Alisha's POV
"Money, money, money! Haha!" I dreamt of lying and rolling around on a mountain made of money, but my blissful reverie was abruptly interrupted by an annoying sound. With an unpleasant groan, I reluctantly opened my eyes and sat up, taking in my surroundings. I found myself lying on the same bed as before, and I instinctively checked the bandage on my left hand, noticing that it had been changed to a fresh one. It must have been Mireya, caring for me after I had lost consciousness.
The memories of the events leading up to my blackout flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger towards Archie. How could I endure staying here with him for a whole week? The ten thousand dollars suddenly seemed like a paltry sum to compensate for the pain and frustration I would experience with that mean man.
It was a terrible deal, and I was supposed to demand more money from that heartless bastard. After all, he had spent fifty million dollars on Erma to buy the ring, so he could certainly afford to give me more. The thought of this left a bitter taste in my mouth, so I shook my head vigorously to banish those thoughts for the time being. All of a sudden, the noise coming from downstairs grew louder and more unsettling.
Curiosity piqued, I became concerned about Mireya's well-being. I couldn't ignore the sound of her anxious and terrified voice. Determined to find out what was happening, I got up from the bed and made my way out of the room to investigate.
To my surprise, as I looked down from the upper floor, I saw several she-wolves gathered on the first floor. Among them, I recognized only one—Stephenie, my mother-in-law. The sight of her sent a shiver down my spine. Stephenie was my nightmare, constant source of disdain and criticism. She was Archie's mother, so I tried hard to please her, but no matter how hard I work, every time I met her, I would got insulted.
Mireya, visibly shaken, attempted to explain to Stephenie, "Sorry, Alpha has commanded that Luna needs rest, so nobody is allowed to bother her now." The sweat on her forehead betrayed her nervousness.
My heart sank as a sense of foreboding washed over me. It appeared that Stephenie had come to see me, and Mireya's attempts to protect me only fueled Stephenie's anger. I bet Stephenie wouldn't let us off the hook so easily.
Absolutely, seated on the sofa in the living room, Stephenie snapped at Mireya, "You're just a humble omega, how dare you refuse my order! I am Archie's mother, and even Alisha must respect me! Call that bitch to come here right now!"
"But...but Alpha said..." Mireya stuttered, her voice trembling. Before she could finish her sentence , Stephenie lashed out, delivering a harsh slap to Mireya's face and leaving deep scratches with her sharp nails. Mireya's face immediately began to bleed, and the sight infuriated me. Stephenie then grabbed Mireya by the neck, her grip tight and menacing. "Call her, otherwise, I will break your neck!"
"STOP!" I shouted, my voice filled with anger and concern, as I rushed down the stairs to save Mireya. Ever since I married Archie, Stephenie had rarely come to the house, choosing to reside with Archie's grandmother instead. I knew she despised my humble background and held a deep disdain for me. In her eyes, I was nothing more than an insignificant speck. I couldn't fathom why she had suddenly appeared here, stirring up trouble.
"Stephenie, let go of Mireya!" I demanded, my tone sharp as I closed the distance between us.
Stephenie tossed Mireya aside and retrieved a handkerchief to clean her bloodstained hand. "Ah, you've finally decided to grace us with your presence, Alisha. Is this the manner you learned in the Black Furies, hiding inyour room like a rat when guests come to your home?"
Seizing the opportunity to ensure Mireya's safety, I helped her up, my concern etched on my face. "Are you alright?"
I hurried over to Mireya, helping her up with concern etched on my face. "Are you alright?"
"Thank you, Luna. I'll be fine," Mireya replied, her voice muffled as she covered her injured face with her hands. Blood seeped through her fingers, and my anger intensified at the sight. "Leave here to find the medical kit. This cut needs immediate attention."
Mireya nodded gratefully before casting a cautious glance in Stephenie's direction and leaving the room.
"How dare you ignore my words?" Stephenie's angry voice sounded behind me.
Turning my attention back to Stephenie, I clenched my fists, struggling to control my rage. "Stephenie, what brings you here?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of tension and anger.
Stephenie smirked, her eyes narrowing with disdain. "Ah, this is my son's home. Even a bitch like you can live here. Why can't I come here?"
I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure in the face of her mockery. "I am the Luna of this pack, Stephenie. Your condescension and insults hold no weight. Now, tell me, why have you suddenly appeared here? What is your purpose?"
Stephenie smirked, her eyes narrowing with disdain. "Well, do you forget the words I said in the Black Furies? I came here to ensure that my son's marriage doesn't bring disgrace upon our pack. You, on the other hand, have proven yourself to be nothing more than a burden."
I stared at her with a frown. I couldn't never forget the insult she gave me in the Black Furies.
Stephenie's smirk grew wider, her tone laced with malice. "Alisha, I'm here to rectify the mistake that Archie made by marrying you. I've brought gifts for my son—Gertha, Kacey, and Leida," she said, gesturing towards the three girls seated nearby. "They are strong she-wolf warriors from the Deep Lake, far more worthy of bearing Archie's children than you could ever be."
No wonder Stephenie came here with so many strange she-wolves. She was sending "breeders" to her bastard son. The words cut deep, reopening old wounds of inadequacy. I struggled to hold back tears of anger and frustration, refusing to let Stephenie's words break me.
Just as Stephenie finished her words, one she-wolves in blue skirt stood up and said harshly, "I have heard from Stephenie that you are a disable werewolf, who couldn't have a baby. I think you are not qualified to be Luna for the Golden Crest. You have no wolf, which means you can't have a Gift, you can't train the warriors, and you even are unable to mindlink with other pack member. How do you have face to occupy the Luna's position?"
These words shot me like silver bullet. She uncovered the deepest cut in my heart. I was always clear that I was not a good Luna for my pack. I might be guilty, but now, I was going to divorce Archie. I could face this criticism.
Therefore, I looked over this strange she-wolf, replied, "What should I call you? Ms. Breeder or Ms. Womb? Whatever, I don't think you have the right to question me. I need to remind you, now, you are standing on the Golden Crest's land."