Archer - Chapter 5

Lavina – POV

I stood still, grappling with his question. "Archer, I need to be clear with you. I can't return your feelings," I said, trying to put as much honesty into my voice as possible. His face was a blank canvas of emotions, unreadable. He sighed heavily after holding my gaze for what felt like an eternity.

"Lavina, you've always rejected me. I thought I'd take one last chance to voice my feelings," Archer replied, the pain evident in his eyes. "Before I leave, do you still see me as that playboy? I've told you countless times I have changed."

"Archer, it's not about what you say. It's about the actions you take. And so far, it seems you can't keep your promises," I retorted.

He closed the distance between us, his presence almost overwhelming. "What are you trying to say?" he questioned, searching my eyes.

"Nothing," I murmured, my resolve waning. "You should go. I've sworn off dating. I'm done with men." I tried to walk away, but Archer grabbed my wrist, pulling me back into his orbit. Before I could react, his lips found mine. I gasped, shocked by the sudden intimacy. But as the kiss deepened, I found myself melting into it. Not even my ex-mate had ever made me feel this way.

Breaking away, Archer smirked, "Liar. Your body reacts differently to me."

I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "I won't chase you anymore," Archer said, his voice soft but firm. He then climbed into his car, leaving me in the parking lot, a mix of guilt and longing gnawing at me. Why had I let myself get so close? Why hadn't I been the one to break away first?

I sighed, walking back to my apartment. After changing into more comfortable clothes, I saw a text from Alice checking in on me. Though I wanted to call her back and spill everything, my exhaustion took over. I'd have to talk to her later. As I lay down, Archer's words echoed in my mind. Even though he said he was done chasing, why did it feel like I had lost something precious?

I can't let myself think this way. Before I even considered marrying Keenan, there was a time when I thought about a future with Archer. But I clearly remember Archer's mother, Luna Nicole, telling me that while Archer had deep feelings for me, we had no mate bond. Respectfully, Luna Nicole asked me to give Archer space, hinting that she might want Archer to court a she-wolf and not me. But it wasn't just her subtle hints. Alpha Rowen, Archer's father, was far more direct. He sternly warned me to stay away from his son. He had plans for Archer to marry a she-wolf, not a dragon, as he believed a hybrid child would be "impure."

At the time, I considered disregarding their wishes and pursuing Archer. But my heart shattered when I saw him getting intimate with a blonde. It was a painful reminder: Archer might never leave behind his playboy ways. I couldn't be with a man who was so reckless with his affections. Waiting for someone indeed committed seemed like the right thing to do. That day, I resolved never to fall for Archer's charms again.

Now, in the solitude of my apartment, I hugged myself, feeling an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

*****

The week flew by, consumed by work and the murmurings of town gossip. Rumors circulated that Keenan had been laying low after the incident, his pride seemingly wounded. He was on the hunt for the real culprit behind the staged scene.

"Hey, cousin sis!" Alice's voice cut through my thoughts as she walked in, her smile radiant. The tantalizing aroma of food wafted in with her. She held an apple pie, my absolute favorite.

Alice began unwrapping the freshly baked treat she'd made especially for me. "What's the occasion for this apple pie? Don't tell me you're expecting your second child," I teased. I felt an odd shift in the room, as though two energies were present, and Alice's rosy blush confirmed my suspicion.

"I am! I thought I'd bring over an apple pie to share the good news," Alice said, her face beaming with joy. Overwhelmed with happiness, I wrapped her in a tight hug.

Alice then proceeded to slice the pie and serve it. As we savored each bite, we reveled in the joy of the news she'd just shared.

"You truly are a goddess when it comes to baking," I complimented, taking another bite of the delicious pie. Alice's face lit up with a proud smile.

"I've heard you had quite the adventure at Keenan's wedding," Alice remarked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I sighed, realizing it was time to share. I delved into the wedding details, taking advantage of what Archer said. Alice's eyebrows shot up in surprise. I rarely spoke to her about Archer; this was the first time I had opened up so candidly.

"Wait, Archer proposed to you? I never imagined he could be that serious," Alice exclaimed in disbelief. Just then, Nancy walked in, sensing the mood of surprise. She shot a curious look at both of us. Without missing a beat, Alice quickly filled Nancy in on the revelation.

Nancy's eyes widened, "Oh my god! Why did you turn him down? Don't you find him attractive? He's undeniably handsome."

"It's not just about appearances," I retorted, trying to keep my emotions in check. "If Archer is going to hop from one woman to another even after marriage, how can I trust him?" Alice and Nancy exchanged a strange glance.

"Why are you two exchanging those knowing looks?" I asked, sensing there was something they weren't telling me.

"Do you know about the recent gossip surrounding Archer, Lavina?" Alice inquired.

I sighed, "During my marriage, I was caught up in personal commitments and rarely ventured into social circles. Plus, my father-in-law wanted me constantly by my mother-in-law's side in the Dragon Realm due to her illness." Memories flooded back, and I felt a pang of bitterness. I remembered the relentless demands of my ex-father-in-law. His verbal abuse was unbearable, but I endured it, not wanting to distress Keenan.

"After you got married, Archer reportedly changed his ways. Rumor has it he stopped his casual flings with women and became more focused and mature," Alice shared.

I felt a jolt of surprise. "Why am I only hearing about this now?" I asked.

"Lavina, every time we met, you seemed overwhelmed and unhappy, pouring out your troubles about your in-laws and Keenan. It was just a rumor about Archer, and I didn't want to add to your stress. Besides, given your evident disdain for Archer, I thought, why burden you with such news?" Alice explained. As her words sank in, realization dawned on me. Did Archer genuinely have feelings for me? Were his confessions and actions rooted in genuine emotions?

"Speaking of Archer," Nancy chimed in, dousing any budding hope I had, "He's getting engaged tomorrow." The weight of Alpha Rowen's warning pressed on me, a threat – to stay away from his son if I cherished my life. The memory sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"I need to pick out a dress for the engagement party. Alice, can you help me with that?" I asked, eager to change the subject. Alice nodded in agreement.

As I drove Alice home after our shopping spree, she gave me a discerning look. "Lavina, something's troubling you. You've been keeping a lot from me," she observed.

"Alice, don't be overly concerned about me. I'll be okay. Right now, I'm just ecstatic about you becoming a mother again. It's a joyous occasion, and I want to focus on celebrating that," I replied, forcing a smile. Alice let out a deep sigh, her worries evident.

"You're family, Lavina. Always remember to turn to me when things become too much," Alice said, her voice laced with concern. I nodded, appreciating her unwavering support.

****

I wore an elegant, full-sleeveless red dress with black strappy heels the following day. After styling my hair and applying makeup, I used a vial to teleport to the wolf realm. Unusually, I felt dizzy post-teleportation, an experience I'd never had before.

Upon arrival, I saw that the Pack's area was beautifully decorated. Members were dressed in their finest attire, radiating excitement. I noticed Alice waving energetically at me, holding Zendaya, her daughter. James, Alice's husband, was beside her. Ella Hart, the dragon queen, and Darcus, the dragon king, were present, though their son was noticeably absent.

"You look simply stunning," Alice remarked.

"I second that," Ella added, her eyes appraising me. "You seem different, more radiant. It's as if happiness has found you again."

I felt a warmth spread within me from their compliments. "Thank you, Alice and Ella," I responded, touched.

"It's hard to believe Archer is getting engaged," Ella mused. "Seems he's finally taking the idea of an arranged mate seriously."

Alpha Rowen and Luna Nicole approached us with welcoming smiles as we spoke. But, beneath the pleasantries, I felt the unmistakable weight of Alpha Rowen's cold gaze and Luna Nicole's deliberate indifference towards me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice's expression harden, evidently displeased by their behavior.

"Come on, sis," Alice interjected, her tone sharper than usual. "Let's greet Archer. I've had enough of formalities for now." She steered me away, and as we left, James glared at Alpha Rowen and Luna Nicole, clearly understanding Alice's frustration.

As we walked, Alice turned to me. "What's going on, Lavina?" she pressed. Before I could divulge the truth, an announcement interrupted us. I saw Archer, immaculately dressed in a tuxedo, arm in arm with a striking woman with fiery red hair. Although Archer met my gaze, the warmth I had once seen was absent. He offered a mere nod of acknowledgment. My heart ached at the sight of Archer and his fiancée, Eden, exchanging rings under the priest's blessings. As applause erupted around me, a strange unease consumed me as though my very being was aflame.

Suddenly, Alice's alarmed voice pierced the din. "Lavina!" She was by my side in an instant, supporting my faltering frame.

"I'm okay," I managed to whisper. Alice ushered me away from the crowds to a more secluded area where I could breathe.

"Lavina," a new, familiar voice addressed me, demanding my attention.