Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 157

(Audrey’s POV)

I reached for the door handle, determined to discover who was behind those familiar voices, but at that exact moment, someone pulled it from inside. I was about to peek in when a Beta server stepped directly into my line of sight, blocking my view of the room’s occupants.

“Excuse me, miss,” he said firmly, his posture straight and professional. “Silver Moon Restaurant values our guests’ privacy, especially in our exclusive rooms.”

I tried to peer around him, but he shifted subtly to maintain the barrier between me and whoever was inside. My wolf bristled beneath my skin, sensing something important just beyond reach.

“Are you a friend of Mr. Smith and his group?” the server asked, his tone polite but unyielding.

I frowned slightly. Smith? The surname wasn’t familiar to me, and I didn’t know anyone in Arthur’s circle with that name.

“No, I… I think I have the wrong room,” I replied, taking a step back. “Sorry for the intrusion.”

As I turned to leave, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Someone was staring at me-I could feel the intensity of their gaze boring into me, making my wolf growl softly in warning. I glanced back quickly, but the door was already being pulled shut, cutting off my view of whoever was inside.

I made my way back to our private dining room, my mind still replaying the overheard conversation. The coincidence was too perfect-sending herb baskets as courtship, suggestions of distant territories… it aligned too neatly with recent events in my life to be mere chance.

Sarah had already ordered when I returned, the table now filled with steaming platters of fresh venison and herb sides. The rich aroma would normally have made my mouth water, but I was too distracted.

“I ordered your favorite,” Sarah said, gesturing to a plate of spicy venison ribs. “Do you want anything specific?”

I shook my head, sliding into my seat. “I’m not picky. This is perfect, thanks.”

My gaze drifted toward the door, wondering about that mysterious “Mr. Smith” and his companions. The voice that had silenced the room… why did it sound so familiar?

“Earth to Audrey,” Sarah waved her hand in front of my face. “What are you thinking about so intensely?”

I forced a smile, pushing the thoughts aside. “Nothing. Just… healing herb formulations for tomorrow.”

Now wasn’t the time to discuss mysterious voices and suspicious herb baskets. Tonight was about celebrating our new beginning, and my wolf instinctively wanted to protect these moments of relative peace.

The atmosphere in our private room quickly lifted my spirits. Our new team members chatted animatedly, their excitement for Winter’s Remedy infectious. I found myself relaxing, the weight of recent events temporarily easing.

Jasper Grey, our oldest new hire, stood up and raised his glass of moonlight wine. His hands, marked with the tiny scars that all experienced formulation specialists carried, were steady as he addressed the table.

“To Healer Winter and Healer Mitchell,” he said, his voice quiet but sincere. “Thank you for taking a chance on me. Many practices rejected my application because I’m almost ten years past my pack training with no notable achievements.”

He smiled self-deprecatingly, but there was quiet pride in his eyes. “Not because I lack ability, but because I prefer traditional healing methods over trendy formulations. At Winter’s Remedy, I feel my approach is valued rather than dismissed.”

I raised my glass in return, genuinely touched by his words. “Everyone at this table was hired based on their own merits. Winter’s Remedy is honored to have all of you.”

Sarah nodded enthusiastically beside me. “Absolutely! Now let’s enjoy this fresh venison before it gets cold.”

The group began taking turns making toasts, their glasses clinking in celebration. After my second glass of moonlight wine, I felt a pleasant warmth spreading through my limbs. My wolf, always sensitive to alcohol, purred contentedly beneath my skin.

Nathan, sitting beside me, smoothly took my glass as another toast was proposed.

“I’ll drink the rest on your behalf,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Your wolf doesn’t handle much moonlight wine well, and you have healing formulations to prepare tomorrow.”

The thoughtful gesture made my heart skip. He remembered my low tolerance from our Academy days-a detail most wolves would overlook.

“Thank you,” I said gratefully, our fingers brushing as he took the glass. “But don’t drink too much yourself either.”

His blue eyes brightened, catching the light. “I know my limits,” he replied softly, something in his tone making my wolf stir with interest.

Sarah leaned over, her lips close to my ear. “I might have to take him home tonight if he drinks all your shares,” she whispered, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“Audrey,” she said, relief washing over her face as she spotted me. Her wolf presence, though weak, strengthened slightly at my arrival.

Howard spun around, his eyes narrowing when he saw me. “You,” he spat, his anger redirecting. “You’re the one behind this, aren’t you? Destroying a decades-long mate bond!”

My aunt stepped forward, her voice steadier than I’d heard it in years. “It was my decision, Howard. I decided to sever our mate bond.”

“After she filled your head with nonsense!” he countered, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “She found you a pack advisor, she’s paying for your treatments. What did she promise you? A portion of her rare healing herbs collection?” His eyes gleamed with sudden greed. “If that’s the case, I want half of whatever she gives you as part of our settlement.”

I looked at him with disgust, my wolf growing softly within me. This wolf who had abused my aunt for years now wanted to profit from her suffering.

“Uncle Howard,” I said, my voice deceptively calm, “I haven’t yet settled the previous matter with you.”

His expression faltered for a moment. “What matter?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Your involvement in drugging me with Victoria Moonstone.”

He scoffed, but his wolf posture-shoulders slightly hunched, eyes darting-betrayed his guilt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Stop bothering my aunt during her treatment,” I said firmly. “Leave now, or I’ll call pack security.”

Howard planted himself more firmly in the hallway. “I have a right to be here. She’s still my mate until the severance is finalized. I’ll stay right here.”

I moved to walk past him, intending to enter my aunt’s room, but his Beta associates stepped forward to block my path. I was considering whether to force my way through when Howard’s next words froze me in place.

“Didn’t you want to know if it’s true that you’re not really from the Winter bloodline?” he blurted out, his tone desperate but triumphant.