Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 229

(Audrey’s POV)

Arthur Moonstone didn’t respond immediately. His obsidian eyes seemed distant, focused on something beyond the confined space of the luxury vehicle. The silence stretched between us like a physical presence, filled with the weight of our shared past. Finally, he spoke, his voice so soft I nearly missed it. “Does it hurt?”

I glanced down at my wrist, where the bracelet once again concealed the scar. “It hasn’t hurt for a long time.”

“I don’t mean the scar,” Arthur clarified, still not meeting my gaze. “I mean… everything. The past.”

I considered his question carefully. It deserved honesty, not platitudes.

“It wasn’t the most painful thing,” I admitted. “I used to be terrified of even silver needles during blood draws at the Wolf Medical Center. Remember how you had to practically drag me there for my annual pack health assessment?”

A ghost of a smile flickered across Arthur’s face, there and gone in an instant.

“I don’t fear pain as much anymore,” I continued. “When spirit sickness consumes you… physical pain becomes secondary.” Arthur’s jaw tightened visibly.

“In the Sunstone Territories, I stopped taking wolfsbane medication for a while,” I revealed, keeping my voice steady.” During that time, I didn’t even think about the physical pain when the silver cut into my skin. I couldn’t react quickly enough to stop it.”

Arthur’s body tensed, but he maintained his composure. The luxury vehicle slowed as we reached the Silver Moon Territory Hotel’s ceremonial entrance, the timing cutting our conversation mercifully short.

“Thank you for the ride,” I said as I prepared to exit. “I should find Luna Riverwind.”

Arthur nodded, his expression carefully neutral once more. As I walked away from him toward the gleaming entrance, I realized something profound had shifted within me. I had changed, though I couldn’t precisely pinpoint how or when the transformation had occurred.

The familiar sounds of pack greetings and subtle territorial posturing filled the air as I entered the ceremonial den. High- ranking Alphas and pack elders mingled throughout the expansive space, their ceremonial robes marking their status and affiliations. Several unfamiliar faces dotted the crowd – newcomers likely brought by influential figures seeking to expand their alliances.

From across the room, Yvette Riverwind spotted me. Her elegant hand rose in a subtle wave, beckoning me over. As I approached, I couldn’t help but admire her presence. Despite being nearly fifty moon cycles old, she carried herself with the confidence and grace of a much younger she-wolf.

“You made it,” she greeted warmly. “And right on time.”

“Thank you for inviting me,” I replied, genuinely grateful for her patronage.

My eyes were drawn to her ceremonial robe – a stunning creation of midnight blue fabric with subtle silver accents. The material seemed to shimmer under the ceremonial lighting, but what caught my attention was the distinctive scent emanating from it.

“Your robe,” I said, unable to hide my surprise. “The healing potion it’s been soaked in – that’s one of my formulations from the Inter-Pack Healing Council last year.”

Yvette’s eyes lit up with delight. “You recognized it! Yes, it’s a recent import to the territory. I was absolutely enchanted by the aroma.”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice confidentially. “You wouldn’t believe the lengths my Beta Assistant went to in order to acquire it from abroad. I had to pull strings with three separate territory shipping authorities!”

A she-wolf standing nearby – Luna Silvertail of the Eastern Mountain Pack – turned at Yvette’s animated explanation.

Yvette feigned offense. “Are you starting rumors about me again? In front of my very close friend?”

Their easy banter continued, but my attention was drawn to movement at the entrance. Arthur Moonstone had arrived, a glass of moonlight wine in his hand, his dark eyes scanning the room until they found me.

He approached our small group with measured steps, nodding respectfully to Yvette before allowing his gaze to linger briefly on me.

“Luna Riverwind,” he greeted formally. “I didn’t expect to see you at a territory alliance gathering.”

Yvette’s smile didn’t waver. “And I didn’t expect to see the Alpha of Northern Alliance showing interest in pack social events. Have the territory politics become too dull for you, Arthur?”

Arthur took a slow sip of his moonlight wine. “Actually, I’ve been considering investing in territory within the Central Region, ” he replied. “I wanted to gauge your thoughts before proceeding.”

I recognized his strategy immediately – by seeking Yvette’s approval, he was demonstrating respect for the complex web of pack hierarchies.

“I prefer to avoid future… conflicts,” Arthur added, his tone carefully diplomatic.

Yvette’s eyes sparkled with understanding. “That’s very considerate,” she responded. “Though I should warn you that several packs are eyeing the same territories. It will be a fair competition.”