Archie's POV
"Archie, you embarrassed me in front of everyone. They come from the Blue Lake, renowned she-wolves with great strength and skill. How could you treat me like this!" Stephenie complained, her voice filled with frustration and disappointment as she confronted me in my study room.
I let out a weary sigh, sinking back into my chair. "Mom, that she-wolf attacked my wife. How dare she! It was an act of aggression, and I could even interpret it as a signal to start a war!"
Stephenie crossed her arms over her chest, standing in front of me across the desk. "You're being too sensitive, Archie."
"Why did you bring them to my pack?" I demanded, my voice tinged with anger. The situation had escalated far beyond what I had anticipated.
"Archie, I'm sorry that I let you marry Alisha. I know you've never been fond of her either. So, I found other suitable girls for you. They are more likely to give you healthy offspring," Stephenie explained, her tone tinged with remorse.
"Mom!" I interrupted her sharply. "Alisha is my wife, the Luna of the Golden Crest! Nobody can deny that."
Stephenie's eyes widened with disbelief, her voice laced with disappointment. "You're my son, yet you stand on her side! If you truly care about her, why haven't you even marked her? That disable woman is incapable of giving you a healthy child!"
"It's not Alisha's fault," I said firmly, my gaze unwavering. "I won't mark anyone, Mother. It's not worth wasting our time arguing about it. However, I want to make one thing clear—I will protect Alisha for the rest of my life. It's a vow I made to the Moon Goodness on our wedding day."
"You must be out of your mind!" Stephenie exclaimed, her frustration evident. I reached for a cigarette, taking a draw before responding.
"Mother, respect Alisha, the Luna of my pack. No one, including you, is allowed to insult her," I stated coldly, the smoke swirling around me. I could see Stephenie's face contort with rage and disappointment as she processed my words.
"I never expected my own son to threaten me for a woman!" Stephenie exclaimed, her voice filled with hurt and disbelief. Slamming the door behind her, she stormed out of the room.
I didn't chase after her this time. My mind was still fixated on the image of Alisha being attacked by that she-wolf. The sight had sent a jolt of fear through me, freezing my heart. Observing the she-wolf's movements and her powerful arms, I knew she was a fierce warrior capable of inflicting severe harm on Alisha. Maybe Alisha couldn't see it clear, but I was sure that n the instant before the she-wolf's strike, her hand had transformed into a wolf's paw, and that must be her Gift- partial shift. It was clear that she intended to kill Alisha.
Even though her attack had been intended to intimidate rather than harm, the thought that I might have lost Alisha forever ignited a fire within me. I couldn't forgive that she-wolf. She had to pay the price for her actions.
As for Stephenie, I knew she disliked Alisha and wanted to have a grandson. But I couldn't mark Alisha. I couldn't do that. But she will have a baby. I knew she is a good mother.
As the smoke from my cigarette dissipated, I stood up and made my way downstairs to check on Alisha's well-being. Though I had confirmed she hadn't been injured the moment I held her, I wanted to confirm that once more.
After all, the witch doctor said that, Alisha was very weak with the side effect of hallucination, besides she lost much bloody yesterday, which caused her faint, so she need a good rest recently.
However, when I reached the living room, Alisha was nowhere to be found. I overheard Stephenie's words to those two she-wolves, delivered with a significant undertone. "I'm leaving now, but I suggest you to stay here and do some chores. Perhaps an opportunity will present itself, understand?"
Frowning, I contemplated immediately driving them out of my home. I didn't want them anywhere near us. Before I could voice my thoughts, I noticed the two she-wolves shaking their heads anxiously. "We want to go back to the Blue Lake, please!"
Stephenie glared at them, her voice dripping with threat. "If you give up now, you will never get another chance!"
"No! Please, Madam, let us go!" one of the she-wolves pleaded tearfully. It was evident that she didn't want to remain here. Perhaps witnessing me dispatch their comrade had terrified them to the core. Whatever, I found satisfaction in their desire to leave.
"Don't worry, Archie has promised not to harm you!" Stephenie tried to reassure them with a lie, but it had no effect. They were adamant about leaving, as if staying here would mean subjecting themselves to hell.
"I will inform your Alpha of what you've said and done!" Stephenie threatened, attempting to regain control of the situation.
Those she-wolves paused, their pleas to Stephenie coming to an abrupt halt. I couldn't allow Stephenie to force them to stay against their will.
Clearing my throat, I spoke up. "Go back to the Blue Lake now, or your Alpha will have to come here to retrieve your bodies."
Stephenie had no choice but to leave with them, her plans foiled. However, I couldn't ignore the strange and pitying gazes the she-wolves cast in my direction before they leave. It puzzled me. Why did they look at me with a pity?
Once they were gone, I turned my attention to Mireya. "What happened just now? Did anything out of the ordinary occur?"
Mireya lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Luna … Luna helped me heal my wound."
"Where is she now?"
"Luna left as soon as Stephenie returned," Mireya replied.
At least I could find solace in knowing that Alisha hadn't been mistreated by Stephenie during my absence.
"Did those she-wolves say anything strange?" I pressed Mireya for more information.
Mireya raised her head, taking a quick peek before stammering, "I...I don't understand."
Mireya was lying, but I didn't get angry about her this time.
A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I realized Alisha must have played some trick this time. I let Mireya go and set off to find Alisha. There were answers I needed, and I was determined to find out the truth from Alisha personally. And it's time to talk about the baby with her.