Archie's POV
Stephenie's eyes narrowed, her tone dripping with condescension. "Alisha, how dare you insult Gertha? She was personally chosen by me. I command you to show her the respect she deserves!"
I couldn't believe my ears. My mother-in-law was asking me to respect my husband's mistress. The audacity of it all! It used to sting, it used to make me sad, but now, I was beyond caring.
However, Mireya was innocent in all this. Stephenie's condescending attitude had always infuriated me, and now seeing her mistreat Mireya, I couldn't bear it any longer. My voice dripped with determination as I stood my ground, "No matter what you want, Stephenie, you have no right to treat Mireya like this! She is only following the Alpha's orders."
Stephenie let out a dismissive laugh, clearly amused by my defiance. "Orders? Alpha's orders? Don't make me laugh, Alisha. Archie is my son, and you should learn your place as the Luna."
I glared at Stephenie, my gaze fierce and unwavering. "I am the Luna of the Golden Crest, and I won't tolerate your disrespect and mistreatment of my people. Mireya is a valuable member of this pack, not your personal slave."
Stephenie's expression hardened, and she took a step towards me, getting dangerously close. Her voice dripped with venom, "You think you can defy me? You're nothing more than a poor, disabled werewolf. I am the matriarch of this family, and I demand respect."
I used to be afraid of Stephenie's power and influence, but now, I no longer needed her recognition and her son, and I certainly didn't care how she thought of me. I refused to back down, my voice unwavering. "Respect is earned, not demanded."
Stephenie's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and surprise. She clearly hadn't expected me to stand up to her. "Do you even know what you are saying, Alisha? You're pushing the boundaries of your position."
"As the Luna, it is my duty to protect the well-being of this pack, and that includes standing up against any form of mistreatment or abuse," I declared firmly, my words fueled by a deep sense of justice.
Stephenie's face turned red with rage, her control slipping. At this moment, a she-wolf with a ponytail stepped forward, growling menacingly, "Bitch! How dare you offend Stephenie?" Her hand rose as if to strike me, her intent clear. I barely had time to react, fearing the blow that could knock me out cold.
But just as her hand was about to make contact, Archie's voice thundered, filled with authority and anger. "Stop!"
A tide of terror washed over my body as I felt the force of Archie's presence. It was as if the Grim Reaper himself had descended upon us. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, the ponytailed she-wolf who had stood in front of me was hurtled against the wall with a sickening impact. It was as if a branch had snapped, and her body crumpled lifelessly.
Silence descended upon the room, broken only by the sight of blood staining the wall and carpet. My mind went blank, unable to process the horror before me. I had never witnessed such violence firsthand, not being strong enough to join the warriors or partake in battles against other packs. It was the first time I had seen someone die so brutally.
"How dare you attack my Luna within my pack?" Archie's deep voice echoed through the room. I hadn't even realized that he had appeared, and now he was by my side, holding my waist tightly against him. His protective embrace offered some solace, but I couldn't shake the shock of what had just transpired.
Archie turned his attention to the other two she-wolves, his voice filled with righteous anger. "Who gave you permission to enter my pack?"
They trembled in fear, unable to form coherent words. Both of them looked at Stephenie, their eyes pleading for guidance.
Stephenie snorted and looked at Archie with a frown, attempting to salvage the situation. "Archie, they are esteemed members of Deep Lake, invited here by me. It is not befitting of you to treat them so rudely."
Archie's face darkened. "Mother, what are you doing? They attacked my Luna. This was merely a minor punishment."
Stephenie's expression remained defiant. "Archie, Alisha has shown disrespect towards me, and Kacey was merely trying to help. I will not tolerate it."
Well, I had known the dead she-wolf's name, Kacey.
Archie's gaze hardened, his voice firm. "And I will not tolerate anyone mistreating the Luna or any member of this pack. You are my mother, but that does not grant you the right to harm or belittle others."
Stephenie finally averted her gaze, conceding defeat. But she still kept her head high. "Fine, if that's what you want. But mark my words, Alisha, you will regret crossing me." Stephenie glanced over me as she said.
Although I despised Archie, I couldn't deny that his presence brought a sense of safety. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that he wasn't siding with Stephenie. I wondered how he had appeared so quickly, and then I saw Mireya's figure, blood still smeared across her face. I immediately ignored Stephenie and Archie and rushed to Mireya's side. "Why haven't you tended to your wounds yet?" I asked with concern.
"Don't worry, Luna. I'm fine," Mireya reassured me, offering a gentle smile. It was clear that she had informed Archie about the situation, leaving her with no time to attend to her own injuries.
"Archie, look at Alisha! She's so impolite! She abandoned us to tend to an omega! She shows no respect!" Stephenie complained to Archie. I rolled my eyes, refusing to waste any more time on her. Let Archie deal with his mother. As I returned to the living room with a medical kit, only the two unfamiliar she-wolves remained. It seemed that Archie and Stephenie had left.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Mireya," I said sincerely, gratitude filling my voice. "Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and for standing up for me."
Mireya smiled gently, her face still stained with blood. "There's no need to thank me, Luna. It's my duty to protect and serve you. I won't allow anyone to harm you or show you disrespect." She began tending to her wounds, carefully cleaning the cuts on her face.
I watched her with a pang of guilt. Mireya had always been a devoted and loyal member of our pack, going above and beyond her responsibilities. Otherwise, Archie couldn't choose her to be the maid in our home. I couldn't help but feel responsible for her current state. If it weren't for me, Mireya wouldn't have suffered such violence.
"I'm so sorry, Mireya," I whispered, remorse seeping into my voice. "You got hurt because of me."
Mireya looked up at me, her eyes filled with grate and understanding. "Luna, please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."
Her words offered some solace, but the guilt still weighed heavily on me. I had been too weak to protect Mireya.
Suddenly, a tender voice interrupted my thoughts. "Luna, I... I am Leida. I only want to give Alpha a child. I promise that if you accept me, I will obey your every command and serve you faithfully, just like this omega. I won't threaten your position, and having a child will solidify your place in the pack."
I furrowed my brow as I looked at Leida. Why was she saying all this to me? Did she think I was a naive, gullible person who could be won over with a few words?
I wouldn't waste my kindness on a woman who had a design on my husband, even if I didn't have feelings for him anymore.
Leida stared at me expectantly, while Gertha watched eagerly. I plastered on a "sincere" smile and replied, "Thank you for considering me. I look forward to working with you, but..." I purposely paused for effect.
"But what?" Leida asked anxiously, and Gertha leaned in, awaiting my response.
I lowered my head, pretending to be sad. "But, no matter how hard you work, it's impossible for you to have his child."
"Why?" they both asked, confusion etched on their faces.
I hesitated for a moment, maintaining the act. "I can't say it."
"Please, Luna, please tell us!" Leida pleaded.
I sighed and then lowered my voice, feigning shyness and hesitation. "Well, don't tell anyone, but Archie actually has difficulties... with his... erections." I blushed as I spoke, trying to make it believable.
Everyone in the room froze, their expressions akin to statues. "You... you must be joking," Gertha stammered, disbelief evident in her voice.
I shook my head solemnly. "Believe it or not, but I can't divulge any further details."
"It must be because of you! If it were me... the Alpha might..." Leida's face reddened, and though she didn't finish her sentence, we all understood her implication.
I looked at her with a mix of pity and satisfaction. "Perhaps, but... considering how rarely he spends time with me or any of the she-wolves in my pack, I suspect... he may be gay! So, no matter what you do, it is impossible for you to have his baby!"