Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 148

(Audrey’s POV)

I stared at the car’s display as Mrs. Shadowcrest’s voice filled the interior, hurling accusations about Emma’s injuries. My first reaction was bewilderment, followed by amusement.

Vicious? When they kidnapped me and hurt me from head to toe with silver-laced ropes, I didn’t see them reflecting on their own actions. Now, I’m merely having Marcus Reed replicate my injuries onto Emma Shadowcrest, and suddenly it’s considered crossing a line?

Is a rich pack daughter’s body precious, while lone wolves are born to be trampled on? How hypocritical.

“Audrey Winter!” Mrs. Shadowcrest continued shouting through the speakers. “I know it was you who orchestrated this attack! Emma was ambushed by Marcus Reed’s wolves after leaving your healing practice!”

Her voice rose to a pitch that made me wince. “She has the same wounds as you claimed to have after being ‘kidnapped’! What kind of sick revenge is this?”

I caught Florian watching me with curious golden eyes, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. Before I could respond, he leaned toward the speaker.

“Mrs. Shadowcrest,” Florian’s lazy drawl cut through her tirade. “I find your accusation quite interesting, considering I’ve been with Audrey all afternoon at her healing practice.”

His lie was so smooth, so effortless, that even I almost believed it.

“She hasn’t interacted with anyone suspicious during that time,” he continued. “How could she possibly orchestrate an attack while in my presence?”

There was a moment of hesitation from Mrs. Shadowcrest, her breathing audible through the speakers.

“You’re protecting her,” she stated flatly. “Why would you do that?”

“I’m simply stating facts,” Florian replied, sounding bored. “But please, continue your theory. It’s quite entertaining.”

“She’s the only one with motive!” Mrs. Shadowcrest insisted. “After what Emma did-”

She abruptly cut herself off, seeming to realize she was about to implicate her own daughter.

“After what Emma did?” Florian prompted, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. “Do tell.”

Mrs. Shadowcrest hesitated again, clearly trapped in her own argument. “Emma… may have been involved in Audrey’s kidnapping. And perhaps played a role in her mate bond severance from Arthur Moonstone.”

I couldn’t believe she’d actually admitted it, even in such vague terms.

Florian raised an eyebrow and glanced at me. “Well, if Audrey was indeed responsible for this attack, which I’m not saying she is, it sounds like Emma deserved it.”

“Florian Stormhowl!” Mrs. Shadowcrest’s outrage vibrated through the car. “How dare you! Your pack elders specifically instructed you to look after Emma!”

“Mere courtesy between ancient bloodline packs,” Florian dismissed with a wave of his hand that Mrs. Shadowcrest couldn’t see. “Nothing more.”

I watched this exchange with fascination. The territorial politics were intricate, with relationships and alliances I couldn’t even begin to understand as a lone wolf.

“Enough of this!” Mrs. Shadowcrest finally redirected her anger back to me. “Audrey Winter, admit what you’ve done!”

I took a deep breath, weighing my options. Denying involvement wouldn’t help-she already believed I was guilty. Why waste energy on futile arguments?

“Would you believe me if I denied it?” I asked calmly.

“Of course not!” she snapped.

“Then what’s the point of this conversation?” I replied. “If you’ve decided I’m guilty regardless of what I say, then so be it.”

My pragmatism reflected my understanding of my limited resources as a lone wolf. I had no pack to back me, no powerful Alpha to defend my honor. And honestly, I didn’t mind taking credit for Emma’s suffering, even if I hadn’t directly planned it.

“So you admit it?” Mrs. Shadowcrest demanded.

Inside my territory house, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my sofa, too tired to even think about dinner. The events of the day washed over me-the severed mate bond with Arthur, selling my former territory house, confronting the Shadowcrests, and now this unexpected alliance with Florian.

My life was changing at a dizzying pace.

Just as I was considering whether to order takeout or just go to bed hungry, the doorbell rang. Assuming it was Florian having second thoughts about something, I dragged myself to the door and pulled it open.

To my surprise, Nathan Snowfang stood there, a bag emblazoned with the Silver Moon Restaurant logo hanging from his hand. The rich aroma of spicy venison wafted toward me, making my stomach growl audibly.

“I thought you might be hungry,” he said with a gentle smile. “After everything today.”

I stared at him in disbelief. The Silver Moon was on the other side of the territory, and wolves typically waited in line for hours to get their famous venison dishes.

“How did you…” I began.

“I may have pulled some rank as future Alpha of the Snowfang Pack,” he admitted sheepishly. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

The gesture was so thoughtful, so considerate, that I felt a lump form in my throat. After a day of pack politics and power plays, this simple act of kindness felt like a cool stream in a scorching desert.

“Thank you,” I said softly, stepping back to let him in. “Would you like to stay and share it with me?”

His eyes lit up at the invitation, genuine joy spreading across his face. “I’d like nothing more.”

As he stepped into my territory house, I felt a twinge of unease. His feelings for me were so clear, so undeniable, while mine were a confused jumble after the severance of my mate bond with Arthur. I couldn’t offer him what he deserved, at least not yet.

The knowledge of his deep affection-twenty years of waiting, of remembering, of caring-weighed heavily on my shoulders as I closed the door behind him. I would need to be careful with his heart, even as I sorted through the broken pieces of my own.