Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 24

(Audrey’s POV)

The car dealership incident replayed in my mind as Sarah and I drove to Silver Moon restaurant. Her upbeat chatter occasionally cut through my thoughts, but the sinking feeling in my chest refused to leave.

Arthur’s indifference at the dealership stung.

As Victoria had demanded my car, I had foolishly hoped Arthur would stand by me, defend me.

But instead, he had calmly, almost coldly, framed it as a gift from Elder William. His tone detached, as though any connection he had to the car-and me-was insignificant.

He didn’t mention it was an anniversary gift. Not once.

My fingers tightened on my seatbelt.

His words hadn’t been cruel, not outright. But denying his involvement felt like stripping me of my place as his Luna completely.

And the thought of him openly buying Victoria a similar car not long ago? That made the hurt fester deeper.

Sarah noticed my silence. Her sharp eyes flicked toward me momentarily, her wolf on high alert.

“What’s wrong, Audrey?” she pressed.

I shook my head lightly, forcing a weak smile. “Nothing.”

Sarah wasn’t buying it. “Don’t ‘nothing’ me. I saw your face back there at the dealership.” She scowled at the road, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “That snake. Victoria. I swear if she dares to drive the same car as you-“

Her free hand gestured in an exaggerated mock punch, making me laugh despite myself.

“I mean it,” she continued, her voice growing fiercer. “She thinks she can just take what’s yours. Over my dead wolf body.”

The intensity of her words warmed something in me. Sarah might be brash, but her loyalty was unwavering.

“You don’t have to worry about the car,” I murmured. But even as I said it, the truth lingered bitter in my thoughts.

It was more than the car. It was what it represented-how little Arthur wanted to show his care for me when Victoria was involved.

“Audrey,” Sarah said suddenly, her voice softer, gentler now. “You’re Luna. No one, not even her, can take that away from you. And if she keeps trying? She’ll answer to me.”

Her protective words let my wolf settle slightly, but the ache remained.

—

The Silver Moon restaurant was bustling when we arrived, its unique blend of human and werewolf cuisine drawing a mixed crowd. The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, and the rich aroma of roasting venison teased my senses.

Sarah chatted with the host, trying to secure us a table. I lingered behind, taking in the warm light and lively energy of the room. For a moment, I felt almost… normal. A regular wolf coming for dinner with a friend.

Then, a familiar voice called from above.

“Audrey! Sarah!”

I glanced up and spotted Lucas Reed waving down at us from the semi-private upstairs dining area. Beside him was Nathan Snowfang, his calm and steady demeanor contrasting Lucas’s enthusiastic waves.

They both stood, waiting for us to join them.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at me. “Dinner with the boys? Your call,” she said with a teasing smirk.

I hesitated briefly before nodding. Lucas and Nathan had proven themselves friends, and I didn’t have the energy to refuse.

Following Sarah upstairs, I was met first by Lucas, his grin wide and boyish. “Glad you could make it,” he said, pulling out a chair for me.

Nathan nodded politely. “Audrey, Sarah. Nice to see you both.”

I returned the greeting, slipping into my seat and letting the warm atmosphere draw me in.

—

Midway through the meal, after the servers delivered an array of delicious dishes, Lucas leaned back, his drink in hand.

“Big news in the North,” he announced dramatically, eyeing Nathan with a playful smirk.

Nathan, ever composed, simply rolled his eyes with an amused smile.

“What news?” Sarah asked, her curiosity genuine.

“Your friend here,” Lucas gestured to Nathan, “just accepted the Chairman position for the North American Alliance of Werewolf Therapists Management.”

My eyes widened slightly, impressed. “That’s… amazing,” I said, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. “Congratulations, Nathan.”

Nathan shrugged modestly, but there was pride in his tone. “It’s a necessary role for guiding our packs’ mental health initiatives. I’m honored to take it on.”

The table buzzed with congratulations after that, the mood lightening even further as Nathan explained his plans for the position.

But then Lucas, the ever-curious troublemaker, brought up Arthur.

“Speaking of leadership,” Lucas began, his tone lighter than his words, “what’s up with Arthur missing the Council’s re-election dinner? Surprised you didn’t attend, Audrey.”

The shift in atmosphere was immediate.

Sarah shot Lucas a look that could’ve turned him to stone. “Lucas,” she warned, her voice low.

He blinked, realizing his mistake too late.

I kept my face neutral, taking a careful sip of water. Though my hands trembled slightly, I hid them beneath the table.

“I didn’t know about it,” I admitted softly. The truth sat like a lump in my throat.

Arthur hadn’t mentioned a word.

The authority in his voice left little room for argument.

—

Nathan helped me into his car, making sure I was settled before sliding into the driver’s seat.

As he started the engine and pulled onto the road, he glanced at me from the corner of his eye.

“You still seem unsteady,” he said lightly, though his concern was clear. “Do you want me to take you to the healer instead?”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him.

But his frown told me he didn’t believe me.

At the next stoplight, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small tin of healing salve, placing it on the console between us.

“For your ankle,” he said simply.

I glanced at the tin, then back at him.

“You really don’t have to-“

“Audrey,” he interrupted, his tone soft but firm. “Let me help you if I can.”

His words left me momentarily speechless.

As the car started moving again, he added with a small smile, “By the way, you can stop calling me ‘Alpha Snowfang.’ Just Nathan is fine.”

I laughed lightly. “I’ll try to remember that.”

The rest of the drive was quiet, but comfortable.

Nathan’s calm presence seemed to ease the tension that had clung to me all day.

As we neared my home, he glanced at me again.

“You’ve looked unwell since dinner,” he said, his tone edged with worry. “Are you sure it’s just dizziness?”

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But his eyes stayed focused on me, unwavering.

“I’m fine,” I said softly, though my wolf disagreed.

For now, that answer seemed enough.