NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Unlucky not weak
"You're awfully obedient today." Archer murmured against her ear, a smug sly grin tugging at his lips as they approached the grand double glass doors of the hall where the banquet was held. Archer's arm was firmly looped around Haelyn's waist, keeping her close. His arm relished the softness of her exposed back skin
Haelyn shot him a glare,her jaw tightening slightly. "Do you ever stop trying to be so annoying?"
"Not when I'm enjoying myself this much." He teased, slightly leaning down to whisper in her ears. "Still sore from last night,my little Luna?"
Haelyn felt her cheeks flush,though she tried to mask it with a cool demeanor. She hated how effortlessly he could get under her skin.
"You're so lucky there's a crowd and witnessess, or I'd…."
"You'd what?" Archer interrupted smoothly, his amusement evident in his grin and eyes. "You can't do much, little wolf. Smile now…or at least pretend to. We are here."
The banquet doors swung open smoothly and the sound of clinking glasses with polite, pretentious laughter greeted them. Haelyn plastered a serene smile on as she let Archer guide her inside, his hand resting on the small of her back with his Beta Xander, Artemis and Ravi trailing closely behind them.
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The atmosphere was a bit suffocating for Haelyn. She had never liked crowds or crowded places but tonight,she had to maintain her composure. Nodding politely to the variously Alphas and guests that passed them by. Archer was being Archer,ever the socialite, commanding and charming the room with his charm, while Haelyn played the role of his perfect Luna.
Behind them, Artemis remained unusually quiet. Ravi noticed,he leaned closer to him. "Alpha,you've been distracted all evening," he murmured. "Something on your mind?"
Artemis didn't answer,his gaze remained fixated on Haelyn, who was chatting with another Luna from another pack across the room. Her soft laugh didn't do much to hide the sharpness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. He knew why. He'd heard everything the night before, His brother claiming her as his mate,though he wished he hadn't.
"Alpha?" Ravi prompted again.
"I'm fine," Artemis replied curtly cutting Ravi off, though his eyes were still on her
From across the room, Archer's gaze suddenly shifted and he noticed the exchange. His eyes followed his brother's gaze and they landed on Haelyn. A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he excused himself from a group of Alphas and made his way towards Artemis.
"You're awfully distracted tonight, little brother." Archer said casually leaning back against the hall's bar, taking a sip from his glass of wine.
"Focus on your guests, Archer," Artemis replied without looking at him.
Archer chuckled, stepping beside him and following his gaze to Haelyn. She was engrossed in conversation, her hands moving animatedly as she spoke. Her beauty seemed effortless, even amidst the grandeur of the evening.
"Isn't she ethereal?" Archer asked, his voice almost wistful.
Artemis turned his head sharply, meeting Archer's amused gaze. He knew what his brother was doing and refused to rise to the bait. "Yes, she is," he said simply.
"Good," Archer said, his tone darkening slightly. "Because she's mine, and I'd tear down the world to keep it that way." He clapped Artemis on the shoulder, flashing him a cocky smile before walking away.
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Haelyn excused herself from the group after a while, needing a moment of reprieve. She slipped away quietly and headed to the restroom, grateful for the solitude. But her relief was short-lived when she ran into Layla, her stepsister, near the mirrors.
"Haelyn," Layla drawled, her voice laced with mockery. "What a surprise. Still clinging to your little virgin act?"
Haelyn stiffened, refusing to engage. She turned to leave, but Layla stepped in her way, smirking.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Layla sneered. "Or is it that your beast of a husband finally tamed you?"
The words stung more than they should have, especially after everything that had happened the night before. Haelyn's hand moved on instinct, the sharp slap echoing in the tiled restroom.
Layla gasped, holding her cheek. "You…"
Haelyn didn't wait. She turned and walked out, her heart pounding, but she barely made it a few steps before Layla caught up to her. Grabbing a fistful of Haelyn's hair, Layla yanked her back.
"You think you can just walk away from me?" Layla hissed.
Haelyn spun around, shoving Layla hard enough to send her stumbling to the floor. Before she could react further, her father and stepmother appeared, drawn by the commotion.
"What's going on here?" her father barked.
"She attacked me!" Layla wailed from the floor, crocodile tears streaming down her face.
"Haelyn," her stepmother snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. "What have you done now?"
Haelyn clenched her fists, her composure slipping. "She started it. But of course, you'd never believe me."
Her father's hand shot out, striking her across the face. "Watch your tone. You're nothing but a disgrace, always causing trouble."
Haelyn's eyes burned, but she refused to cry. "Why do you hate me so much?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I'm your child too."
"You're no child of mine," he spat. "You killed your mother. You should've died instead."
The words cut deeper than any physical blow. Around them, a crowd began to gather, murmuring in hushed tones. Haelyn felt the weight of every stare, every whispered word.
Her stepbrother Malcolm stepped forward, his expression twisted with malice. "Maybe a few more slaps will knock some sense into you," he said, raising his hand.
Before he could strike, his wrist was caught mid-air.
Artemis.
His grip on Malcolm's wrist was ironclad, his eyes blazing with fury. "Touch her, and I'll break every bone in your body," he growled.
Archer appeared beside him, his presence commanding. His gaze swept over the scene, landing on Haelyn's tear-streaked face. His expression darkened.
"Enough," Archer said coldly, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "Nobody has the right to hurt her. She's mine, and I'll destroy anyone who dares lay a finger on her again."
Layla tried to step forward, her expression coy. "Archer, I…"
"Don't," Artemis snapped, his disgust evident. "You're pathetic."
Ignoring her, Archer turned to Haelyn. She looked small, fragile, but her eyes held defiance. Without a word, he scooped her into his arms, cradling her as if she were made of glass.
"We're leaving," he announced, his tone brooking no argument. His pack immediately fell in line, following him out of the banquet hall.
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The car ride home was silent. Haelyn sat in the back with Archer, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past. She felt hollow, her father's words echoing in her mind.
Archer watched her carefully, his usual arrogance replaced with something softer. "Cry if you want to," he said gently.
She shook her head, her voice quiet but firm. "The whole world wants me to. Even you, Alpha. But I won't. None of you deserve my tears. I'm unlucky, not weak."
Her words struck something deep within him. He reached out, but she leaned further against the window, creating distance between them.
For the first time, Archer didn't push. Instead, he sat back, his expression unreadable, and let her have her silence.