Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 23

(Audrey’s POV)

The pack healer mentioned that silver residue had found its way into the wound, slowing my natural healing.

I sat cross-legged on the couch, dabbing a damp cloth gingerly against the cut. Sarah was crouched on the floor beside me with her usual blunt and colorful attitude.

“I cannot believe this,” she muttered, glaring at my wound as if it were Victoria herself. “Your ear? Is nothing sacred anymore?”

“Clearly not,” I replied, wincing slightly. “She’s making her point, I guess.”

Sarah scoffed. “Her point? Her point is that she’s a spoiled brat who-” she stopped mid-sentence, narrowing her eyes. “You know what I wouldn’t even blame her. The real issue is Arthur!”

I lowered the cloth, sighing.

“Three years, Audrey,” she continued, throwing her hands up dramatically. “Three years of bending over backward to keep the peace, and this? This lunacy? Girl, you deserve a platinum medal for still standing upright.”

Despite myself, I laughed softly. Sarah had that way about her-making me feel lighter, even when my thoughts felt like a constant storm.

“You’re not wrong,” I admitted, leaning back against the couch.

Her expression changed, softening slightly. “Audrey… Are you really done? With all of it-Arthur, Victoria, the pack politics?”

I hesitated a moment too long.

Her brow furrowed, her lips thinning. “Audrey. No. I see that look. Don’t give me that look.”

“I am done, Sarah!” I said, holding up my hands defensively. “I’m just… processing.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re such a liar. But fine. I’ll play along for now.”

I smiled faintly and changed the subject. “I feel like pasta. Let’s make the drive out to the Silver Moon restaurant tonight. We’ll celebrate my car finally being repaired.”

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Pasta and gossip? You know the way to my grumpy heart.”

“Consider it a date,” I said with a grin.

—

The drive to the luxury car service center was smoother than I expected. The air between Sarah and me felt lighter, buoyed by idle chatter and her apparent obsession with the upcoming arrival of my pups.

“You know,” she said, glancing over at me as I drove. “I’m more excited about this pregnancy than you are.”

“I’m perfectly excited,” I argued, though my tone lacked conviction.

“Oh please,” she drawled, pointing a playful finger at me. “You’re more nervous than excited. Admit it.”

“Maybe a little,” I allowed, glancing sidelong at her.

She grinned triumphantly, leaning back into the seat. “They’re going to be strong, fierce, and-most importantly-absolutely gorgeous. Let’s not forget that they’ll have killer aunt instincts coming their way.”

I laughed, despite myself. “They’ll certainly have no shortage of love.”

“Exactly,” she said, nodding firmly.

The conversation kept my spirits high until we arrived. The sleek, polished showroom greeted us like a gleaming fortress. As we stepped out of the car, Sarah gestured dramatically toward the entrance.

“Lead on, fearless leader,” she said, giving me a mock bow.

We made our way inside, and I handled the payment without incident. The car looked good as new-no trace of the accident that had left me bruised and shaken. I felt a small surge of satisfaction as I inspected the repairs.

But then I heard her voice.

Sarah and I both turned, our gazes locking onto the unmistakable figures of Arthur and Victoria on the far side of the showroom.

—

Sarah’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. Her stance stiffened, her lips pursing tightly as she stared daggers in their direction. “Of course,” she muttered venomously.

“Sarah,” I warned softly, placing a hand on her arm.

Her fiery glare didn’t waver. “Nope. Unacceptable. Do you see this circus?”

Arthur was leaning slightly toward Victoria, speaking low enough that we couldn’t hear. Victoria, on the other hand, was soaking it all in as though she were the center of the universe. A salesperson hovered nearby, smiling broadly and nodding enthusiastically.

Then the words floated over to us. The salesperson, referring to Victoria, labeled her as “future Alpha’s mate.”

I felt the sharp, familiar sting digging into my chest. My wolf snarled within me, but I swallowed down the emotion.

“Unbelievable,” Sarah snapped, her voice dangerously close to rising.

With a loud scoff, I marched right up, placing myself firmly between them.

“Really, Victoria?” I said, my voice loud enough to draw attention. “First silver earrings. Then you try to steal cars? What’s next? Someone’s territory? Oh wait-you’ve already tried that, too!”

Victoria’s face twisted into a frown, momentarily thrown off by the interruption.

“And who might you be?” she asked disdainfully.

I crossed my arms and smirked. “Sarah Mitchell. Best friend to Audrey Winter. Or should I say, the CURRENT Luna of Moonstone Pack.”

Victoria bristled at my pointed emphasis. Before she could respond, movement at the edge of my vision caught my attention.

Arthur approached, his sharp gaze shifting between me and Victoria before landing on my stubbornly silent best friend.

“Audrey?” he asked, his brow furrowing.

I gestured toward Victoria dramatically. “She’s right here, trapped in her car while your precious stepsister tries to bully her into something ridiculous. But sure, feel free to keep enabling her.”

Audrey finally rolled down the car window, giving me a look of exasperation. “Sarah, let’s just go.”

But I wasn’t finished.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want me to ignore the part where Victoria just tried to CONVINCE you to give her your car?”

Arthur’s jaw tightened, and his dark eyes zeroed in on Victoria.

Victoria, to her credit, didn’t back down. Instead, she glanced between Arthur and Audrey before adopting that infuriatingly innocent expression she wore so often.

“I only suggested it as a practical solution,” she said sweetly. “Audrey has no real use for this car now, does she? Why not let me just have it?”

Arthur’s voice dropped into a dangerously low growl. “Victoria, the car belongs to Audrey. Not me.”

“But wasn’t it bought with pack funds?” she pressed, her tone shifting into whiny petulance.