Alisha's POV
My heart raced, entangled in a web of conflicting emotions as Archie's manipulative tactics took hold. The conversation I had overheard between Joey and Evita earlier that night echoed persistently in my thoughts, adding weight to my growing concerns about Joey's mysterious solo trip into the foreboding Dark Forest. Though the true intentions behind his actions remained unknown, an important premonition warned me that he was entangled in something dangerous. Yet, before I had a chance to make it clear, I couldn't take the risk that Archie's impulsive nature might let Joey get alerted. For now, I had no other option but to feign compliance with Archie's demands, hoping that my facade would shield my loved grandma from harm.
Suppressing my pride, I mustered a facade of compliance, trying to keep my voice steady, "Alright, Archie. Let's go back to Golden Crest together." Even as I uttered those words, my heart pounded with resolve, silently vowing to divorce this bastard as soon as possible.
Archie's face lit up with a self-satisfied smirk, treating my compliance as a personal victory. Feeling apologetic towards Gray and Louie, who cared deeply for me, I exchanged a fleeting glance of remorse with them. I knew they sensed that something was amiss, but I couldn't risk revealing the truth at this delicate moment. The weight of the truth pressed upon my conscience, urging me to act carefully and wisely.
As Archie enveloped me possessively in his arms, I tried speaking in a low voice, "I agreed to go back with you. Can you let go now? I can walk on my own."
Ignoring my plea, Archie sneered at Louie, "See, she chose me in the end. You should learn your place, little wolf." Louie's voice remained firm and filled with concern, "Alisha, are you sure about this?" His eyes searched mine, showing his unwavering determination not to give up on me. I wished I could explain everything to him, but I had to be cautious with my words. The gravity of the situation compelled me to keep my secrets close to my chest.
Meeting Louie's gaze, I silently conveyed my desperate need for his understanding, hoping he wouldn't act impulsively. "It's alright, Louie. Believe me," I replied, forcing a smile that barely masked my inner turmoil. Then, I turned to Gray, "Gray, thank you for your help today, and you're welcome to come visit me in the East."
Just as I finished my words, Louie interjected with a threatening tone, "I forbid it!" His territorial nature was on full display, further complicating our already tense situation.
My patience drained at Archie's continued attempts to control me. So, without hesitation, I reached out and firmly grabbed a chunk of flesh around Archie's waist, twisting it with strength fueled by rage and determination. Although his muscles were solid, my sharp nails elicited a grimace of pain from him. Refusing to back down this time, I spoke slowly and firmly, "You stay out of my business, and I'll say it again, put me DOWN!"
Archie's reluctant expression showed he was momentarily taken aback by my bold defiance, finally giving in to my demand and releasing his hold on me. As my feet touched the ground, I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that my actions had momentarily disrupted his control over me.
As I set foot on the ground, I turned to Gray and Louie, my eyes filled with gratitude.
"I will, for sure! I hope I can have the honor of having you as my guides!" Gray responded to my earlier invitation while giving Archie a provocative look, a silent challenge that further stoked the tension in the air.
This time, I didn't wait for Archie to respond or say anything further. Annoyed by his presence, I briskly walked away, no longer willing to show him any respect. Yet, despite my quick pace, it didn't take long for him to catch up, his long legs covering the ground effortlessly. Curse him and his infuriating ability to close the distance!
All I wanted was to escape from his grasp. But as we approached the grand banquet hall, Archie seemed to think of something. He suddenly grabbed my arm from behind, halting me in my tracks, "Wait, Alisha!"
I turned around, irritation evident on my face, and frowned, "What is it now?"
His voice carried a hint of excitement as he spoke, "The banquet hall is a perfect opportunity. Otherwise, our trip here would be in vain."
"Gray's succession ceremony should be over by now. What more could you possibly want?" I retorted, exasperation creeping into my tone. But Archie didn't answer; instead, he stubbornly pulled me closer to him. He seemed to glance over my hand, and then he looked satisfied and turned his attention towards the bustling banquet hall. There, numerous werewolf nobles from different packs were gathered, engaging in lively conversations and enjoying sumptuous feasts. Among them, several stunning she-wolves stood out, exuding an air of elegance and allure that captivated the attention of many. Among those alluring figures, I even spotted Erma and Evita, who just made me feel awful.
Smirking, I realized why Archie had halted. It seemed he wanted to rendezvous with his mistress, Erma, in the midst of this grand gathering.
I crossed my arms defiantly, taunting Archie, "You were in such a hurry to leave just now, but now you can't bear to go when you see certain people?"
Annoyed, Archie retorted, "What are you talking about? Come with me to the hall quickly while it's crowded now." With that, he put his arm around my waist, eager to lead me towards the hall as if nothing were amiss.
However, I wasn't about to play the fool and watch my husband flatter with his mistress in front of all these werewolf nobles. I struggled angrily, determined to resist his selfish demands, "Get away, you can go by yourself. I'm leaving now!"
As Gray and Louie approached, catching up with us, Archie turned his head to glare at them, stopping them to come close, then whispered to me through gritted teeth, "Ten thousand dollars!"
Instantly, I understood his meaning; he wanted to offer me money once again, hoping it would persuade me to comply. "What a joke! Do you think I'll accept just because you're offering money? Dream on!"
Archie's eyes narrowed, a sly grin forming on his face as he upped the ante, "One hundred thousand!"
Hearing that audacious number, I nearly choked on my words and rolled my eyes in disbelief, "Hmph, I have my self-respect, and I won't easily abandon my principles for money."
Archie chuckled, his eyes filled with mockery, "Oh? I was prepared to give you a million. Seems like you don't need it. Forget it then, I won't force you."
"One million! Deal!" If I could get one million dollars, who cared about these basbarads?