Archie’s POV
Upon hearing Alisha's question, my thoughts involuntarily froze for a moment. It was indeed a fact that I rarely indulged in these sweet pastries. There was a phase when Alisha used to craft a lot of desserts, a habit that admittedly annoyed me. Luckily, her enthusiasm for creating sweet treats eventually waned, allowing me to escape the inundation of confectionery creations that might have otherwise cluttered my life.
What’s more, Alisha's question showed that she still cared about my preferences. Yet, witnessing Gray's unabashed enjoyment of Alisha’s apple pie beside me stirred an unexpected pang of anger. While I had no interest on Alisha’s apple pie, Gray was relishing every bite, all while garnering Alisha’s undivided attention. In response, I addressed Alisha, "Today, I want to try a different flavor. Give me a slice of the apple pie."
Alisha glanced at me from top to bottom, her brows slightly furrowing, and then she replied in a tone that carried an edge of detachment, "I didn't set aside a portion for you."
I felt an immediate surge of irritation, "You prepared for those fucking guys but not for me? Well then, they shouldn't eat either. Serve all the pie for me right now!"
Alisha's eyes discreetly flickered towards the others, each immersed in their enjoyment of the apple pie. She lowered her voice, leaning in, and responded lowly, "Please keep your voice down! It's just an apple pie, after all. Weren't you the one who declined when I offered it earlier? And now you want to grab it all?"
As I observed the expressions of sheer delight on Louie's and Gray's faces while they savored the apple pie, an inexplicable pang of frustration clawed at me. It felt as though they had laid claim to something profoundly meaningful, something that should rightfully have been mine. This emotional surge of annoyance compelled my words through clenched teeth, "no matter what you say, but I have to remind you, Shaunda is here. Guess what will she say if I complain to Shaunda and tell her you deliberately didn't make my food, trying to starve me?”
Alisha's glare matched mine, and she continued her scolding in low voice, "With the amount of seafood laid out on this table, how could you even go hungry? Don't go out of your way to stir up unnecessary drama!"
My brow furrowed, a sullen pout etched onto my face, "I detest seafood, and it's not like you're unaware of that fact! How could you forget that your husband has an aversion to seafood? Just take a look at the table – there was no dish I would rather touch." My discontent fueled my grumbling, "You didn't prepare my food at all, was that intentional?"
Our secret exchange seemed to have snagged Shaunda's attention. Her mindlink reached out, inquiring about the commotion. I shifted my gaze between Alisha, who clung to the plate of apple pie, and I quietly told Alisha, "Grandma is asking me what happened between us. Should I relay the wonderful deeds you've been up to?"
Alisha's gaze slid toward me, a shade of guilt flickering in her eyes before she turned away. "Alright, alright! I'll go make your food! Stop tattling all the time! Just like a child!" With an exasperated tone, she set the plate of apple pie in the heart of the table and then made her way toward the kitchen.
Others looked at us. My attention shifted to Shaunda, and I intentionally raised my voice, ensuring my words reached every one’s ears, "Alisha knows well enough that these dishes don't suit me, so she is stepping into the kitchen to make something suited for my taste." My eyes held a certain satisfaction as I cast a pointed look at both Louie and Gray.
Louie's chewing slowed, his gaze drifting into contemplation. Meanwhile, Gray remained unflinchingly focused on devouring the apple pie, his words slightly muffled as he continued, "You're a rather finicky fellow, aren't you? Rejecting such a delectable apple pie and a seafood feast. Being your wife must be quite a task!"
Raising an eyebrow in response, I retorted, "You, who hasn't even managed to acquire a girlfriend, think you have the authority to poke your nose into my matters? I'd wager you've never been on the receiving end of gifts or treats from a girlfriend!"
Gray taunted, "Even if I had a girlfriend, I would respect her and protect her, not go overboard like some people."
I sensed that Gray was accusing me. Before I retorted, Alisha came out of the kitchen with a plate of sausages. She placed it before me with a smile, her eyes dancing with mischief as she softly spoke, " know these are your favorite, specially prepared for you. I forgot to bring them out earlier. Have a try and I hope you would like them."
A childish glint sparkled in her gaze, and I couldn't help but wonder what mischievous plan she had concocted. However, in front of Shaunda, I had no intention of exposing her. So, I decided to perform with her along. I leveled a challenging gaze at Gray and responded with practiced charm, "I appreciate your thoughtfulness in catering to my taste buds. Thank you so much."
Putting a piece of sausage into my mouth, I chewed hesitantly, only to be greeted by an overpowering burst of pungency. My wolf within growled vehemently, "Damn it! Garlic!" Nausea churned within me, threatening to surface.
Garlic is my least favorite food; even the smell of it makes me nauseous. Alisha never cooked dishes with garlic, for she was clear I couldn’t stand that peculiar taste. Damn it, she did the sausage on purpose! I was about to spit out the sausage, but Alisha grabbed a piece from the plate, put it in her mouth, chewed it thoroughly, and while still chewing, she smiled, and her voice carried a note of cheerfulness, "Well, I prepared your favorite garlic-infused sausages. You must finish them all today!"