Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 32

(Audrey’s POV)

My sleep was a tangled mess, filled with fitful tossing and turning. My already fragile nerves felt frayed to the point of snapping, worsened by the cruel reality that sleep wasn’t offering even a sliver of respite.

The events of the previous night replayed in loops in my head-the sound of Arthur’s declaration at the police station, his unmistakable presence at my door, his stubborn decision to stay in my territory. Every memory churned in my mind, setting my emotions in chaos.

Grace, my wolf, wasn’t helping either. She whimpered quietly, conflicted as I tried to calm her with reassurances. But even my subconscious betrayed me when stray thoughts of Arthur seeped into my dreams. It was like trying to hold back a tidal wave.

When morning finally crept in, I felt like I had barely caught a wink of rest. My head pounded, my limbs heavy and slow as I got ready for work. The dark circles under my eyes were impossible to hide-even with excessive concealer.

I sighed deeply as I grabbed my bag and approached the door. Another long day at the therapy center awaited, and I was far from ready to face it.

But as soon as I reached the main door, Arthur was already there, leaning casually against the doorframe. He was holding a paper bag, his expression unreadable.

I halted mid-step, caught off guard by his presence. “Arthur,” I started, my voice sharp with the residual haze of my restlessness, “What are you doing here so early?”

Without a word, he extended the bag toward me, his voice as indifferent as his expression. “Take your breakfast.”

For a moment, I just stood there, hesitant. It wasn’t the gesture itself but the unexpectedness of it that threw me.

“What’s this supposed to mean?” I asked warily, not taking the bag right away.

Arthur let out a soft exhale. “It’s breakfast, Audrey. Most wolves eat it in the morning. Nothing more, nothing less.”

I frowned, the curt tone in his explanation bringing up flashes of annoyance. I eventually took the bag from his hand, though every movement felt restrained.

“Thanks,” I muttered begrudgingly, clutching the warm bag.

Arthur didn’t leave. Instead, he followed me as I headed toward the stairs. “I’ll drive you to the therapy center,” he stated firmly, making it clear it wasn’t a suggestion.

I spun on my heel and shot him a cutting glare. “That won’t be necessary.”

“You’d rather drive yourself again, with your swollen ankle?” It wasn’t really a question. He looked down briefly toward where my injured foot rested in my practical work shoes before dragging his gaze back to my face.

“My ankle is fine,” I said defensively, brushing off his concern.

Arthur tilted his head slightly, his gaze piercing. “You’re limping.”

I shot him a tight smile, laced with sarcasm. “Amazing observation. I’ll be fine, though. I’m not the one who needs constant bodyguards everywhere I go.”

A small flicker of something-amusement, annoyance-appeared in his eyes before quickly vanishing.

“Suit yourself,” he said lightly, stepping aside to let me leave. But just as I walked past him, there was one last thing.

“She won’t trouble you anymore,” he said casually, his voice unreadable.

I froze mid-step, processing his words. Slowly, I turned back around, narrowing my eyes. “What does that even mean, Arthur?”

He clicked his tongue, his face frustratingly blank. “Exactly what it sounds like. Victoria won’t get in your way anymore.”

I crossed my arms, my heart twisting slightly at yet another reminder of her intrusive presence in our lives. I didn’t trust the supposed reassurance. Not for one second.

“So, you’re admitting she was special to you after all?” I shot back, my tone biting.

Arthur blinked at me, seeming more amused than offended by my words. “I said no such thing.”

“Of course,” I muttered, turning away and heading for the parking garage, unwilling to engage any further.

—

The garage was dimly lit, the low hum of electric lights and distant footsteps echoing softly against the concrete walls. I frowned as I approached my car, noticing the sleek black Maybach parked right next to it. Arthur’s car.

I sighed internally but kept walking. Pretending not to notice seemed like my best option.

But before I could reach my car, I spotted Daniel Hayes, Arthur’s Beta, striding purposely toward me. His neatly pressed suit and polished demeanor contrasted sharply with the rugged tension coiling within me.

“Good morning, Luna,” he greeted pleasantly, his formal tone and polite smile enough to irritate me further.

I quickly corrected him. “Don’t call me that.”

Unbothered by my sharpness, Daniel gestured toward my car. “I’ll be heading to the Moonstone Therapy Center this morning on pack business. May I ask for a ride?”

I narrowed my eyes slightly, unsure of where this was leading. Daniel was perfectly capable of driving himself, and yet here he was. My instincts told me Arthur’s hand was in this somehow.

“Fine,” I said shortly, unlocking the car and slipping into the driver’s seat.

As I adjusted my seatbelt, Daniel leaned down beside the driver’s side. “Perhaps it would be better if I drove. The ankle injury you sustained recently might make driving uncomfortable.”

His offhand comment made my head snap toward him. “How did you know about-”

“Wait. Alpha Moonstone?” she whispered loudly, grabbing my arm. “You’re still together!? I thought-”

I shot her a warning look. “Rebecca, enough.”

But Arthur didn’t say a word. His silence was deafening in the open space, indirectly affirming Rebecca’s wild assumptions.

“That’s so romantic,” Rebecca sighed dreamily before practically dragging me into the building.

Great. Just what I needed.

—

Inside my office, Rebecca bombarded me with questions about Arthur.

“Are you two not separating anymore?” she asked wide-eyed, half-holding a cup of herbal tea as if afraid to put it down.

I groaned softly, rubbing my temples. “Rebecca, I don’t want to hear a word about it.”

“But you came in his car! And he gave you breakfast!” She didn’t seem too interested in respecting my boundaries.

“Not. A. Word,” I repeated firmly, holding her gaze until she finally relented, albeit reluctantly.

“Fine,” she said with an exaggerated sigh, setting the tea on my desk. “But then, can you get me tickets to the full moon concert next week? The one the pack is sponsoring?”

I blinked at the sudden subject change but nodded quickly, eager to end the conversation. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Once she left, I released a heavy breath. My gaze dropped to the breakfast bag Arthur had given me earlier.

Inside, nestled carefully beside the food, was a silver pendant with moonstone embellishments.

My breath hitched as I pulled it out, the weight of the craftsmanship familiar in my palm. There was a small note attached, though the words were simple.

“Audrey, Happy 8th Moon-turning.”

It was the anniversary of the day we met during a moon-turning ceremony.

A lump rose in my throat as realization washed over me. He remembered. After everything… he remembered.