Alisha’s POV
"Louie, I know it's presumptuous of me, but I have to trouble you. I remember you're from Deep Moon. I want to hire ten warriors to protect the Black Furies. Could you help me get in touch with them? I'm willing to offer a generous reward." With a hopeful mindset, I made a call to Louie. After all, he was the only werewolf from another pack that I knew.
"Fine, Theresa. I'll have to ask my Alpha. We sometimes would accept the protection task, so it shouldn't be a problem. But I'd like to know, why do you need to hire warriors? It's important for us."
"We received information that a group of rogues from the Dark Forest will be reaching our territory. We're concerned about a potential conflict. Our own... honestly speaking, we're not skilled in combat." As I said this, my face flushed with embarrassment. Though it was true, our pack had few warriors, and even my own ability was limited to wound healing. I couldn't shift or engage in battle, so this Gift was useless in fact.
"Alright, I'll ask our Alpha for you. Don't worry. I'll get back to you later."
At least Louie didn't reject me outright like Archie did. There was a glimmer of hope for me.
After anxiously waiting for a few minutes, I finally received a call from Louie.
"Theresa, where did you get the information about the Dark Forest rogues coming here?"
Not wanting to reveal my identity, I made up an excuse, "It was mentioned by our Beta, and our Alpha wanted everyone to seek external help."
"That's weird, because based on the information I have, it seems to be a piece of fake news."
"What?!" I shouted in horrible disbelief.
"You know, considering the locations, the Golden Crest and Deep Moon are closer to the Dark Forest and are responsible for guarding it. If any rogues escaped from the Dark Forest, we would be the first to receive intelligence. But so far, there's nothing."
"Are you sure?" I couldn't believe what I had heard. Although I knew Louie's words were right, that bastard Archie never mentioned anything about a rumor when I stayed with him just now!
"Theresa, trust me, I just confirmed it with our Alpha."
A surge of anger ignited within me. If the Alpha of Deep Moon knew it was fake news, then the Alpha of the Golden Crest, Archie, must had known it, too. But that asshole didn't tell me anything; he was just playing me!
No wonder he could sit comfortably at home, waiting for me to cook for him. If the rogues from the Dark Forest truly appeared, he would be busy dealing with them. How could he possibly have time to meet me?
Archie, that bastard! He did it on purpose! If Archie were here right now, I would give him a good slap across his face! If it weren't for Louie telling me the truth, I would still be spinning in circles, played like a fool!
"Louie, thank you for sharing this information with me. You cannot imagine how important it is to me!" Since it was just a rumor, the Black Furies weren't in danger. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief about Grandma's safety.
"Don't mention it. I didn't really do much, but if I could genuinely help you, I would be glad." Louie's gentle voice came through the phone.
"Regardless, please accept my gratitude. You've done me a tremendous favor this time." I replied solemnly.
"Well, if you insist on thanking me, how about giving me a chance to treat you to a meal when we meet next time?"
"No problem, but let me treat you instead. How about tomorrow? It works out perfectly because I can return your clothes as well."
"Alright, from now on, I'll eagerly await the arrival of tomorrow."
After hanging up the phone, I hurriedly made my way back to the Black Furies.
"A fake message? How?" Joey questioned skeptically.
"It was Archie who told me this," I lied without a hint of hesitation. After all, Archie's usefulness was limited to this extent. As long as I invoked Archie's name, Joey wouldn't dare to trouble me further. Besides, Joey had already been humiliated at the previous party and rejected by Brad. He wouldn't dare contact them to confirm the information anytime soon. So, I had no worries about the lie being exposed.
However, Joey still seemed somewhat dubious. So, I continued, "If you don't believe me, you can contact other packs and ask if they received the same news. A fake message won't hold up."
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Joey seemed to believe me, finally displaying a fake smile. "Looks like you've got it figured out. I am so proud that you're the Luna of The Golden Crest. You must secure your position. Remember, the Black Furies is your forever home."
A wave of disgust washed over me, and I didn't want to waste any more time with Joey. I spoke up, "I'm going to see Grandma."
"Go ahead. She hasn't taken her medicine today, so your help would be appreciated."
Without wasting a moment, I rushed to find the witch, heading towards Grandma's room. The room was enveloped in a solemn, desolate white, evoking a chilling atmosphere. I watched as the witch applied potions to Grandma's forehead and body, forming intricate patterns that I couldn't decipher.
Two years ago, ever since my grandmother fell into a coma during the battle with the rogue to protect the pack and me, she has been lying in bed unconscious. Her muscles have almost completely atrophied, and her body, lying on the sickbed, appears withered and deteriorated day by day.
Grandma was the only person cared about me in the Black Furies. Due to an attack during my childhood, I forgot many things and also lost my own wolf. Joey even wanted to drive me out of the Black Furies, but grandma protected me and brought me up. I couldn't lose her.
After sitting quietly in Grandma's room for a while, my cousin Evita burst in unexpectedly.
"Alisha, why didn't Archie accompany you back? Have you tired him out? Or have you been kicked out of The Golden Crest?" she exclaimed.
I grew irritated upon hearing her words, furrowing my brows as I questioned her, "Do you have no manners at all? Hasn't Uncle taught you to knock before entering someone's room?"
"What's the point of knocking? She's practically a vegetable now, like a mummy. Even if I knocked, she wouldn't hear it," Evita replied nonchalantly.
Instantly, rage that had been building up within me over the past few days erupted. I stood up, delivering two harsh slaps to Evita's face. She stared at me in disbelief, her eyes wide open. "How dare you hit me? I'll tear you apart!" Evita was about to shift.
With fiery intensity, I locked eyes with her and spoke sternly, "Listen here, you wretch. Remember this well. As long as I remain the Luna of The Golden Crest, if you dare lay a finger on me, you'll pay the price! And I won't even have to lift a finger. Joey himself will whip you to death!"
Evita seemed stunned by my reaction. I had always been meek in her presence. Being the daughter of the Alpha, she treated me like a servant. Even after our marriage, she showed me no respect.
"Don't think I'm oblivious to your intentions. Let me tell you, if you want to seduce Archie, go ahead! Don't come here to bother me. If he found your face appealing, it wouldn't have been me he married. So stop dreaming! Now, get out."
After kicking Evita out, I found myself trembling and belatedly sat by Grandma's bedside. Unable to shift like Evita, if she had recklessly attacked me, I would have been left defenseless.
Taking a deep breath, I reached for my phone intending to vent to Nova about what had just happened. However, I unintentionally opened Twitter and came across Erma's latest post: "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to collaborate with an amazing composer @ Theresa. I am incredibly grateful that after comparing Theresa and me, @DM Entertainment has chosen me to sing this beautiful song - Love Story. Stay tuned for the release of the new song on the 1st of next month."