Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 223

(Audrey’s POV)

The doorbell’s chime cut through the awkward silence. Before I could react, Leo slid off the sofa with surprising agility for a pup his age and darted toward the door.

“Uncle…!” he called excitedly, then his voice shifted to a polite tone as he realized who it was. “Oh, thank you, delivery wolf!”

I smiled at his enthusiasm and went to the door. The pack delivery service had arrived with our food, packaged neatly in scent- sealed containers. I paid the delivery wolf, who nodded respectfully before leaving.

After closing the door, I patted Leo’s head gently. His golden eyes looked up at me with unmistakable disappointment.

“Were you expecting your uncle?” I asked, unable to hide the amusement in my voice.

Leo crossed his arms defensively. “No! Why would I miss him? I want to be with Luna Aunt!”

His declaration was so earnest that I couldn’t help but feel touched. He tugged at my sleeve, his eyes wide with hope. “Can I sleep here tonight? In your territory den? Please?”

I set the food down on the coffee table and knelt to his level. “You’ll need your uncle’s permission first, little wolf. But for now, let’s have dinner.”

I led him to the dining table where Nathan was waiting patiently. Nova had settled comfortably by the window, watching us with intelligent eyes.

“Alpha Snowfang, I hope you don’t mind trying some Central Territory cuisine,” I said, arranging the containers on the table. “They have a unique way of preparing venison here.”

Nathan smiled, his blue eyes warm. “I’m not a picky eater. Whatever you’ve chosen will be fine.”

He pulled out the chair next to mine, but before he could sit, Leo scrambled onto it with surprising speed.

“Alpha Uncle,” Leo said sweetly, patting the seat across from us. “You can sit here! I want to sit next to Luna Aunt.”

Nathan’s eyes met mine over Leo’s head, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. He reached out and playfully pinched Leo’s cheek.

“Well, how can I argue with that?” Nathan said, graciously taking the seat across from us.

I opened the containers, releasing the rich aroma of venison stew seasoned with rare herbs. The steam rose in delicate spirals, filling the territory den with a mouth-watering scent. I served Leo first, then Nathan, before taking some for myself.

To my pleasant surprise, Leo handled dinner with impeccable manners. He held his spoon correctly and fed himself without making a mess, only occasionally asking for help.

“Luna Aunt, can you get that piece for me?” he asked, pointing at a particular chunk of venison floating in his stew. “It’s too slippery for my spoon.”

I obliged, transferring it to his plate. He beamed at me gratefully before continuing to eat with focused determination. Halfway through the meal, Leo suddenly looked up, his expression turning to one of concern.

“Who’s going to make dinner for Uncle Florian?” he asked, eyebrows scrunched together. “He doesn’t know how to cook. He burned the venison last time.”

I chuckled at the image of Florian struggling in the kitchen. “I’m sure he’ll manage,” I assured Leo. “He’s a grown wolf, after. all.”

“But he’s really bad at it,” Leo insisted, genuine worry in his voice. “Should we save some for him?”

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” I said, genuinely impressed by his consideration. “But remember, as a host, you need to care for your guests first.”

Leo nodded sagely, then his face brightened with a mischievous grin. “Uncle Florian is family! We don’t need to bother with him!”

Nathan laughed, a warm, deep sound that filled the room. Then, his expression shifted subtly, becoming more serious. “Audrey,” he began, his voice carefully neutral, “are you and Florian Stormhowl forming a mate bond again?”

The question caught me off guard. I set down my fork, choosing my words carefully.

“No, Nathan. We’re just… figuring things out. He happens to live in this territory building, that’s all.”

Nathan nodded, something like relief flashing across his features. “I see. Well, he certainly has the advantage of proximity.” His casual tone didn’t quite mask the underlying emotion. Before I could respond, the doorbell rang again, saving me from having to navigate that particular conversation.

“That must be Florian,” I said, rising from my seat. “His pack meeting must have finished.”

When I opened the door, Florian was indeed there, leaning against his wheeled healing chair. His golden eyes swept over me, then peered past me into the territory den. His expression was a mixture of displeasure and scrutiny.

“Push me in,” he commanded, not bothering with a greeting.

“If you hadn’t had to consider your pack,” he retorted, “your legs wouldn’t be in their current condition.”

I felt my chest tighten at the deliberate barb. Nathan knew exactly where to strike.

“Nathan, that’s not fair,” I interjected quickly. “Florian’s legs aren’t as seriously injured as you think. His recovery is progressing well.”

Nathan sighed, giving me a look that bordered on pity. “If it wasn’t serious, he wouldn’t have been in a wheeled healing chair for two years.”

Florian nodded, his expression suddenly nonchalant. “You’re right, Snowfang. And yet, despite your healthy legs, Audrey hasn’t chosen you.”

He set down his utensils, his golden eyes hardening with challenge. “Perhaps you should stop interfering so much in matters that don’t concern you.”

Nathan’s jaw clenched, a muscle twitching at the corner of his mouth. “And what exactly is the biggest difference between us, Stormhowl?”

The question hung in the air, loaded with unspoken tensions. Leo looked between the adults anxiously, his little face creased with worry.

Nathan put down his cutlery and stood up, his movements deliberate and controlled despite his obvious anger.

“I was always the one by Audrey’s side when she needed me most,” he stated calmly. “Based on this alone, you can forget about interfering in my relationship with her.”

He turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “I have to return to Snowfang Pack Territory. I’ll be leaving first.”

I rose from my seat, intending to see him to the door, but Florian’s hand shot out, gripping my wrist with surprising strength. “Don’t go,” he said, his voice low and intense.

I looked down at him, caught between the two Alphas and their silent battle of wills.

“I’ll be right back, Florian,” I promised. “I’m just seeing Nathan off.”

“Don’t go.”