Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 38

(Audrey’s POV)

The previous night felt like a cruel dream I could not wake from. Arthur, drenched in blood, his focus entirely on Victoria, replayed in my mind like a broken record. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shove the thoughts aside.

Sleep had been a merciless struggle. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him again-his face filled with concern that he had never once shown me in that way. My heart twisted violently every time.

Grace, my wolf, wasn’t howling anymore. She was quieter now. Her energy felt suffocated, like she couldn’t muster the strength to fight. She just whimpered softly in the back of my mind, a low sound that mirrored my own exhaustion.

When I finally drifted into an uneasy sleep, it didn’t last long. By the time the sun was high in the sky, I was awake again, staring blankly at the ceiling of my room. The curtains were drawn, drowning the room in a dim light that matched my mood.

I forced myself to sit up, every muscle in my body protesting. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, and I took a deep breath.

“For them,” I whispered.

They were the only thing anchoring me now, the pups growing inside me. I would get up. I would eat. I would do it for them.

—

It took every bit of my willpower to make my way to the kitchen. My steps were slow, heavy, as though the weight of my emotions physically held me down.

I reheated the leftover venison stew Arthur had made days ago. The smell filled the room, not unpleasant but still a reminder of him.

I stared at the pot as it bubbled gently, my mind drifting. I thought of the last time we had eaten together. How he had insisted I not skip meals. How, for a fleeting moment, it had felt like he cared.

Now, those memories felt hollow. Emptier than ever.

When the stew was ready, I poured some into a bowl and sat at the dining table. I forced myself to take a spoonful, the warmth spreading through my mouth, but it tasted like nothing.

I finished the meal out of necessity, not desire. The pups needed the strength, not me.

—

After eating, I went to my office, hoping work would distract me. It always had before.

I opened my laptop, scanning my emails. One in particular caught my attention. It was a notice from the council about a competition for rare healing herbs research. The event was scheduled for the upcoming winter solstice gathering.

I clicked it open, reading through the details. A small ember of interest sparked within me. It wasn’t often opportunities like this came along. The competition was prestigious, and the thought of contributing my knowledge was tempting.

But almost as quickly as the interest came, doubt followed.

Victoria.

Her influence at the Moonstone Therapy Center was undeniable. She could twist anything to her advantage, and I had no illusions about how much damage she could do to my chances.

I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

Why did she always have to be there, lurking, ruining everything?

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked at the screen. Sarah.

Her timing was impeccable, as always.

“Hey, Aud!” she greeted brightly. Her energy was a sharp contrast to my bleak mood. “Did you see the email about the winter solstice competition?”

“I saw it,” I replied softly, lacking her enthusiasm.

“You should totally go for it!” she encouraged.

I hesitated. “I don’t know, Sarah. You know how things are with Victoria. If she wants to ruin it for me, she’ll find a way.”

Sarah’s groan of frustration came through the line loud and clear. “Audrey, screw Victoria. Seriously. She can’t ruin everything forever.”

I couldn’t help but smile faintly despite myself.

“I have an idea,” Sarah continued. “Use Nathan.”

I blinked in surprise. “Nathan?”

“Yes, Nathan!” she said eagerly. “He’s the new Chairman of the North American Alliance of Werewolf Therapists Management, right? If you’ve got him backing you, Victoria won’t be able to pull any strings.”

I shook my head, though she couldn’t see it. “I can’t do that, Sarah. It wouldn’t feel right. If I participate, I want to do it on my own.”

My chest tightened painfully, my grip on the phone turning white-knuckled.

“I’ll see you there,” I said sharply, hanging up before he could say more.

Moments later, a text message appeared on my screen.

If I can’t make it by the start, go ahead and enter.

—

As evening approached, I found myself standing in front of my wardrobe, staring blankly at the options.

The concert wasn’t just an event. It was a spectacle. Wolves from every major pack would be there, dressed to impress.

I needed something perfect. Something that would make me feel confident.

After careful consideration, I chose an emerald-green dress. The color flattered my hair, and its flowing design concealed the slight curve of my growing bump.

The fabric moved elegantly when I walked, and for the first time in days, I felt a flicker of self-assurance.

—

The venue buzzed with life when I arrived. The air was filled with chatter and bursts of laughter. Packs from every corner of the region had gathered for the event, their excitement palpable.

I stood near the entrance, scanning the crowd. Wolves milled about in groups, their conversations animated as they swayed to the background music that played before the main performance.

I glanced to my left, then my right. No sign of Arthur.

A lump formed in my throat, but I pushed it down.

He might come. Or he might not.