Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 177

(Audrey’s POV)

Florian extended the small box toward me, his expression surprisingly neutral. “Take a look.”

I hesitantly accepted it, turning it over in my hands. When my eyes caught the bold lettering on the front-Wolfsbane Healing Salve-I felt my entire body flush with embarrassment. This wasn’t what I’d been thinking at all. The salve was clearly for my sore tailbone from falling in the hallway.

I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole. His intentions had been perfectly innocent while my mind had jumped to scandalous conclusions.

“Just give me the medicine,” I said quickly, jumping to my feet with as much dignity as I could muster. “I’ll wash up and apply it myself.”

If it weren’t for him standing here, I might have completely forgotten about my fall in the hallway. The pain had been overshadowed by our conversation and my racing thoughts.

“Fine,” Florian replied, his golden eyes betraying a hint of amusement at my discomfort.

A sudden realization hit me, bringing with it a fresh wave of embarrassment-and anger. He’d thought this through from the start. The way he’d sent the pack Beta to fetch the healing salve, knowing Sarah would eventually return to help me apply it to such a private spot.

My mind raced with shame and resentment. How could he be so casually thoughtful yet infuriating at the same time?

“You planned this,” I accused, my cheeks burning. “You knew exactly what was happening.”

“I simply anticipated you might need assistance,” he answered, his casual tone only irritating me further.

I marched toward him, shoving him in the direction of the door. “Get out!”

When we reached the entrance, I tried to slam the door, but Florian caught the frame with one hand. Before I could react, he leaned down and-just like last night-pinched my cheek between his fingers.

“Audrey Winter,” he murmured in that low, enticing tone that sent unwelcome shivers down my spine, “Happy Full Moon.”

Outside the windows, the moon rose brilliantly, casting the entire hallway in silver light. It accentuated his features, highlighting the daring smile that played at the corners of his lips.

“And no more playing coy,” he added softly before turning to leave.

I stood frozen in the doorway for several heartbeats after he disappeared down the hall, my hand unconsciously touching the spot where his fingers had been.

—

Over the following days, I learned that grand promises from Alphas were often just empty words carried away by the night breeze. Yet the moment Florian had delivered that harsh warning to Arthur, his pack had moved with surprising swiftness.

Before the full moon even reached its zenith, news spread through the pack forums-the Stormhowl Pack had brazenly claimed several of the Moonstone Pack’s hunting grounds. The territorial aggression was unusual, even for an ambitious Alpha like Florian.

The Moonstone Pack’s response was equally swift and calculated. They released a rare healing formula whose core herbs were exactly the trump card Stormhowl Pack had been planning to unveil at the next Alpha Council.

All the pre-hunt buzz the Stormhowl Pack had carefully built up was suddenly redirected to their rivals, leaving them both hollow and furious.

Sarah Mitchell was scrolling through the latest pack forums in our hotel room when she looked up at me, her expression puzzled.

“Do you think Florian Stormhowl will really keep fighting Arthur Moonstone-openly or behind the scenes-for you?” she asked bluntly.

I shrugged, trying to appear indifferent though my wolf stirred uncomfortably inside me. “I don’t know.”

It was the truth. After that night in my hotel room, even my contact with Florian had dwindled to almost nothing. No phone calls-just the occasional howl through our tenuous connection to ask what I was doing or if I was safe.

I couldn’t be sure he was doing any of this for me. In my past, I’d lost all confidence in an Alpha’s willingness to fight for me. This looked like just another routine territorial dispute between powerful packs.

“Maybe it has nothing to do with me at all,” I added, trying to convince myself as much as Sarah.

Sarah tapped her phone screen, her expression turning serious. “Did you hear? The Shadowcrest Pack’s bloodline verification ritual results are out.”

My heart skipped a beat. She slid the phone toward me, concern evident in her eyes.

“She really is the Shadowcrest Pack’s eldest daughter,” Sarah said softly.

I scanned the post, reading the official announcement. Against all odds, Serena Shadowcrest had returned from the dead. The ritual had confirmed her identity beyond question.

A strange mixture of emotions swept through me-relief fluttered in my chest at the thought that Elder Shadowcrest could finally rest easy, but also a pang of something I refused to acknowledge as disappointment.

“And what about you and Florian?” Sarah pressed, watching my reactions carefully. “Do you really believe he’ll break his intended mate arrangement now that Serena’s back?”

I chuckled gratefully. “Thank you, Sarah.”

We quickly changed into more formal attire. I chose a cream-colored dress that was elegant without being overly showy, while Sarah opted for a striking emerald outfit that complemented her vibrant personality. We both applied scent neutralizers-a respectful gesture when entering another pack’s territory for a formal event.

As we finished our preparations, the hotel desk called to inform us that the Shadowcrest Pack Beta was waiting downstairs.

—

The Shadowcrest territory den felt more relaxed than during my previous visits. The usual rigid formality had been replaced by an atmosphere of genuine celebration. Only pack kin and close allies filled the courtyard, their excited conversations creating a warm buzz.

A Beta escort led us past the main gathering area toward Elder Shadowcrest’s private garden entrance. Through the open doors of the main hall, I could see moonstone lanterns and red pack emblems decorating every surface, heralding today’s guest of honor.

“Audrey!” Elder Shadowcrest greeted me with open arms when we reached the garden. Her face was radiant with joy, years of worry seemingly lifted from her shoulders.

I returned her embrace warmly, noticing Elder Stormhowl smiling at us from across the gathering space. The ties between their packs were clearly being reinforced by Serena’s return.

My eyes settled on a petite figure standing between the two pack matriarchs. She clutched her red ceremonial robe tightly, her knuckles white with tension. Her lips were blotched pale from nervous biting, and her gaze flitted anxiously around the room, never settling on any one person for long.

Serena Shadowcrest.

I approached carefully, offering a gentle smile. “Hello, Serena Shadowcrest.”

She looked at me with wide, startled eyes, stammering a barely audible greeting.

Suddenly, her expression changed. Relief washed over her features as she looked past me toward the entrance.

“Brother Florian!” she called out, her voice trembling with emotion.

I turned instinctively, my heart skipping a beat as I saw Florian Stormhowl stride into the room. He wore a leather jacket and dark casual hunting clothes rather than formal pack attire, as if he’d come directly from a territory patrol.

The moment our eyes met, panic washed over me. I dropped my gaze immediately, unable to maintain contact. His intended mate was right here, clinging to his title like a lifeline, and I had no place between them.