Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 214

(Audrey’s POV)

“One month at most.” Healer Reed’s words hung in the air like a death sentence.

I felt my knees weaken beneath me. “There must be something else we can try,” I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. ” Some rare healing herb, some experimental treatment…”

Healer Reed’s eyes held genuine compassion as he shook his head. “I’ve treated similar cases throughout my career, Ms. Winter. The silver has reached her vital organs. At this stage, we can only manage her comfort.”

Arthur’s hand found my shoulder, offering silent support. I hadn’t even noticed him move closer.

“Thank you for your honesty, Healer Reed,” I managed, fighting to keep my voice steady. “And thank you for coming all this way.”

The older wolf inclined his head respectfully. “I wish I could offer better news. But know that I didn’t come just for professional reasons.” He glanced at Arthur. “This young Alpha has been quite persistent. He’s been trying to convince me to return from Western Territories for nearly two moon cycles.”

I turned to Arthur in surprise. “Two moon cycles? But that was when…”

“When we weren’t sure if you were alive or dead,” Arthur finished quietly.

The revelation knocked the breath from my lungs. Even when Arthur thought I might never return, he had continued searching for help for my grandmother.

“He refused to give up,” Healer Reed continued. “Said that whether you returned or not, Elder Shadowcrest deserved the best care possible. Quite admirable for a wolf with no blood ties to her pack.”

I stared at Arthur, seeing him in a new light. “I… Thank you,” I said, the words feeling wholly inadequate.

Arthur’s dark eyes met mine briefly before he turned to Healer Reed. “Will you join us for dinner? I’m sure you’d like to sample some local Central Territory venison after your journey.”

“Actually,” Arthur added, his tone lightening slightly, “I believe Audrey would like to treat us both to dinner, as a token of her appreciation.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion, but nodded quickly. “Of course. It would be my honor.”

Healer Reed chuckled, shaking his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I have plans with some old pack members tonight. Besides, ” his eyes twinkled with mischief, “I think Ms. Winter should thank you privately. After all, it’s all your achievement, Alpha Moonstone.”

Before I could protest, Healer Reed was gathering his things. “I’ll return tomorrow morning to begin the comfort treatment regimen. Good evening to you both.”

His Beta assistant followed him out, leaving Arthur and me alone with a sleeping Elder Shadowcrest.

An awkward silence stretched between us.

“So,” Arthur finally said, “dinner?”

“Yes,” I agreed, still processing Healer Reed’s revelations. “I should thank you properly. It’s the least I can do.”

“Good,” Arthur nodded, seeming oddly pleased. “I’d like to choose the territory den, if you don’t mind.”

I shrugged. “That’s fine. Let me just say goodbye to my grandmother before we leave.”

I approached the bed where Elder Shadowcrest had drifted off during our conversation with Healer Reed. Gently, I touched her hand, and her eyes fluttered open.

“Serena,” she murmured, smiling sleepily. “Are you leaving?”

“Just for a little while,” I said softly. “I’m having dinner with Arthur to thank him for bringing Healer Reed.”

Her brow furrowed slightly. “The dark-eyed Alpha? Well, I suppose that’s proper.” Then her expression brightened. “But remember, Florian Stormhowl is your intended mate!”

I couldn’t help but smile at her persistence. “Yes, Elder. I remember.”

As I turned to leave, I couldn’t help thinking how different my life would have been if I hadn’t disappeared all those years ago. If I had grown up as Serena Shadowcrest, betrothed to Florian Stormhowl, secure in my pack identity.

Arthur was waiting by the door, his expression unreadable. “Ready?”

I nodded, following him out of the healing chamber and into the crisp evening air.

The ride back to Central Territory was mostly silent, each of us lost in our own thoughts. When Arthur finally pulled up in front of a riverside territory den I didn’t recognize, I was surprised by its elegance.

“This is…nice,” I commented, taking in the soft lighting and tasteful wolf imagery adorning the entrance.

Arthur helped me from the car, his hand briefly touching the small of my back. “They have excellent mountain stream venison.’

Inside, a Beta server greeted us with a professional smile. “Welcome to Moonriver Den. Table for two?”

As we followed him to a quiet corner table with a view of the water, I noticed the den was filled with couples sitting close together, speaking in hushed tones. A strange feeling of déjà vu washed over me, reminding me of dinners long past when Arthur and I had been newly mated.

“Would you prefer the à la carte options or our special set menu?” the server asked as we settled into our seats. “Tonight is our Full Moon Celebration, with special couples’ packages available.”

“Oh, we’re not-” I began quickly.

“Let’s take a look,” Arthur interrupted smoothly, accepting the menu and passing one to me. “Don’t be so tense, Audrey. We’re just having a meal.”

I bit my lip, scanning the menu without really seeing it. Everything felt too intimate, too much like our past.

The first course arrived-delicate slices of smoked venison with forest berry sauce. Under different circumstances, I might have enjoyed the elegant presentation and rich flavors. But sitting across from Arthur in such a romantic setting had my stomach tied in knots.

“The venison is excellent,” Arthur commented, watching me pick at my food. “You should try it.”

I forced myself to take a bite. “It’s good,” I admitted.

My phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced down to see a friend request from “Cassandra Stormhowl” with a message claiming to be Florian’s cousin.

Curious, I accepted immediately.

A barrage of messages followed:

“Audrey! Florian’s leg is hurting terribly. He needs help but refuses to call anyone.”

“He’s in so much pain right now.”

“Can you come? Please?”

I frowned, glancing toward Cassandra’s table. She was laughing at something her companion said, not even touching her phone.

These messages weren’t from her.

As I watched, more dramatic texts appeared: “I guess you’re busy. Let him suffer from pain.”

“No one in the pack cares about him anyway.”

The obvious manipulation was almost comical. Someone was trying very hard to get me to leave my dinner with Arthur and rush to Florian’s side.

I smiled to myself. Two could play at this game.

“I’ll come right away,” I typed back, then placed my phone in my bag and looked up at Arthur.

“Is everything alright?” he asked, noticing my expression.

“Florian’s leg hurts,” I answered honestly, reaching for my purse. “I’m going to check on him.”