Alisha's POV
I glared at Archie, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Knocking on someone's door before entering is basic courtesy, Archie. Regardless of who you are, it's common decency to respect personal boundaries."
Archie, ever the arrogant alpha, strode over to me, crossing his arms in defiance. He towered over me, his presence looming. "But this is also my bedroom. What's the problem with me coming back to my own room?"
I gritted my teeth, realizing that he was right. It was his room, too, and I couldn't deny him that. I needed to keep my cool, reminding myself that I would soon ask for his permission to free me out. Suppressing the urge to hurl a pillow at his face, I took a deep breath and asked, "So, what do you want from me?"
Archie cleared his throat, his confidence wavering. "Do you want to go out and have some fun?"
Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to comprehend his sudden suggestion. Archie noticed my bewilderment and condescendingly remarked, "Is there something wrong with your ears? Why can't you understand what others are saying?"
The anger I had been holding back surged to the surface, and I couldn't restrain myself any longer. "Did you come into the bedroom just to humiliate me? Get out! I don't want to see you right now!"
Archie paused, his composure faltering for a moment. He seemed slightly nervous as he stammered, "Wait... wait a minute! Hey, it's clearly your problem, so why are you getting angry at me?"
Fury coursed through my veins, and I clenched my fists, ready to confront him. "My problem? Who are you to say it's my problem?" I shouted, my voice filled with indignation.
I stood up abruptly, the intensity of the moment pushing me forward. Archie took a few steps back, a flicker of helplessness in his eyes. He tried to calm me down, saying, "Chill out, Alisha! Why are you getting angry when I haven't come to settle scores with you?"
I was momentarily stunned, his words catching me off guard. "Settle scores with me? What has gotten into you? How dare you even suggest such a thing?"
Archie stared at me, his smile turning insincere. "Is that so? But I just heard that my wife has claimed that I have erection problems. Is that true?"
The accusation hit me like a punch to the gut, and I involuntarily coughed, desperately trying to conceal my unease. I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze, and managed to mutter, "Huh?"
Archie narrowed his eyes, closing the distance between us. "Answer my question."
Feeling flustered and vulnerable, I instinctively crossed my arms, creating a protective barrier. "Answer what? Don't you know your own situation? And don't come so close to me while talking!"
"So close? I don't think it is 'close' when I stay with my wife. Besides, I am clear of my own body power, but my wife seems to forget it, therefore, maybe I should prove my power to you." Archie said as he put his hand to loosen his tie.
Panic washed over me as Archie's intentions became clear. The thought of being intimate with him sent shivers down my spine, and I instinctively retreated, falling back onto the bed in a desperate attempt to create distance. My voice trembled as I snapped, "Stop! Stay away from me! What... what do you want to do?"
As Archie stopped before me, my heart raced with panic. I desperately tried to gather my thoughts and find the right words to protect myself.
Archie's imposing figure loomed over me, his hands now firmly placed on either side of my body. His gaze was intense, and I could feel his warm breath on my face. His deep voice resonated in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "Since my wife doubts my performance in bed, I think I should prove myself through actions. Wouldn't it be fitting for my wife to witness the truth firsthand?"
My mind raced as I tried to decipher his intentions. Did he expect intimacy at this moment? No way! I had no desire for any further involvement with him, especially not in such circumstances. I swallowed hard, my voice shaky as I mustered the courage to respond, "No! You needn't prove anything! You are a healthy man!"
Archie raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "Are you sure about that? I think it's better for you to experience it for yourself."
My heart sank, realizing the insidious nature of his words. He was challenging me, pushing me into a corner. I forced a smile, desperately trying to maintain my composure. "No, Archie. I am very clear, trust me. There's no need for any demonstration."
I could feel the weight of his gaze upon me, his eyes piercing into my soul. It was a battle of wills, and I knew I had to stand my ground. Despite the fear and vulnerability I felt, I had to find a way to assert my boundaries and protect myself from his manipulations.
"Well, now that my dear wife has made her stance clear, I hope you can remember it forever. Otherwise, I won't mind to show it to you." Archie said meaningfully, straightening himself
"There's no need for any further demonstrations." I hurried to say. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, believing that I had successfully averted his unwanted prove.
However, Archie's annoying voice cut through the tension, his words dripping with accusation, "But you've been spreading baseless rumors, tarnishing my reputation. As a small punishment, you'll have to accompany me to a banquet in another pack."
My initial relief quickly turned into confusion. Why would he want me to accompany him to a pack's banquet? Archie rarely took me out in public, especially to gatherings of other packs. It didn't make sense. I couldn't help but ask, "Why do you insist on having me attend? You rarely take me out."
Archie cleared his throat, his expression becoming guarded. "This is a very important ceremony that requires the presence of every pack's Alpha and Luna together."
Suddenly, it clicked. Since I got married, because of me humble identity, Archie and Stephenie never take me to attend other pack's gathering. Now, I realized why Archie was making this demand. It was because of my lowly status and his need for a Luna to accompany him. He had no other choice but to turn to me for support in order to maintain appearances.
An idea sparked in my mind, and a sly smile curved on my lips. "Well, I can go with you to the banquet. But in return, you must allow me to go out tomorrow!"
Archie's brow furrowed in protest, his tone firm, "You're supposed to stay at home. You made a promise! You can't just go out whenever you feel like it!"
Anger bubbled up inside me, fueling my retort. "Archie, I'm not your pet that you can kick away when you're unhappy and keep around whenever you want. If you want me to accompany you to this banquet, then you must grant me the freedom to go out when I choose. It's a fair trade."
Archie's face hardened at my retort, and his voice dripped with annoyance. "You seem to forget your place, Alisha. As my wife, you should obey my commands."
I refused to back down, my resolve strengthening. "I may be your wife, but that doesn't mean I'm your property. I deserve respect and the freedom to make my own choices. If you want me to attend this banquet with you, then you have to agree to let me go out tomorrow. It's only fair."
Archie's brows furrowed in contemplation, clearly torn between his desire for control and the need to maintain appearances. Finally, he sighed in resignation. "Fine, you can go out tomorrow. But remember, you are to return before evening."
I nodded, satisfied with this small victory. It was a step towards asserting my independence and reclaiming my life. "Thank you, Archie. I will make sure to fulfill my promise and return as agreed."
Archie's expression softened slightly, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for something. "Alisha, you seem to be different."
I paused and then wore a faint smile. I said secretly in my heart, "Yes, Archie, you're right. I am different now, because I have decide to stop loving you anymore."