Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 18

(Audrey’s POV)

The gravel path leading up to Elder William’s mansion felt longer than usual. Each crunch of the stones beneath Arthur’s and my feet echoed louder in the tense silence between us. I was bracing myself. Moving out was practically inviting judgment from Elder William, and I knew it. But I wasn’t prepared for what would happen when we stepped inside.

As soon as the grand door of the mansion shut behind us, Elder William’s voice roared through the hall. The fury in his tone hit me like a cold slap. “Arthur Moonstone!”

Arthur’s posture stiffened immediately. His steps faltered just slightly, but I caught the tension in his jaw as we approached the main hall.

“Grandfather–” he began, but Elder William’s voice cut through like a blade.

“Silence! How dare you allow your mate bond to reach this state?!” Elder William stormed toward us until he stood mere feet from Arthur. His commanding presence filled every corner of the room, pressing down on both of us with an intensity that made Grace, my wolf, whimper softly within me.

Arthur straightened his spine, though his fists clenched at his sides. I could feel the hot tension radiating off him. But what came next caught me completely off guard.

“With all due respect, Grandfather,” Arthur’s voice was sharp, unhindered, “perhaps you should consider your own leadership decisions. Or do I need to remind you how my father’s forced second marriage damaged this family?”

Elder William’s eyes narrowed instantly, his glare sharp as a fresh wound. The air felt heavy, as if someone had physically sucked the breath out of the room. For the first time, I saw Arthur standing tall, throwing words laced with audacity straight at the elder he never dared challenge.

“You insolent boy,” Elder William growled, his Alpha dominance pulsating in harsh waves. “You think you can absolve yourself by pointing fingers? After everything you were given? After all that was done for you?”

The weight of his Alpha power pressed down hard enough that Grace whined in submission inside me. My knees seemed ready to give out for a moment, but I gritted my teeth and held firm. Arthur, however, stood resolute, refusing to yield, yet he avoided eye contact-a tell of his own struggle under the pressure.

But in a twist I hadn’t expected, Elder William’s fury shifted just as quickly as it had erupted. His face smoothed out, trading wrath for something colder-a composed authority so sharp it felt like a warning.

“Enough,” he commanded, waving his hand dismissively. “This conversation ends here. There is no need to disgrace this family further before dinner.”

Arthur said nothing, though a muscle ticked in his jaw. He dipped his head slightly-not in agreement, but as a sign that he would comply, at least for now. I followed silently, feeling insignificant between the two towering presences. The escalating conflict weighed heavily on me, but I wasn’t in a position to speak up.

The dining room table gleamed under the faint, warm light of the chandeliers. Plates of food were spread across the table, the aroma tempting even with the tension that lingered. Elder William sat at the head, his presence as commanding as ever.

He gestured for us to sit, his sharp eyes focusing on me as soon as I settled across from him.

“Audrey,” he addressed me softly, his tone now carrying a sudden warmth. There was no trace of the fury that had just filled the room. “You’re too thin. Have some venison. And here-try these roasted vegetables. Cook prepared them just for you.”

I blinked, baffled by his sudden tenderness as he began serving my plate himself. The contrasting image-his earlier wrath and now this caring action-overwhelmed me.

“You’ve not been eating well,” he remarked as he continued to load my plate. “It’s written all over your face. And I can see you’ve been troubled.”

His concern, so paternal and sincere, struck a part of me I had long buried. It reminded me too much of my father, how he used to fuss over me when things weren’t right. My throat tightened painfully, and before I could stop myself, tears welled in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks.

Elder William froze, his sharp gaze softening even more. “Oh, Audrey,” he said gently. “Have you visited your parents’ memorial recently?”

My hands trembled, and I quickly wiped my tears away. “Yes, I… I visited it recently.”

There was a gentle hum of acknowledgment from him. But then Arthur’s voice cut through the moment.

“Your parents… how did they die?” he asked, his voice hesitant and uncharacteristically soft.

I whipped my head toward him, startled. In the entire three years we had been marked as mates, he had never asked me this question. Not once. The unexpected sentiment caught me so off guard that it took a moment to gather myself.

“They were killed,” I choked out quietly. “In an attack. I was just eight when it happened.”

Arthur’s dark eyes locked with mine, holding something unfamiliar. I couldn’t tell if it was remorse or guilt, but it was clear my words had struck a nerve.

“I… I never asked,” he admitted, almost to himself. Then louder, almost resolutely, he added, “I’m sorry, Audrey. I should’ve asked sooner.”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond. I didn’t know if his apology was genuine or simply guilt-driven. But Elder William wasn’t one to let moments like these pass.

“Arthur,” his voice held the sternness of a judge issuing a decree, “you will accompany Audrey to the Memorial Garden. You owe her that much, at the very least. And you will honor her parents properly.”

Arthur nodded without hesitation, but deep down, I knew this was all just a formality. Another performance of duty.

“Yes, Grandfather,” Arthur replied, his expression unreadable.

“Ah, Audrey,” Elder William joked lightly, misinterpreting everything. “If Arthur’s not doing his part, I know some excellent fertility herbs that work wonders. You’ll have cubs in no time!”

Arthur bristled instantly. “That won’t be necessary,” he said curtly. “I am perfectly capable, Grandfather.”

The tension had shifted entirely onto Arthur now, but I couldn’t bring myself to laugh at the absurdity of the moment. All I could do was force a polite smile as I withdrew my hand.

—

As the evening wore on, Elder William reiterated one final time before we left. “Arthur,” he said firmly, “you’ll ensure Audrey’s parents are honored properly in the Memorial Garden. Do not fail me.”

Arthur dipped his head in agreement, though I could feel the frustration radiating from him. I remained silent, bracing myself for whatever this forced outing might bring.

Just as we were leaving, my phone buzzed loudly. It was Sarah.

“Hi, Sarah,” I answered, already anticipating trouble from the other side of the call.

“Hey!” Sarah chirped brightly, a little too brightly. “Thought I’d let you know Lucas and Nathan are here at your place. They brought some gifts for your new little house.”

I didn’t miss the way Arthur’s posture turned rigid beside me. He was listening, even if he pretended not to be. His sharp gaze bore into me, silently demanding answers.

“That’s fine,” I said cheerfully into the phone, unable to resist adding a little extra volume for Arthur’s benefit. “Tell them thanks. I’ll be back soon.”

When I ended the call, Arthur’s jaw was tight. His chest rose and fell with the effort to keep his temper.

“You let them into your house?” he asked, his voice low and taut.

I met his gaze, refusing to back down. “Well,” I said lightly but with a pointed edge, “you’ve never even trusted me with your passwords, so I don’t see how it’s any of your concern.”