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Heart of the Wolf	By : Misskiki47 Category: Comics > Archie & Co. Views: 7420 -:- 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
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***
     “Oh, hell no, I’m not interested! I don’t want to go! I won’t go! You and Jughead go without me! I thought I would be in the background and you in the spotlight. What does my going to Reggie's club have to do with designing?” Betty was incensed to hear she had to go to the Wolf’s Den and see Reggie perform.
     “Betty, you have to help with the marketing as much as I do. I can't do it all alone. Besides, this is only Reggie. Bring Greg. Unless you're afraid to see Reggie for some reason.” Ethel smirked at Betty as she spoke.
     “Oh no, don't you go there! I'm not afraid of him. I’m just disgusted with him! He’s such a dog. No, he put the ‘D’ in dog. There’s a picture of Reggie in the dictionary next to the word dog,” she ground out getting madder by the second.
     “Well, he is known as the Wolf. But like, wow, Betty! I've never seen you like this! Are you sure you’re not falling for the Wolf? Just a little?”
     “Of course I’m not Ethel!” Betty snapped as she shot Ethel a drop-dead look at her statement. At Ethel’s challenging look, she relented. So, to prove Ethel wrong, Betty knew she had to go to this event. She gave Ethel a tortured look of defeat. Ethel sighed, trying not to relent at her bestie’s sad face.
     “Well, then I guess you’re going. So Betty, what are we going to wear? We need something Goth and sexy. Oh and Reggie needs a hot outfit for his act.” Ethel ignored the tormented look on Betty’s face.
“You’ll be wearing a mask and wig, so he won't know it's you. Unless you want him to know it’s you, of course. I leave that up to you. Besides, love, you’ll have to face Reggie sometime. He’s one of our backers and our publicist.”
     “Okay, Ethel! Cut it out! I get it! But why do I have to see him so soon?” Betty cried out, exasperated with her friend for insinuating she had romantic feelings about Reggie.
“No time like the present, sweetie. It’ll be okay. And what do you mean by, ‘so soon’? It’s been ten years since you saw him last.”
     “That’s what I mean- it’s way too soon,” Betty sighed. She saw she was not getting out of this, so she began thinking, How would I dress a very sexy vampire? Hmmm.
     Betty pulled out her sketchbook, and let her fingers do the drawing. Betty did not see Ethel smile and back out of the room, sending Jughead the ‘okay’ symbol. She knew when Betty was being creative she went into the ‘zone’; meaning, Betty was locked in her creative world and her muse was at work. She began drawing and discarding ideas until she was satisfied. Betty had sketched all night, unaware of the time, envisioning how she wanted Reggie to look in his outfit/costume.
     When Betty showed Ethel the finished design the next day, Ethel was speechless. It was a fantastic outfit. In the first drawing, there was a long, black leather coat, the sides paneled, with gold along the cuffs. In the next drawing, Betty had shown how it would look if it was blowing in the wind. The next sketch was of tight black leather pants, with gold chains hanging off the very snug, low rider waistline and tiny gold buttons on the fly of the pants. The shirt underneath was sleeveless, made of white silk, form fitting and molded to the body like a second skin, with a high collar with ruffles around the neckline and down the front, as if made for a Victorian lord. A man had to have a nice body to wear this. This outfit was ultra-sexy and not your typical campy vampire outfit that made people laugh themselves silly.
     The wedding gowns that inspired Reggie’s show were ready. The models were coming to the studio today for fittings. There was a whirl of activity. Everyone had to be ready on time and everything had to be perfect. All week the studio was crazy with fittings and last minute details. Everyone’s nerves were on edge. There was so much to do and so little time. Betty fumed the whole week. It was so typical of Reggie Mantle: just because he thrived on the pressure of short deadlines; he thought everyone else would too.
     Betty had one of their best seamstresses, Frances Hall, -who was also a fantastic tailor- go to the club to fit Reggie’s costume the next morning. Frances came back to the studio in a daze a few hours later smiling and giggling at everything. No one ever saw her smile and blush the way she was now. She just wouldn’t stop bragging and gushing about how gorgeous and sexy Reggie was. “Girls, the Wolf’s such a flirt. I was ready to do anything he wanted after five minutes in his presence!” The middle aged woman couldn’t stop giggling as she worked. She had even whispered to Betty, “He smiled at me and stroked my butt, and I didn’t mind. I actually didn’t want him to stop! My husband is in for a real treat tonight.” Betty rolled her eyes at the older woman as she continued to giggle like a school girl.
     Damn that man! Betty's thought, thoroughly disgusted about Frances’ experience with the Wolf.
***
     Halloween night was here. Ethel and Betty made very beautiful vampires. Betty was resplendent in a black laced knee length, strapless sheath with scalloped ends, with a tight, low cut bodice. She wore gold laced elbow length gloves, with a long black wig that stopped at the top of her lush buttocks. Ethel had on a tight, low cut, knee length, red satin and lace dress with spaghetti straps, which was worn with red lace gloves. It had a saucy short train in the back. A long red wig completed her outfit. Jughead and Greg whistled in pleasure at the site of the two lovely ladies.
   “You both look beautiful ladies.” Jughead was practically drooling when he saw his fiancé. Greg just nodded his approval with a wide smile on his face.
“Thank you, kind sirs. You both look great,” Betty said, happy they liked the outfits. She had outdone herself this night.
     Jughead and Greg both wore pants made of black lightweight wool. Jughead had a black button down shirt with frills, (how Jughead complained about that!) But the embroidered leather vest helped him keep hold of his macho image. Greg's shirt was gray with frills. Each man wore a black leather jacket. Their pants were not as tight as the pants for Reggie, but they looked Gothic and sexy.
     Betty and Ethel both curtseyed to the guys, who bowed to them in return. They were all getting into the spirit being in gothic outfits and it was fun. Everyone had a mask to put on. The masks were to come off at midnight, after the fashion show. They were ready for the official launching of their clothing line. All were ready except for Betty. She was suddenly a nervous wreck.
     Betty kept telling herself she was nervous because they were going to launch their new clothing line at Reggie’s clubs. Now she would have to see him reject her again. It was nerve shattering for her. She threw back two brandies, causing Edna and Jughead to stare at her in concern. Betty Cooper did not drink.
     “Hey baby, don't be so nervous. What could possibly go wrong?” Greg innocently asked.
     “Everything!” Ethel and Betty yelled at him. Jughead sent him a very subtle shake of the head, signaling, 'shut up if you want to keep your ass in one piece’. Greg got the message. He remained blessedly quiet for the rest of their trip to the club. Betty was quaking in her very cute shoes. She was terrified to meet Reggie. How should I act when I see him? She wondered. I know, I’ll act as if I don’t remember him. That should teach him. The thought of his face when she pretended she didn’t remember him caused a naughty chuckle to escape her lips, causing her friends to fear for her sanity.
     When they arrived at 'The Wolf's Den', it was a mad house inside and out. They waited almost an hour to get close enough to walk into the club with their masks firmly in place. The lines to enter went on for blocks. It was like that at all of the clubs, because even though Reggie was in Manhattan, the show could be seen at all the clubs via Skype on huge screens.
     The doormen were expecting Ethel and her party, so as soon as they were finally close enough to the entrance, they were scooped in, amid protests from the waiting masses and taken backstage. Greg was seated at Reggie’s VIP table, while the girls went to the dressing rooms in the back. Jughead went looking for Reggie, and then he would join Greg later. A long runway had been set up, attached to the stage. There were haunted houses, ghosts floating on the ceilings, numerous jack-o-lanterns and all kinds of spooky Halloween figures all around, making the club look like a Halloween fantasy and it looked fantastic.
     By now, even Ethel was a massive mess of nerves. She and Betty were in the huge dressing room to see how the dresses and models looked. They all looked amazing. Everyone had worked hard to make sure the dresses fit right, and were draped properly. Last minute looks at hair, makeup and accessories. “I think I’ll stay back here, you know to make sure everything goes well” Betty ventured to say, knowing the answer, but she had to try.
     “Oh no you don’t missy. Reggie has his staff from the magazine overseeing the fashion show. Let’s go take our seats. Come on, Betty, let’s have some fun. Relax, please?” Ethel had to drag Betty out to their table where they joined Greg.
***
     Backstage, Jughead went to find Reggie, in order let him know they were there. He was escorted by one of the security guards to Reggie’s vast office, where he laughed when he saw     “I always worried about you, pretty boy, and I see I was right about you! You’re getting made up like a girl!” Jughead teased Reggie in greeting as he was shown into Reggie’s inner sanctum. Reggie was being made up by his magazine’s head makeup artist, Antoine Lewis. The two friends slapped hands and hugged, happy to see each other.
     “Hi Jughead, you look great! Is Ethel and Ann settled at their special table? I want them to enjoy this. It should go over well.” Reggie said, settling back in his chair so Antoine could place red contacts and style the long black wig he was going to wear.
     “Yeah man, they’re settled in. I have to say you look great. I guess you’ll finally meet Ann tonight. You nervous performing in front of so many people? That’s some crowd out there.” Jughead said, admiring Reggie’s fancy and expensively furnished office. It was mind blowing to say the least. He had no idea his friend was so well off.
     “Nah! This is fun for me. ‘Bout time, I met Ann, though. Tell me straight, man; she’s ugly, right?”
“Let’s just say, Ann has character. You’ll see for yourself soon enough.” Jughead laughed at his friend, adding,
     “You’re too much Mantle. See you later. Break a leg.” Reggie waved as Jughead left, still laughing as he went to join the others. What a surprise you’re in for, my friend! Jughead chuckled with anticipation of what was yet to come.
***
     What’s wrong with me? This is only Reggie Mantle, the rat. My ex best friend, right? Betty thought nervously. All she knew was that he hadn’t cared what has happened to her for the past decade. He just cut her out of his life completely. She was in such a turmoil she was fidgeting in her seat.
     Reggie would never guess it’s me in this black wig. This is business. God, why am I so nervous? Okay, I hope I won’t make a fool of myself if he still hates me. Get it together, bitch. Betty gave herself a good mental shake. There, that’s better. Her hands were wet and clammy. I hope my deodorant holds. Shit this is ridiculous! I hope this will be over soon, so Greg and I can leave. Her mind was all awhirl. She kept squirming in her plush chair.
     Because they saw her torment, Betty received an encouraging squeeze from Jughead and Ethel at the same time. Her hands were now like ice. She could barely talk to Greg. She was too nervous to make much sense.
     They were all served Dom Perignon. “Compliments of the house”, the pretty cocktail waitress told them as she poured their drinks in crystal flutes. “To success,” Jughead toasted them as they clicked their glasses in a toast.
     “Please, Miss, bring another bottle.” Betty asked as she tossed back three glasses, trying to get a handle on her nerves. Reggie’s club manager, Jackson (Jack) Powell was making his way to the stage. He was wearing a glittery pirate’s costume and mask, also designed by Betty.
     “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you all who have graced us with your presence in all of 'The Wolf's Dens’. We wish to give an extra warm welcome to the guests of honor- the owners of the new designing company Hot Muggs- the gorgeous “E” and her partner, Ann Avery. Welcome to the world of fashion ladies! Their designs have been dazzling us all night. The show will feature their Goth line of clothing, with a song played by our one and only Raiders.” The crowd made a collective groan of protest.
“Where’s Reggie! We want Reggie!” Scores of people shouted.
“Oh yeah, sorry I forgot. Reggie Mantle will be playing guitar” Jackson laughed as he left the stage. Lots of whoops and cheers from the audiences at all the locations at Jackson’s energetic announcement.
     Betty and Ethel waved to the crowds, who cheered even more at the sight of the two beauties. Reggie had tried to get a glimpse of Ann, but again he was held up by some of his adoring fans. Oh well, I guess I’ll meet Ann after the set.
     He was not wearing a mask because he did not like covering his handsome face. He would put on the vampire costume in a few more minutes and start the show. Reggie invited several people to his private party at the ‘Pandora’s Box’ later that evening with a Halloween theme. He planned to wear the vampire costume, without the shirt. He was very eager to get this night over so he could indulge to his heart’s content.
     There were multitudes of models, male and female showing their stuff, dancing and prancing around the club in the fancy outfits. It was always a treat when a model loved the clothes he or she was wearing. They all looked gorgeous. Right now they were doing their thing to the songs: ‘Need To Know’, and ‘I Knew I Loved You’, and ‘Say My Name’, to name a few.
     Jughead and Greg led their ladies to the dance floor and the ladies received many admiring glances. People in New York would never cut in as they would have done in Riverdale. In New York City, you never knew if the woman’s partner was packing a weapon or a punch. Therefore, the strange men watched Betty and Ethel eagerly from afar, waiting for a chance moment to get them alone. The girls giggled at the wolf calls. They found it hilarious that they were flirting with zombies, skeletons, or werewolves. Betty had seen glimpses of Reggie, who was busy working the crowd, greeting friends and guests alike. She ducked down every time it looked as if he were getting too close. This was wearing on her nerves. God he was everywhere! She finally relaxed a little when she saw Reggie in deep conference with the photographer, Tim Hickey, who had a crew of ten with him. The ten assistants were snapping pictures of everyone as they were having a great time. There were three other assistants in the other clubs as well.
     “Tim, I want you to be sure to capture the models from every angle. I know you’ll do a great job.”
     “I‘ll do you proud Reggie. Thanks for your faith in me.” Tim Hickey was a very noted fashion photographer, known for his vivid colors and attention to detail. It was almost time for Reggie’s set and he made his way to change into his vampire outfit. It was soon time for the show and the main event was announced by Jack Powell.
     “Now, here’s what we've all been waiting for, The Hott Mugg's fashion show. Introducing, the one and only, Magnificent Mantle, on lead guitar with the Raiders, playing the song, ‘Come to me’… I give you… ladies and gents…the Raiders and the lead vampire…Reggie…Mantle!”
     The crowd was clapping, screaming, and stomping and the noise was deafening. Lights went off and colored lights started spinning with a misty background. Betty was babbling to Greg about the noise when someone said to her, “Shhhh! He’s coming on!” People were waiting in anticipation of their idol.
     “These people are nuts. It’s only Reggie Mantle, for God’s sake. But, sure Greg, you can…” Betty whispered to Greg. Betty was in the process of finally agreeing to allow Greg to come over later for a ‘nightcap’, not really listening to him as the band played the opening melody. She stopped short when Reggie began to play.
     The guitar began softly then became more demanding, as if helping Reggie to seduce one of the models to be his lover for the night. It seemed that the guitar was calling to Betty and to her alone- and she was quickly mesmerized by its call to her. Betty dropped Greg’s hand and stopped talking in mid-sentence, while listening to Reggie play with her eyes closed. Memories of doing this in their youth ran through her mind.
     After a few moments of his playing, the models stopped moving around, as still as mannequins, as if waiting for something or someone. The haunting melody was powerful, and then a deep, sexy voice started singing, unseen. It was Reggie.
(A/N**Come to me Parts 1 and 2 by Brad Fiedel-Instrumental from the movie ‘Fright Night’1985**)
I didn’t know this song had lyrics! she thought as she watched the stage, entranced.
     After Reggie finished singing, Flash took up the lyrics, further enthralling the crowd. The models started moving again, eagerly searching for the source of the singing, acting as if they all wanted a chance to be chosen to be his for the night. There had been intense passion in his voice. His silhouette was soon revealed behind a huge screen. The long coat he wore was flapping gently with the flowing black hair in an unseen wind. The audience was going crazy. They wanted to see him. “Reggie! Reggie!” The frenzied chanting began. “Reggie, Reggie!” The noise was so loud that Betty had to put her hands over her ears for fear her eardrums would burst. Then he began to play.
     Betty heard Reggie play guitar before, but he truly amazed her. He never sounded like this before: so sexy and riveting. For her, Greg and everyone else in the club ceased to exist. A smoky red colored mist Blossom and clouded the stage, and then the screen was raised up, revealing Reggie to the audience.
    “Oh God, There he is!” Betty whispered to no one in particular. She listened with her eyes closed, totally lost in the haunting melody.
     Then to the amazement of her friends, she stood up.
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Heart of the Wolf