Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 155

(Audrey’s POV)

The tension in Elder Shadowcrest’s sitting room was thick enough to cut with claws. Emma stared daggers at Florian while Arthur maintained his protective stance. I stood awkwardly to the side, wishing I could disappear into the floor.

“The connection seemed obvious,” Emma said, her voice dripping with venom. “Of course Arthur would arrange both a mate marking ceremony and a mate bond severance so quickly.” She gestured toward me with a dismissive flick of her hand. “Otherwise, I couldn’t be worse than Audrey Winter, could I?”

I bit my tongue to keep from responding. Why was I being dragged into this argument? I hadn’t said a word.

Florian opened his mouth, no doubt to deliver another scathing remark, when a Beta wolf rushed into the room, saving us all from further confrontation.

“Luna Shadowcrest has returned to the main den,” he announced with a slight bow.

Emma’s face lit up instantly. “Mother’s back!” She quickly dabbed at the tea stains on her blouse, straightening her posture. “Perfect timing. She’ll support me.”

She turned to Arthur, grabbing his arm possessively. “Let’s go report the situation to her.”

Arthur’s dark eyes met mine briefly before he allowed Emma to pull him toward the door. His expression was unreadable, but I felt a strange ripple in the air between us-like an unfinished conversation hanging in the silence.

As soon as they left, I exhaled slowly, my wolf relaxing slightly. “Elder Shadowcrest,” I said, “I think I should return to Central Territory now.” The last thing I needed was to be caught in another confrontation with both Emma and her mother present.

The elderly she-wolf’s face fell with disappointment. “So soon? I was hoping we could speak more.”

“I have to prepare for my healing practice’s opening tomorrow,” I explained gently.

She nodded in understanding. “Before you go, please come with me. There’s something I want you to collect.”

She turned to Florian. “Stay here, dear. I need to speak with you afterward.”

I followed Elder Shadowcrest through the corridor to a small study filled with ancient books and artifacts. She opened an ornate cabinet and removed a small jewelry box.

“Take this,” she said, pressing it into my hands. “And please come visit me again soon.”

When I returned to the main room, Florian was waiting, his golden eyes immediately fixating on the small box in my hand.

“What did she give you?” he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

I opened the box with hesitant fingers and gasped. Inside lay a delicate gold wolf bracelet, the craftsmanship exquisite and clearly expensive. The gold glinted in the light, tiny emerald eyes matching the color of my wolf’s eyes.

“I can’t accept this,” I said immediately, closing the box. “It’s too valuable. I should return it.”

Florian placed his hand over mine, stopping me from turning around. “Keep it. It’s pack surplus.”

“Pack surplus?” I echoed, confused.

His lips curved into a half-smile. “Over the years, she’s given gifts to many she-wolves around Serena’s age whom she finds agreeable. Though yours is the most expensive so far.”

I stared at the box, conflicted. “But why?”

“Just consider it as her spending rare healing herbs for some comfort,” he said with a shrug. “It makes her happy to connect with young she-wolves who remind her of what Serena might be like now.”

His words settled heavily in my chest. I nodded, unable to refuse now that I understood the sentiment behind the gift.

During the drive back to Central Territory, Florian remained awake, staring out the window with unusual concentration. The playful, lazy Alpha was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a wolf lost in thought.

I turned the gold wolf bracelet on my wrist, admiring how it caught the light. “Have you and your grandmother experienced much disappointment over the years?” I asked, breaking the silence. “Meeting so many she-wolves, hoping each time, only to be let down again?”

“Not disappointment,” he replied, still looking outside. “Each she-wolf we eliminate brings me a step closer to her. Why would I be disappointed?”

The sincerity in his voice touched something deep inside me. His devotion to Serena, a she-wolf missing for years, made my heart ache with a strange mix of emotions-admiration for his loyalty, sadness for his loss, and maybe a touch of envy for a love so unwavering.

“We investigated you too, you know,” he continued, his golden eyes finally turning to me. “I even thought about what I’d do if you really were her-what price those who harmed you should pay.”

A chill ran down my spine. “And what would happen next?”

“Healer Winter! The Northern Alliance Group’s representative just called from downstairs. They’ve sent 999 healing herb baskets as opening gifts!”

“Nine hundred and ninety-nine?” I repeated in disbelief. “Are you sure they said that number?”

“Positive!” she exclaimed. “The first batch is already coming up in the elevator!”

I hurried to the reception area, Nathan following close behind. What I saw left me speechless.

Herb baskets taller than a full-grown wolf filled the lobby, with workers still unloading more from the elevators. Each basket contained rare medicinal herbs arranged in elaborate patterns, with golden ribbons emblazoned with Winter’s Remedy’s logo.

The Beta handling the delivery beamed as he approached me with an electronic pad. “Just need your mark here, Healer Winter. Congratulations on your opening!”

Sarah emerged from her office, her jaw dropping at the sight. “Holy moonstone! Who sent all these?”

“This must be from Julian Reed,” I said, still stunned by the sheer extravagance of the gift. “The Northern Alliance is our major investor, after all.”

Sarah shook her head, doubt written across her face. “We’re not even that close to him. This seems… excessive.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, scanning the room filled with herbs worth a small fortune. “I should thank him personally.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed Julian’s number. He answered after two rings, his voice professional as always.

“Healer Winter, congratulations on your opening day. I trust everything is going well?”

“Very well, thank you,” I replied. “I’m actually calling to express my gratitude for the Northern Alliance Group’s generous gift. The 999 healing herb baskets have completely overwhelmed our reception area.”

There was a pause on the other end, then Julian’s bewildered voice: “999 baskets?!”