Archie's POV
As I witnessed Alisha's tear-stained face, panic coursed through me. Her tears glimmered like diamonds under the unforgiving sunlight. Desperate to comfort her, I reached out, but her expression remained distant, as if she was looking beyond me, lost in her thoughts.
Once, her vibrant eyes used to radiate warmth, even when I pushed her away and asked her to stay clear of me. She was like an endearing little puppy, always displaying her sweet smile, regardless of my coldness. I was used to her unwavering kindness and adorability. But now, I would have preferred her fiery retorts or passionate arguments over this blank stare. She felt so distant, as though I might never be able to touch her again.
"Alisha, did you hear what I said?" I gently cupped her face, worry evident in my voice.
After what felt like an eternity, Alisha finally mustered a faint smile. She didn't respond but stood up and walked away.
I tried to say something, but she raised her hand, gesturing for me to stop. "Enough. You're the Alpha, and you can do whatever you like. Just leave me alone." Her voice was feeble yet resolute.
Left with no other option, I watched her retreat into the room, confusion etched across my face. What had I done wrong to make her so unhappy? The plan I had laid out for her was supposed to be a wonderful opportunity. By raising the next Alpha, she would solidify her position and gain the respect that my grandmother once commanded. And she could live a fulfilling life under the care of the future Alpha. It seemed like the perfect solution. Why would she refuse?
Was she still upset about today's events? Or had Stephenie and the other she-wolves done something to upset her? Questions swirled in my mind, and I immediately reached out to Mireya through our mindlink, desperate for answers. "Tell me what happened after I left with Stephenie."
"Alpha, I don't understand…" Mireya's voice trembled.
"If you dare to deceive me, I will punish you severely!"
"I'm sorry, Alpha. After you left, Luna was simply helping me tend to my wound, and then... those she-wolves said something... and Luna mentioned... she mentioned..." Mireya stammered, her voice filled with fear.
"What did she say?"
"She said you might have... difficulty ... with... with...erection." Mireya's words trailed off, her voice quivering. I felt my entire being freeze as understanding washed over me. I finally comprehended why those she-wolves had attempted to escape and why they had looked at me with pity.
Alisha, how dare you!
"Hahahahahaha!!!!" My wolf's laughter reverberated through my mind, a cruel mockery echoing in my consciousness. How had it managed to break free from its confinement again?
"That's so hilarious! What's wrong with your pitiful little member, huh? Too ashamed to share this secret with me? Don't worry, bro, I won't ridicule you! Hahahaha!!!"
"Get away!" I barked harshly, trying to silence the tormenting voice. "And besides! I am perfectly fine! There is absolutely nothing wrong with me!"
"But, from what I gather, Alisha isn't entirely wrong. You've refused to mark her and rarely sleep with her. It's no wonder she doubts your virility, hahahaha!" the wolf jeered, reveling in my discomfort.
"You are clear of the reason why I can't mark her!" I defended, my voice laced with frustration.
"Of course!" My wolf's voice softened, and it continued, "But Alisha doesn't know that. And I have to remind you, this is unfair to her. After all, you are her husband."
"This is why I suggested adopting a child," I muttered, my tone tinged with disappointment.
"It seems that Alisha doesn't like your idea at all," my wolf remarked.
"Or maybe she is purposefully provoking me!" I kicked a stone in anger, my emotions spiraling.
"If she's in a bad mood, why don't you take her out to make her happy? You know, to cheer her up. Take her shopping, go out for a fun day, see a movie, or plan a fantastic date," my wolf suggested, its voice full of wisdom.
I furrowed my brows, puzzled by my wolf's unexpected insights. "Hey, why do you seem so experienced in this?"
"Dude, I am your wolf, your helper, even in matters of wooing a girl. After all, you lack any Gift in that department."
"I don't need to woo her. She is already my wife!" I retorted.
"Ha! That's precisely why Alisha is considering divorcing you!" My wolf's words cut deep, even though I couldn't see its face, I could sense the smugness in its tone.
"Enough!" I growled, unwilling to listen to any more of this thing.
"Don't forget, thanks to me, I advised you to tempt Alisha to stay here with money. Otherwise, you wouldn't even be able to see your wife today, you dense blockhead!"
Before I could retaliate, my phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Louie.
"Hey, Archie, how's it going?" Louie's voice came through the line.
"What's up?" I asked, my impatience seeping into my tone.
"It seems like you're not happy. Anything wrong? I heard that your mom picked several she-wolves from Deep Lake. We all know what she wants. You should be careful and put a stop to it," Louie warned, concern evident in his voice.
I sighed heavily. "Well, it's too late. She's already here today."
Louie let out a frustrated cough on the other end. After a moment, he calmed himself and asked anxiously, "Did she meet Alisha?"
"Yeah," I replied, my frustration seeping through my words.
"That's too bad. I can only imagine how terrible that scene must have been. Are you okay?" Louie asked, genuine worry in his voice.
I remained silent for a moment before responding, "Not great. Thanks for your concern."
"Is Alisha angry with you?" Louie inquired.
"I think so," I muttered, the sadness on her face weighing heavily on me.
"How do you plan to cheer her up?" Louie asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"Giving her money?" I answered. She loved money so much, I decide to have a try later.
"Come on, bro, what the hell are you thinking?" Louie chided.
"Shopping? Movie?" I suggested, remembering my wolf's advice.
"That's not a bad idea, but I think you need to give her what she needs most right now," Louie replied, his voice full of thoughtfulness.
"What does Alisha need most?" I pondered for a moment before answering my own question, "Me?"
Louie's laughter echoed through the phone. "Well, your confidence is quite impressive. You're getting closer. What she truly needs right now is your love and support. Show her that you care, Archie."
I took a deep breath, absorbing Louie's words. "What do you think I should do?"
"Take her out, spend quality time together in public. Let her know that she's important to you. And let others see it too. By publicly acknowledging her as your wife, you send a message to other packs that she is under your protection. It will make them think twice before trying anything. And I assure you that no one dared to intervene in your relationship at that time. Sometimes, a simple gesture can go a long way," Louie advised.
I nodded, even though Louie couldn't see me. "You're right. I am going to find a right opportunity."
"Hey, I have an idea. The Blood Dawn pack will be holding the inauguration ceremony for the next generation Alpha in three days. They will be announcing the birth of a new leader. I know you've never been interested in these events, but it's a perfect opportunity for you to show your support for Alisha in front of everyone," Louie suggested.
The Blood Dawn pack was renowned throughout the North. They were responsible for guarding the Dark Forest, and their members were known for their bravery and skill in battle. They were ruthless towards rogues, and it is said that in the Blood Dawn, the coming-of-age ritual for werewolves is to enter the Dark Forest alone and slay one rogue. Only by doing so can they be recognized as a qualified warrior. They were a powerful pack, relying solely on their own strength and never forming alliances.
I had ventured into the Dark Forest in secret over the years, never alerting the Blood Dawn or interacting with them. But now, considering Louie's suggestion, attending the ceremony with Alisha seemed like a good idea. It would allow me to show my support for her and perhaps even find an opportunity to explore the Dark Forest once again.
"Thanks, Louie," I expressed my gratitude.
"No problem at all. And hey, I'll be there too. Three days later, I think I'll finally get to meet your wife," Louie replied with a smile in his voice.
"Why are you always so eager to meet my wife? Don't you have your own mate? Just stay with her and leave us alone!" I couldn't help feeling a tinge of annoyance.
Louie chuckled. "Come on! I'm just curious about what makes Alisha such a captivating woman that someone like you, who swore to remain single, willingly entered into marriage. And as for my mate, I've already found her, and her name is Theresa, a wonderful name, isn't it? Now, everything goes on well. I actually had a phone call with her before talking to you, and I'll be accompanying her to an important job interview later. So, my friend, please calm down a bit with your excessive possessiveness and protectiveness towards Alisha."
I couldn't be bothered to listen to his nonsense anymore, so I immediately hung up the phone. Then I started pondering an important question: how can I get the still angry Alisha to agree to accompany me to the Blood Dawn?