Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 255

(Audrey’s POV)

The morning sun filtered through the delicate lace curtains of my new bedroom, casting dancing patterns across the polished wooden floors. Three months had passed since Nathan’s trial, and I still sometimes couldn’t believe this was real.

This territory den belonged to me now. To my mother and me.

I stood at the window overlooking our private garden, watching the early morning light illuminate the carefully tended flower beds and stone pathways. Yvette had worked with the territory architects to create something truly special – a home that honored both our individual needs and our newfound relationship as mother and daughter.

The healing wing where I conducted my practice sessions was modern and efficient, equipped with the finest werewolf medical technology available. But the main living areas retained traditional pack elements that made Yvette comfortable when she entertained her political contacts.

For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I had a family home.

“Audrey?” Yvette’s voice called from downstairs. “Your breakfast is ready!”

I smiled, still adjusting to having someone care about whether I ate proper meals. The maternal attention felt both foreign and wonderful after years of independence.

“Coming, Mother!” I called back, quickly braiding my auburn hair before heading down the spiral staircase.

The kitchen smelled like fresh honey cakes and territory coffee – a blend Yvette had specially ordered from the northern regions. She stood at the marble counter, already dressed in her formal pack meeting attire despite the early hour.

“Pack Council session today?” I asked, settling into my favorite chair at the breakfast table.

“Resource allocation discussions,” Yvette confirmed, setting a plate of warm pastries before me. “Very tedious, but necessary for maintaining our territorial agreements.”

She paused, studying my face with the careful attention only mothers possessed. “You look rested. How are you sleeping lately?”

The nightmares about the hunting lodge had finally begun to fade. I no longer woke up screaming Arthur’s name or seeing Nathan’s obsessed eyes in every shadow.

“Better,” I admitted honestly. “Much better than I was.”

Yvette’s relief was visible in the relaxing of her shoulders. She had spent countless nights sitting beside my bed during the worst weeks after the trial, holding my hand through panic attacks and grief episodes.

“I’m proud of how far you’ve come,” she said softly. “Your strength amazes me every day.”

Before I could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps made us both look toward the garden entrance. Florian appeared on the stone pathway, moving with his characteristic confident stride.

His recovery from the lodge battle had progressed remarkably well, though he still occasionally used a walking stick on particularly difficult days. Today, however, he moved with his old graceful ease.

“Good morning, beautiful ladies,” Florian called through the open kitchen window. “Permission to enter your territory?” I laughed, gesturing for him to come inside. “Since when do you ask permission for anything?”

“Since I started courting the most important she-wolf in Central Territory,” he replied with a grin, stepping through the doorway.

He wore a simple hunting shirt and dark trousers, but somehow managed to look effortlessly elegant. His golden eyes found mine immediately, and I felt the familiar warmth spread through my chest.

“How’s the leg today?” I asked, noting his smooth movements.

“Perfect,” Florian said, executing a small bow to prove his point. “Dr. Whiteclaw says I’m officially cleared for all activities.” Yvette raised an eyebrow. “All activities?”

Florian’s grin widened mischievously. “All activities, Luna Riverwind.”

I felt my cheeks flush as I understood his implication. We had been taking our physical relationship slowly, both of us still processing the trauma of recent events.

“Speaking of activities,” Florian continued, pulling out a chair beside mine. “I bring excellent news about Winter’s Remedy.”

My healing practice had expanded far beyond anything I had originally envisioned. What began as custom formulations for individual clients had grown into a territory-wide business with branches in three major pack regions.

“The expansion is exceeding all projections,” Florian said with obvious pride. “Sarah’s business acumen combined with your healing reputation has created something truly exceptional.”

“The Shadowcrest pack alone placed orders for two hundred silver burns healing potions last week,” I said, still amazed by the demand. “And the Moonstone pack has requested a permanent supply contract for basic wound treatments.”

Florian nodded enthusiastically. “Beta Kael says pack leaders throughout the region are recommending your formulations to their members. You’re becoming famous, whether you like it or not.”

“I’m just glad to help wolves who need healing,” I said honestly. “After everything I’ve been through, being able to ease other people’s pain feels like finding my true purpose.”

“Speaking of purpose,” Florian’s expression grew playfully serious. “Leo’s been asking when you’re going to officially become his Aunt Luna.”

My heart squeezed with affection for the little wolf pup who had kept us connected during our darkest times. Leo had been staying with Cassandra while I recovered, but he visited our territory den almost daily.

“What has he been saying?” I asked, though I already suspected the answer.

“Cassandra says he’s been practicing the traditional welcoming howls for when we announce our mate bond,” Florian said, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement. “Apparently, he’s convinced he needs to perform them perfectly to make the ceremony official.”

Yvette laughed softly. “That child has more pack tradition knowledge than most adult wolves.”

“That’s exactly why you’re perfect for this role,” Yvette said. “Your compassion drives your innovation.”

As evening approached, the three of us shared dinner on the territory den’s moonlit terrace. The lake beyond our property reflected the stars like scattered diamonds, and the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore created a peaceful backdrop for our conversation.

Yvette regaled us with stories from her pack council meeting, including a heated argument about territory fishing rights that had nearly resulted in an Alpha challenge. Florian shared updates about his pack’s business ventures, and I described my latest healing breakthrough.

For me, the scene represented everything I had dreamed of during my darkest moments in the Sunstone Territories. Family gathered around a table, sharing food and laughter and genuine affection. Love and purpose coexisting in perfect harmony.

“I never thought I could be this happy,” I admitted, looking between the two most important people in my world. “After

everything we’ve been through – the manipulation, the lies, the violence – this feels like a gift from the Moon Goddess herself.

||

“You deserve every moment of happiness,” Yvette said softly. “You survived things that would have broken most wolves.” “We all did,” Florian added, his golden eyes reflecting the moonlight. “And we came out stronger on the other side.”

Later, after Yvette had retired to her chambers with a book of ancient pack law, Florian took my hand and led me to our favorite spot overlooking the territory lake. The path wound through carefully maintained gardens, past flowering bushes that released their sweet fragrance into the night air.

A wooden bench sat at the lake’s edge, positioned to provide the perfect view of both the water and the star-filled sky above. We had spent many evenings here over the past months, talking through our trauma and planning our future together.

“The stars are particularly bright tonight,” I observed, settling beside him on the familiar bench.

“Perfect timing then,” Florian said, his voice carrying an unusual note of nervousness.

I looked at him more carefully, noting the way his hands fidgeted with something in his jacket pocket. His usual confident demeanor seemed slightly shaken.

“Florian? Is everything alright?”

“More than alright,” he said, withdrawing a small velvet box from his pocket. “I have something for you.”

My breath caught in my throat as he opened the box, revealing an elegant ring that caught the moonlight like captured starfire. The design was unmistakably Stormhowl pack bonding jewelry – traditional yet uniquely beautiful.

“Marry me, Audrey Winter,” Florian said, his golden eyes meeting mine with absolute certainty. “Let’s make this official before Leo drives us all crazy with his excitement.”