Archie’s POV
The poignant ache that tightly gripped my heart as I saw Alisha's tear-streaked countenance. Since Alisha married me, she always smiled at me, like a cute chattering songbird flitting around me, telling me jokes and keeping me entertained, filling my space with laughter and lightheartedness. Sometimes, I found her constant chatter irritating and noisy, so amid her endless prattle, I hoped she could be quieter.
However, I didn’t know why our interactions began to shift. Lately, every encounter with Alisha seemed to escalate into conflict, arguments, and her tears. Now, Alisha was like an intricate canvas, painted with the hues of emotional scars, a striking contrast to the happy bird I had come to know. The vibrant aura of her laughter had dimmed, replaced by eyes simmering with a medley of emotions – a symphony of resentment and defiance that seemed to echo in the quiet space between us.
I had convinced myself that her mood was just off lately and needed time to adjust, but the alarm bells sounded within me when I observed her interactions with both Louie and Gray in Blood Dawn – a warning chime of disquiet that stirred a tempestuous storm within my heart. I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Just as my wolf had warned, they both had a design on Alisha. A sense of unprecedented unease and crisis enveloped me. I couldn’t allow Alisha leave me. I wanted to bring happiness and laughter to her, and I couldn't bear to see more tears streaming down her face, so I I leaned down with an air of tenderness, my lips brushing against the trails of saltwater that glistened on her skin, leaving behind a trail of feather-light kisses.
Alisha looked at me with wide eyes, seemingly unable to believe what was happening. Alisha's gaze met mine, and within her eyes danced a mix of astonishment and disbelief, her voice a soft, almost breathless question, "Wha... what are you doing?"
A soft chuckle, imbued with a hint of wistfulness, escaped me as I continued to grace her face with those gentle kisses, my response carrying a trace of playfulness, "Kissing you. Don’t you understand?"
Alisha stood momentarily captivated, her blinking eyes reflecting the lisht of realization. Then, as if unable to contain her astonishment, her voice rang out – a blend of incredulity and exasperation, "What the hell? Mireya is right here, watching, and you... how can you!"
One of my eyebrows quirked in playful amusement as I regarded her, a mischievous glint dancing in my eyes. With a jesting lilt in my voice, I replied, "I believe I possess the freedom to show affection to my wife. Or am I required to secure Mireya's approval for kissing my wife?" I was teasing her on purpose, but I was clear, beneath the layers of jest and amusement, a depth of longing and emotion simmered.
Alisha's initial incredulity slowly transformed into sheer rage and frustration, her words tumbling forth in a mix of astonishment and determination,
"Fuck! Ever since we got married, you've disliked me. Sometimes, you find even talking to me annoying, let alone kissing me! I used to wrap my arms around your neck, and you'd refuse to kiss me. Now, I don't want your kisses!"
“Don’t you forget that you kissed me last time? When you were drunk in the tub, asking me to help you shower, holding my waist and kissing me very…”
Before I could finish my words, Alisha shouted, "Shut up, no more talking!" Alisha's exasperation flushed her cheeks.
"Well, it seems that someone is feeling rather bashful," I remarked playfully, my tone a gentle tease. With a glance towards Mireya, I added on purpose, "Mireya, your Luna is too shy, so you can leave now to attend to our packing. Alisha and I have some private matters to discuss. Your presence makes her intense now.“
Mireya, quick to understand the situation, nodded with a knowing smile before leaving the room. Alisha's embarrassment deepened, her indignant voice cutting through the air, "Absurd! It's daylight, and there's nothing to discuss. Just leave me alone!" As she shouted, she wriggled and squirmed, managing to wrest her hands free before hastily cocooning herself beneath the covers.
I watched Alisha's spirited defiance with a growing amusement. This vibrant display was far away from the tearful vulnerability I had seen earlier, and I found myself drawn to her spirited energy.
With the bundled covers in hand, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. I gave the covers a gentle shake and inquired, "Alisha? Come out! We need to go now."
From within the bundle, her voice muffled and firm, "Go away!"
Undeterred, I continued to shake the covers, but this time, a conspicuous silence greeted me. After a pause, I sighed audibly and, deliberately exaggerating each action, I strolled to the door. The hinges creaked in theatrical protest as I swung it open and then, with quite steps, I returned to the bedside, arms crossed, and watched the cover “ball” with an air of mock patience. It felt as if I were a wolf, poised in stillness, waiting for the cute rabit to make its move.
The room filled with a palpable tension, an unspoken challenge hanging between us. It was a playful dance, a test of wills, and I was content to wait, patient and unmoving, for the "rabbit" to emerge from its hiding place.
I bet Alisha won't be able to stand the stuffy air under the covers for much longer. After a while, a pair of hands emerged stealthily, gripping the edge of the blanket and gently revealing her features. First, her smooth forehead was unveiled, followed by the elegant curve of her eyebrows, and finally, her bright, watchful eyes peeked out from their cozy hiding place, discreetly observing the direction of the door. They widened the moment they Those eyes widened in surprise the moment they spotted me standing by the bed.
Seeing those eyes, I immediately flashed a victorious smile. Alisha's hands tightened around the blanket, attempting to pull it back up, but I quickly intervened, gently stopping her. In one swift motion, I lifted the blanket and tossed it onto the carpet, then leaned down to embrace her.
"Let me go!" Alisha began to kick her legs and twist her body, trying to break free.
"You have two options now," I said calmly, "either cooperate me to go with me, or I'll carry you all the way. Mireya will take care of your clothes; you can change at Shaunda's place after we get there."
Alisha looked at me, biting her lips, eventually relenting, "Let me go, I'll walk myself."
I knew I couldn't tease her further; otherwise, she'd genuinely get angry, and then I'd have to soothe her. So, I released her and watched as she wiped her mouth and face in annoyance, glared at me, and then stormed downstairs to the car.
During the journey to Angel Island, Alisha didn't speak to me. Once we landed, we took a car to my grandmother's residence. I took a moment to address the butler, instructing, "Our luggage is in the car. Please ensure it's taken care of." Alisha shot me a glare in response. I offered a light pat to the top of her head and whispered, "Remember, be careful in front of Shaunda. Don’t let her worry.”
Hearing my words, Alisha adjusted her expression, took a deep breath, and anxiously asked the butler, "Where is Shaunda now?"
"She's in the garden, Luna," the butler replied. Alisha worried about Shaunda’s health, her hurried steps echoing her eagerness.
I followed at a leisurely pace, not eager to rush. But before I could reach the garden, I heard a familiar but annoying male voice from within, asking with glee and excitement, "Alisha! I am so glad to see you here!"