Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 173

(Audrey’s POV)

I froze in surprise at Mia’s sudden declaration. She sat cross-legged on the sofa in the guest den, looking absolutely certain of her words.

“He’s just conflicted. Alpha Stormhowl likes you, but he’s afraid of liking you,” Mia stated, as if explaining something obvious to a child.

“That’s ridiculous,” I laughed, trying to dismiss her comment. “Your brother only cares about Serena Shadowcrest. If he shows any interest in me, it’s only because I remind him of her.”

Mia immediately shook her head, her eyes flashing with conviction. “That’s not true! My brother isn’t that kind of wolf.”

She leaned forward earnestly. “There have been many she-wolves who looked more like Sister Serena than you, but he never spared them a glance. He wouldn’t repeatedly help you without good reason if he didn’t like you.”

I opened my mouth to argue but found I couldn’t formulate a rational response. The times when Florian had saved me-from Marcus Blackclaw’s attack, from Mrs. Shadowcrest when she forced me to kneel in the snow-weren’t mere coincidences.

And he never asked for anything in return afterward, which was unusual for someone like him who always calculated advantages in relationships.

“Maybe he just pities me,” I suggested weakly.

Mia snorted. “My brother doesn’t waste pity on anyone. If he helps someone, there’s always a reason.”

I gathered my belongings, desperate to end this uncomfortable conversation. “I should get back to Elder Shadowcrest’s residence. She’ll be waiting for me.”

“Think about what I said,” Mia called as I headed for the door. “My brother doesn’t open up to many wolves. Don’t take it lightly.”

As I left the Stormhowl residence, my mind was preoccupied with turbulent thoughts. Between Elder Shadowcrest’s matchmaking attempts yesterday and Mia’s words today, I couldn’t help being affected.

Was it possible that Florian actually had feelings for me? The idea was both flattering and terrifying.

Just outside the Shadowcrest pack house, I spotted a familiar luxury SUV parked at the entrance. My heart sank as I recognized Arthur Moonstone’s car. What was he doing here?

I hurried toward the car Elder Shadowcrest had arranged for me, hoping to avoid a confrontation. Before I could reach it, a strong hand gripped my wrist and pulled me in another direction.

“What are you doing?!” I snapped, turning to face Arthur’s intense gaze.

“Taking you home for the Full Moon Celebration!” he replied, his voice subdued but his Alpha grip firm on my wrist.

I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “What home? We have no relationship anymore! Our mate bond is severed!”

How dare he talk about going home together? This was the same Alpha who had spent our anniversary with another she-wolf, who had chosen his pack obligations over me time and again.

“If we don’t have a relationship, we’ll establish one again,” Arthur persisted with that stubborn determination I once admired.

I struggled against his grip. “But I don’t want to…”

His demeanor changed instantly. He pushed me against his car, pinning me with his body. Up close, I could see his eyes were bloodshot, clearly sleep-deprived, with veins bulging on his forehead. The usually composed Alpha looked almost unhinged.

“Then who do you want a relationship with? Florian Stormhowl?!” he demanded, his voice rising with barely controlled anger. “Why did you come to the Northern Territory during the Full Moon Celebration? To spend it with him?”

The jealousy in his voice was almost laughable. After everything he’d put me through, he had the audacity to question my choices?

I smirked coldly. “It’s none of your business. After severing our mate bond, my freedom is my own.”

“Audrey, I can give you freedom,” Arthur’s gaze softened unexpectedly, his tone almost pleading. “But please, keep your distance from other male wolves…”

“That’s amusing coming from you,” a mocking voice suddenly called out. “Since when is it your place to give my she-wolf freedom?”

Arthur’s tall frame tensed immediately at the sound of Florian’s voice. I turned to see Florian Stormhowl approaching us with his characteristic casual stride, hands in his pockets as if he had no concerns in the world.

“Come here,” Florian gestured to me, his golden eyes gleaming with challenge. “Or are you waiting for me to challenge him?”

I quickly dressed and went out into the cool night air, accidentally bumping into Florian, who was leaning against his car. The scent of moonlight wine clung to him, explaining his earlier tone.

“Audrey Winter,” he looked at me with unusual intensity, his golden eyes almost glowing in the darkness. “If there’s no news of her by the end of the Full Moon Celebration, I’m going to stop waiting.”

I froze, understanding immediately what he meant. “But you said you wouldn’t give up on her…”

Florian suddenly pulled me into an embrace, his mint scent mingling with the cool night air and subtle notes of moonlight wine. His arms were unexpectedly gentle despite his Alpha strength.

“I’m claiming an advance hug,” he said, quickly releasing me before I could react. “I wasn’t sure before, but seeing you with Arthur Moonstone today, I couldn’t control myself. I wanted to go against my original intentions just once.”

I was uncharacteristically flustered, a feeling both strange and long-forgotten. My heart raced traitorously in my chest, and I took a step back to create distance between us.

“What makes you so confident I’d agree?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I’m confident in every way,” Florian replied with his usual arrogance, though something vulnerable lingered in his eyes. He handed me a package that smelled enticingly of fresh venison.

“We were having late-night snacks. They ordered extra for their companions, but there was one too many. Lucky for you.”

“Are you drunk?” I asked, trying to stay rational despite the warmth spreading through me at his gesture. “Are you so certain there won’t be any news from her in these two days?”

As if the Moon Goddess herself had heard my question, his cell phone rang suddenly. Florian answered it, his expression shifting dramatically as he listened to the caller.

After hearing something from the other end, he straightened up abruptly, almost dropping the food package. His golden eyes widened with shock.

“Is this information reliable?” he asked urgently, all traces of the moonlight wine’s effects seemingly vanished in an instant.