Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 55

(Audrey’s POV)

After seeing the initial improvement, Arthur returned to his office, claiming urgent pack matters needed attention.

But I felt something wrong.

Something didn’t add up about Elder William’s sudden collapse. He’d been fine earlier. Tired, perhaps, but fine. Dr. Marcus Thompson had assured us his weekly medicine pouch should keep the silver poisoning from his past injuries at bay. So, what went wrong?

I stood abruptly, the tension in my body making it impossible to sit still. My chest tightened as my instincts screamed that something was off. Grabbing the nearest nurse passing by, I forced my voice to remain steady despite the looming panic.

“Dr. Raymond Walker,” I began, keeping my tone as calm as possible. “Where is Elder William’s medicine pouch? He never missed his medication schedule.”

The nurse blinked in surprise at my directness, then nodded carefully. “I’ll get Dr. Walker for you. Please wait here.”

Seconds turned into long minutes as I paced near the observation window, stealing glances at Elder William’s still form on the hospital bed. Every faint movement of his chest felt like a fragile thread barely holding him to this world.

When Dr. Walker finally appeared, his face wore the same professional calm I’d seen in countless medical staff. But my wolf sensed hesitation beneath his composed exterior.

“Miss Winter,” he greeted politely, bowing his head. “Is something on your mind?”

I wasted no time with pleasantries. “Elder William’s medicine pouch. Can you show it to me?”

He hesitated for a split second before nodding. “Of course. Follow me.”

I walked alongside him as he led me to the nearby medical supply room. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the small space. He pulled out a labeled pouch from the cabinet with Elder William’s name on it and handed it to me.

I opened it hurriedly, my hands trembling slightly as I peered inside. What I saw made my heart freeze and drop into my stomach simultaneously.

Candies.

Small, brightly wrapped European candies.

Not medicine.

“What is this?” My voice cracked as I spoke, my eyes darting between the pouch and Dr. Walker.

His brow furrowed deeply. “That’s… peculiar,” he admitted. “Those definitely aren’t the prescribed silver-neutralizing tablets. Elder William has never replaced his medication with anything else before.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. Something wasn’t right. Elder William was meticulous, especially about his treatments. He wouldn’t just swap out his life-saving medicine.

“Who delivered this to him?” I demanded, gripping the pouch tightly.

Dr. Walker looked startled by my intensity. “George Thompson. He always ensures Elder William’s medicine reaches him on time, every week.”

“Find him,” I said sharply, my voice leaving no room for argument. “I need to confirm if this is some kind of mistake.”

—

George Thompson’s expression was one of pure confusion when we confronted him in the hallway.

“I don’t understand,” he said slowly, shaking his head as his eyes darted to the pouch in my hands. “I personally delivered Elder William’s usual medicine pouch this week-just like every other.”

“You’re absolutely certain?” I pressed.

George nodded firmly. “Completely.” Then, his eyes narrowed slightly as a flicker of realization crossed his face. “Wait…”

“What is it?” I asked urgently.

“When I handed him the pouch this week,” George began, choosing his words carefully as though replaying the memory in his head, “Victoria happened to be visiting at the time. She offered to help him organize his desk while I prepared tea. Now that I think about it…” He trailed off, frowning.

It hit me like a thunderbolt. My grip on the pouch tightened until my knuckles turned white.

Victoria.

She had European connections through her ex-husband, the notorious wolf medicine merchant. I stared at the candies again, and a cold dread crawled through me.

Before George could say more, I turned on my heel and bolted down the hallway. I ignored the startled calls of the staff as I raced toward the recovery ward. My breaths came quick and shallow, fueled by a mixture of rage and desperation.

If Victoria was behind this…

—

She was in her hospital room when I arrived, lounging comfortably in a cushioned chair. A bowl of imported berries rested on the side table beside her, their sweet aroma filling the air. She had the audacity to look relaxed, completely unbothered by the chaos outside.

“Victoria,” I said, barely able to keep the venom out of my voice as I burst into the room.

Her head tilted slightly, feigning polite curiosity. “Audrey? What’s wrong? You look pale.”

But the relief was fleeting.

Suddenly, alarms blared through the ICU. Monitors displayed erratic lines, and the medical team burst into action. I took a step back, my heart plummeting into my stomach.

“No,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “No, no, no!”

Dr. Marcus emerged minutes later, his expression grave. He approached us quietly, his voice heavy with sorrow.

“I’m sorry,” he said gently. “Elder William has passed.”

His words hit me like a physical blow, sucking all the air from my lungs. My legs buckled, forcing George to steady me.

Dr. Marcus added softly, “You may see him now. This will be your last moment.”

Stumbling into the room, my tears blurred the sight of Elder William lying still against the stark white sheets. His skin was pale, yet his expression remained peaceful, almost as if he slept.

I sank to my knees beside his bed, clutching his hand tightly as the weight of my sorrow consumed me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “For everything. For your love, for your protection-for seeing value in me when no one else did.”

My vision blurred further when I saw his lips move faintly. His voice was barely audible, but his words reached my heart directly.

“Audrey…”

I leaned closer, tears streaming freely now.

“Arthur…” he murmured weakly, his breaths labored.

I fumbled for my phone to call Arthur, but Elder William’s weak hand stopped mine.

“No… time…” His words were fragmented but firm.

His gaze, though dim, held clarity. Whatever he wanted to say next… was meant for me alone.