Alisha's POV
Just after I angrily ending the call, Nova rushed downstairs upon hearing my voice, immediately noticing my drenched state and the borrowed coat.
"What happened, Alisha? You're completely soaked!" Nova exclaimed with concern.
"Long story, Nova. Damn Archie drove me out of his car, and the weather was against me today. But I met someone who helped me, and he lent me his coat," I explained.
Nova raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, really? I wanted to curse Archie, but please let me know who might this someone be?"
I blushed, realizing how it sounded. "No, it's not what you're thinking! He's a werewolf too, from the Deep Moon pack. I hit him accidently before, and he recognized me today."
Nova's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you mean that guy you met when you ran away from Archie? The one who gave you a tissue?"
I nodded, a smile playing at my lips. "Yes, that's him. His name is Louie. He is genuinely kind and offered me shelter from the rain, even lending me his coat. We had a chat on the way, and he mentioned that his favorite musician on Twitter is also named Theresa."
Nova laughed, clearly finding the coincidence amusing. "Well, it seems fate is playing a role here. I wonder what will happen when Louie realizes that his favorite musician and the werewolf he just met are one and the same."
I couldn't help but feel guilty. "That's the thing, Nova. I didn't tell him my real name. I introduced myself as Theresa, from the Black Furies pack. I didn't want him to know I was the Luna from the Golden Crest pack."
Nova's eyes widened, and she let out a low whistle. "I think you have a made a right decision."
I sighed, "Nova, I'm planning to leave Archie and start a new life. I don't want to be associated with the Luna title anymore. It's become a burden to me."
Nova nodded in understanding. "I get it, Alisha. Don't think about this, you need a hot shower now."
Before heading to the bathroom, I realized that I still had Louie's coat on my shoulders. "Oh, Nova, remind me to take this coat to the dry cleaners tomorrow. He said I could take my time, but I don't want to inconvenience him."
Grinning mischievously, Nova replied, "Sure, and you could use that as an excuse to see him again. Maybe it's an opportunity for you to explore this connection further."
"Come on, Nova. I'm not in the mood," I said dismissively.
After finishing my shower, I emerged from the bathroom and handed my wedding ring to Nova, explaining, "Nova, I know you have a wide network. Can you help me find someone to estimate the price of this ring? I want to sell it."
Surprised, Nova asked in disbelief, "Are you sure? You valued it so much before. Why do you want to sell it now?"
"Yes, it's my wedding ring. I don't need it anymore. Money is more important to me. Archie is going to freeze my credit card."
"Damn him! Why is he so mean to you?"
"That's why I've decided to sell this ring to get some money!"
"Don't worry, I'll help you inquire about it. Let me take a picture of it." Nova began researching my ring online, while I headed to the kitchen to satisfy my hunger. I had nothing to eat at Joey's party, and now I was quite hungry. As I reached for a bottle of yogurt from the freezer, I heard Nova shout from the living room. I hurried over.
"Oh my goodness! Alisha, you won't believe how valuable this ring is! We're going to get rich!" Nova exclaimed cheerfully.
"Really?"
"Yes! Do you known the Winston Pink Legacy? In 2018, renowned jewelry brand Harry Winston purchased an 18.96-carat pink diamond at a Christie's auction in Geneva for about 50 million dollars! The pink diamond on your ring is roughly the same size!"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "So, can we sell it for that much money?"
"My friends told me that the final price will depend on the quality of the diamond, but it certainly won't be too low. However, finding a buyer for such a high-value ring might not be easy in the short term."
"Well, that's true," I replied, quickly cooling down from the initial excitement.
"But they suggested we put the ring in a jewelry store for customers to rent."
"That sounds great! This ring will become my private bank, continuously bringing me money."
Lost in our joy, my phone suddenly rang. I thought it was Archie, that annoying person making others call me again. But when I picked it up and saw it was Joey, I instantly panicked. Joey must be calling to scold me for today's incident. I didn't want to answer it and let it hang up on its own.
However, after a minute, I received a photo in which an elderly lady with a pale complexion is lying on a hospital bed with her eyes closed, exuding a sense of decline. I recognized her immediately-my grandma!
Then Joey's message came-"I won't allow the witch doctor to administer medication to her until you answer my phone. You are clear that without medication, she won't survive another day." I understood Joey's intention-he was threatening me with my grandma's life.
I had no choice but to call him back. "Sorry, I was busy just now. What's up? Don't disturb grandma!"
Joey snapped, "How dare you ask? I lost my face today! All because of you! You must maintain your position as Luna, or you'll never meet your grandmother again!"
I clenched my hand, struggling to control my anger.
Continuing, Joey added, "Furthermore, I received information that some vicious rogues from the Dark Forest might have entered our territory. We need Golden Crest's warriors to protect us, but when I contacted Beta Brad earlier, he refused to offer help this time. Hurry up and talk to Archie, ask him to continue protecting us."
Protecting the members was the Alpha's duty, but Joey never fulfilled his responsibilities. He was indeed a coward. After grandma was wounded and fell into a coma during the fight against the rogues, our territory was nearly divided and occupied by others. Since I married Archie, he would seek help from the Golden Crest.
That's why Stephenie always looked down on us and wanted to drive me out of the Golden Crest.
When other werewolves learned that Alpha Archie finally married a she-werewolf from such a low-ranking pack, they were dumbfounded.
I wanted to rid myself of Joey, but I couldn't. Grandma was lying unconscious in the Black Furies pack. Only I cared about her now. Joey even planned to terminate her treatment before.
Reluctantly, I replied, "Fine, I will talk to Archie this time. Please have the witch doctor feed my grandmother her medication for today first. But I want to remind you, on my wedding day, you promised that I could bring grandma to the Golden Crest in three years, and you would take good care of her. You saw Archie today; he still sees me as his wife, the Luna of the Golden Crest. Don't deceive me."
"Don't worry, I won't go back on my word. There is one more year, but you should also work hard to have a baby. Stephenie is looking for a breeder for Archie. I'll give you a potion made by a warlock to help you get pregnant more easily."
I rolled my eyes and then hung up the phone.
Nova, who had overheard my conversation with Joey, looked at me worriedly. "Are you going to meet Archie? But you just quarreled with him and blacklisted him."
I sighed and replied, "Yeah, that's too suck! He must mock at me! But I have no choice right now. Joey threatened me with grandma's life. Don't worry, I won't let myself be taken advantage of for too long. But for now, I need to confront Archie and resolve this situation."
I removed Archie's number from the blacklist and then called him. But it was hung up soon. Archie was on purpose to avenge me.
I told myself to calm down and sent him a text: Archie, are you free tomorrow?
"No." His reply came soon.
This bastard! I came up with an idea and tried again, "You said you missed the food I cook. I prepare to make some snacks, and I will bring some to see you. Can you spare me several minutes?"
"Unless you agree to go home to cook for me."