(Audrey’s POV)
Despite Florian Stormhowl’s constant talk about rare healing herbs contributions, he surprised me by arranging luxurious accommodations in the Northern Territory. The den was elegant and comfortable, far beyond what I was accustomed to.
As evening approached, I began gathering my things, planning to return to Central Territory that night. My phone buzzed with Florian’s name on the display.
“I’m going to Central Territory tomorrow, I can take you back,” he said without preamble, his voice carrying that characteristic lazy drawl.
I considered refusing but thought better of it. “Fine. What time?”
“I’l call you,” he replied and hung up before I could argue.
The prospect of riding in his luxury Pagani rather than taking a pack transport service was admittedly appealing. I might as well take advantage of his offer.
I settled into the plush bed, looking forward to sleeping in the next morning. My body ached from the constant tension of establishing Winter’s Remedy while dealing with Emma Shadowcrest’s demands.
The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. Sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains as I fumbled for the device.
“Come down,” Florian commanded without greeting.
I squinted at the clock. “It’s only eight!”
“Elder Shadowcrest wants to see you,” he replied. “Don’t keep her waiting.”
I sat up, immediately alert. “Elder Shadowcrest? Why?”
“How would I know? Just hurry up.”
Grumbling, I threw off the covers. “This is the second day in a row you’ve woken me up early.”
“You can sleep in the car,” he offered before ending the call.
I rushed through my morning routine, wondering what the elderly she-wolf could want. Yesterday’s revelation about her missing granddaughter and her connection to our office space still weighed on my mind.
When I reached the lobby, Florian was leaning against his car outside, his tall figure impossible to miss. His golden eyes were shadowed with fatigue as he twirled a lighter between his fingers.
“Alpha Stormhowl, did you not sleep all night again?” I asked, noticing the dark circles under his eyes.
He answered with a jaw-cracking yawn. “Elder Shadowcrest called me at dawn. Said she needed to see you today.”
I approached the passenger side, but Florian tossed me his keys.
“You drive,” he said, heading to the passenger seat without waiting for my response.
“What? Why?”
“Because I’m tired, and if I drive, we might both die.”
His bluntness made me laugh despite myself. Once inside, he immediately reclined his seat, pulled an eye mask from his pocket, and settled in to sleep.
“You trust me not to crash your car?” I asked, running my hands over the expensive steering wheel.
“If you do, you’ll die too, so I’m betting on your survival instinct,” he mumbled before falling silent.
I started the powerful engine and carefully navigated through the territory roads. The GPS directed me toward the outskirts of Shadowcrest territory, to an area I’d never visited before.
The Shadowcrest Pack’s old residence was perched on a hillside, more modest than I’d expected. Unlike their newer, ostentatious mansions, this territory den had a quiet dignity, embraced by ancient trees and traditional wolf boundary markers.
I parked in front of the entrance and gently shook Florian awake. “We’re here.”
He removed his eye mask and squinted at our surroundings. “Finally.”
As we walked toward the entrance, Florian unexpectedly said, “Stop calling me ‘Alpha Stormhowl’ all the time.”
I glanced at him, surprised by the request. “What should I call you then?”
She guided me to a comfortable seat near the window. “Tell me about your parents, dear. Were they healers too? What methods did they use?”
The unexpected personal question stirred memories I rarely discussed. “Yes, they were both skilled healers. My father specialized in trauma treatment, and my mother in chronic conditions.”
I paused, the familiar ache returning. “They died when I was eight years old. Rogue wolves attacked our territory… they died protecting me.”
Elder Shadowcrest’s eyes filled with sympathy. “No wonder my granddaughter likes you. You both had hard lives, losing your parents young, not enjoying much happiness.”
Her words touched something deep inside me. Despite her connection to Emma, I felt a genuine warmth from this elderly she-wolf that I hadn’t experienced since my aunt had taken me in.
The tender moment shattered as an angry voice cut through the room.
“Audrey Winter, you’re trying to claim my pack now? This is my Grandma, how dare you call her that!”
Emma Shadowcrest stood in the doorway, her eyes flashing with fury. Her expensive outfit and perfectly styled hair contrasted sharply with the traditional setting of the old den.
Elder Shadowcrest’s expression hardened. “Emma, I didn’t expect you today.”
“Clearly,” Emma snapped, her gaze fixed on our joined hands.
“I came to introduce my potential mate,” Emma continued, stepping aside to reveal the tall figure behind her.
My heart sank as Arthur Moonstone entered the room. He looked as impeccable as always in his tailored suit, his dark eyes briefly meeting mine before focusing on Elder Shadowcrest.
“Elder, it’s an honor to meet you,” Arthur said, bowing respectfully. “I’m Arthur Moonstone, Alpha of the Moonstone Pack and Emma’s intended mate.”
His voice was steady, his demeanor composed, as if we were mere acquaintances rather than wolves who had shared a mate bond for years.
Elder Shadowcrest still held my hand tightly as she looked over at Arthur, her gaze cool and without warmth.” I heard you just severed your mate’s bond?” She asked directly.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left