Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 181

(Audrey’s POV)

I fell silent, studying Arthur Moonstone’s face in the golden glow of the ceremonial den. How strange to stand before him now, neither mates nor truly strangers.

“I never knew your tolerance was so high,” I finally said, my tone lightly sarcastic.

The Arthur I remembered would have erupted at such provocation. His possessive Alpha nature had always operated on a principle I’d come to understand all too well: absolute loyalty expected from me, yet freedom for himself.

I searched his face for the familiar flash of dominance, that territorial glare that once made my wolf cower. Years ago, when we were newly bonded, he had demanded unwavering submission. Now he stood calmly enduring my jabs.

Something had changed in him. The realization unsettled me more than his pursuit.

Before he could respond, a ripple of murmurs spread through the ceremonial den. Every wolf’s attention shifted toward the grand center stage where the moonstone chandeliers cast their ethereal light.

Serena Shadowcrest stepped forward, her slender frame draped in a flowing white ceremonial robe. The formal attire emphasized her delicate features, giving her an almost otherworldly appearance. She looked both fragile and determined as she faced the gathered pack members.

“Honorable wolves of the Northern Territories,” she began, her voice soft but carrying clearly through the suddenly hushed hall. “For years, I lived in solitude, lost from my family and pack.”

She described surviving on fragmented memories, never quite knowing who she was or where she belonged. The crowd hung on her every word, captivated by the tale of the lost Shadowcrest heir.

“When I was finally found,” Serena continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, “Elder Shadowcrest asked what my greatest wish was.”

She paused, her gaze seeking out Florian Stormhowl where he stood rigid at the edge of the gathering. Their eyes locked across the space, and I saw Florian’s shoulders tense.

“My wish,” Serena declared, her voice suddenly strong with resolution, “is to repay Brother Florian’s years of faithful waiting by forming a mate bond with him.”

Approving howls erupted from the Shadowcrest pack members. Several elderly wolves nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased by this traditional resolution to a long-standing pack arrangement. Elder Shadowcrest openly sobbed with relief, her weathered hands clutching at her ceremonial robe.

Yet Florian’s face remained unreadable. I recognized the conflict in his golden eyes, the tension in his jaw. He stood caught between pack duty and whatever unspoken emotions warred within him.

“To avoid coming back to me, you’d even crash into a wall like him?”

Arthur’s voice beside me was low, saturated with disdain. I turned to meet his dark gaze, surprised to find my pulse steady despite the surge of old emotions his proximity always triggered.

“Don’t worry,” I replied evenly. “I’ve learned to spot unworthy Alphas, and I won’t stumble into the same silver trap twice.”

A flash of anger crossed his features, brief but unmistakable. “Are you calling me unworthy?” he asked, his tone dangerously soft.

I held his gaze unwavering. “Am I?”

His lips quirked into a mocking smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “The mate bond severance isn’t long past, but your claws have certainly sharpened.”

We stood like statues amid the celebration, locked in our private battle while whispers swirled around us. Wolves stole glances our way, undoubtedly adding fresh details to the gossip that would spread through pack territories by morning.

I drew a steady breath, having made my decision. The time had come to sever this final thread between us.

“If I hand over the access rights to those valuable hunting grounds you gave me during our mate bond,” I offered firmly, “will you grant me absolute severance from your affairs?”

My heart pounded against my ribs, but I kept my voice calm and steady. I knew what I was offering. The recent territorial shifts had caused those hunting grounds to surge in strategic value-Julian Reed himself had advised me to hold onto them.

Realization flickered in Arthur’s obsidian eyes as he processed my offer. He understood the significance, the true price I was willing to pay for my freedom.

“And if I refuse?” he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

“Then I’ll offer the rights to a rival pack,” I warned. “Perhaps the Stormhowls would be interested.”

“He leaked the kidnapping footage himself,” Julian added, his voice barely audible above the celebration. “A desperate act, perhaps, but one born from that same conflict.”

I stared at Julian, processing this revelation. “Why are you telling me this?”

He smiled sadly. “Because regardless of what happens between you two, you should know the truth.”

As I savored the delicate venison pastries from the refreshment table, I found myself reflecting on Arthur’s ruthless moves under the Northern Alliance banner. Had they been calculated not just for power, but also to shield my healing practice? The possibility of hidden sacrifices made on my behalf was both comforting and unsettling.

The music swelled, conversation buzzing around me. I was about to respond to Julian when an unbearable itch suddenly crawled from beneath my dress, spreading rapidly across my skin. Looking down, I watched in horror as a red rash bloomed across my wrist.

“Sarah,” I gasped, recognizing the symptoms immediately.

The pastries must have contained peanut flour-a rare but serious allergen for some wolves. Fear gripped my chest as memories of a severe allergic reaction during my Academy days flooded back. My throat began to tighten ominously.

I clutched Sarah’s arm with growing panic. “I need to get to the Wolf Medical Center right away.”

Sarah’s expression remained calm, though her eyes flashed with concern. “I’ll call for a car immediately,” she assured me, already reaching for her phone.

We made our way toward Elder Shadowcrest to make our excuses. In her private sitting area just off the main hall, I offered polite farewells but refused the offered chair, claiming urgent business with my healing practice.

The elderly she-wolf nodded understandingly and immediately arranged for pack transport. As she spoke to her Beta, her sharp eyes settled on my wrist where the rash was most visible-angry red splotches against my pale skin.

Concern softened her features as she gently took my hand in hers. “Child,” she asked with grandmotherly warmth, “what’s wrong with your hand?”