Archie's POV
Observing the genuine discomfort etched across Alisha's features as she reluctantly consumed the medicine in the video Mireya had forwarded, a twinge of discomfort tugged at my heart. I took a moment to ponder before initiating a private mindlink conversation with Brad, "I remember Alisha once expressed interest in a Porsche sports car, but she didn't buy it. After this meeting, prepare one for her."
Then I switched to texting Alisha, aiming to convey my approval and encouragement. "Good, Alisha. I prepare a gift tonight."
As I stared at my phone screen, three minutes slipped away, yet no response came from Alisha. A frown creased my brow involuntarily, a mix of concern and annoyance beginning to simmer in my heart.
Sensing my unease, Brad interjected into the ongoing discussion within the meeting room, his voice respectful yet inquisitive. "Mr. Redner?"
Shifting my attention from the phone to the manager who was presenting data, I adopted a measured tone. "Your figures appear inconsistent with the data provided in the previous report."
Quick to acknowledge the discrepancy, the manager promptly apologized for the oversight. The meeting continued, while my thoughts remained on Alisha and the unusual delay in her response. Apprehension mounted, prompting me to initiate another mindlink to Mireya.
"What is Alisha occupied with at the moment, Mireya?"
"Alpha, Luna is busy with a phone conversation."
Getting the response eased my worry a bit. I casually asked,"Wait! Whom is she speaking with?"
"It seems to be someone named Gray."
The mere mention of that name ignited a surge of anger within me. I had a lot of work piled up on the company side due to the terrible trip to Blood Dawn with Alisha, so I had to rush over for this meeting to handle the work after preparing the medicine for Alisha. Therefore, I had no time to talk with Alisha about her relationship with Louie and Gray. Now, I am burdened with the pressing tasks of the company, only to discover that Alisha had been secretly communicating with Gray.
How could she act so boldly, reaching out to Gray behind my back? The audacity of her actions left me seething with a mix of rage and betrayal.
"What did she say to Gray?" I asked angrily.
Mireya seemed to sense my anger through the mindlink, her voice wavering slightly. "It seems that Gray is planning to visit Luna soon, and Luna is planning to invite him for dinner. He seems to be an outstanding were..."
I couldn't tolerate her words any longer. Cutting her off abruptly, I snapped, "Enough, Mireya. Watch over Alisha. She is not to leave the Golden Crest until I return."
Thinking back to the time at Blood Dawn when Gray had hinted about coming to see Alisha, rage surged through my mind, and with each passing second, my fury intensified. How could Gray dare to set foot on my territory, attempting to approach Alisha again? It was a blatant provocation, a challenge that he must pay the price.
An intrusive thought flickered through my mind. I should lock Alisha away to prevent her from meeting Gray. And at the same time, I would find Gray to kick him out, teach him a lesson so he wouldn't dare to contact Alisha anymore.
"No, Archie, believe me, locking up Alisha is not a good idea." My wolf's voice echoed in my thoughts, like a calming breeze.
I countered, "Why not? What if she secretly goes to see Gray?"
"Can't you think of another approach? I bet if you lock Alisha up, she won't forgive you. Don't forget, she only agreed to live with you for a week. Time is almost up, and if you try to lock her up, you're practically forcing her to leave. You're so capable and effective when managing the company or fighting on the battlefield, but when it comes to romance or comforting your wife, you are just a fool." My wolf blamed me.
I impatiently asked, "Then what do you suggest I do?"
"You can arrange for Alisha to go on a vacation elsewhere," my wolf's advice flowed into my consciousness. "Alisha was injured before and needs proper rest, take this opportunity to find a beautiful place and go on a vacation with her. This way, Gray won't be able to find her and you can spend a wonderful time with her. Isn't this a better than locking her? I suspect that if it weren't for your grandmother choosing Alisha as your wife, you, a fool with such terrible personality, would probably end up lonely for your whole life!"
In that moment, a spark of revelation ignited within me, a plan taking shape. Urgently, I informed Mireya to swiftly pack Alisha's belongings, my mind racing with the newfound scheme. After the meeting ended, I raced back home. In haste, I strode into the bedroom, but my entrance was met with a sudden onslaught—a flying pillow that collided with my face before I could react. My reflexes kicked in, and I deftly caught the projectile mid-air, my brows knitting together as I faced Alisha, who lounged on the bed. "What are you trying to do? Have you gone mad? Is this how you welcome your husband home from work?"
Alisha's visage radiated anger, her retort dripping with hatred, "You were about to have Mireya lock me up, so who's going to welcome you?"
Caught off guard by her response and mindful of the counsel my wolf had shared, I found myself sputtering for a moment before regaining my composure. "Mireya must have misunderstood me. I never intended to confine you."
Alisha's skeptical gaze bore into me as she questioned, her voice laced with suspicion, "Really? I want to go out. I want to go shopping with Nova!"
The answer surged from within me, fueled by concern and a touch of possessiveness. "No, you can't go out!" The words were out before I could fully consider the implications, my mind racing with worries of potential encounters with Gray or other damn guys.
Alisha's reaction was swift, her lips clenched in defiance, a clear expression of her unhappiness. Yet, in that very moment, my wolf's words sounded, "Bro, don't forget what I taught before! Stop putting on your fucking poker face!"
I took a deep breath to calm myself. Then I approached the bedside and seated myself, my voice adopting a softer tone. "Don't be so quick to get angry. I never intended to restrict your freedom. The reason I'm not letting you go out is because, well, my grandmother, Shaunda, misses us. She hopes we can come visit her. You surely wouldn't want to refuse her invitation, right? So, I've already had Mireya pack our things, and we're about to leave. If you go out to play now, we won't have enough time."