Adult-FanFiction.org : Comics

Heart of the Wolf	By : Misskiki47 Category: Comics > Archie & Co. Views: 7419 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own this Archie Comics Inc. fandom or the characters. They belong to Archie Comics, Inc. They belong to Archie Comics. I make no money for this story.This story is for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
     “Mom and Daddy, I’m sorry you have to go through all of this drama. I just want you both to be ready for it to get worse because I’m sending him divorce papers soon.” They all had a big laugh over how many times a day Archie called to see if they could get Betty to call him. But after the laughter, she felt embarrassed about how Archie was harassing her parents.
     “Don’t you worry about us, dear. We just want you to be happy. We’re sure he’s going to look for you, so please be careful.” Archie’s desperate actions after Betty left made them very nervous. He had an aura of danger around him that was frightening. But they didn’t want to scare Betty with their misgivings. They always knew he was not the right man for their child.
     “Let him look. But he has a lot of nerve to claim he loves me. Now that’s enough talk about Archie. Thanks for all of your support. I love you both. Ethel and I have a good thing going here. I want you two to be ready to come to our first, ever fashion show, whenever that is. I know we’re good, even if it sounds like I’m bragging like Reg… uh a conceited person for admitting the clothes are great.” Betty stopped herself from mentioning Reggie’s name. Her parents noticed, but did not comment on it. They smiled at each other briefly.
     They were happy to hear the excitement and confidence in their daughter’s voice. She was sounding like her old self; cheerful, self-assured and optimistic. The Coopers could not have had a better gift than to come up for her first fashion show in New York. “The collections are almost finished. I just have to make some final adjustments, and then we’re ready.”
     Betty sent her parents photos of her, and they couldn’t believe how wonderful she looked. Betty looked like a movie star; where before she had been pixie-like and cute, now she was stunning. She definitely did not look like the old lady she had become when they had seen her last. Her hair was in finger curls and hung down her back. Ethel refused to let her cut it off the way she wanted. In fact she had her hair stylist add extensions and made it longer and fuller
    In one photo, she was wearing a tight black sheath mini dress with four inch heels that made her legs go on forever. Her mother had shown her good friend, Vicky Mantle the recent pictures of the new Betty. “Oh my God, Alice! She’s more beautiful than ever. She looks better than those skinny models out there! My son will flip when he sees her!”
     They laughed at the thought and wished they could see Reggie’s face when he saw Betty again.
***
     A few nights later Jughead called Betty. “Archie’s looking everywhere for you. And when are you going to divorce him, Betty? Have you seen Reggie out there yet?” Jughead still had not told Reggie that Betty was in New York. They’ll meet, eventually, he thought. I’ll make sure of it.
     “No, I haven’t seen Reggie. I definitely think I’m the last person Reggie Mantle wants to see. He seems too busy for his old friends. And I’m going to divorce Archie very soon. I’m through being his lap dog.”
     “I’ll be happy when you get the papers to him. That will be the only way he’ll move on. Not trying to push you though.”
“I know, Jughead. Um, Jug, do you ever hear from Reggie?” She had to ask. “I see stories and headlines about him all the time. He’s so disgusting! What a slut he is.”
     “Betty, did you ever think that maybe Reggie’s running away from something? His behavior is not normal. It’s like the way I used to eat so much. I had a need to fill up the emptiness inside me. Now that I have Ethel, I don’t have such a huge appetite, well, not for food anyway. Why do you think I pay the staff of my restaurants so much? I run a tight ship so I can be with Ethel as much as I can. I eat like crazy when I can’t be with her!” Even as she laughed at him, Jughead had set Betty to thinking. “I guess you’re right Jughead. Maybe Reggie’s very lonely so he fucks every woman in sight. It’s hard to believe, but it kind of makes sense. He just doesn’t look lonely to me.” That set them both to laughing again, until Betty hung up.
     Jughead had bought his first restaurant, “The Chocklit Shoppe” from a man they all grew up with and loved: Roger Tate. All the kids called him “Pop”, and when Pop retired he sold Jughead his business. Jughead quickly expanded and started a chain and now had seven restaurants and a successful catering business. Jughead was also a great chef. He had gone to the American School of the culinary Arts in New Orleans and learned from some of the world’s top chefs. Jughead did a lot of lecturing, but put that on hold because of the Andrews’ drama. Betty and Ethel needed his protection, so he would stay in New York City as long as he was needed. Jughead decided he could use a break and spend time with his favorite girls, and could very well afford it. He was a very wealthy man.
***
     Betty’s scrapbooks were full of all the news about Reggie over the past ten years. Reggie was always into some escapade or another: she called them his female troubles. The recent picture Betty was clipping out of a gossip rag was of Reggie with twin heiresses, one on each arm, going into his penthouse apartment building. Betty guessed it was for a wild threesome, and was disgusted with her old friend. What was wrong with him? And why do I still keep track of his adventures? Betty had no answer for those questions. Am I crazy?-Probably so. But she couldn’t help herself. She kept clipping all the news she could about Reggie. She clipped the good, bad and the ugly things she found printed about him. There were times when she’d voice her loathing of Reggie’s playboy existence to Jughead and Ethel over the years. They used to meet for lunch weekly when she still lived in Riverdale. With Jughead’s insight in mind, Betty continued to clip Reggie’s pictures out of the papers and magazines, pasting them into her scrapbooks. Reggie dated more now than he ever did when they were in high school.
     Will Reggie ever grow up? Settle down? Somehow, the thought of Reggie marrying someone made Betty feel, well ‘funny’. Betty wanted to be sure before filing for divorce that she was healthy in mind and body, and she had to be sure she still didn’t love Archie. Hmm, let me think… do I love Archie? After a moment’s thought, while busy clipping and arranging the articles in her ornately decorated books, she realized she had no further feelings of deep longing for her soon to be ex-spouse. Nope, I’m glad to say I definitely don’t care about him anymore. I’m free!
     Betty had come a long way since coming to New York. Ethel had given her the name of a very famous divorce lawyer. “This one is on me Betty. Call it an early Christmas gift. Howie’s a good friend of mine.”
     “Thanks E. This is awesome. I’m on it.” Betty hugged her friend with glee. Ethel wanted the divorce more than Betty did. Betty called the lawyer for an appointment the very next day.
     Another part of Betty’s recovery was due to counseling. These sessions with Ethel’s psychiatrist helped Betty see that she had a very low self-esteem, and that was why she had put up with Archie’s neglect for so long. Betty learned she deserved to be happy.
     Betty also went to relationship group sessions once a week. Betty made some new friends in her group. One such friend was a cute blond haired blue- eyed young man named Greg Harmon. He had just broken up with an unfaithful wife who left his self-esteem in tatters. Greg’s wife had run off with his sister Megan. He hadn’t even known Megan was gay, much less sleeping with his wife.
     Greg was captivated by Betty’s beauty and frequently asked her out. She
let him know she was not yet single, but would be soon. She wanted to take things very slow and Greg agreed to be patient. He’d also filed for divorce. They dated now and then on a platonic level.
***
After three months under Ethel’s care, Betty had a new, edgier look.
     “All you need now to complete the new ‘Betty’ is to develop a signature walk. You have to exude confidence when wherever you go. Sell our clothes hard, girlfriend. Sometimes designers have to model in an emergency during their shows. Donna Versace does it all of the time”
     “Really E? I’ll have to model? I don’t know about doing that, E. I think I have too much in the boob department for that,” Betty said uncertainly.
     “Designers have to do it sometimes, Betty. And your boobs are first class, girl.” Betty looked very doubtful. Ethel pushed on in order to convince her.
     “Don’t worry we’ll try very hard to make sure you won’t need to model anything, as much as we can. Okay ?”
     “Okay.” Betty was assured. She didn’t see Ethel’s crossed fingers behind her back. So, Betty practiced her walk until it was awesome and she strutted like she was a supermodel. She walked with a self-assurance she never had before and people began to take notice. Betty and Ethel turned heads, either together or when they were alone. Betty was so busy designing clothes that she never noticed the admiring looks she received, everywhere she went.
***
     As Betty was being reborn, Archie stopped his crying and whining, and decided to concentrate on his music. He wanted to impress Betty and make a lot of money so she would see him as a success. If Reggie Mantle could have successful music clubs and become a millionaire, Archie decided he could do much better. Archie felt he had more talent-Mantle didn’t. Reggie had never played lead guitar before. “Look at all the talent contests he lost, while I came in second,” Archie refused to remember Reggie won a few of those contests, and he, Archie, never won, not once. He would not admit that Reggie could do everything better than he could.
     Archie’s gigs at various nightclubs helped him to get a respectable sized fan base. He quit his teaching job and devoted all of his time to his art. He renewed his music contacts and formed a group he named, Phoenix, which consisted of four young men he had auditioned carefully. He , of course would be the lead singer.
     They were a big success at the local clubs and recently signed up to go on tour. As Archie was busy getting ready for his tour, he had no time for other women. He even stopped meeting with Cheryl Blossom. Archie declined to answer any calls from her. He blamed Cheryl for tempting him and making him lose Betty. This is all Cheryl’s fault, he rationalized to himself. Betty has to see that. He knew he was weak before, but now he was strong. He wanted her to see the new ‘Archie’ and they would begin again, better than ever. “God, I promise to never complain about boredom again if you let her come back home. Please!” he prayed passionately.
     Archie needed Betty to come home in the worse way, and he was focused on that. It seemed that now that Betty was gone, she was always on his mind. He forgot how drawn and lost Betty had looked when he last saw her. In his mind, Betty looked the way she looked when they were younger, before he killed her spirit. He chose to forget that he had practically sucked the life and youth out of her. Archie was writing a lot of songs about lost love, and longing, being a ‘fool to lose the one you love’ type of songs.
     Once in a while, Archie would call Veronica to see if she heard from Betty. Veronica was very upset Betty did not contact her before she left. They had not been as close as they had been for a long time, before Betty left town. Veronica’s pride kept her from calling Betty. Well, she did try to call Betty a few times, but Betty had changed her cell phone number. Betty sent Veronica a little note before she left Riverdale:
Archie’s all yours now, Veronica. I’m leaving Riverdale, forever. I’ll call you soon.
Regards,
Betty
    Veronica was very hurt that Betty would think she would have an affair with Archie after they were married. Veronica Lodge would never be someone’s second choice. It was bad enough that Reggie had wanted Betty instead of her. Veronica knew Reggie loved Betty had to admit, they belonged together. She hoped they would hook up. Wouldn’t Archie just shit if they did! She chuckled as she got ready for her date with Jason Blossom.
     Archie caused Veronica to lose the best and only true friend she ever had. Veronica had to find a way to make it right with Betty. As in the past, Archie came between her and Betty’s friendship. Veronica was now in love with Jason and had no further romantic interest in Archie. They were only friends and would never be more than that. The Lodge butler, Smithers announced that Archie was there, Veronica decided she would not be at home for him that day. “Smithers, tell Mr. Andrews I’m not here. Send him away.” Smithers was only too happy to toss Archie out of the mansion.
***
     As he walked home Archie rubbing his buttocks from the injury he sustained after Smithers threw him out, he was thinking of Betty and knew he was not going to agree to a divorce: he wanted them to start over. He would be a faithful and loving husband. She had to give him a chance to prove himself. But he wanted to make more money to be famous and even richer than Reggie Mantle. Let Betty see what she was missing and come home. As he entered his home, he envisioned Betty begging him to let her come home; he closed his eyes, a smile on his face:
     “Oh, Archie, I’m so sorry I left you. Please take me back. I missed you so much. I still love you, baby…”
     “I don’t know Betty; you really hurt me when you left.” Archie would reply, looking off with a pained look, raising a hand to his forehead.
     “Please baby, please forgive me. I’ll make it up to you.” Betty would be pouting, looking so very sorry. And so cute, batting her long lashes at him, reaching for his crotch, seducing him into forgiving her.
     “Ohhh…alright…Betty, I’ll forgive you.” he would tell her, and then they would kiss on the way to their bedroom, stripping off each other’s clothing along the way...
     Archie was snapped back to reality when the doorbell rang. “Betty!” His heart did a flip. He skidded to the door, swinging it open.
     It wasn’t Betty. It was Sheriff Sam Howard from the county clerk’s office. “Archie Andrews, I am here to serve you with these papers.” Sheriff Howard said to him. The Sheriff handed him an envelope. With his mouth open and unable to speak and badly shaking hands, Archie opened the envelope.
Decree of Divorce
Plaintiff: Betty Ann Cooper
Defendant: Archibald Andrews
Grounds: Adultery and mental cruelty
Etc., Etc.
     Archie was stunned. Betty really filed for divorce! The document stated he was to contact her through her lawyer. Archie now realized that none of the other women meant anything to him. He still had trouble believing their marriage was over. “She didn’t even give me a chance to explain. I’ll grovel at her feet and beg her for forgiveness,” Archie cried as he dialed her parents and Reggie again. Then he called Jughead. None of them answered his calls. He prayed she was not in New York because he was terrified she would go to Reggie.
     Wouldn’t Jughead tell me if he knew where she went? Of course, Jughead would. Archie decided it was time to hire a private detective. He would have them start looking for Betty in Florida, Colorado and California, where she had family. Archie knew he had to find her before someone else stole her away from him.
***
     Reggie stifled a yawn as he stole another look at his watch. How did I let Steve talk me into coming to this party? Steve Grayson was one of Reggie’s old college roommates who he still partied with often. Reggie knew it was the promise of the fine ladies that he would find there that made him come there tonight. The problem was that he did not see anyone that he wanted. A lot of the women there he already had been with. Well, another half hour, and I can politely leave. Maybe I’ll see if Jade will meet me at the Box later, Reggie thought, thoroughly bored to death.
     Steve was busy dancing with one of Reggie’s cast offs, a girl named Helen Blakely. She kept looking at Reggie, to see if he was looking at her as she danced with another man. Reggie did not care anything about the girl and he pointedly ignored her. You would think she would be the one ignoring me. She had been called ‘Betty’ just like all the rest. He tried to stifle a smile. Her handprint had stayed on his face for a few days. Reggie glanced at his watch again. Twenty-eight minutes to go. Shit! I might as well get another drink.
      Reggie walked over to the bar and ordered himself a drink. It seemed as if he could never get drunk fast enough, no matter how hard he tried. The alcohol just made him think of her more. Reggie was in the process of drinking his third straight tequila shot, with a beer chaser, when he heard a familiar voice.
     “Well if it isn’t Mr. Reginald Richard Mantle the Wolf! You look very good for an old wolf.” Reggie turned around in amazement at the voice. It was Ethel. “Damn! It’s the fabulous E! You look good enough to eat, girl!” They embraced in a tight hug, causing surprised glances and
exclamations from a few Reggie-hopefuls. “You do too, Reggie. I’m so glad to see you!” Ethel was beaming at him.
     Reggie hated to admit it, but he was truly happy to see someone from home. He felt closer to Betty that way. He just did not realize how close to her he was. Ethel looked stunning. She had long black hair, curled in tiny finger waves and she was wearing one of Betty’s creations: a sexy black lace cocktail dress. The front and back were low cut showing back and front cleavage, and it swirled with a short flared skirt. Every time Ethel turned, you could glimpse her very sexy lacy garters and even her underwear if you looked hard enough. She wore very high heels that made her legs go on forever.
     If Reggie had not seen Ethel since they had grown up, he would not have known her. In addition, if she did not belong to Jughead, Reggie would have hit on her. He fought down an erection. Down Boy! Reggie had to keep his wayward prick in line. Jughead was a friend and he would never sleep with a friend’s woman.
     Ethel had surprised everyone when she had gotten into modeling. She had a chance meeting with a photographer from Mode magazine at the mall one Saturday and the rest was history. She became an overnight sensation, though reluctant to leave Riverdale because she loved Jughead. Jughead was not open to telling her how he felt about her, so she left to go to New York City.
     Reggie had spoken to Ethel on the phone a few times over the years and had seen her photos in the papers and fashion magazines. It was hard to believe how Ethel turned into such a sensational beauty. Reggie wondered why Ethel and Jughead had not married. Jughead told him that he loved Ethel, but now that she was famous, he felt she may not want to settle for a mere cook. Ethel loved Jughead, but she was playing a little hard to get because she wanted to get a woman’s revenge on the man who ignored and hurt her so much when they were teens. Nevertheless, Ethel planned to let Jughead catch her. She wanted them to get married as soon as Betty had a man that loved her. Seeing Ethel again made Reggie think of Riverdale, a fleeting thought of home and deep thoughts of her. They hugged again and continued to check each other out.
     “Wow, you’re really looking good, E. Is Jughead here with you?” Reggie was searching the room for Jughead. “No Reggie, but, he’ll be here soon. I’m here with my new business partner, and her date.”
     Ethel knew not to mention her name and had to keep Reggie and Betty apart tonight. Reggie noted how people in the room were looking at him and Ethel. He laughed, knowing the gossips were saying things like: “Is she the Wolf’s next conquest?’ Or “Is the Wolf fucking her, too?”
     Let them talk, Reggie and Ethel were both thinking at the same time. He was used to the gossipmongers and never paid them any mind. Ethel knew about gossip too. She thrived on it, now. Models needed gossip to stay in the limelight. It was very different from when she was in high school and hated gossip. Back then it was usually about her being made a fool of by Jughead, or laughing at her height or prominent braces. It took many years of therapy for Ethel to get past her insecurities. Reggie and Betty were her only true friends, and she loved them dearly.
     She was now an internationally famous Top Model, known as “E”. Everyone knew her name and worshipped her beauty. And she loved being in the spotlight.
     Ethel was glad Betty was in another part of the room. This party was jam packed of New York City’s social elite. Reggie would not recognize Betty, not the way she looked now. At least, Ethel hoped he wouldn’t recognize her from a safe distance. She was terrified they would meet here. She had to get Betty away from there because she wanted them to meet in a controlled environment. She would not risk Reggie hurting Betty again.
     But God, he looked good. Good enough to fuck right on the spot, she thought naughtily. Ethel was looking at Reggie with a sensual as well as a professional eye. He had very thick, wavy, black hair, expensive clothes, and a tight muscular body. But then, Reggie was always considered a hunk, just even more so, now.
     “Still keeping in shape I see, Mantle.” No one could ever wear clothes like Reggie. He had a rich, sensual look that was also casual and elegant, not stuffy or stiff. He always looked rich, even in jeans and a tee shirt. Reggie had matured a lot over the years. The boy had definitely turned into a man-a very sexy and desirable man. Betty will flip when she sees him. His pictures do him no justice, Ethel thought as her eyes roved over his body. Reggie was now asking her about Jughead, snapping her out of her amorous thoughts.
     “When are you and Jughead going to settle down, E? You have to make an honest man of him,” Reggie smiled at her, teasing her, causing her to laugh:
     “Jughead hasn’t asked me Reggie. But if and when he does, my new partner has to be able to handle the clothing line on her own before we can marry.” Meaning, when you and Betty get together, we can all get married, hang out and raise many babies together.
     “Look who’s talking. Mantle, when are you gonna get married?” Ethel challenged him. She did see a subtle narrowing of his eyes. Ah ha! I got you, there, Wolfie ole boy.
     “Ethel, I’ll always be a bachelor. One woman will never be enough for me. Show me your partner?” he asked her, changing the subject. “I don’t see her.” Ethel made as if she was looking around the room. She did see Betty talking with Greg. They both had coerced Greg to come to this party with them. It would be the first social outing for Greg and Betty since they both separated from their spouses. Thank God, Greg would keep Betty busy. Ethel should have known Reggie would be there tonight.
     His trademark arrogance and smirk was still there, but Ethel sensed it was a very skillful cover for a broken heart. She could tell, even now, almost ten years later, Reggie still carried a torch for Betty. Only those who knew Reggie well would know that. Besides, Jughead told her as much a long time ago. As they were talking, several different women passed by, making sure to make some kind of physical contact with Reggie.
     One was so bold as to “accidentally” rub his crotch. Reggie made no notice of her. In fact he never paused in his conversation or batted and eye at the contact. Ethel saw the admiring, envious and very hungry looks the women in the room sent her and Reggie. And some of the men were looking at him hungrily, too. Men and women alike had trouble not staring at the Wolf. He took the stares as his due. He was divinely handsome, so they looked.
     Maybe I can get Reggie to model some of our men’s wear; I’ll ask Betty about it. Ethel’s mind was going a mile a minute. Their clothing line was slowly becoming popular plus Reggie and Betty had to meet-just not tonight. Somehow, she and Jughead had to make it a smooth meeting.
     Ethel and Reggie continued to talk of old times. Reggie’s boredom was gone. Ethel noticed he refrained to ask about Betty and Archie.
“Reggie, Jughead told me that Jason Blossom and Veronica are together. They may even get married.” Ethel watched Reggie’s face closely, to see if he had any feelings for Ronnie.
     “Good for them, Ethel. Veronica needs to settle down. I hope they’ll be very happy,” he shrugged as he sipped his
drink. Reggie’s face showed no emotion. He even seemed bored with the topic. It was obvious he did not care about Veronica in a romantic way.
     “I haven’t spoken to her for a while, E. I’ve been very busy.” Veronica had not called Reggie either. She was too afraid she would let it slip about Betty and Archie’s break up. Everyone who knew of the breakup was sworn to secrecy. Reggie and Archie could not be told where Betty was. It was foreseen as being a huge mess when her whereabouts was revealed.
     “I’m getting too old for modeling, Reggie. I just got a great studio for my designs, and I’m breaking in that new partner I told you about. Can you help us with some advertising and public relations? Oh, and we could always use some sponsors of course, hint, hint.” she added. Ethel was very glad to get off the subject of her partner.
     “Okay, E, just let me know what you need. Yes, I’ll back your business. I’ll come to your studio soon, see what you have. I wouldn’t trust your business to anyone else but me. I’ll get a good photographer to take some photos and start getting your designs out there. I’ll put them in my magazines. Maybe have models wear the clothes at my clubs. I’m good in advertising, I must say. What’s the name of your line? You’ll need to have some hot models too. Let me know if you need help finding the models. I have a lot of connections if you want me to handle that for you.” Reggie was almost as excited about the clothing line as Ethel was.
     Hmmm, we didn’t think of a name yet, she thought. Even though Ethel had a lot of contacts in the fashion world, Reggie knew a lot more people than she did. Reggie would be the right one to get them known to everyone, even if he said so himself.
     “I’ll definitely let you know if I need your help getting models. I’m sure they’ll be gorgeous. Reggie, don’t come to the studio right now because everything is a huge mess. Give us a few weeks to get it together. I’ll send you some of our sketches in the meantime, and I’ll go over names with my partner and get back to you. Okay?”
“Sure E. What’s your partner’s name?”
     “Oh it’s uh, Ann, ah, Ann… Avery”, she said trying to think fast. I have to talk to Jughead. I need his help big time keeping these two apart! She thought frantically. We have to wait for the time to be right for these two to see each other. I’ve got to get out of here. Jughead will be the one to tell Reggie about Betty and Archie. If we tell him she’s here at all. I don’t want them to meet until I see if Reggie cares for her and won’t hurt her.
     Ethel and Jughead were afraid for Reggie and Betty to meet right then because they felt that Betty’s mental health was too fragile to take any further rejections from him. The two lovers knew how much Betty had been hurt when Reggie refused to have any contact with her since she had been engaged to Archie. Therefore, they wanted to buy time for Betty’s complete recovery, ensuring she would be able to handle it if Reggie still rejected her friendship.
      Being in the high fashion field would mean their paths would cross soon enough. Reggie’s public relations firm already had several very well-known fashion designers. This party tonight was just the first of many they would have to attend to market themselves. Reggie’s friend Steve came over at that moment to introduce Reggie to a stunning brunette, named Marie, so Ethel made her exit. But not before she and Reggie scheduled the photo shoot for their clothing line. Ethel then maneuvered Betty and Greg out the door. Several pairs of eyes watched them leave. Reggie was slightly tipsy, horny, and hitting on Marie. Marie definitely wanted to go home with him. It was obvious to Ethel how the Wolf was ending his evening. She shook her head, glad Betty had not seen him. Reggie and Betty never knew the other was there.
- 13
- 14
- 15
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Heart of the Wolf