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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Two hours after arriving at his hotel room, Archie was still suffering from Betty’s punts to his testicles. He painfully made his way to the bathroom because it was still hard to walk. Did she have a steel plate on her knee? Shit! I can’t believe she did that to me! It still wasn’t enough to make him sign the divorce papers. He figured she was still angry at him and being seduced by Reggie’s money, so he would continue to try to get her to live with him again. There was no talking to her now, especially with Mantle flashing all of his wealth and power around. Archie had to be sure that he made more money than Reggie so he could entice Betty back home, thus the touring. Betty and Mantle would pay for this day. He didn’t know how, but he would make them both pay for this outrage.
     Were they making love right this minute while I suffer? he wondered. He remembered Betty shouting for the world to hear that she slept with Reggie. The thought make him cry out, having a flash of them sleeping together and laughing at his pain.
     “Oh God!!” Archie became queasy from the pain in his groin and his heart. All he could do was cry and vomit his guts out. He hated the fact that he had to return to Riverdale in the morning. But he had to go: he had another music engagement to play and revenge to plan. He stumbled back to bed after he emptied his stomach of its contents, still crying at the thought of Betty sleeping with Reggie. He dosed off for a few hours, sniveling in his sleep at the pain and humiliation Betty caused him.
     At about eleven pm, there was a knock at the door. “Betty!” Archie limped to the door, eager to see her. The same scenario he had imagined before flashed through his mind. He would give a token resistance to forgiving her and he would fuck her silly. He was almost cackling with glee as he threw open the door. His heart sang because his wife came to him as he prayed.
“Betts, I’m not sure I can forgive…” He stopped in mid-sentence, gaping at the person who stood there before him.
     It was Cheryl Blossom, not Betty standing there. “Hi lover, I’ve missed you.” Archie reluctantly let her in, disappointed to his soul. Because of his lecherous thoughts about Betty and the fact it was the beautiful and sexy Cheryl Blossom, he had an intense erection, despite his aching dick. He grabbed her roughly, practically tearing off each other’s clothing. Cheryl eagerly took his erect member into her mouth, licking and sucking him with a vengeance. She slurped on his meat for a few more minutes before he pulled her away. He buried his face between her breasts like a madman, sucking and licking her erect nipples and trying to devour both breasts at once. She moaned as he pulled a rigid nipple into his mouth, rolling it around, while he pinched and pulled on the other. After a few moments of this, she kissed her way down his body until she got to his cock again.
     “Oh yeah baby, suck it, suck it …” he held her head in place while he eased his sore cock in and out of her eager mouth. He pulled her away, and raised her to slowly lower her onto his rigid staff. She had to inch her way down, gradually before she could take his whole length inside of her. They both gasped at the contact of their pubic hairs touching. She leisurely began to rise up, then she would let herself fall hard on his swollen member, grinding against him, making them both shudder and moan in delight. She began to ride him vigorously , while he tugged at her breasts, and sucked her nipples. She reached behind her and massaged his balls. He winced at the pain, but it didn’t stop him from screwing her.
     “Yeah baby, feels good, baby, fuck me baby. Ohhh…” she moaned. He was grunting like an animal as he gripped her hips. His release was coming soon.
“Betty! I love you!” Archie yelled when he came. Cheryl came soon after, thoroughly disgusted at the same time. She screamed at him as she jumped off his deflating member.
     “That’s definitely the last time you fuck me Archie! We are so fucking through!” She went into the bathroom and quickly cleaned up and got dressed, leaving him lying there, completely spent. He did not see the flash from her cell phone, the switching off of an unseen device, and the little souvenir she stuffed in her purse before she left. Archie was snoring when she left herself out of the room. Cheryl was laughing to herself, full of excitement.
“Payback’s going to be a bitch, baby.”
0-0-0
     The next day, a very hung over but happy Reggie conferenced with Ethel and Betty over breakfast to discuss public relations about their new fashion show for the fall season. They would have a show for Paris Fashion week. The girls’ plan was to have gowns that could be changed from casual to dress, then in reverse from dress back to casual, with the finale showcasing the non-traditional wedding gowns. These dresses were designed in different colors: egg shell, black, gold, silver, purple, green, or red-not a pure white gown in the bunch.
     The dresses could be made of leather, lace, silk or satin. Some had feathers, pearls, crystals, or even sequins as trimming. The fun part is that the dress was two-in-one: it could be traditional if the bride- to- be wanted, with a princess-type wide poufy bottom. But if she didn’t want the poufy bottom for the reception, the bottom part of the dress could be removed, and the bride will have a ‘mermaid’ style, a shorter knee length, or mini dress underneath instead, and use the poufy bottom as a train, or cape. It was very creative. Reggie couldn’t believe how talented Betty was. He knew she always had made her own clothing, but this was pure genius, making Reggie and Jughead very proud of their ladies.
0-0-0
     Betty was happy the divorce court date was coming up soon so she could begin her life with Reggie as soon as possible. She really wished Archie would let her go without the court getting involved and move on. She decided to see if she could get some help from his mother, so she called Mary Andrews and appealed to her.
     “Hi Mother Andrews, how are you and Pop doing? I need your help-can you do anything with Archie? He won’t leave me alone. I’m not coming back to him and I’m afraid he’ll do something crazy. He won’t accept the fact that our marriage is over.”
“Betty honey, he won’t listen to us. We’ve tried to talk to him, but he’s just plain stubborn. Are you happy?”
     “Yes, Mother, very happy. I’m whole for the first time in my life. For all of his fame and money, Reggie’s putting me first. What I felt for Archie was a schoolgirl’s crush and I‘ll always love him. I’m just not in love with him. And I hope you, Pop Andrews, and I can always be friends.”
     “Yes my dear, we can. We love you Betty. Be happy. You deserve the best. I’m sorry for the pain our son caused you.” Mrs. Andrews was weeping bitterly when they hung up. Her husband wrapped his arms around her as they both wept. They hoped no one would be hurt before this divorce came through.

***
     The five member band played with abandon at the chance to audition for the vacated house band spot. Jackson couldn’t keep his eyes off of the band’s lead singer. This guy had sex appeal and Jackson knew the ladies would go wild for him.
     “We would love your band to audition for the spot. It’s a big event. We have six bands competing and the audience will choose their favorite. In the event of a tie, management will select the winner.” Jack looked at the handsome young man. I think Reggie will love this band. The lead singer could be a good substitute for him. Jackson was happy with his find.
“Too bad Reggie isn’t here to see you. Well, the night of the contest will have to do.”
     “Sounds great. We’ll see you next week, Jackson.” It was agreed. Phoenix would audition to play as regulars at The Wolf’s Den. They had just got a chance to audition for their largest gig ever. Their tour had been a great success, but for some reason, Archie wanted them to try out for the gig in New York City. The group was becoming famous, singing old and new songs. The winning band would be paid big time money working at The Wolf’s Den.
     Many bands and singers had made it big after playing at The Wolf’s Den. The Raiders just signed a huge record deal with Sony, so the Den needed a new band. Hence, Archie’s band would enter the competition for the coveted spot. Archie did not want Reggie to know he would be there. Phase one of his plan was in action.
     Reggie, Betty, Jughead and Ethel would be going to the club to hear the bands that would audition to replace the Raiders. Jackson didn’t tell Reggie their names. That would be the surprise. Reggie would listen to them tonight without having previous knowledge about them. Jackson was thrilled that he would be able to show Reggie how well he could run the clubs without him around all the time.
***
     Betty was ready and waiting for Reggie to pick them up to go to the club. Reggie arrived for his friends in his limo. He jumped out to greet them, and to let Betty see how great he looked. Reggie of course looked divine in his slate gray suit, no tie, of course. It was designed by Betty. He now wore Hot Mugg’s designs exclusively. They rivaled Armani or Valentino in his book. Everyone looked great, and they happily rode off to the club.
Reggie had seated his friends at his private VIP table and made his rounds with Betty in tow. He no longer made these rounds without her. She gladly went along, not wanting any of his old flames to think she could be replaced. The funny thing about all of this was that they never made love, but they spent a lot of time together.
     Reggie and Betty refused to have sex as long as she was married to Archie. They wanted Archie to be out of their lives so they could have a fresh start, free and clear of any baggage. The club was in full swing, crowded as usual. Betty and Reggie danced several times, a beautiful couple to be sure. Cameras were flashing, taking pictures of them every few seconds.
     “Sorry about all of the reporters, babe. I know it can be a bit much being in the spotlight all the time.” They held each other close as they danced to a very popular love song.
     “As long as you’re with me, I can take it,” she said as she snuggled closer, rubbing his crotch with hers as they danced. He smiled at her in happy surprise. She had never given a hint of any sexual feelings towards him before. Betty did not throw herself at him as he was used to women doing, and it made him feel a little insecure about her feelings for him. Now she was rubbing against him, and it seemed to reassure him that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. They did not see or feel the angry glare of a pair of very blue eyes on them, following their every move.
     Soon it was time for the new band contest, so they went back to their seats to watch the auditions. Jackson announced the first band, Acid Rain!” The audience gave them decent applause. As each band played, the audience became a little more excited. So far, band number five, InfraRed, was ahead of the rest. Now it was time for the sixth and last band. Jackson announced them,
     “Here’s the last band, but certainly not least, Phoenix!” Jughead and Reggie both jumped up out their seats at the same moment. They knew that group’s name very well and who was in it. They were both outraged and incredulous to see Archie up on stage.
     “I want to dedicate this song to my beloved wife, Betty. I love you baby.” It was a song he wrote for Betty and she used to call it “their song.”
“I declare my love for you until…” he began to sing, his eyes on her as if he owned her. He refused to remember the many times she begged him to play it for her and he refused, stating it was ‘silly.’ Now he was singing it as if his life depended on it.
     The crowd seemed to love Phoenix. Reggie looked at Betty and she took his hand with an encouraging smile. He pulled her close, moving in to kiss her cheek, but she turned towards him, and he tasted her lips instead. Archie saw this and almost lost it. He glared at them, the anger he felt caused him to tremble, making his voice come off as sexy. The crowd went wild. After the set was over, the band had received enthusiastic applause. They bowed and went back stage while the audience voted for their favorite.
     “Ladies and gentlemen, you have voted and made your choice for a new band to replace our beloved Raiders. You
have unanimously chosen them, so I give you… Phoenix!” Jackson had yelled to the crowd. Reggie shot up out his seat and quickly sought out Jackson. Betty had begged Reggie not to confront Archie, “Reggie, it would only make things worse.” Reggie was not sure he could keep that promise. The band had come back on stage, giving victory signs and kowtowing to the audience.
     “Sorry Babe! No way is that fucker going to be playing in my club! Did they sign the contract yet, Jack?”
“No, not yet, Reggie. I’m getting ready to close the deal with their manager now. What’s the matter?” asked Jackson.
     “That guy, Archie, is Betty’s soon to be ex-husband. He wants to cause trouble. He can’t play here!” Betty had come over and Reggie placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him.
     “Don’t worry Reggie, we won’t sign them, I’m on it.” Jackson reassured Reggie.
Archie quickly left the stage to make his way over to Reggie and Betty.
     “Thanks for hiring me Mantle. I guess you know real talent when you see it.” Archie was looking at Betty as he spoke; giving her a look that showed how much he desired her. She rolled her eyes at him.
     “Look Andrews, my manager Jackson was not aware that I had already hired InfraRed. We don’t need you. So sorry. Come to my office tomorrow. I’ll pay you and your band, you know, for all of the inconvenience.”
     “Nothing doing! I want to play here. The exposure would be phenomenal. We need this gig and I like it here. Should I announce to your crowd you reneged on a deal? The crowd picked us. Besides, Betty and I have some serious making up to do.” Archie gave Betty another sensuous look, causing her to quickly excuse herself and head off to the ladies room. She motioned to Ethel, who went with her. Both men’s eyes followed her sensuous figure as she walked away. In fact she turned several heads as she passed.
     “You can’t have her Mantle. I won’t let her go.”
     “She’s mine already Red. You’ve lost her. No, you threw her away, remember?. Look at all the fine chicks in here. You can have them all. I give them to you. Shit. I’ll give you the club, if you’ll just sign the divorce papers. I have the one, and only woman I’ve ever wanted. Thank you, again, for that!” With that Reggie left to join Betty. Archie reached out to grab him, and the two were in a tussling match. Reggie’s club bouncers were on the scene in two seconds, and separated the two. Archie pulled out his concealed gun. Everyone, except Reggie froze in horror at the sight of the raised weapon.
     “Yeah, you think you’re so tough with your thugs here to protect you! What do you say now, big shot?” Archie was pointing the gun straight at Reggie’s heart. Reggie’s eyes never left his.
     “Let him go boys! That gun doesn’t scare me. Come on Red! Step to me! You know I don’t need these guys to protect me from you!” Reggie was ready to die for Betty. Now that she was back in his life, there was no way he would let her go again.
     “Reggie! Archie! Stop this!” Betty heard the commotion and came running over. She threw herself between them. In the confusion the guards grabbed Archie’s arm. Reggie grabbed Betty, shoving her behind him when suddenly the gun went off. Everyone in the area froze, and then everything went crazy. There was a frenzied scrambling of frightened people screaming and running away from the vicinity of the gunshot. Reggie had turned to check Betty behind him, terrified she had been shot. When the bouncers rushed Archie they wrestled the gun from him and pinned him to the floor. “Aw shit!” They all looked at the speaker. In the struggle for the gun, it had been pointed at Archie and he had been shot in the foot. Archie had managed to shoot himself and not Reggie. Betty frantically hurled herself straight into Reggie’s arms before everything had quieted down. They were both terrified, then relieved neither was hurt. Archie struggled with the guards at the sight of their embrace.
     “Get him out of here! He’s not to be allowed in here, ever! Is that clear? Oh yeah, Jack, call the police and an ambulance. This asshole shot himself in his foot… ha, ha,” Reggie was enraged, but was soon laughing when he looked at Betty, then Archie. Thank God Archie was such a fool, he thought, thrilled she was okay. In fact, they both started laughing, as much in relief as humor at the situation. This started a chain of laughter that was outrageous. Archie’s face was redder than his hair.
     “I’ll get you for this Mantle! And keep your hands off of my wife!” The two embraced and kissed, to prove a point; and enrage him. Reggie gave Archie one of his famous smirks when they pulled apart, with Betty holding on to his arm.
     “We got him, Boss.” The guards carried Archie and pushed the rest of his band outside, none too gently, either. Archie was soon sitting on the ground, bound by plastic handcuffs, still ranting and raving when the ambulance and police arrived. Jackson handled the incident while Reggie went up on the stage. “Okay everyone, the excitement is over. Drinks are on the house! Let’s party!” The club was soon in full swing again.
     “Play something for us Reggie!” A red haired beauty was screaming and trying to throw her underwear at him. “Sorry folks. I didn’t come here to play tonight.” That statement just started the crowd to chant and stomp for Reggie to play. The noise was deafening. Reggie looked at Betty, who smiled and nodded her approval. The new club band InfraRed came out and joined Reggie on the stage. Hot Rod, the lead singer of InfraRed handed Reggie his guitar. One of the female band members, a keyboardist named Topaz, took Reggie’s jacket, exposing his lovely body for all to view.
     “Okay, then. Just for a little while. I can’t leave my beautiful lady alone for too long. Betty, these songs are for you, babe.” The band, InfraRed was excited to have the new gig and to play with the Wolf. Reggie decided he would play some of Betty’s favorite songs. He started with Beast of Burden, which almost caused a riot when he sang the chorus of the song. The clamor from the audience shook the club walls. Betty was on her feet, dancing and looking at her love perform. He’s so fucking wonderful, she was thinking as her body moved to the music. And he’s all mine! she gloated to herself.
     Reggie moved on to the song ‘Misunderstood’,’ Money’, ‘Comfortably Numb’ and ended with ‘Who’s That Lady?’ Betty had to get closer because the women were trying to snatch Reggie off the stage. He was dangerous up there. Reggie singing and playing the lead guitar was definitely an aphrodisiac. Then she heard the words that were like music to her ears.
     “Thanks for your support everyone. I have an announcement to make- I’m retiring from the stage and leaving Jackson in charge of entertainment; I have to take care of my girl.” With that he leaped off the stage and planted a hot kiss on Betty’s lips. Betty was in heaven. Reggie was giving up his rock persona for her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with abandon.
***
     When Reggie returned home that night, he was on the phone to his lawyers and his private detectives. They had to get Archie Andrews out of their lives. Then he called Betty: “Look Betty let me help you get rid of this chump. He’s so pathetic.” Reggie snorted aloud at the thought of Archie with a bullet in his foot. Betty wasn’t laughing. She was terrified of what could have happened. “It’s not funny, baby. Archie had tried to kill you! No, I’ll handle Archie. I made this mess. I have to be the one to clean it up. Please trust me.”
     “I do trust you, babe! It’s Archie I don’t trust. I just want you to know you’re not alone in this. I’m not going anywhere ever again.” Betty just melted inside at his words. She felt secure in his love, knowing that Reggie would not walk away from her this time.
***
     After a short court battle, Reggie won the right to pay Archie off to not play at his club. Phoenix was rewarded an undisclosed amount of money, but it was a handsome sum. Archie was incensed. The other band members were happy at the money they made, and did not have to work for it. They didn’t understand what Archie’s beef was. Reggie hired the second best band, InfraRed and they were loved by the club goers. No one even asked why Phoenix wasn’t there. They all knew about the attempted murder, and hated Archie Andrews because of it. But someone leaked a story to the newspapers:
     THE WOLF RENEGED ON A DEAL!! IS HE AFRAID OF A LITTLE COMPETITION?
     “I know Andrews had something to do with this!” Reggie was incensed. He did not usually pay attention to the news about him, but this was questioning his integrity.
     “We can only guess who let the issue with Archie’s band come out. Just ignore it, man. He wants you to get upset.” Jughead was always the voice of reason. He knew Archie well.
“I’ll print a rebuttal” Reggie added. And he did.
THE WOLF REFUSES TO HAVE A WIFE ABUSER PLAY AT HIS CLUB. ARCHIE ANDREWS OF PHOENIX THREATENED THE WOLF AND HIS SOON TO BE EX-WIFE BETTY COOPER WITH A GUN.
     The article went on to say how Betty had to disguise herself as Ann Avery because she did not want her cheating husband to follow and harass her. When he did find her, he stressed her and pulled a gun on her and her friend Reggie Mantle. Now it was Archie’s turn to be angry. The public outrage over how Archie had treated Betty and pulling a gun on Reggie was unbearable. Archie could not get an engagement in any club in New York or New Jersey now.
     I’ll get you for this, you fuck, Archie thought, his eyes closed as he thought of ways to destroy Reggie Mantle. He winced at the pain in his foot. He also had to go to court for gun charges and attempted murder.
     The following day, Archie had a meeting with a very young looking girl. “I need you to go to Mantle’s penthouse and...” Archie continued to outline his plan to Kimberly. He kissed her, with promises of more to come after she did the task he gave her. Archie had met her during his earlier trip to New York. She liked Archie and was willing to do anything to help him. He was the closest to a rock star she could get. Reggie had turned her down flat in the past. She felt rejected and owed him one, big time. Tonight Archie wanted her to ruin Reggie. Kimberly didn’t ask him why, she just agreed to do what he asked. That evening she was able to sneak by the doorman and get up to the top floor to Reggie’s penthouse apartment. Reggie’s butler Higgins opened the door.
     “May I help you, Miss? How did you get up here? The doorman did not inform me you were coming up.” Higgins blocked the door so she could not enter.
     “I need to see Mr. Mantle. I was sent here by Jackson Howell.” Kimberly knew the club well. She hoped that mentioning Jackson’s name would get her inside. Reggie was at home. What Kimberly did not know was that Betty, Jughead and Ethel were also there. They were all getting ready to go out to lunch when they saw the young looking girl. None of them had ever seen this girl before.
     “Who are you and why are you here?” Reggie asked her. “Reggie, I love you, and I’m pregnant with your baby!” she cried dramatically.
     Reggie laughed. “I don’t do children. Not as their lover or father! I don’t know you. Get out now little girl, before I throw you out.” Reggie took her arm, and when he escorted her to the elevator, he was blinded by multiple flashes once the door opened. Inside was Archie Andrews disguised as a woman, snapping away. Kimberly’s picture was plastered all over the newspapers that very evening.
“HE FATHERED MY BABY AND NOW HE’S DUMPING ME! HE TOLD ME HE LOVED ME! I’M ONLY FIFTEEN. MY PARENTS THREW ME OUT! REGGIE, DON’T LEAVE ME!!”
     Kimberly Howe looked fifteen but was in reality twenty-three years old. Archie had sold her story for an undisclosed amount of money. After this article she was hounded by paparazzi for an exclusive story. The press had painted Reggie as a child molester. It took three days to reveal Kimberly’s real age. By the time it was reported that she made up the whole story, most of Reggie’s public relation clients had cancelled his services. The only client he had left was Hott Muggs, Inc. They remained completely loyal to him. Reggie refused to admit he felt betrayed by his former clients. They did not want to be associated with a pervert. His dearest friends knew he was innocent before it was found out who Kimberly really was. After he had been declared innocent, people began to clamor for his services again, but Reggie refused all offers. He would only work with Ethel and Betty.
     “It just gives me more time to help my favorite girls.” But Betty knew he had been hurt by his former clients’ lack of faith in him. She ran into his arms.
     “Don’t worry, baby. I don’t care what people think. You have us in your corner. I, um we, love you.” They shared a long, burning kiss at her words. Reggie was satisfied with knowing Betty was still with him.
     Archie had made passionate love to Kimberly to thank her for damaging the Wolf’s reputation. He also gave her some money to leave town before the Wolf could hunt her down and find out who put her up to the charade.
****
     There was such a frenzy of activity at Hott Muggs, Inc. They had made it big enough to be invited to have a show at Fashion week in Paris. There was a frenzy of exhilaration at the studio. Reggie would model with Betty and Ethel. They of course had a slew of models to choose from for the many runway shows they had to do. It was scary, but exciting to them.
     Betty had an upcoming divorce court date in two weeks. Everything else they tried failed. Archie also had slick lawyers. They had foiled the Stillwater, Texas ad scheme. Archie had answered that petition, contesting the divorce. So now Betty is suing for divorce, under adultery and emotional abuse. She would have her day in court. Howard was more than ready to fight this out in court. This divorce was going to go through, one way or another. Betty told him of her plan with Cheryl and he was elated. Their court date was now one week after Paris Fashion Week was over. Archie had been served the papers to appear, with a warning that if he did not show, he would be held in contempt, and the divorce would be finalized. There was to be no further delay tactics.
     The night before they had to leave for Paris, Jackson had arrived at the club early to prepare to open, when he found the whole place had been destroyed. There was glass and broken tables everywhere. Someone had thrown paint all over. There was a foul odor of excrement all over the place. The expensive liquor was emptied out everywhere. It looked as if someone had bombed the club. If someone had lit a match, the whole place would have gone up in smoke. Jackson quickly called Reggie and the police.
     “Reggie, the whole club has been destroyed! The police are on their way. You have to get over here. Now!”
“What? What the fuck? Call the insurance company, too. I’ll get there as soon as I can!”
“God, what a mess! I can’t leave Betty now. Fashion week is coming up. But I have to be here.”
     Reggie was lamenting to Jughead. Jughead was thoughtful. This was so suspicious. Could Archie stoop to such a thing?
“Don’t worry Reg. Join us when you can. I’ll look after Betty for you.” Reggie was very reluctant to stay in New York. But he had no choice.
“Betty, I’ll meet you all in Paris in a few days, okay babe?”
“Reggie, I need you so much. But I know I have to go and you have to stay. Please be careful and come quickly.” Betty clung to him.
     She was deeply afraid for his safety. Reggie met Jack at the ‘Wolf’s Den’. It was a mess. Reggie was determined to find out who would do such a thing. There was not an area of the club that was not damaged. There was no way the club could be opened for a least few weeks. The police had deemed it vandalism and the insurance company refused to pay for the damages, pending further investigation.
     “Are you saying I did this?!” Reggie was bellowing at the insurance agent.
     “It was not an act of God or an accident Mr. Mantle. I’m not saying you did this. We will have to investigate further before we pay for any of these damages.”
     “Hey, I needed to remodel anyway,” he shrugged, not letting his anger show any longer. The damages to the club were estimated at close to two million dollars. Reggie would have to pay out of pocket. He needed the club open as soon as possible. So Reggie arranged to have the club restored, better than ever. He could leave and go to Betty in Paris. Jackson could handle the club’s restoration.
     As Reggie was getting ready to leave for Paris, he received calls from the New Jersey and the Long Island police. The ‘Wolf’s Den’ clubs in Fort Lee New Jersey and in Riverhead Long Island were burned to the ground. This was getting to be serious. Reggie called the private detective firm he used. Someone’s trying to ruin me! He had to find out who was trying to destroy him. He called Betty to tell her he was being delayed further. Betty was horrified to hear what was going on. She couldn’t stop the tears from coming.
“God, Reg, I hope this isn’t happening because of Archie. This is my fault!”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it, babe. Just concentrate on the fashion show.”
The News headlines read: THE WOLF’S DENS WERE ALL VANDALIZED. DID THE WOLF DO THIS?
     Reggie called the editors at the Daily News and the New York Post to threaten libel if they did not retract their statements. And they did. But the damage to his reputation was done. People began to gossip and say that Reggie destroyed his clubs so he could get the insurance money.
***
     Ethel, Betty and Jughead were put up in luxurious suites at the International Hotel Paris Marceau, compliments of Reggie. It was a bit too rich for Betty’s blood, but Reggie wanted her to relax and be pampered before the big fashion show. Sometimes Betty felt a little intimidated by Reggie’s wealth. This suite seemed larger than her whole house in Riverdale. Ethel and Jughead came over to see Betty’s suite. They were very impressed with theirs.
     “Time to get to work, Betty. We play later. We have to do well here for Reggie’s sake.” Ethel pulled her to the huge desk in the suite that was laden with sketches and laptops. They went to work, getting their designs in order. They were all worried about Reggie, but didn’t want to say anything. They had to focus on fashion week because they knew Reggie would want it that way. He always came out of scrapes and landed on his feet. Betty hoped his luck was not about to run out.
     The day that started Fashion Week was here. Hott Muggs Inc. had a new line of wedding, evening and night gowns. They anxiously awaited their turn. The other designers were given kudos and the applause was deafening. The models were all raving about the band that was playing. Ethel came out dazzling in the fancy nightgowns and lingerie. There was a lot of applause. Due to the lights and flashes, she could not see the band players.
     Betty was the next model down the runway, resplendent in a red wedding gown. The crowd was stunned. She looked like every man’s fantasy. Ethel and Betty had changed and they soon came out separately, one with a black, punk rock wedding dress: It had a lace bodice and short skirt. Betty came out in a peach-colored mermaid wedding dress. The veil was very long, hiding her face, making the soon to be groom eager to lift it to see his bride. The designs were unconventional, but beautiful.
     The fashion show was over for the night. As the designer, Betty came out, clapping after the models, and she was stunned. There, standing with the band, was Archie Andrews, clapping with the rest of the crowd. Betty was angry to see him there, but didn’t let on. She took her bows, and left the stage. Hott Muggs Inc. received numerous orders for the designs shown this night.
     After the set was over, Archie limped to Betty and Ethel’s dressing room. Jughead was there when he entered the room. “Great show. Where’s your boyfriend Betty?” Jughead and Archie did not greet each other.
      Archie was not happy to see all of the flowers in the room. He read some of the cards and saw most of the elaborate bouquets were from Reggie.
     “Archie! What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in jail?” Betty was livid. Archie was smiling at her, as if all was well between them. Ethel and Jughead were speechless. They could not believe Archie was such a fool. “Archie! I just can’t believe how stupid you are! And why aren’t you in jail?” Betty demanded again, ready to knee him in his scrotum at the slightest aggravation from him.
     “I got out on bail and they gave me permission to come to this gig. Look Betty. Can’t we be friends, at least? Great show, by the way.” Even though he had been let out of jail on bail, the authorities gave him permission to go to France for the fashion show concert. He left out the part that there as a restraining order mandating he was not to be within one hundred feet of her or Reggie’s space.
     “Sure, Archie. We can be friends. Now go. We’re busy.” She would say anything to get him out of there. She walked to the door and held it open for him to leave. Jughead and Ethel were standing close by.
“I’m still your husband. Why can’t I stay? Afraid your boyfriend will get jealous if I’m here?”
“Please! Reggie jealous of you? You need to leave before he arrives and kicks your ass.”
     Betty would not let Archie know Reggie was not in Paris. She also didn’t deny that he was her boyfriend which Archie took note of, even if Betty didn’t.
     “Damn! You don’t care if everyone knows you fuck him, do you? Are you in love with Reggie? I need to know!” Betty glared at him.
“Well Archie if you must know, I…” She stopped as she saw a shadow in the doorway.
     “Excuse us. Great show, Bella. You know I will place a big order. Jade and I are going to be married.” This was from Count Marco Ignacio. He was once a rival of Reggie, but they were friends, now that Marco had Jade, who was an old friend of Reggie’s. Reggie had actually introduced them after he reunited with Betty, instead of giving her the ‘kiss off’, and it was love at first sight for the Count and Jade. The Count’s presence was very welcome right now. He was also a very big customer of Hott Muggs, Inc.
     “Where is Mantle? I wanted to thank him again for introducing me to Jade.” Marco asked while smiling at Jade who held tightly to his arm.
     “Uh, Reggie is …” Betty hated lying, but did not know what else to say while Archie was there.
     “Reggie had some very important business to attend to, but he’ll be here as soon as he can.” Jughead threw in as he glared at Archie. Jughead stood up to escort Archie out by force if necessary. He had enough of Archie’s shit and he needed to leave.
     Hott Muggs had received so many orders for wedding gowns that it would take another studio full of tailors to accommodate all of the orders. This was a happy and sad time for them. Reggie had lost all of his clubs, and his public relations firm had only one client at this time. Now, here stood Archie Andrews ready to cause more trouble. “Well, Archie, if you’ll excuse us, we have to discuss business with the Count.” Betty said, seeing the determination in Jughead’s eyes to remove him by force if necessary, and she did not want her friend to get into trouble. She was getting angrier by the minute at Archie’s presence. She was motioning for him to leave the dressing room.
     “I’m sure the Count wouldn’t mind if your husband was here when you discussed business with him.”
“No, but I’d mind!” They all turned and Betty screeched in joy.
     “Reggie!” Betty flew into his arms. She seemed to forget they weren’t alone. She was kissing Reggie and tugging on his hair in a passion that surprised all who saw them.
Seeing this, Archie went after Reggie, battle ready with fists flying.
The fight was on.
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Heart of the Wolf