Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 240

(Audrey’s POV)

“Cassandra Stormhowl asked me to buy them.”

Florian’s golden eyes narrowed at me with a meaningful glance. His lips curved into a slight smirk as he continued, “She said that if you want to pursue me, you must be ready to live together at any time and prepare these she-wolf necessities.”

My ears burned with embarrassment. “There’s nothing like that between me and your cousin. I’m not pursuing her.”

“I was referring to you pursuing me,” he clarified with a chuckle.

Oh Moon Goddess, the embarrassment was overwhelming. I tried to step back, but Florian swiftly wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close against his chest.

“I missed you, Audrey,” he whispered, his voice suddenly serious.

Before I could respond, he bent down and pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was brief but filled with emotion. When he pulled away, his golden eyes held mine intently.

“Are you satisfied with our current status?” he asked. “Friends who can kiss and hug?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his directness. “You’re such a rogue wolf, Florian Stormhowl.”

I tried to break free from his embrace, but he caught my wrist, his expression turning more serious.

“Define our relationship, Audrey Winter,” he pressed, his thumb gently caressing the inside of my wrist.

I raised an eyebrow, deciding to tease him. “Shouldn’t the pursuer take the initiative? Why rely on others to do the work?” His eyes widened slightly, and I seized the opportunity to change the subject.

“Speaking of which, don’t you want to see your birthday gift?”

I noticed something slightly unusual about Florian’s mood today. Despite his playfulness, there was an underlying intensity in his eyes, a hint of desperation I hadn’t seen before.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, slipping out of his grip. “Wait here.”

I hurried up to my territory den, retrieving the gifts I’d prepared earlier. When I returned, Florian was sitting on the sofa, his expression thoughtful.

“Here,” I said, placing a long rectangular box and a paper bag on the coffee table in front of him.

Florian raised an eyebrow. “Two gifts?”

I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral. “One I prepared in advance, and one I picked up last night.”

“Which should I open first?”

“You can only pick one,” I teased.

“No,” he said firmly, a playful spark returning to his eyes. “I want both.”

Without waiting for my response, he reached for the rectangular box first. He opened it carefully, revealing a neatly folded hunting shirt. The rich, deep brown fabric was adorned with an intricate wolf emblem I’d embroidered myself. It had taken me several nights of work, but seeing the appreciation in his eyes made it worthwhile.

“You made this?” he asked, running his fingers over the embroidery.

I nodded, suddenly shy. “Yes. Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful,” he said softly. “I’ve never received a handmade gift like this before.”

He set the shirt aside carefully and reached for the paper bag. Inside was an expensive moonstone-inlaid watch I’d picked out the night before. The sleek design and color scheme complemented Florian’s flamboyant and carefree style perfectly.

Florian examined the watch with obvious appreciation. Then, to my surprise, he began removing the watch he was currently wearing.

“Help me put it on?” he asked, holding out his wrist.

I took the new watch from the box and fastened it around his wrist, acutely aware of his steady gaze on me. When I finished and stepped back, he suddenly grabbed my waist and pulled me into his lap.

“The gifts aren’t enough,” he declared, his voice calm yet intense. “I want you, Audrey.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What else could you possibly want?”

“You,” he repeated, his golden eyes burning into mine. “Just you.”

I swallowed hard, overwhelmed by his directness. I remembered Sarah’s advice about setting clear boundaries early in relationships.

“I…” I hesitated. “I’m on my moon cycle, remember?”

Florian brushed his lips against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Be my mate, Audrey Winter.”

My heart pounded against my ribs. After everything we’d been through, after the misunderstandings and separations, the request felt both terrifying and right.

Just as I was about to retaliate, a howl communication rang out, interrupting our moment. Florian sighed and reached for his pack device.

“What is it?” he asked, his tone shifting back to the Alpha wolf I knew so well.

I could hear Kevin’s voice on the other end, asking where Florian was and reminding him about the birthday celebration. “We’ll be there immediately,” Florian replied smoothly. “We were held up. I was with my mate.”

My head snapped up at the word “mate.” Florian winked at me as he hung up, leaving his friend undoubtedly shocked on the other end.

(Third-person’s POV)

Kevin stared at his pack device in disbelief. Had Florian Stormhowl, the notorious bachelor of Central Territory, just referred to someone as his “mate”?

The last time Florian had shown interest in anyone had been Serena Shadowcrest – now known as Audrey Winter – and that had ended in heartbreak. Kevin had watched his friend suffer through her disappearance, her return, and her ultimate choice of Arthur Moonstone over Florian.

Kevin pocketed his device with a frown. Knowing Florian, this was likely another of his casual flings – nothing serious, just a distraction from his true feelings.

As he turned to rejoin the gathering, Kevin spotted Sarah Mitchell near the entrance, scrolling through her pack device. His expression immediately soured. This was the she-wolf who had challenged him at the Central Territory Business Alliance, accusing him of unfairness in rejecting Winter’s Remedy’s application.

“Looking for another territory to invade?” he asked sarcastically as she approached.

Sarah’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing when she recognized him. “Oh, it’s you. The judgmental Beta who thinks two she -wolves can’t run a successful healing practice.”

“I never said that,” Kevin retorted, bristling at her accusation. “I simply pointed out that your friend’s… inconsistent history suggests a lack of commitment.”

“Inconsistent history?” Sarah repeated incredulously. “You know nothing about Audrey Winter or what she’s been through!” Kevin scoffed. “I know enough. She abandoned my friend once before. She’ll do it again.”

A dangerous gleam entered Sarah’s eyes. “You’re basing business decisions on personal grudges. That’s hardly professional.”

“It’s called loyalty,” Kevin corrected her. “Something your friend knows nothing about.”

Sarah opened her mouth to deliver what was undoubtedly going to be a scathing retort, but Kevin continued before she could speak.

“Tell your friend not to think Florian will wait for her forever,” he said coldly. “She should find someone else. Florian has a mate now.”