Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 117

(Audrey’s POV)

The moment I pulled open my door, the metallic scent of blood hit me full force. But instead of an unknown threat, I found myself staring at Emma Shadowcrest. Her pristine designer clothes contrasted grotesquely with the pool of blood surrounding her feet.

“Surprised to see me?” Emma’s perfectly made-up face twisted into a cruel smile.

I recovered quickly from my initial shock. “What are you doing at my house? And what’s with all this blood?”

She gestured dramatically at the crimson puddle. “Just a little warning, Luna.” The way she spat my title made it sound like an insult. “Stay away from Arthur. Your time with him is over.”

I sighed deeply, already exhausted by this confrontation. The Moonstone Pack drama was becoming ridiculous.

“Look, Emma, I’m not pursuing Arthur. In fact, I’ve been trying to sever our mate bond. If you have issues with Arthur, take them up with him.”

Emma laughed, the sound sharp and humorless. “You’re still hanging around, aren’t you? Still playing the role of Luna while waiting in the shadows.”

“That’s between Arthur and me,” I replied firmly.

Her eyes narrowed as she examined my territory house. “Speaking of which, how does a supposedly destitute orphaned wolf without pack affiliations afford a territory house like this? Not to mention those designer clothes you wore at the Snowfang celebration.”

The accusation was so absurd I almost laughed. “I earned everything I have. I worked as the Moonstone Pack’s head therapist for years.”

“Please,” she scoffed. “We both know pack therapists don’t earn this kind of money. You’ve been living off Arthur’s generosity, and now you’re afraid to lose it all.”

Something inside me snapped. I’d endured enough condescension from high-ranking wolves to last a lifetime.

“That’s rich coming from you,” I shot back. “You’re just lucky you happened to be adopted by the Shadowcrest Pack. Without their name, what are you exactly? Someone who tries to sabotage other people’s partnerships and insert yourself into relationships that don’t concern you.”

Her face contorted with rage. “How dare you!”

Emma’s hand flew toward my face, but I was faster. I caught her wrist mid-swing and pushed her away from my doorway.

“Don’t dirty my home with your presence,” I said coldly.

Emma stumbled back slightly, her eyes flashing dangerously. “You have no idea what I’m capable of. This blood?” She pointed at the mess. “It’s just prey blood-deer and rabbit. I was being polite. Next time, I won’t be so considerate.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I replied with exaggerated sweetness. “I just can’t handle such politeness.”

Her lip curled. “You think you’re so clever. But soon you’ll have nothing. No pack, no mate, no protection. Sever your mate bond with Arthur, or things will get very uncomfortable for you.”

I crossed my arms. “And if Arthur insists on maintaining it? Have you considered that? Everyone keeps telling me to sever the mate bond, but Arthur’s the one who canceled the proceedings at the Pack Council Office.”

That gave her pause. She hadn’t expected me to point out something so obvious.

“Well, he…” She faltered momentarily before regaining her composure. “He will see reason. A pack alliance through mate bonding between the Moonstone and Shadowcrest packs is the obvious solution to their current predicament after the scandal.”

She stepped closer, attempting to intimidate me with her wolf presence. “Just don’t cling to him when he finally agrees to the mate bond severance. It would be pathetic.”

“Congratulations in advance,” I said with false sincerity. “I wish you and Arthur a happy mate bond and many pups.”

I started to close my door, but Emma stopped it with surprising strength, her wolf clearly lending her power.

“I’m not finished,” she growled. “Don’t think being in Moonstone territory protects you. I could still deal with you easily.”

I stared at her in genuine confusion. I had just wished her well with Arthur, so what more did she want?

“Are you experiencing wolf epilepsy?” I asked sarcastically. “I literally just congratulated you on your future with Arthur.”

Emma’s face turned an alarming shade of red as she realized what I was implying-that her continued aggression made no rational sense.

“You little-” She sputtered. “The Shadowcrest Pack has influence in every territory. Even Arthur couldn’t protect you if we decided to take action.”

Inside, I offered him a pair of guest slippers. “Have you eaten? I was just about to have dinner. It’s nothing fancy-just venison soup and some spicy wolf herb stir-fry.”

“I haven’t,” Nathan admitted. “And that sounds excellent.”

“Talk about good timing,” I said with a small smile. “Come in, make yourself comfortable.”

As we moved to the kitchen, Nathan’s expression grew serious. “You should be careful with Emma. She’s spoiled and vindictive-a dangerous combination. The Shadowcrest Pack holds considerable power in the northern territories.”

“Doesn’t her pack discipline her?” I asked, ladling soup into bowls. “She seems to do whatever she wants without consequence.”

Nathan leaned against the counter.” Emma’s parents had only one daughter left. So they dote on her like she’s a precious jewel, instead of preparing her for the responsibilities of the pack”

“Here, let me help,” he offered suddenly, taking the ladle from my hand. “Too much kitchen work isn’t good for your wolf’s healing after your recent injuries.”

His thoughtfulness caught me off guard. “Thank you. The cooking utensils are in that drawer.”

Nathan moved around my kitchen with unexpected confidence, adding ingredients to the stir-fry and creating two additional dishes in record time. After we finished eating, he insisted on washing the dishes while I relaxed.

I watched him from my seat at the kitchen island, bemused by the domestic scene. “I bet your favorite she-wolf doesn’t know you have so many hidden talents. Is her mate as capable and kind as you?”

Nathan turned from the sink, his expression unreadable. “Am I really that good in your eyes?”

“Better,” I admitted honestly. “You’re the best man I’ve ever known, Nathan.”

Something shifted in his gaze, a warmth I couldn’t quite interpret. He dried his hands slowly on a kitchen towel.

“And if your relationship with Arthur is severed,” he asked carefully, “Will you be looking for a new partner?”