Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 145

(Audrey’s POV)

The rare healing herbs contribution from the Northern Alliance had arrived, our office was secured, and now we had our first major client order. Things were finally looking up.

“I’ve been racking my brain with Sarah, but we can’t figure out who would do such a good deed,” I said, leaning back in my chair as I contemplated our mysterious investor.

Sarah was sitting across from me, typing furiously on her tablet to set up our online presence. She barely looked up as she replied.

“Forget it, let’s not dwell on it. We’re open for business, and any client is good news,” she said optimistically.

Her fingers paused over the screen as she checked the time.

“Someone is coming for an interview soon. Are you ready? Let’s interview together?”

“Sure,” I agreed, organizing the papers on my desk.

There were so many things to do in our new healing practice, with only Sarah and myself handling everything. Even if we worked 24 hours a day, we wouldn’t be able to finish everything. Hiring was urgent.

The first interview arrived promptly – a middle-aged she-wolf with precise movements and efficient answers. The second was a young male wolf, fresh out of healing school, eager but inexperienced. The third seemed distracted, constantly checking her phone.

During all these interviews, Sarah was in charge of asking questions, while I observed. Several candidates seemed okay, but nothing stood out.

Then, our fourth applicant arrived.

A young she-wolf entered, bowing slightly before sitting down gracefully. Something about her struck me as familiar, though I couldn’t immediately place her.

“Hello, my name is Mia Silverleaf,” she introduced herself, her voice soft but clear.

Her bright, innocent eyes kept glancing towards me with a strange mixture of recognition and admiration. Sarah caught these glances and a mischievous smile spread across her face.

“Do you know our Head Healer Audrey, or do you just think she’s too beautiful?” she teased.

A blush crept onto Mia’s face. She hesitantly asked, “Healer Winter… did you go to the Silver Moon Gathering?”

Recognition flooded through me all at once. “It’s you!” I exclaimed, remembering the kind she-wolf who had waited with me for Arthur at the gathering.

The one who had given up her place in line so I could enter.

Mia also stood up, her eyes crinkling into crescents with delight. “Yes, it’s me!”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, looking between us with curiosity. “Where did you pick up this little she-wolf?”

Before I could explain, Mia excitedly jumped in, telling Sarah about the gathering and how we had given her our extra access mark when she couldn’t get in.

“Sounds like something she’d do,” Sarah commented with a knowing smile. She then returned to business mode, glancing down at her tablet. “I see on your application that you’re applying for the Healing Herbs Assistant position?”

My main focus was still formulation, so I desperately needed an assistant with proper healing knowledge.

“Yes!” Mia’s youthful enthusiasm was infectious. “I’m a healing herbs major at Northern Wolf Academy, about to start my internship. I had some things come up a few months ago, so it was delayed until now.”

I made my decision on the spot. “You’re hired.”

There was something about her that felt trustworthy. She seemed kind, and having met her before, I felt some unexplained affinity towards her. After what happened with Rebecca Foster back at the Moonstone Therapy Center, I believed character was more important than professional skills.

Mia, in her excitement, shot up from her chair again, knocking it back with a loud thud. “Really? Just like that?” she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Sarah and I exchanged amused glances. It was clear Sarah liked Mia too.

“We’re just a new practice, why are you so eager to join us?” Sarah asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

Mia, with disarming honesty, replied, “Healer Winter gave me an access mark when she didn’t even know me. I think she’s a very good wolf…”

She hesitated before adding, “And, my brother suggested I come to your practice…”

Suddenly, she clapped a hand over her mouth as if she’d said something she shouldn’t have. My curiosity was piqued.

“Your brother?” I frowned slightly.

Mia nodded, a sweet smile on her face, then quickly added, “My brother, he saw your recruitment notice and thought your practice was very promising.”

I nodded, dismissing it without much thought. Brothers looking out for their sisters was perfectly normal.

“The practice officially opens next Monday, you can start then as well.”

If Emma Shadowcrest was willing to contribute rare healing herbs, why should I turn down the resources? Besides, Emma was right; if she decided to target us, Winter’s Remedy wouldn’t survive. The Northern Alliance likely wouldn’t offend a deeply rooted pack like the Shadowcrests for our sake.

A smug smile spread across Emma’s face. “You’re always the sensible one. Your friend, not so much.”

I returned a faint smile, careful to keep my expression neutral. “She just hasn’t learned how to communicate with… your kind.”

It took a moment for Emma to realize I was calling her a rogue wolf, echoing Sarah’s earlier insult. She closed her eyes briefly and let out a scornful laugh.

“All you’ll ever be is a wolf who serves me. Sharp fangs are all you have.”

I clenched my fists, feeling my claws threaten to emerge. Emma might have been born into an ordinary family, but she had the good fortune to be adopted by the Shadowcrest pack, a family whose wealth was beyond measure. That was a kind of skill in itself.

Taking a deep breath, I led her to the common area where we could discuss her request professionally.

“Tell me, what kind of healing formulation are you looking for?”

Emma settled into one of our chairs like she was doing us a favor by sitting there.

“I’m warning you, my requirements aren’t easy to meet. And you must be present at my mate marking ceremony with Arthur to ensure everything is perfect…”

Her phone rang, cutting her off. She answered it immediately, her voice suddenly dripping with false distress.

“Mother, you’re downstairs? I’m already at this… shabby practice. You have no idea how sharp-tongued this Audrey Winter is, and her friend is even worse!”

Sarah and I rolled our eyes in unison as Emma continued her theatrical performance on the phone.

“Why did you even take this client?” Sarah grumbled under her breath.

I sighed, feeling the weight of reality settling on my shoulders.

“To save our hard work, and to allow Winter’s Remedy to survive,” I said, resigned to the situation. “It’s fine. Once she gets this mate marking ceremony over with, she’ll probably leave us alone.”

If only I could believe my own words.