Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 213

(Audrey’s POV)

I sat stiffly in my chair, aware of the tension crackling through the air of the private dining room. Alpha Luna Riverwind maintained her elegant composure, seemingly oblivious to the silent war happening between her daughter and me.

“More venison, Audrey?” Luna Riverwind offered, gesturing to the server to bring another plate.

“Thank you,” I replied politely, my gaze inevitably drifting back to Lyra.

The young she-wolf sitting across from me was unmistakably the same person who had impersonated Serena Shadowcrest two years ago. The same wolf who had nearly destroyed my life. Yet here she sat, poised and privileged, as if she hadn’t committed one of the most serious pack crimes possible – identity theft.

“Mother,” Lyra spoke up, her voice carrying that practiced sweetness that immediately put me on edge. “I’ve been thinking more about the inter-pack business program.”

Luna Riverwind sighed softly. “Lyra, we’ve discussed this.”

“I’m just curious about it,” Lyra persisted, her eyes bright with determination. “If I don’t enjoy it, I’ll return to pack duties immediately. I promise.”

While they debated, I carefully observed Lyra. Gone was the nervous, uncertain impostor from two years ago. This young she- wolf carried herself with the confidence that came from a privileged upbringing. Her fur was glossy, her clothes expensive. She had clearly been raised as an elite pack member.

Throughout the meal, I caught Lyra stealing glances at me. Each time our eyes met, hers would quickly dart away.

“I need more time to consider it,” Luna Riverwind finally told her daughter, her tone gentle but firm. “Running a business isn’t just about curiosity, Lyra. It’s about responsibility.”

Lyra’s mouth twitched in disappointment but she nodded obediently. “I understand, Mother.”

When Luna Riverwind excused herself to take a pack howl, Lyra and I were left alone in uncomfortable silence.

“Thank you,” she finally said, her voice low.

I raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For not revealing to my mother what happened two years ago at the Shadowcrest pack.”

I studied her face carefully. “Why did you do it? Someone with your position… why agree to impersonate Serena Shadowcrest?

A flash of anger crossed her features. “Don’t interfere in others’ private pack matters, Ms. Winter,” she responded coldly. “In the Shadowcrest pack, you may be Serena Shadowcrest, but here, you’re just my mother’s healing formula specialist. It’s important to know your place in the pack hierarchy.”

The veiled threat wasn’t lost on me. This young she-wolf had learned a few tricks since I’d last seen her.

Alpha Luna Riverwind returned, glancing at her watch with a frown. “I’m afraid I need to catch my transport to Territory Eight sooner than expected.”

After settling the bill, Luna Riverwind bid us farewell outside the territory hotel, leaving Lyra and me standing awkwardly on the sidewalk.

“Ms. Winter,” Lyra said, stopping me as I turned to leave. “About my mother… I’d appreciate if you continued to keep our past connection private.”

I offered her a cold smile. “I said I don’t want to meddle in pack affairs. So, it all depends on my mood.”

The color drained from her face as I walked away.

Two days later, I stood outside my territory den with a small travel pack, waiting for my ride to Northern Territory. Despite my preference for handling things independently, I’d agreed to Arthur Moonstone’s offer to drive me.

The sleek black territory vehicle pulled up precisely on time. Arthur stepped out, looking every bit the powerful Alpha in his tailored suit.

“Ready?” he asked simply.

I nodded, trying not to show my discomfort at the idea of spending hours in close quarters with him. “We need to pick up Healer Reed from the territory transport hub first.”

“Already taken care of,” Arthur replied, opening the passenger door for me. “The healer is resting at a territory hotel. We’ll collect him on our way out of Central Territory.”

As we drove, Arthur divided his attention between the road and his pack tablet, occasionally tapping out responses to messages. He had clearly made time for this trip despite his busy schedule.

“Audrey’s former mate,” Elder Shadowcrest interrupted, her eyes narrowing. “But he’s currently attempting to reconcile, despite the severed mate bond,” Arthur continued smoothly.

Elder Shadowcrest’s reaction was immediate and fierce. “Nonsense!” she spat, pulling me protectively closer to her. “Serena is Florian’s intended mate. She can’t be with you.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the situation. The great Alpha Arthur Moonstone, accustomed to respect and flattery wherever he went, was left standing awkwardly at the foot of the bed.

“Elder,” I said gently, “Arthur brought Healer Reed from the Western Territories specifically to examine your condition.” Elder Shadowcrest’s expression softened slightly at this news, though she still regarded Arthur with suspicion.

Healer Reed arrived shortly after, a dignified older wolf with silver-streaked fur and keen, intelligent eyes. He greeted Elder Shadowcrest with warm respect before beginning his examination.

I stood nervously to the side, watching as he carefully assessed her condition. Over the past two years, I had arranged for numerous healing specialists to examine her, but the results had always been disappointing.

Despite Arthur’s reassurances about Healer Reed’s expertise, I couldn’t help the anxious churning in my stomach. Elder Shadowcrest was my only true family connection, my link to a past I was still piecing together.

After what seemed like an eternity, Healer Reed helped Elder Shadowcrest sit up comfortably against her pillows. He turned to face Arthur and me, his expression professionally neutral.

“The silver poisoning is not the most severe case I’ve seen,” he said, and a wave of relief washed over me.

But then his eyes met mine directly, and that relief evaporated like morning dew under a harsh sun.

“However,” he continued gravely, “the silver has progressed too far into her system. It has reached critical organs now.”

My throat tightened. “What does that mean? What can we do?”

Healer Reed’s voice was gentle but firm. “There are treatments we can try to make her comfortable, but given the progression of the condition…”

He paused, his eyes filled with professional compassion. “One month at most.”