Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 20

(Audrey’s POV)

Nathan emerged from the kitchen, balancing a large tray with practiced ease. The savory, spicy aroma instantly caught my attention, making my stomach rumble.

“I remembered your fondness for spicy venison,” Nathan said, his tone light but thoughtful, as he carefully placed the dishes on the table. One particular plate held what looked like an intricately prepared venison heart, coated in a deep red marinade that promised fiery heat. “This one has a little extra kick, just like back in school.”

As the words left his mouth, Arthur’s commanding voice interrupted the moment. “She doesn’t like spicy food,” he declared confidently, his tone edged with authority as if it were a statement of undeniable fact. “Audrey prefers bland game. It’s easier to digest.”

My head snapped toward him, disbelief prickling at my nerves. Before I could respond, Sarah let out a short, disbelieving laugh, spinning her chair slightly to face Arthur.

“Is that so?” she asked, a teasing edge to her words. “Because I distinctly recall Audrey inhaling three bowls of my spicy venison stew last winter. You must’ve had your wires crossed, Alpha King.”

Arthur’s firm expression faltered, and his gaze briefly flickered over to me, searching for confirmation.

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers lightly grazing the edge of the table. My wolf growled faintly, her irritation matching mine. “I despise bland game,” I said evenly, holding his gaze.

The tension in the room thickened as Arthur seemed to process my words. The awkward pause dragged on for a moment too long before he spoke again.

“Noted,” he murmured, his tone surprisingly soft. “We’ll… accommodate your preferences in the future.”

The unexpected statement threw me off guard. For a moment, hope stirred faintly before bitterness quickly drowned it out. Three years. Three years of bland, flavorless meals, and only now did he consider this.

Sarah, never one to let an opportunity for humor pass, smirked at him. “Oh, how generous of you, Arthur. Accommodating her now, after three whole years of marriage. Bravo.”

Arthur’s jaw tightened, his shoulders stiffening under her pointed remark.

I turned back to the food Nathan had prepared, eager to escape the uncomfortable tension. As I took a bite of the perfectly spiced venison, my taste buds awakened, and I realized just how much my cubs and I had been craving proper food.

Lucas, sensing the awkwardness rising to dangerous levels, clapped his hands together and leaned forward. “Alright, enough bickering. Let’s just enjoy this feast, shall we?” he said cheerfully, partially deflecting everyone’s attention.

Sarah grinned, clearly amused, and raised her glass in agreement.

Despite the earlier tension, the atmosphere began to settle as the food and conversation flowed. I allowed myself to relax, focusing on the meal and the warm camaraderie, all for the sake of my pups.

—

As we finished eating, Sarah reached for something tucked beneath the table. She grinned mischievously as she placed a small velvet box wrapped with a ribbon in front of me.

“For your lovely new home,” she said with mock grandeur. “A brooch and a skirt, so you’ll look stunning no matter where you go.”

I laughed softly, thanking her as I opened the box to reveal the delicate brooch shaped like a crescent moon. The skirt was equally beautiful, crafted from fine fabric that shimmered subtly.

Lucas piped up next, holding out a small box himself. “Mine isn’t as fancy,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “But I thought you might like this. Something simple for everyday wear.”

Inside the box, I found a charm bracelet, handcrafted with tiny silver wolf figures at its clasp. It was both thoughtful and practical-perfect for someone like me who didn’t care much for over-the-top designs.

“Thank you, both of you,” I said, my voice warm with genuine gratitude. Their gestures lifted my spirits, if only slightly.

And then Nathan stood. From behind his chair, he retrieved a sleek package wrapped in dark leather. He walked over to me, standing almost too close, his piercing blue eyes softening as he held it out.

“A leather jacket,” he explained before I could ask. “Custom-made with protective features. Reinforced against most silver-based attacks. I remember you mentioning once how you hated wearing overly restrictive armor.”

I gingerly unwrapped the package and unfolded the jacket. It was perfect-sturdy yet lightweight, with little details that showed his attention to my preferences.

“Sarah!” I hissed, but she only laughed as she poured herself another glass of wolf wine.

—

The feast eventually wound down, and the effects of the wine hit Sarah and Lucas hard. They stretched out comfortably in the den, their laughter echoing as they recounted old memories.

Arthur had been quiet since my tepid thank-you, and I noticed him sitting with a faint frown, his hand idly swirling a glass of untouched wine.

As I took a moment to clear some of the dishes, he stood, his steps purposeful as he approached me in the kitchen. His presence felt heavy, and I braced myself for another tense interaction.

“I should head back to the pack house,” he said suddenly, breaking the silence.

I blinked, slightly surprised. “Now?”

He nodded. “Why rush the others out while you’ve got a guest in the kitchen?” His tone was low. He didn’t need to say Nathan’s name for the meaning to be clear.

Suppressing a sigh, I grabbed my coat. “I’ll walk you to your car,” I offered, eager to avoid another scene in front of the others.

His gaze sharp as it settled on mine. “You seem awfully eager to push me out,” he said, his voice carrying an edge I couldn’t place.

My brows furrowed, confused by his sudden shift in tone. “Arthur, be reasonable. It’s late-”

“It’s not about the time,” he cut in, his eyes narrowing. “It’s about him. Isn’t it?”