Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 257

(Audrey’s POV)

The morning sun streamed through our territory den’s windows as I carefully measured healing herbs into precise portions. Six months into our mating bond, I had discovered something unexpected.

The greatest joy wasn’t in grand romantic gestures or dramatic declarations of love. It was in the simple daily rhythms of life with Florian.

“Morning consultations at Winter’s Remedy today?” Florian asked as he entered the kitchen, already dressed in his business attire.

“Three pack members with chronic pain issues,” I replied, not looking up from my work. “Then I promised to check on Grandmother Shadowcrest this afternoon.”

“Her recovery has been remarkable since you started visiting regularly.”

I smiled, finally meeting his golden eyes. “She says having family close gives her strength to fight the weakness in her bones.”

Florian moved behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist as he watched me work. His familiar warmth made me lean back against his chest automatically.

“And tonight?” he murmured against my ear.

“Tonight we review the expansion plans for the healing research facility,” I said, trying to maintain focus despite his proximity. “Sarah sent over the final territorial agreements.”

“Mmm. Very productive schedule.”

His lips brushed against my neck, and I nearly dropped the measuring spoon I was holding.

“Florian,” I warned, though my voice lacked conviction. “I need to concentrate on these formulations.”

“I’m not stopping you,” he said innocently. “I’m just appreciating my mate’s dedication to her work.”

I turned in his arms, raising an eyebrow. “Since when did you become so supportive of early morning herb preparation?”

“Since I mated with the most brilliant healer in Central Territory,” he replied, stealing a quick kiss. “Besides, I’ve been learning.”

To prove his point, he moved to the stove and began preparing the complex healing herb tea I used for my research. His movements were confident and precise.

“Who knew the great Florian Stormhowl would become so accomplished in the kitchen?” I teased, watching him work with obvious expertise.

His response was immediate. He abandoned the tea preparation and pulled me close for a kiss that still made my heart race after all these months.

When we finally broke apart, I was breathless and slightly dizzy.

“That’s not fair,” I protested weakly. “You can’t just kiss me senseless every time I tease you.”

“Watch me,” he said with a grin that made my knees weak.

Before I could respond, the sound of small footsteps running up our front pathway interrupted the moment.

“Uncle Florian! Aunt Luna!” Leo’s voice called out before he even reached the door. “I’m here for breakfast!”

Florian and I exchanged amused glances. Leo had become a regular fixture at our territory den, especially on weekends when Cassandra was traveling for pack business.

The pup burst through the door without waiting for permission, his small face bright with excitement.

“Cousin Cassandra is meeting with the Eastern Pack Alphas today,” he announced importantly. “So I get to stay here and help with your mate bond progress!”

“Our what?” I asked, though I suspected I already knew the answer.

Leo had appointed himself our unofficial curator of happiness. He regularly reported on our “mate bond progress” to anyone who would listen.

“I keep track of how many times you smile at each other,” Leo explained seriously. “Yesterday you smiled at each other 847 times.”

Florian choked on his coffee. “You counted our smiles?”

“Of course! It’s very important data,” Leo said with the gravity of a pack elder. “Healthy mate bonds require proper smile frequency.”

“Who told you that?” I asked, trying not to laugh.

“I figured it out myself,” Leo said proudly. “Uncle Florian smiled 23 times per day before you came back. Now he smiles 400- something times per day. That’s scientific improvement!”

Florian’s expression grew tender as he looked at his nephew. “You’re very observant, little wolf.”

“I’m also very hungry,” Leo said hopefully. “Did Aunt Luna make her special honey cakes?”

“I did,” I confirmed, reaching for the plate I had prepared earlier. “But first, you need to wash your hands.”

Leo scampered toward the washroom with typical pup enthusiasm. As soon as he was out of earshot, Florian moved closer to me again.

“847 times?” he murmured, his golden eyes dancing with amusement.

“The boy has too much time on his hands,” I replied, but I was smiling despite myself.

“Maybe we should give him something else to count,” Florian suggested, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone.

Before I could ask what he meant, Leo returned and claimed his place at our breakfast table.

“After breakfast, can we visit Great-grandmother Riverwind?” Leo asked between bites of honey cake. “She promised to teach me about ancient pack songs.”

“Great-grandmother?” I raised an eyebrow at the title.

“That’s what she told me to call her,” Leo explained matter-of-factly. “She said since you’re my Aunt Luna and she’s your mother, that makes her my Great-grandmother.”

My chest tightened with emotion. Yvette had seamlessly integrated into our extended family unit, sharing responsibility for Leo’s care while maintaining her own pack obligations.

“She’s in her consultation chambers this morning,” I said. “But we can visit after lunch.”

“Perfect!” Leo beamed. “She’s teaching me the traditional welcome songs for when you and Uncle Florian have pups.”

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