Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 104

(Audrey’s POV)

Victoria’s sudden appearance sent a ripple of tension through the air. Her red dress clung to her curves as she possessively wrapped herself around Arthur’s arm, smiling up at him with feigned innocence. The triumphant glance she shot in my direction made Grace growl beneath my skin.

“Why are you here, Victoria?” Arthur asked, his tone surprisingly indifferent.

If she noticed his coldness, she didn’t show it. Instead, Victoria’s smile widened, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness.

“Father thought I should attend more pack functions,” she explained, batting her eyelashes. “He says I need to familiarize myself with pack business matters. You know, for the future.”

I couldn’t help but scoff internally at her transparent attempt to position herself as the future Luna. The audacity of this she-wolf never ceased to amaze me.

Arthur’s expression remained unmoved. “This is an alliance gathering, not a Moonstone Pack function. You should return home.”

Victoria’s smile faltered slightly, though she quickly recovered. “But Arthur, I came all this way…”

“If you need a companion, stay with Richard,” he said coldly, using his father’s first name rather than calling him ‘Father.’ “I have other obligations tonight.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed, her pleasant facade cracking. She turned toward me, her gaze suddenly venomous.

“Other obligations? Like making sure your unfaithful mate doesn’t embarrass you further?” she spat. “Those photos we showed you were just the beginning. We have more-”

“Enough,” Arthur cut her off, his Alpha voice sending a chill down my spine even though it wasn’t directed at me. “We will not discuss this here.”

I’d had enough of their drama. Without a word, I turned and walked away, heading toward the mansion entrance. I didn’t care to hear Arthur’s response or to be a pawn in whatever game Victoria was playing. The irony wasn’t lost on me-this was my first time attending such an event as Luna, and it would likely be my last.

The grand entrance of the Snowfang mansion was lined with ancient wolf statues, their marble eyes seeming to follow me as I approached. Other arriving guests gave me curious glances, no doubt wondering why the Moonstone Luna was walking alone.

“Audrey,” a familiar voice called.

I turned to see Nathan approaching, having just finished a conversation with a visiting Alpha. His tailored navy suit accentuated his lean frame, and his blue eyes were warm as they met mine.

“You look cold,” he observed, frowning slightly as he noticed my bare shoulders. “The temperature’s dropping. We should go inside.”

Only then did I realize I was shivering. In my haste to leave Arthur and Victoria, I’d forgotten how thin my dress was.

“Yes, that would be-”

“So this is her,” a sharp voice interrupted.

Elizabeth Snowfang stood at the top of the mansion steps, her cold blue eyes boring into me. Despite her years, she maintained a youthful appearance through what I suspected were magical means. Her silver-blonde hair was swept into an elaborate style, and her elegant gown screamed wealth and power.

“The she-wolf who has you so infatuated that you’d risk pack standing,” Elizabeth continued, her words directed at Nathan though her gaze remained fixed on me. “I expected someone more… impressive.”

Before I could respond, Nathan stepped slightly in front of me. “Don’t take your anger out on others, Elizabeth. It doesn’t become you.”

I was surprised by the change in her demeanor. Though still hostile, she seemed more subdued compared to the terrifying figure who had disciplined Nathan during my previous visit to the Snowfang estate.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Nathan continued, his voice surprisingly calm. “Audrey is just a friend from the Inter-Pack Academy days.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You expect me to believe that? After the resources you’ve expended on her behalf?”

I sighed, exasperated by yet another misunderstanding. I gestured toward the entrance where Arthur was still entangled with Victoria.

“I’m his marked mate,” I explained flatly. “Arthur Moonstone’s. At least for another few weeks.”

Recognition flickered in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Ah, the Moonstone Luna. I see.” Her gaze flicked between me and Arthur, who was now making his way toward us with Victoria still clinging to his arm. “So you’re both playing your own games.”

I couldn’t help it-I laughed. The remark was so ironically accurate that it cut through my tension.

Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose fractionally at my reaction before she turned and swept into the mansion without another word.

After Nathan left to attend to his meetings, I found a quiet corner where I could eat and observe the gathering. The politics of pack alliances had never interested me much, but watching the subtle power plays unfold was oddly fascinating.

Later, as I was returning from the restroom, hushed voices from a small alcove caught my attention. I paused, recognizing Victoria’s distinctive tone-sharp with barely contained rage.

“Who do you think you are?” she hissed.

Curious despite myself, I edged closer. Victoria stood facing a young she-wolf dressed in an extravagant silver-threaded gown that practically screamed wealth. The stranger was strikingly beautiful, with glossy black hair and an air of entitlement that suggested she was accustomed to getting her way.

“I am Emma Shadowcrest,” the young she-wolf replied coolly. “Daughter of the Alpha of the Shadowcrest Pack. And you must be Arthur’s unseen Luna.”

I froze, realizing she had mistaken Victoria for me. Even though I was now just a bystander, I felt a stabbing pain in my heart at her words. Emma Shadowcrest thought Victoria was the Luna of the Moonstone Pack.

To my utter surprise, Victoria didn’t correct her. Instead, she lifted her chin arrogantly. “That’s right. I am.”

Emma smiled, but the expression didn’t reach her eyes. “Then I have a proposition for you.” She withdrew a checkbook from her clutch. “Break your mating bond with Arthur immediately.”

She opened the checkbook and displayed a blank check. “Fill in whatever number you want. Just leave Arthur.”

Victoria’s expression shifted, showing uncharacteristic vulnerability and a sense of crisis. “Why? Are you pursuing him?”

“Of course,” Emma replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “And I always get what I want. I’ll win Arthur’s heart, no matter what.”

Victoria’s face contorted with rage. “You’re shameless! How dare you meddle in other wolves’ affairs!”

I had to press my hand against my mouth to stifle a laugh. The scene was downright ironic-Victoria, who had positioned herself as the mistress trying to steal my mate, was now accusing another she-wolf of being a homewrecker. The audacity was almost admirable.

The two women in front of me continued their heated exchange, one posing as Luna’s mistress while accusing the other of meddling in someone else’s marriage. I couldn’t help but find dark humor in the situation, even as my wolf growled at Victoria’s deception.