Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 15

(Audrey’s POV)

Elder William’s gaze bore into me, heavy with expectation. I stood before him, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat. His aged yet sharp eyes demanded answers, but I had none I could share.

“Tell me, Audrey,” his voice was low, yet the command in it was unmistakable. “Is this… situation with Arthur truly irreparable?”

I held my hands tightly clasped, my head lowered, avoiding his piercing gaze. How could I tell this man, who revered tradition and the mate bond above all, that his beloved grandson had failed me utterly as a mate?

His expression softened slightly, his wrinkles deepening as concern shadowed his features. “I know his behavior has been… difficult,” Elder William admitted, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. “But you must understand, Audrey, he has carried many burdens. The loss of his mother, the complications with his stepfamily… they’ve shaped him.”

I bit my lip hard, suppressing the urge to lash out. It wasn’t the loss of his mother or Victoria’s scheming that made Arthur choose her over and over again. Those were excuses, shields he used to justify his actions. But I held my tongue, knowing better than to speak ill of Arthur in front of his grandfather.

Elder William leaned closer, his voice dropping, almost conspiratorial. “Victoria…” he began, and that name was like a jolt of electricity running down my spine. “She isn’t right for him. I see that clearly. She’s done nothing but disrupt the harmony of this pack.”

You think? I thought bitterly but didn’t dare voice it.

“I believe,” he continued, “that you, Audrey, are his true mate in every sense of the word. I do.” He paused, letting those words hang in the air. “I’m asking you, for the sake of our family and this pack-give him another chance.”

It felt like someone had poured icy water over my soul. Another chance? How many chances had I already given? How many wounds had I allowed him to inflict, hoping they would heal?

“I…” My voice came out strained, barely above a whisper. “I don’t know if I can.”

Elder William straightened, the softness in his features replaced by a steely resolve. “You must, Audrey.” His tone carried the weight of command, even in its quietness. “If you sever this mate bond against my wishes, there will be… consequences.”

My heart clenched. I already knew where this was heading. “Consequences?” I repeated, my voice shaking despite my attempt to stay steady.

He sighed deeply, as though the words pained him to say. “I cannot in good conscience allow our limited supply of the critical pack medicine to be distributed to someone who defies my authority.”

The blow landed with the force of a silver dagger. My wolf, Grace, growled in outrage, and I barely managed to contain my reaction. The elder had always been fair, wise, understanding. But not now. Not when the survival of the pack-his legacy-was at stake. I realized he wasn’t just speaking as a grandfather but as a guardian of the pack’s traditions.

Arthur’s voice broke the stifling silence, his footsteps heavy as he entered the room. “You called for me, Grandfather?”

He glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before turning his attention to Elder William.

The elder regarded him with a critical eye but said nothing for a long moment. Finally, he waved a hand dismissively. “Go to your pack council meeting, Arthur. Audrey and I will handle this discussion.”

Arthur hesitated, his brows furrowing for the briefest second. Then, without a word, he turned and left the room, leaving me alone with his grandfather.

Elder William’s tone shifted. “Do you understand, Audrey? For the good of the pack, for the good of everyone involved… I need you to stay.”

His words twisted in my chest like a knife. Reluctantly, I nodded. “I understand.”

But deep down, I knew the bond couldn’t be saved.

—

After Elder William left, I sunk into the chair, staring blankly at the agreement in my hand. The words blurred, but the meaning was clear. It was an agreement outlining what I would take with me after severing my bond with Arthur. The territory he had already transferred and a fair division of assets. Everything settled neatly on paper.

But my heart wasn’t neat. It was a storm of conflicting emotions. I wanted this over. I wanted freedom. But Elder William’s words, his veiled threat, lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow.

Arthur returned as I sat there. His presence filled the room, commanding as always, though his expression was cold. His eyes flicked to the agreement in my hand.

“What’s that?” he asked, his voice indifferent, as if discussing mundane pack matters.

I stood, holding the paper out to him. “It’s the agreement. For the distribution of territory and assets once we sever the mate bond.”

Arthur’s eyes narrowed. “Sever the bond,” he repeated sharply, as though the words were a poison on his tongue. “So, this is your priority now?”

I met his gaze, refusing to back down. “Yes.”

I clenched my fists, fury surging through me. Of course, Arthur would do this. He never wanted to sever ties cleanly. He wanted to delay, to control, to force me into compliance.

Barely an hour later, my heart sank further when I saw him through the therapy center’s front windows. He wasn’t alone. Victoria clung to his arm as they walked together, speaking in hushed tones.

For all his declarations, he couldn’t stay away from her.

—

Back at the small house, I avoided thinking about the day’s events by throwing myself into cooking. For three years, I had cooked bland meals to cater to Arthur’s preferences. Tonight, I indulged myself with spices and rich flavors, something that felt like rebellion.

As I sat at the small table, eating alone, I found solace in the quiet. My pups stirred faintly, a reminder of the life growing inside me. For their sake, I would stay strong.

Late that night, the peace was shattered by a phone call. Lucas Reed’s name flashed across the screen.

I sighed deeply before answering. “Lucas.”

“Hey, Audrey,” Lucas’s slurred voice came through. “You… you need to come get your mate.”

“What?” I asked, already on edge.

“Arthur. He’s drunk. At the bar. And someone needs to get him.”

I felt my temper flare. “Lucas, in case you forgot, we’re about to dissolve the mate bond. He’s not my responsibility anymore.”

But Lucas insisted. “But you are still his mate for now.”

Before I could respond, he hung up the phone directly.