Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 205

(Audrey’s POV)

“What then? Just confirm he’s doing well?” Sarah’s question hung in the air between us, stirring emotions I wasn’t ready to confront.

I stared at the cup of moonlight tea in my hands, watching the silvery steam curl upward. Two years had passed since that terrible night when I’d believed Florian was dead, and now I knew he was alive but somehow beyond my reach.

“I don’t want to anticipate anything anymore,” I finally answered, my voice steadier than I expected.

How could I explain my complicated feelings toward Florian? For two years, my only desperate hope had been to receive any news that he was alive despite the Pack Council’s official declaration of his death. Now that I knew he was breathing and walking in Northern Territory, I felt both relieved and terrified.

Sarah gave me a knowing look but mercifully changed the subject.

The next day, we visited Winter’s Remedy. The familiar scent of healing herbs greeted me as we walked through the front door, bringing a wave of nostalgia.

“Everyone will be shocked to see you,” Sarah warned with a grin. “Especially Jasper.”

Through the glass partition of his new office, I spotted Jasper Grey. He’d always been talented, but now he carried himself with the confidence of a wolf who knew his worth. The moment he saw me, his eyes widened in disbelief.

“Ms. Winter!” he exclaimed, rushing from his office to Sarah’s, where we stood. “You’re actually back!” His genuine joy was touching. He clasped my hands warmly, his eyes bright with excitement.

“I can’t believe it! We’ve all missed you terribly. The healing formulations department hasn’t been the same without you.” Sarah rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Really, Jasper? You’ve missed her that much even though you’ve been running wild with your new authority?”

Jasper laughed, not denying it. “Well, maybe I enjoyed some freedom, but the quality standard has never wavered.”

I looked around, noticing how much had changed. “The place looks different.”

“We’ve expanded,” Jasper explained proudly. “We now occupy two full floors, and the Healing Formulations Department has tripled in size.”

“And Jasper here has been running things as Deputy Director,” Sarah added, “though I insisted on keeping the Director position vacant for you.”

Jasper touched his head sheepishly. “One learns more by following you, Ms. Winter. Your insights into healing formulations are unmatched.”

I smiled, appreciating his honesty. “I’ve been carefully reviewing your healing formulations, especially yours, Jasper. I must say, I’ve been quite strict.”

His jaw dropped. “You’re the final reviewer? All this time?”

“After I went to the Sunstone Territories, the final drafts were sent to Sarah, who forwarded them to me,” I explained. “No one knew the identity of Winter’s Remedy’s behind-the-scenes formulation specialist.”

“That’s why your approvals felt so… familiar,” he mused. “But your style has changed-bolder, more innovative.”

“Master Elara’s influence,” I acknowledged. “It made it difficult for anyone to guess it was still me.”

Jasper turned to Sarah, feigning outrage. “You kept this secret all along?”

Sarah smirked. “Had to be strict, otherwise you might take chances knowing the reviewer was someone familiar.”

His exaggerated pout made me laugh. It felt good to be back among wolves who knew me, who valued me for my skills rather than my bloodline or pack connections.

“Does that mean my formulations being approved more frequently this past year is because I’ve improved?” Jasper asked hopefully.

“Absolutely,” I confirmed. “Even Master Elara praised your work, and she rarely compliments anyone.”

His chest puffed with pride. “Was it also you behind those private custom healing blends? The ones showcased at the Inter- Pack Healing Council? They were brilliant-everyone in the department was talking about them.”

Sarah interrupted before I could answer. “Alright, enough flattery. I’m going to use Audrey for all she’s worth while she’s here.

She dropped a stack of resumes on the desk. “These are all applicants for the Healing Department. The pack Beta staffing division has verified their basic qualifications, but I need you to screen them based on their previous work.”

I nodded, grateful for the normalcy of work. This was exactly what I needed-something familiar to ground me as my personal life remained in chaos.

I nodded, already envisioning the perfect combination of herbs.

“Your reputation is growing in distant territories,” she observed. “But you lack opportunities with the local packs. I can help change that. A win-win situation, wouldn’t you say?”

Her tone wasn’t condescending in the slightest—just practical and straightforward. I found myself relaxing in her presence, ideas for her custom formulation already taking shape in my mind. There was something about Luna Riverwind’s unique wolf energy that stimulated my creativity.

Before long, it was time to leave. Luna Riverwind checked her watch and stood gracefully. “I have a pack dinner downstairs. I’ll escort you down.”

Sharing an elevator with a high-ranking she-wolf like Luna Riverwind meant receiving curious glances from other wolves. She handled the attention with practiced ease, nodding naturally, smiling politely, and politely refusing requests for photos for pack forums.

As we exited the elevator into the hotel lobby, Luna Riverwind suddenly stopped, her expression brightening.

“Alpha Moonstone, you’re too punctual,” she called out warmly.

A younger wolf’s humble response drifted back: “When Luna Riverwind issues an invitation, one arrives promptly.”

The moment that cold, deep voice sounded, I froze. Two years had passed, but Arthur Moonstone had barely changed. His facial lines were perhaps sharper, his Alpha presence even more imposing, but those dark, obsidian eyes were unmistakable. “By the way, let me introduce you,” Luna Riverwind turned to us, completely unaware of the tension crackling in the air. “In case there’s a chance for pack cooperation in the future. This is the Alpha of Northern Alliance, Arthur Moonstone.”

I steadied myself, drawing on two years of training under Master Elara to keep my expression neutral. Slowly, I raised my eyes to meet his dark gaze and extended my hand.

“Alpha Moonstone,” I said, my voice detached and formal. “Long time no see.”

Luna Riverwind was about to explain who I was when Arthur reached out, grasping my hand firmly. His fingers tightened around mine with a possessiveness that was achingly familiar.

“Luna Winter, long time no see.”