"Betty, I 'm advising you - not only as your lawyer but also as one of your oldest friends - you need to call my dad and have an order of protection put into place against Archie. This is serious. He's stalking you at this point," Kevin's voice pleaded on the other line. I was trying to reason with him while trying my hardest to not wake up Jughead.
Today was my first Friday as an official resident of the Southside and it was also supposed to be a day where I wasn't going to have to deal with my ex-husband issues. I had planned to spend most of the day lounging around before hanging in the bar with Jug and the Serpents. A nice, calm day.
However, that went out the window when Kevin called me in a panic at 7 am. Apparently, he somehow heard about what happened earlier this week and he had spent the better part of the last hour trying to get me to change my mind on pressing charges.
I really need to kill whoever blabbed. They all know how protective Kevin can be when it comes to me, I groaned. Kevin Keller has been my closest confidant for longer than anyone else I know, even Archie.
I met Kevin in the 4th grade when Chuck Clayton and a group of boys at Riverdale Elementary were picking on him for being overweight and nerdy. Even then, my little 10-year-old self was not about to stand by and let something like that happen.
I remember jumping between Chuck and Kevin, pushing him back as far as I could and glaring at him until he left Kevin alone. When they walked away, I grabbed Kevin's hand and dragged him to my secret hideaway in the library to make sure he was safe.
From that day forward we were a team and we stuck together. I was the one to volunteer to kiss him so he could see what it was like. The one he came out to first - even before his parents - because he said I was the only one who would really understand. I was the one he cried to when Moose broke his heart in 12th grade by asking Midge Klump to marry him. And I was the one who he called when Jake left. Kevin was as close to me as a friend could be and he was as protective as a brother.
"I told you already Kev, I'm pretty sure I broke his nose. Do you really think that Archie wouldn't press charges in a minute if he knew I was trying to get an OOP against him? Archie is vindictive as hell, you know this," I sighed in frustration.
This whole situation was just turning into one giant plethora of bullshit and I could feel myself getting more and more anxious with each passing moment. I just needed this to be over already.
"Let him try to press charges, Betty! He's the psycho who showed up and wanted to do God knows what to you. I can argue self-defense on that account. I am telling you, he has become seriously unhinged. He's been leaving me weird messages and trying to get me on the phone for weeks now," I almost choked when I heard those words.
"What?! Kevin, why the hell would you not tell me he's been harassing you all this time?" I whisper screamed into the phone. This would have been great information to have before he showed up in Riverdale, I thought, pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration.
"Because B, I'm your lawyer and this is not the first divorce case I've had where the ex turned psycho and was harassing me or my clients. It comes with the territory. Why do you think I have a secretary and the best security that Centerville has to offer, huh?" Kevin chuckled while I breathed in and out, trying to calm my ruffled nerves.
"Yes, Kevin but your Centerville clients didn't grow up with you and know that you live in Riverdale. Archie probably still knows how to sneak in through the cellar doors your dad has yet to fix!" I could feel the panic rising higher and higher, the urge to curl my nails in was almost overwhelming.
"First off B, Archie doesn't know I'm back at Dad's. Last he heard I was still staying with Jake. I never told him that we split up. And Jake moved to Seaside so I doubt that Arch could find that out. Secondly, do you really think Archie is stupid enough to break into THE SHERIFF'S house and try to hurt me? Come on Betty, Archie is stupid but not that stupid." Kevin laughed nonchalantly.
I chuckled as well, knowing that logically he was right. Archie didn't want to hurt Kevin, he was probably harassing him in order to figure out how to find me. Get a grip, Cooper. It's ok. Kevin is a big boy. I willed myself to believe that thought.
"Whatever the case may be Kev, I refuse to poke the bear, okay? Archie was long gone when I left The Pembrooke to come back to the Wyrm and Veronica had Andre deliver my stuff here so I wouldn't run the risk of seeing him again. And even if Archie saw where it was delivered, he is definitely not dumb enough to step foot in this bar," I groaned, still frustrated at this whole ordeal.
At that moment I felt an arm snake it's around my waist, signaling that my raised voice had indeed woken Jughead. He pulled me close and started to place small, tender kisses along my shoulder blades, humming and moaning with each kiss. He rolled me onto my back and began kissing neck and collarbone gently. When he started traveling down my body, I knew exactly what he was planning.
'No Juggie!' I mouthed, hoping to God that Kevin didn't hear Jug's chuckle in response to my pleas.
Jughead just gave me a devilish grin in return and continued to move lower and lower to the spot he was searching for. I moved the phone away from my mouth as I gasped, his tongue licking a stripe up my already wet shit.
I tried to keep my breaths even as Jughead's tongue dipped into me so that Kevin wouldn't suspect what was happening but I had a feeling that the effort would be futile. Jug was far too talented at making me fall apart in the loudest way possible for me to maintain self-control.
"Just promise me you are going to be careful, Betty. I have seen what happens when people get divorced and I don't want you to be another statistic. Will that man of yours be able to guarantee your safety?" Kevin asked, not suspecting a thing. It took all of my willpower not to cry out as Jughead slipped his fingers inside my sex, using a beckoning motion to massage my g-spot.
"Y-yes Kev, Jughead will take ver-r-y good care of me," I stammered, trying to keep my tone as even as possible.
"Yeah, I will," Jughead chuckled, lifting his head to smirk at me. I glared at him but he just winked and dove back into my core with more enthusiasm, causing me to yelp in pleasure. I had to cover my face with my pillow to hide my loud cries from Kevin.
"Betty, are you okay?" Kevin asked, worry laced with his voice. I cleared my throat and tried to sound normal.
"Um, yeah, sorry. I just, uh- I just stubbed my toe on the table, I'm fine," I bit my lip and whimpered as I felt myself getting closer and closer to the edge, the heat in my core threatening to combust.
"Oh, ok. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were having sex while we talked. Well, anyway, I'm gonna go. But we're still on for drinks at the White Wyrm tonight, right?" Kevin asked excitedly.
"Yup, we are. See you tonight, Kev. Bye!" All of my words run together as I scrambled to hit the end button before my climax hit me. I had just enough time to throw the phone down on the bed and sink my hands into Jughead's hair before I was falling off the edge and screaming his name. As he worked me through my orgasm, I could feel myself turning fifty shades of red at what had just happened. He placed a light kiss on my thigh before crawling back up my body and hovering above me.
"Morning, Betts," He snickered, licking his lips. I could see the smug look on his face and it only served to make my face even redder.
"Really, Juggie? That's all you have to say for yourself?" I scolded him mockingly.
"Hey babe, I was hungry. I needed a pre-breakfast snack," he wiggled his eyebrows, making a vulgar motion with his tongue and two fingers before I smacked his arm and giggled.
"You are a dirty perv, you know that, Jones?" I said. He nodded playfully and leaned in to capture my lips, the taste of my arousal still prominent on his tongue. I deepened the kiss and flipped him onto his back, sinking down onto him in one swift moment.
"You like me dirty, don't you, Princess?" Jughead groaned, his hands cupping my breasts as I rode his length. I loved the control it allowed me to be on top but I also loved the way he looked at me when I took my pleasure from him this way.
"Yes, Juggie... Oh God, yes!" I cried out, rolling my hips in a figure-eight motion while he slid his thumb down to massage my clit. I came with a shout, leaving angry claw marks down his in my wake. Suddenly, he sat up, wrapping his arms around me and drilling mercilessly into my throbbing heat until he finally spilled himself inside me.
We both collapsed in a sweaty heap and once we both came down from our high, he pulled me into his side and started stroking my arm lightly.
"So Betts, what did Keller say anyway?" Jughead asked quietly, his concern evident.
"He thinks I should call Sheriff Keller and press charges against Archie. And before you say anything, I already told him that it's not a good idea. I know Archie and he would tell them I assaulted him and I don't feel like having to pay for bail right now," I could see from his body language that he wasn't fond of the idea of getting the cops involved either. This was a job best left to the Serpents.
"Betts, you know I'll protect you, right? Archie won't get anywhere near you or Jelly. I have my guys on patrol and I even called in some of the retired and dormant Serpents to help out. There isn't anywhere in Riverdale that I don't have eyes on. If he so much as breathes in this town, I will know it. Okay?" He said softly, cupping my cheek and stroking it in reassurance.
"I know that, Juggie. I know that nothing will happen to me. That's why I told Kev to drop it. I just want this divorce finalized and to be able to move on with my life. Our life. Together," I planted a small kiss on his lips and sighed. I've been so nervous about how he would react to the news that I want to be a Serpent but I knew I couldn't postpone it any longer. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and just went for it.
"So, Jug. There was something I wanted to talk to you about," I said sheepishly, looking away from his eyes. He propped himself up on his elbow and used my chin to force me to look at him, fear manifesting in his eyes.
"Uh oh, Betts. That doesn't sound good," I could see the concern etched on his face as his brow furrowed, his eyes searching mine for any sign that this wasn't something catastrophic.
"Oh no Juggie, it's nothing about us. I don't even think it's that bad but it might be a shock," I said, caressing his cheek and smiling, "I just don't know how to ask you this without possibly upsetting you." He looked at me confused as ever but waited for me to continue. I sat up, bringing the sheet up to cover my naked breasts before I turned to face him.
"Jug, how do I become a Serpent?" I asked quickly, speaking softly. I watched as his confusion melted into relief before falling back into confusion again. He sat up and pulled me into his lap, hugging me tightly.
"Betts, do you want to be a Serpent?" He asked curiously. He doesn't seem angry or even against the idea, he was just confused.
"Well, yeah. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and I think I want to. I mean, I'm technically a legacy already and I think that deep down, what I thought was darkness, might have just been the Serpent in me trying to come out," I smiled, watching him think it over but sensing that something was holding him back.
"Juggie, I really believe this is the next step for me. I can't tell you how good it felt to punch Archie. Or when I stood up to Sweet Pea. I felt free, I felt like the real me like this is who I was meant to be," He eyed me carefully, searching to see if I had any doubts about this but finding none.
"Betts, you know that if you do this, there is no going back. Serpents- We are Serpents for life, babygirl. Whether you hide it or retire - in the end - we are all in this together until we die. Can you handle that?" He asked, his tone completely serious. I knew he was trying to protect me but I was not afraid of this. This was my destiny.
"Yes, Juggie I know. This is what I want. I want to be with you. I want to be a part of your world, of your family. I want to be the real Betty Cooper, the one I hide. Will you help me let her out? Please, Juggie?" I begged, sticking my bottom lip out in a pout.
I saw something spark in his eyes and he grabbed my face and kissed me deeply. I climbed back into his lap and deepened the kiss, feeling his arousal on my thigh. I smiled into the kiss and wrapped my arms around his neck before he pulled away.
"Betty, that's the sexiest thing I have ever heard. If this is really what you want, then I'll show you what you need to do to be a Serpent. But I'm telling you now, you ain't gonna like it, babe. It's not easy," I could tell he was torn between protecting me from his world and his desire for me to be with him in it.
"Jug, I can handle it," I said. "If I can survive the Jason Blossom murder investigation and catching the Sugarman, I don't think a gang initiation is so scary."
"Ok, Betts. There are three tests that every female Serpent recruit has to go through. Each task is more difficult than the previous challenge. You must have complete trust in us, to prove that you're willing to lay yourself bare without showing cowardice or fear and that you are willing to die for us. Are you prepared for that?" Jughead hesitated when he asked but I wasn't going to back down from this. I was sure this was what I wanted.
"Yes, Jug. I can handle it. I'm sure. This is what I want, no matter what. I'm not afraid. I trust you," I whispered lowly, a smile spreading across Jughead's face as he cocked his eyebrow at me.
"Alright, Cooper. Let's do this," he grinned.
"So, wait... You're telling me that I have to recite the Serpent Laws - from memory - while Jughead throws what at me?" I couldn't have heard them correctly. There's no way. I looked at Jughead who simply gestured to Toni for her to explain.
"Tomahawks. Four to be exact. It's a tradition that goes back to the Uktena tribe and shows us you have complete trust in our King. He throws one at each of the four-points of your body to represent a compass. While he does it you can't flinch or show any fear otherwise you fail. It's not an easy thing to do, Betty," Toni warned, pouring me a shot. I knew it would be hard but damn. This seemed a bit... intense.
"Okay, so what is the second and third test?" I asked, downing my shot but Toni shook her head.
"Sorry Coop, can't tell you until the first challenge is complete. We're all sworn to secrecy. We don't like to give prospects too much info in case they punk out. Not that you would, but you know," Toni shrugged her shoulders and walked down the bar to get Sweet Pea and Fangs more beers. Jughead had been rubbing my back lovingly through the whole discussion, trying to be supportive.
"See, Betts. It's not going to be easy and I'll understand if you don't want to do this. It won't change how I feel about you. Promise" He said assuredly. I spun around and glowered at him.
"No, fuck that! I can do this, Jug. Betty Cooper does not scare so easily and I sure as hell don't give up. When do you want to do this?" I asked, giving off as much confidence as my body would allow. Even though, deep down, I was freaking out at just the thought of this test.
"Depends on how fast you can memorize the laws," He smiled, the playful tilt in his voice challenging me. Well, Jones, challenge accepted, I thought with a grin.
"Oh Juggie, didn't you know? I have a photographic memory. Give me twenty minutes and a shot of whiskey then let's do this," I simpered, giving him a little wink.
~20 minutes later~
"Elizabeth Cooper, you say you want to be a Serpent, is that correct?" Jughead's voice boomed through the bar, every Serpent in the crowd standing in complete silence.
This was a side of Jughead I would never get enough of seeing. I saw it in the diner when the Ghoulies threatened me and when Archie attacked me. I had seen it in our bedroom several times over. This was Dark Jughead. Dominant Jughead. And this Jughead, I trusted completely.
"Yes, that's correct," I stated clearly, showing no emotion and looking straight ahead. I kept my eyes locked with Jughead's the entire time, knowing that he would not let me get hurt.
"WHAT IS THE FIRST LAW?" Jughead shouted, his muscles tensing as he glared at me.
"No Serpent stands alone!" I replied, watching him walk to a table to pick up the first tomahawk. He walked back and stared me down.
"WHAT IS THE SECOND LAW?" He roared, getting into his throwing stance.
"If a Serpent is killed or imprisoned, their family will be taken care of!" I yelled.
WHACK!
The first one whizzed past my left ear but I didn't move a muscle or blink. I could see the pleased look in his eyes as he grabbed the next tomahawk.
"WHAT IS THE THIRD LAW?"
"A Serpent never shows cowardice!"
WHACK!
My breath caught just slightly as the next one slammed into the board beside my right ear. My heart was racing but I kept my expression stoic and I didn't dare flinch. He licked his lips and smiled, preparing for his next throw.
"WHAT IS THE FOURTH LAW?"
"No Serpent is left for dead!" I replied confidently, feeling the courage coursing through my veins and bubbling just under the surface.
As strange as it might have seemed to others, just watching Jughead pacing stage with his eyes locked on mine, his face stern and powerful does something to my insides. I knew I should be afraid but instead, I found this whole test surprisingly erotic. Just glimpsing the fire in his eyes at this moment, I knew Jughead felt it too.
WHACK!
The next tomahawk landed in between my thighs and I had to bite my lip to suppress a moan from the feelings it was giving me. I had to fight the urge to clench my thighs together when Jug winked at me and ran his tongue across his teeth.
"WHAT IS THE FIFTH LAW?"
"A Serpent never betrays his own!" I held my head high and shouted as loud as possible, never breaking his gaze.
WHACK!
The final tomahawk slammed into the backboard directly above my head. I knew the worst part was over but I refused to move, my chest heaving and my heart pounding. Jughead stalked toward me before he stopped directly in front of me, nose to nose. I could feel the electricity and desire coming off him in waves.
"WHAT IS THE SIXTH LAW?" He growled, his eyes devouring me.
"In unity there is strength," I stated firmly, looking him straight in the eye showing no fear or hesitation.
"IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH!" The crowd shouted. It's then that I finally saw the mask slipping and Jughead's lips curled into a mischievous grin.
"In unity there is strength," he whispered before slamming his mouth onto mine, his tongue wrestling with mine for dominance. From his urgency and guttural moans, I knew that this had turned him on as much as it did me. I slipped my hands under his shirt, completely forgetting that we had an audience behind us until someone shouted.
"Hey Jones, I don't think that is part of the test!" They yelled, the crowd erupting into laughter.
"Fuck off Dakota, no one asked you!" Jug shouted back before laughing and turning his attention back to me. He cupped my face and gazed into my eyes.
"God Betts, how is it that I've done this same thing dozens of times and this is the first time I got turned on by it?" He whispered in a husky voice, making me squirm just by thinking about it again. I grabbed his collar and pulled him closer.
"Probably because it got me just as hot and bothered. You wouldn't believe just how wet I am right now, Juggie," I winked and flicked my tongue across his lips. His eyes darken and he pressed into me, showing me just what the experience did for him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him again before pulling back to whisper in his ear. "We can finish this later in the apartment. Right now we have to get ready for our guests," I kissed his cheek and ran off stage to talk to Toni.
"Jesus Blondie, for a second there I thought you guys were going to give us all a show fuck Jug right on the stage," Sweet Pea said with a sour look, rolling his eyes.
"You can't afford that show, Sweets," I chuckled and nudged his arm. "Who's gonna get me a shot?" I yelled. I felt Jughead sneak up behind me and wrap his arms around my waist, whispering in my ear.
"That would be me, Cooper," he breathed as he peppered kisses on my neck. Sweet Pea started to make gagging sounds and without a glance his way, I flipped him the bird causing Jug to chuckle against my skin.
"Bite me, Sweet Pea. You're just jealous cause you ain't got no game," I teased. Sweet Pea mumbled something under his breath that caused Fangs and Joaquin to burst into laughter. I figured now was a good time to cut him some slack so I decided to change the subject.
"So 'Quin, are you sure you are cool with me setting you up with the son of the Sheriff?" I asked, chewing my bottom lip nervously. I really wanted to help Kevin find a decent guy and Joaquin fits his type to the letter.
"Hey, you know me, Blondie. I have always been a rebel," he winked. "Besides, if he is half as cute as you say and he's a lawyer, well then I may have just found my own personal snake charmer," He laughed, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ok, ew. Never say that ever again. Kevin is like a brother to me and what he does with your snake is none of my business," I shook my head and grimaced. I was praying no one saw how red my face was. As we continue to laugh and joke, we see the subject of our discussion coming inside.
"Betty!" Kevin shouted excitedly. I ran up to him and jumped into his arms as he hugged me, spinning me around a few times. I know it's only been about three months since the last time I actually saw him but I still missed him like crazy. He dropped me to the floor and held me at arm's length by the shoulders.
"Damn Keller, it's been too long. I missed you so much," I wrapped him into another hug. "I would have thought being my divorce lawyer you have me seeing you a lot more."
"You know how it goes, Betts. Lawyers' work is never done. Now, where is this hot, sexy bad boy biker you're setting me up with, hmm?" Kevin asked, smiling down at me. I grabbed his hand and lead him over towards the group. "Holy Hotness Batman, is that him?" He whispered, staring directly at Joaquin.
"Kevin Keller, this is Joaquin DeSantos. Joaquin, this is my chosen and favorite brother, Kevin," I could already see the gleam in both their eyes as they stared at each other and shook hands. I secretly screamed and jumped for joy in my head while keeping a fixed smile on my face.
The boys walked off from the group to get to know each other better and the rest of us chatted and drank, having a typical Whyte Wyrm Friday night. Veronica and Reggie joined us about an hour later so we decided to shoot some pool and just blow off steam from the week.
I was so lost in my own little world, wrapped in Jughead's arms while he whispered funny commentary on the game going on in front of us that I didn't even hear Jug's phone ringing. He whispered that he would be right back and kissed my ear before he disappeared into his office.
Part of me wondered if this was some secret Serpent business but I shook that thought from my mind and started taunting Sweet Pea and Fangs, trying to get them to miss their shots. It's about 15 minutes later when I saw Jug stumbling from his office with a completely shocked look on his face, a faint smile threatening to bloom.
"Juggie?" I said, walking slowly towards him. He grabbed my hands and I could see that he was about to cry. However, the smile on his face showed me that they were happy tears.
"Listen up everyone, I have an announcement!" He yelled causing a hushed silence to fall on the bar. His eyes never lost their sparkle as he spoke.
"I just got off the phone with my dad. Seems that Shankshaw has been dealing with overcrowding and due to that, coupled with good behavior, my dad will be getting out early! As of next Friday, FP Jones will be a free man again!" He was beaming when he finished speaking.
The entire bar erupted into cheers and calls of 'Hail to the King' and Jughead wrapped his arms around me and buried his face into my hair.
"He's coming home, Betts. He is finally coming home," Jughead was clinging to me and I could feel the wet tears soaking my hair but I couldn't bring myself to care about that. I was just so happy for him. This man that I love was getting his father back after all this time. He pulled away and I wiped the tears from his cheeks with my sleeve.
"Juggie, we've got to tell Jellybean and Mom, they are both going to be so happy!" I beamed. I was excited to tell them but I knew exactly how I wanted to end the night. "What do you say we go upstairs and make those calls then we can celebrate the news in our own way?" I asked seductively.
"Why Cooper, I thought you'd never ask," I giggled then squealed as he grabbed me, throwing me over his shoulder before shouting goodnight to everyone before carrying me upstairs.
The next morning I woke up feeling completely happy and safe wrapped in Jughead's arms. My arms were around his torso, our legs tangled in one another's, and completely at peace. I lifted my head from his chest and traced the crown over his heart. I loved looking at all of his tattoos, knowing that each one had a personal story and meaning behind it.
I still couldn't believe that this breathtaking man loved me, wanted me and only me. No other woman mattered to him. It made my heart swell with so much love that it might actually burst. I placed a soft kiss to his crown when I felt his chest trembling and a gruff laugh escaped his lips.
"It's very rude to stare, Betts," I smiled and kissed his chest again.
"Yeah, but it's my right to stare. You're all mine, Jones, so by default, I get to stare as much as I want," I smirked and bit his peck gently.
"Oh is that so, Cooper. Well, who am I to deny you a decent view," Jughead said, his voice gravelly from sleep and leaned down to capture my lips. "So Betts, what's on the agenda for today?" He said as he ran his hand through my hair.
"Well since I passed my test last night, I was wondering if you could tell me what the other two tests are? Toni said I had to survive the first test beforehand and then you could tell me," I laid my chin on his chest and stared at him, waiting for an answer.
"Well, Betts. Toni's right, I can tell you now but the question is: are you ready to hear them?" He asked, brushing my hair off my shoulders and rubbing the skin with his thumb.
"Yes Juggie, I think if I can handle you throwing deadly weapons at me, I can handle anything," I laughed.
"Ok then, the second test is The Box," He said plainly like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"The Box? What's that?" I asked curiously.
"Well, we take a glass coffin and lay you down in it. Then we dump 100 snakes on top of you and close the lid - but don't worry - there will be air holes in the lid. Then we make you lay inside for five minutes. You can't flinch or scream or anything. If you survive that then you only need to pass one more test to be a full member of the Serpents," he paused, unsure if he should continue.
"Ok? Don't keep me in suspense too long, Juggie." I teased. Jug sighed and looked away before continuing.
"Once you come out of the box, you have to immediately do the Serpent Dance. It symbolizes your survival from being encapsulated with the serpent on one side and then being transformed into one on the other side," he explained quietly.
"So... I have to dance? That's it?" I asked. What's the catch, that seems too simple, I thought.
"Um, yeah... You have to do a striptease for the entire gang. You have to lay yourself bare for us to see and show no fear in the process," Jughead's voice faltered and he looked away, obviously torn up about that aspect of the trials. I turned his head to face me again.
"Do I have to be completely naked?" I asked, knowing that this would be hard for Jughead if I have to be naked.
"Well, not entirely. Just down to your panties. So topless," he shrugged before scratching the back of his neck.
"Ok, um- can I wear pasties? You know, to cover my nipples?" His head lifted and I saw him come to a realization about something.
"Yeah, actually you can! We tried to get this dance banned years ago but weren't able to. However, we managed to get part of the old rules changed. The rules now state that if any girlfriend or wife of an existing Serpent wants to join they have the right to cover certain parts of their body that are only for their significant other to see," his face lit up when he remembered that rule before relief visibly flooded his whole body.
"Alright, when do we do this?" I smiled at him, excited knowing that this was going to bring me closer to Jughead.
"Well, I would really like my Dad to be able to see me give you your skin and I also want to have a celebration for his release so I was thinking next Saturday? What do you say, Betts?" He was grinning from ear to ear now. I couldn't help but smile at him in return.
"I think that is perfect Juggie. I can't wait."
"Wait, wait, wait. You're going to do what now?" Veronica choked. She, Reggie, and Kevin were all sitting in complete shock while the rest of the group - Jellybean, Sweet Pea, Fangs, Toni, Cheryl, and Joaquin - were all smiling and waiting to see the reaction of the Northsiders.
"Next Saturday I'm going to become a Serpent. We are having a welcome home party for FP and at the party, I'm going to complete the last two tests and then I will officially become a member," I stated, never once hesitating. Veronica shook her head in disbelief.
"But B, why? I mean, no offense guys, I like you and all but Betty this is still a gang. Is that really what you want?" Veronica grabbed my hands and squeezed.
"Yeah V, it really is. It's not like the Northside thinks it is. The Serpents don't deal drugs or run guns. Jug has kept the gang clean and they are actually one of the things that keeps this community going. And I want to be apart of that. I need you to back me on this, V. Please?" I pleaded. As soon as I saw Veronica's eyes soften, I knew she was on board.
"I got your back, girl. B&V forever, remember? And I guess if you can handle the fact that my family is basically the Latino Corleone's then I can handle the Sons of Anarchy in your closet," Veronica joked and pulled me into a hug. I was so relieved that she was ok with this. Now to see what Kevin had to say.
"Kev? What do you think?" I looked at him wide-eyed, biting my lip in anticipation. Kevin just shrugged.
"Hell B, if I can handle 'Dark Betty' I am pretty sure I can handle 'Biker Betty'. Probably be close to the same thing anyway," He winked. Everyone's head spun to face me except Veronica, who was too busy shooting daggers at Kevin.
"KEVIN!" Veronica and I hissed in unison.
"Dark Betty?" The rest of the group asked at the same time.
"No, no, no... I've said too much. Sorry girls, my vow of silence slipped my mind for a sec," Kevin said apologetically before he mimed zipping his mouth closed and locking it, my face turning deeper shades of red by the minute.
"Who or what is Dark Betty?" Jughead whispered in my ear, his breath ghosting on my skin.
"Play your cards right, Jones, and you just might find out one day," I winked and kissed his cheek. Jughead cleared his throat and got back to the topic at hand.
"Okay so anyway, next Saturday I want to throw a big party for my Dad. It's a big deal for him and I'm excited that he's coming home so I want all of mine and Betty's friends to be here to celebrate with us. So, are we all in?" His voice was hopeful as he looked around the table at everyone.
"Well, we're in, Jones. But be warned, I'm going to drink your skinny ass under the table," Reggie bumped Jug's shoulder and laughed.
"We will see about that, Mantle," Jug chuckled.