Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 29

(Audrey’s POV)

Elder William leaned back in his chair, his face a mixture of weariness and resolve. The room, with its antique furniture and heavy curtains, seemed to close in as he let out a sigh.

“It’s time you knew the truth,” he began, his voice low but steady.

I stayed silent, my heart thudding loudly in my chest. Something in his tone froze the air around us. His eyes, sharp despite his age, met mine.

“Everything you think you know about Arthur’s mother, Evelyn… it’s a lie.”

A chill ran through me. My wolf, Grace, perked up, sensing the gravity of his words.

“What do you mean?” I asked carefully.

Elder William reached for a file on his desk, his hands trembling slightly. He opened it, revealing old photographs and a small memory card. His fingers brushed across the edge of a photo before he slid it toward me.

The image was grainy but undeniable. Evelyn stood on the pack house stairs, her figure bent, clutching her swollen belly. Behind her, another familiar figure loomed-Katherine Moonstone.

“No…” I whispered, my mind racing.

Elder William nodded grimly. “Yes, Audrey. Katherine pushed Evelyn down the stairs while she was carrying Arthur. Evelyn didn’t die from complications during childbirth. She was murdered.”

My hand flew to my mouth as bile rose in my throat. The pieces clicked together painfully in my mind. Katherine, the woman Arthur revered as his devoted stepmother, had killed his mother.

“How-why-” I stammered, my voice breaking.

“Richard wanted Katherine,” Elder William interjected, his expression darkening. “Even though he already had Evelyn as his mate, he was infatuated with Katherine. Evelyn stood in their way.”

The air in the room grew heavier with each word.

“Katherine thought she was clever,” he continued. “She tampered with the pack’s security footage, thinking she’d erased all evidence. But I recovered it.” He tapped the memory card on the desk.

“Arthur doesn’t know,” I realized aloud, my voice trembling.

“He doesn’t,” Elder William confirmed. “And for his sake, I’ve kept it from him all these years.”

“Why didn’t you tell him?” I demanded, anger bubbling in my chest. “He deserves to know the truth!”

Elder William’s eyes turned steely. “Because Richard would have killed to protect Katherine-and she wasn’t afraid to retaliate if cornered. I had to make a deal.”

He closed his eyes briefly, as if the memory pained him. “I allowed Richard to mark Katherine on two conditions: He would give up his position as the Alpha heir, and he would guarantee Arthur’s safety until he came of age. If either of them broke that promise, I would reveal everything to the pack.”

I gripped the edge of the desk, struggling to stay upright. My mind spun with the weight of his revelations.

“So Katherine… she only stayed alive because of your mercy?” I whispered.

Elder William nodded. “Everything she did afterward-the coma she fell into while ‘protecting’ Arthur, her facade of devotion-it was all calculated. Self-interest disguised as sacrifice.”

My nails dug into the wood of the desk, fury surging within me. It wasn’t just the betrayal. It was the realization that Arthur’s entire childhood was a web of lies.

“And Victoria…” I said slowly.

“The apple doesn’t fall far,” Elder William muttered bitterly. “She inherited her mother’s cunning. That’s why…” He hesitated, his gaze softening. “That’s why I need you to stay, Audrey.”

I froze. “Stay? What do you mean?”

“Postpone the mate bond severance,” he said urgently. “Just until after my 80th birthday celebration next month. You’re the only one keeping Arthur grounded. Without you, Victoria will seize whatever power she can.”

His plea hit me like a tidal wave. I should have felt anger, maybe even denial. But all I felt was pity-for Elder William, for Arthur, even for the child I carried.

“You’ve always cared for Arthur,” the elder continued, his voice softening further. “I’ve seen it in your eyes, Audrey. Even with everything happening… please, protect him a little longer.”

I bit my lip, the raging storm of emotions leaving me speechless. After a long moment, I nodded. “Alright,” I said quietly. “I’ll wait until after your birthday.”

Relief flickered in his eyes. “Thank you.”

—

As I left Elder William’s study, I bumped into George Thompson just outside the door. He looked at me knowingly, his kind eyes filled with silent support.

“Elder William told you, didn’t he?” George asked, his voice low.

I nodded. “Everything.”

“Where’s Arthur?” I demanded.

“With me, of course,” she said casually. “He’s accompanying me to the station. Such a sweet gesture, don’t you think?”

My throat tightened, bitterness rising anew. I clenched my teeth, refusing to let her taunts sink in.

“I have nothing to say to you,” I said firmly before hanging up.

Her words lingered, though, like a silver dagger twisting in my chest.

—

The station was quiet when I arrived. An officer led me to the room where Sarah waited.

She sat on a bench, her head resting in her hands. The weight of the world seemed to press down on her, an unusual sight for the fiery wolf I knew so well.

I rushed to her side. “Sarah,” I said softly.

She looked up, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion. “I did it, Audrey,” she admitted without hesitation.

“Did what?” I asked carefully.

“Vandalized her stupid car,” she said bluntly. “It’s a wreck now. Thought she deserved it after slapping you.”

My wolf stirred, a mix of gratitude and frustration. Only Sarah, in all her bold recklessness, could pull this off.

Before I could respond, the doors slammed open. Victoria stormed in, her face a picture of rage.

“You,” she spat, pointing an accusatory finger at Sarah. “What gives you the right-“

“Your car was ugly anyway,” Sarah cut her off, smirking despite the situation.

Victoria’s face turned red, her fury almost palpable. She called Arthur, her voice trembling with indignation. “Arthur, help me!”