Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 40

(Audrey’s POV)

The final notes of the concert faded into the buzzing of the departing crowd. My chest felt heavy, weighed down by emotions that refused to settle. Each song had felt like a mirror to my own turmoil.

I felt raw, exposed. This wasn’t supposed to be my night-this wasn’t supposed to be our story.

Through the thrum of wolves chattering and moving as one giant wave toward the exits, Nathan stayed close. Always calm. Always watching. He never said much.

His silence was both comforting and maddening, his blue eyes occasionally flickering in my direction as though to check if I was still holding it together.

I wasn’t.

As I stood to leave, a sudden wave of dizziness came over me. My vision blurred slightly, and I faltered, gripping the back of the nearby chair for support.

“Careful,” Nathan said quickly, his hand shooting out to steady me.

His grip on my wrist was gentle as he helped me regain my balance. Concern laced his expression. “Are you alright?”

I forced a small nod, swallowing hard against the nausea threatening to rise. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

Nathan didn’t seem convinced. His hand lingered longer than necessary before he stepped back and quietly adjusted my coat around my shoulders. “Let’s get you out of here,” he said softly.

We made our way down the aisles and toward the exit. The flow of the crowd pushed and pulled around us, but Nathan stayed by my side, his steady presence grounding me.

As we reached the venue’s entrance, he stopped and turned to face me. The cool night air brushed against my skin, bringing a faint sense of relief.

“A suggestion,” he began, his tone casual but firm. “You should think about that rare healing herbs research competition at the winter solstice gathering.”

I gave him a weak smile. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Nathan, but…”

“You’re talented, Audrey. More so than you give yourself credit for.” His piercing gaze locked onto mine, unwavering. “Don’t let someone like Victoria keep you from proving that.”

Before I could respond, he gave a small nod and disappeared into the crowd. Just like that, he was gone.

—

The walk to the parking lot felt longer than it should have, my thoughts spinning in a chaotic mess. I needed space. Air. Something to anchor me.

As I approached my car, I spotted a familiar figure leaning casually against the sleek black Maybach parked nearby.

Daniel Hayes.

I sighed inwardly. His formal demeanor was unmistakable, even against the dim glow of the parking lot lights. He straightened the moment he saw me, stepping forward with his usual Beta-like efficiency.

“Luna Audrey,” he greeted professionally, though I could see the unease in his expression.

My brow furrowed. “Daniel? What are you doing here?”

“Alpha Arthur is waiting in his car,” he replied. “He wants to speak with you.”

I froze, my heart skipping painfully. The emotions I’d buried during the concert threatened to resurface.

“I have nothing to say to him,” I said flatly, shaking my head.

Daniel hesitated, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. “Please. He’s been… He hasn’t slept in two days, Luna.”

I crossed my arms, disbelief etched on my face. “Is that supposed to make me feel sorry for him? He didn’t even bother showing up to the concert. He left me here alone-again! And I want him out of my house,” I snapped, unable to contain the bitterness lacing my tone.

Daniel flinched but stood his ground. “He only arrived at the venue just now. There’s an explanation for everything… if you’ll let him speak.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, I’m sure. Let me guess. It’s another excuse. Or maybe he’s been with Victoria this entire time.”

The mention of her name was enough to bring heat to my face-a mix of anger and humiliation.

Daniel’s eyes flickered briefly, a tell he tried to suppress, but I caught it.

“Unbelievable,” I hissed. My fists clenched at my sides as I took a step closer. “Just say it. He’s been with her, hasn’t he?”

“He…” Daniel faltered, his gaze darting downward. “Her pregnancy had complications. The Alpha’s presence was required.”

“She doesn’t,” he said, his voice firm.

“Doesn’t she?” I bit back, my voice trembling. “She’s pregnant, Arthur. And don’t tell me the pup isn’t yours, because I’ve heard enough lies for a lifetime.”

He reached out suddenly, grabbing my hand. His strength was undeniable, his Alpha presence washing over me like a storm.

“The pup isn’t mine,” he said. There was something raw in his tone-something desperate. “I swear to the Moon above, Audrey. Victoria’s child is from her failed marriage.”

I froze, his words cutting through the haze of my anger.

“Why should I believe you?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Arthur leaned closer, his grip tightening. “Because I’ve never wanted anyone else but you,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

My heart ached, but I couldn’t trust it. Not anymore.

He released my hand and moved closer, brushing his lips against the mate mark on my neck. The warmth of his touch sent conflicting feelings spiraling through me.

“I only want to have children with you,” he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

Tears filled my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. The bitterness inside me surged once more, driving my next words.

“Then why,” I began, my voice breaking, “does it feel like I’m nothing more than an afterthought to you?”

Arthur pulled back, his gaze searching mine.

I shook my head, forcing myself to look away. “Even if the pup isn’t yours now, I’m sure you’d be more than happy to play the doting ‘stepfather’ for her.” My words dripped with venom.

Arthur flinched, the weight of my accusation hanging heavily in the air. “Victoria abandoned her mate. She has no one else.”

“And that’s my problem because?” I shot back.