Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 122

(Audrey’s POV)

“You can’t be serious!” I choked on my morning yogurt as Sarah’s suggestion hung in the air between us.

She shrugged, spoon halfway to her mouth. “Eight figures, Audrey. That’s life-changing money for unaffiliated wolves like us.”

“Are you seriously suggesting I should ‘give in’ to Arthur just because he deposited a ridiculous amount of money in my account?” I stared at her incredulously. “Victoria’s basically just his father’s casual she-wolf!”

Sarah’s spoon clattered against her bowl. “That’s not what I meant! Just take the money and run. Use it to build your practice.”

I shook my head firmly. “You don’t understand the Moonstone Pack. There are always strings attached.”

“But-“

“And it gets worse,” I cut her off. “Katherine still wants Arthur to mark Victoria as his mate.”

Sarah’s eyes widened comically. “You’re kidding, right? After everything that’s happened? After finding out Victoria was sleeping with her mate?”

“The Moonstone Pack lives by different rules,” I said bitterly.

Sarah leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Is Katherine mentally stable? I mean, she just woke up from a coma, found out her daughter was sleeping with her mate, had a public meltdown, attempted suicide with silver, and now she’s ready to push that same daughter into Arthur’s arms? That’s insane.”

“Pack politics,” I said with a shrug.

Sarah stirred her yogurt thoughtfully. “Maybe they’ve made a new arrangement? Mother, daughter, and father all coming to some sort of… understanding?”

“Sarah!” I threw a napkin at her. “That’s disgusting.”

She laughed, dodging the napkin. “Just speculating! The Moonstone Pack drama is better than any detective novel.”

As we headed toward the door, it opened across the hall. Florian Stormhowl emerged from his own territory house, his golden wolf eyes alert despite his disheveled appearance. I froze in surprise.

“You live directly across from me?” I asked, exasperation clear in my voice.

Florian leaned against his doorframe, looking unfairly attractive for someone who had clearly just woken up. “I can hardly be accused of eavesdropping when I’m in my own home.”

Great. Just great. He’d obviously heard our entire conversation about Arthur and the money.

“Here,” he said, holding out a white dress box tied with a silver ribbon. “For tonight.”

I took the box reluctantly. “What’s this?”

“A dress,” he answered, his voice still rough with sleep. “For our outing. Don’t forget, 5 p. m.”

My wolf growled softly within me. I had completely forgotten about my obligation to accompany Florian to some Alpha event tonight.

“I’ll be ready,” I said with poorly disguised annoyance.

Sarah glanced between us, clearly bursting with curiosity. “I’ll continue scouting office locations for the practice today.”

I nodded gratefully. “I’m sorry I can’t join you.”

“Don’t worry,” she assured me with a smile. “I’ll find us something perfect, and then we’ll properly celebrate your moon-turning tonight.”

After Sarah left, I returned to my territory house and immediately called my bank. Within minutes, I had transferred all of Arthur’s money back to his account. My wolf felt strangely lighter afterward, as if shedding the final material tie between us.

My phone buzzed with Nathan’s name on the screen.

“Happy birthday again,” he said warmly when I answered. “I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight? Nothing fancy, just a small celebration.”

“That’s very thoughtful,” I replied, genuinely touched. “But I’m afraid I already have plans this evening.”

There was a brief pause. “With the Moonstone Alpha?”

“No, actually,” I said, feeling oddly guilty. “I’m fulfilling a favor for someone else.”

I didn’t elaborate, and thankfully, Nathan didn’t press for details. After our call ended, I focused on getting ready for the evening.

“Don’t damage the dress,” he reminded me as he held the door open. “And try to look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll do my best to appear suitably captivated.”

Inside the ballroom, beautifully decorated in silver and white, I suddenly realized exactly what event we were attending. My wolf stiffened in surprise.

“This is Emma Shadowcrest’s birthday celebration,” I whispered, recalling the blood-splattered doorway from our last encounter. “I share a birthday with her?”

Florian’s expression remained neutral. “Interesting coincidence, isn’t it?”

Before I could respond, two wolves approached Florian, greeting him with the casual familiarity of old acquaintances. They were clearly from northern territories, their accents distinctive.

“Florian!” one called, clapping him on the shoulder. “You finally brought your intended mate to meet us.”

My eyes widened at the term, but Florian smoothly corrected them. “Not quite. This is Audrey Winter, a friend who was kind enough to accompany me tonight.”

His hand rested lightly on my lower back, a casual gesture that nevertheless clearly marked me as under his protection for the evening.

The wolves exchanged knowing glances but didn’t press the issue. After brief introductions and pleasantries, they moved on, leaving Florian and me near the main entrance.

I noticed a ripple of movement through the crowd, wolves parting respectfully as a new group entered. Even before I saw him, I felt Arthur’s Alpha presence fill the room. He entered with Emma Shadowcrest on his arm, followed by an older couple-presumably Emma’s parents.

My attention was drawn to the elegant she-wolf beside Emma. There was something about her-the way she moved, the gentle brush of her hand against Emma’s shoulder-that sparked an odd sense of familiarity. It reminded me of faded memories of my own mother, causing my wolf to whimper softly within me.

Arthur’s gaze found me immediately, his eyes turning cold as ice when he spotted me with Florian. His wolf was barely contained beneath his skin, his jaw clenching visibly even from across the room.

Emma, who had been smiling brightly at something Arthur said, followed his gaze. Her expression transformed instantly when she saw me, joy morphing into hostile fury.

“What is she doing here?” she demanded loudly, her voice carrying across the suddenly quiet ballroom. Her eyes flashed dangerously as she pointed directly at me. “She wasn’t invited to my birthday celebration!”