what? What will you do, Alpha?"
River grabbed his throat, squeezing hard. But instead of fear, View smirked, wrapping his hand around River's.
"Mr. Adkin was right. Alpha River is too emotional... too reckless. No wonder he didn't trust you with everything," View choked out, still smiling.
That smile made River's blood boil. With a growl, he shoved View away in frustration.
Coughing, View rubbed his throat but remained calm. River picked up the letter again, calling the lawyer to confirm.
His chest tightened when the lawyer admitted it was true—his father had really transferred everything.
Furious, River threw the phone aside and faced View.
"What the hell do you actually want? If it's money and power, fine! I'll give you whatever you demand. Then you leave and never show your face again!
View shook his head. "The whole property is already in my name. What do you have left to offer me?"
"You bastard!" River shouted. "Then what the fuck do you want?!"
"I already told you. Take me as your mate—officially."
"Hell no! You're not worth being my mate!" River snapped in disgust.
"God, you're annoying..." View muttered, rubbing his temple.
"Fine. I'll give you until morning. If you agree, good. If not, Rain and the baby come with me. By the way, where's the guest room?"
River clenched his fists.
"Forget it. I'll find it myself," View added with a smirk as he circled him. "Looking at your face any longer might give me nightmares."
Ignoring River's rage, he went upstairs.
River collapsed on the couch, clutching the letter in disbelief. His mind spun—why had his father done this? Who exactly was this beta?
And how did he know their father? Thousands of questions burned in River's head, but not a single answer.