Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 45

(Audrey’s POV)

The pulsing bass of the Silver Moon Club seemed to echo the chaotic rhythm of my thoughts. Sarah’s determination to lift my spirits had brought us here, but I didn’t feel any lighter. If anything, the energy of the crowd pressed against me like an invisible weight.

I needed a break. The restroom area promised a reprieve from the flashing lights and pounding music. As I made my way there, weaving through the throngs of wolves enjoying themselves, I couldn’t help but feel out of place. This wasn’t my scene.

Rounding the corner into a quieter hallway, I saw him. Nathan Snowfang leaned casually against the wall near the restroom. His steel-blue eyes met mine, and a small, knowing smile curved on his lips.

“Evening, Audrey,” he greeted. His voice was smooth, calm, in stark contrast to the chaos of the club behind me.

“Nathan,” I replied, unable to hide my surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He straightened, his grin widening slightly as he tucked his hands into his pockets. “I could ask you the same thing. Didn’t expect to see you at a place like this.”

I crossed my arms, trying to match his casual tone. “Sarah insisted. She thought I needed… a change of scenery.”

He nodded, as if that made perfect sense, but the sharpness in his gaze told me he saw through my words.

“Well, those are good friends to have.” Nathan tilted his head slightly, studying me. The weight of his attention made me avert my eyes for a moment, uneasy but curious.

“I also just happened to notice your name on the participant list for the upcoming Rare Healing Herbs Research competition.”

I blinked at him. That was unexpected. “You keep track of the participant list?” I asked, playful sarcasm slipping into my voice to mask my surprise.

“I have my reasons,” he replied with a slight shrug. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table. You’ve always underestimated yourself, Audrey.”

I felt my cheeks heat under his compliment, and I gave a small, nervous laugh. “It’s just a long shot. I doubt I’ll make much of an impression.”

Nathan shook his head, his sharp gaze softening a bit. “Don’t talk like that. You’ll do well. Better than well, actually.” His words carried quiet conviction, enough to make me falter.

Before I could formulate a reply, something deep, instinctual rolled over me like a wave. A presence.

My stomach twisted as the hair on the back of my neck prickled.

“Interesting conversation,” came Arthur’s low, cutting voice from behind me.

I froze.

Turning slowly, I faced him. His dark eyes burned, though they were fixed squarely on Nathan, who remained completely unfazed by his arrival.

“Arthur,” Nathan greeted smoothly as if this confrontation were just a casual meeting.

Arthur didn’t bother with pleasantries. He took a step forward, his broad shoulders radiating warning. “What are you doing with my mate?”

The possessiveness in his voice startled me, and I recovered quickly, stepping partially in front of Nathan. “Arthur, stop,” I said firmly. “We were just talking.”

Arthur’s gaze darted to me briefly before snapping back to Nathan. His jaw was tight, his fists curling at his sides.

“Talking,” he bit out, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s all it was?”

Nathan’s calm demeanor didn’t shift. He met Arthur’s glare head-on, even leaning back slightly as if this interaction bored him. “Relax, Arthur,” he said coolly. “I’m sure Audrey can speak for herself.”

“Stay away from her,” Arthur growled, taking another step forward.

“Arthur!” I hissed, grabbing his arm to stop him. “You’re making this into something it’s not. Nathan hasn’t done anything.”

His sharp glare turned on me, his eyes flickering between hurt and anger.

“You’re leaving. Now,” he said, and before I could protest, his hand wrapped around my wrist, firm but not painful.

I tried to pull away, shooting an apologetic look back at Nathan. But something in Nathan’s expression startled me. His sharp, icy gaze flashed briefly, cold and calculating before he masked it with a pleasant, almost reassuring smile.

I didn’t have time to process it. Arthur’s grip tightened as he dragged me farther down the hallway toward the VIP sections.

—

The VIP room door slammed shut behind us, the sound loud in the sudden silence. The tension in the air was suffocating.

“Stop telling me there’s nothing between you when her behavior says otherwise. The way she clings to you, the way you drop everything to protect her…” My voice cracked slightly, but I pushed through. “Don’t you dare question my integrity when you don’t even see what’s right in front of you.”

The tension between us crackled like lightning. Neither of us moved, too consumed by our spiraling emotions.

—

Knocking from outside the door shattered the tense silence.

“Arthur?” Victoria’s voice called out, saccharine and laced with faux concern.

I stiffened, the sound of her voice sending a fresh wave of frustration and bitterness through me. Of course, she was here.

Arthur’s head turned slightly toward the door, hesitation flashing across his face.

“Well,” I said sharply, crossing my arms over my chest. “You better go ‘handle’ her again. Wouldn’t want her thinking you’ve abandoned her for too long.”

Arthur’s jaw tightened, and he looked back at me, something unreadable in his expression.

“Go ahead,” I continued, my tone icy. “Open the door. Tell her you’re here with me. Or better yet, let her in so she can accuse me directly of whatever she’s cooked up in her head.”

Arthur didn’t move immediately, and the tension coiled tighter around us.

“Or,” I added, the bitterness clear in my voice, “tell her you were hiding me in here, like some secret mistress. That’d fit into her delusions perfectly, wouldn’t it?”

A flicker of something-guilt? Regret?-crossed Arthur’s face, but he buried it quickly.

Finally, he turned and opened the door. As he stepped out, his shoulders tense, I felt the crushing weight of being left behind.

Alone. Again.