Swiftcurrent Creek the price of your greed

His words only seemed to make her indignant; it was a confusing response considering his statement had only sought to assure her that she had a place here. He supposed it was hard for her to see her place right now, especially when all she seemed to be focused on was his relationship with Alessia. He hoped that as things settled, she would feel differently about things. The last thing the children needed was to grow up with their parents in conflict with each other. 

Her disapproval was not surprising and although he understood where she was coming from, her words didn't hurt any less. His guilt swelled, squeezing his heart as it always did when he was reminded of his terrible mistake. He didn't say anything to disagree, feeling like she had every right to feel the way she did and honestly, he felt like he deserved the resurfacing of his guilt; it had been momentarily overshadowed by the relief and contentment that followed the end of his mate's grueling labor and the arrival of his four living children. Rosalie continued to speak, easing his worry a little that she wasn't set on trying to push him out. No, you don't really have a choice, he started calmly, his tone matter-of-fact. It was the truth, after all; he wasn't going anywhere no matter how difficult she made things for him. Eventually, she would need to move past her contempt and find some way to accept his presence. His gaze searched for hers. But, that doesn't mean we have to be at odds with each other, Kavik added. He had just as much of a right to be here; those were just as much his children behind them in the cave, and he wasn't going to let anyone make him feel like he didn't belong here with them or with his mate, nor did he want there to ever be any question regarding his loyalty to his family. He wasn't quite sure he agreed that he had more of a claim on Alessia's life than her lover, but he did have a claim, and he wouldn't let anyone doubt it. 

She managed to slip in an insult in the midst of her promise to try and understand the bond he had with Alessia but again, he wasn't really surprised to hear it. It was becoming more and more evident that she wasn't a fan of the alpha, and he knew it would take time to work everything out between them. My relationship with Alessia doesn't require your understanding, but I appreciate your willingness to try, he answered. Children can sense discord between their parents, and I don't want our differences of opinion to upset them in any way. They were the most important lives here, and he would do whatever he could to protect them from all forms of harm, even those that came from their parents' issues. Kavik looked away, gaze searching the trees in front of them as he waited for her response and fearing his assertiveness would be met with more hostility from his new co-parent.