Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 59

(Audrey’s POV)

Elder William’s passing hung over the pack mansion like a thick, oppressive fog. His absence created a void that no amount of ceremony or resolution could fill.

I had moved my belongings back into the pack mansion as Arthur had requested. Perhaps “ordered” was more accurate, though he’d phrased it gently, insisting it was better for the pack’s image. Still, I hated every piece of my decision to comply.

After everything that had happened, the mansion felt more like a prison than a home. Behind these walls, secrets brewed and loyalty blurred. Arthur’s promise to cut ties with Victoria was the only thread holding me together.

That night, I collapsed in bed, the emotional weight of the day finally dragging me under like an irresistible tide. For the first time in days, I slept deeply, undisturbed by nightmares of betrayal or lingering grief.

—

The morning light streamed through the heavy velvet curtains. I stirred slowly, relieved I hadn’t been jolted awake by another argument or unwelcome intruder. For once, the mansion was quiet. Too quiet.

Arthur’s side of the bed was cold. No surprise. I glanced at the clock-it was well past eight. He’d undoubtedly left for his Alpha duties without saying a word. I supposed I should be thankful for the silence.

Still, the absence sat heavily in the pit of my stomach. It had been sitting there for weeks now.

I dressed quickly, opting for the plain attire of a therapist rather than the regal airs of a Luna. If the pack wanted me in mourning, they would have to settle for silent defiance.

—

At the Moonstone Therapy Center, gossip continued like a steady undercurrent I couldn’t escape. Everywhere I turned, pack members whispered behind cupped hands. Their eyes followed me as though I carried the scent of scandal, their judgment radiating like ultraviolet light on sensitive skin.

I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

Instead, I buried myself in work, poring over the rare healing herbs research proposal. The deadline was closing in, offering me a sliver of purpose amidst the chaos. Page by page, the details came together. For once, my thoughts weren’t consumed by Arthur.

The hours passed quickly. Evening approached before I noticed the time.

Sarah Mitchell had insisted we meet for dinner. I wasn’t in the mood to put on a social facade, but her unwavering support made me feel obligated to accept.

—

Dinner brought much-needed respite, though Sarah’s sharp eye caught my lack of engagement.

“You’re still thinking about him,” she stated bluntly, setting down her iced tea with a sharp clink.

“No,” I lied.

Her brow arched. “You’re terrible at this whole ‘denial’ thing, Winter.”

I sighed, tracing the rim of my glass. “Arthur promised to end ties with Victoria,” I admitted cautiously.

“And…?” Sarah prompted, gesturing for me to continue.

“And if he actually keeps his word, we might not sever the bond after all,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as she leaned forward, her tone laced with cynicism. “You’re banking on him breaking ten years of bad habits for what? To honor Elder William’s memory?”

“Something like that,” I muttered, not meeting her gaze.

Sarah exhaled dramatically. “You’re a danger to yourself, Audrey. I swear, this mate bond has fried your common sense.”

I laughed weakly, though the sound died in my throat. “Maybe it has… but maybe it’s the only way to move forward. At least, for the sake of the pups.”

Her expression softened at that, though she didn’t relent entirely.

“Fine,” she conceded. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when he screws it up.”

Before I could reply, Sarah pulled out her phone. “Speaking of screws,” she muttered darkly, her fingers flying across the screen.

“What are you-”

“Brace yourself,” she interrupted, spinning the phone to face me.

“Do you know who I am?” Victoria interrupted coldly.

My wolf stirred uneasily as I tried to step past without being noticed. No luck. The moment Victoria’s gaze landed on me, her smirk widened.

“Well, if it isn’t Little Miss Luna,” she said, abandoning her quarrel with Mia entirely.

I sighed inwardly. Here we go.

Victoria sauntered toward me with the precision of a predator toying with prey. “I was hoping we might run into each other,” she said sweetly. Too sweetly.

Sarah instinctively stepped closer, her presence bristling with silent warning.

“What are you doing here, Victoria?” I asked, keeping an even tone.

Her eyes narrowed. “What did you say to Arthur?”

I blinked, thrown off by the abrupt question. “Excuse me?”

“He’s ignoring my calls,” she hissed, stepping closer. “That’s not like him. So I’ll ask again, Audrey-what did you say to him?”

“Nothing involving you,” I replied curtly.

Victoria’s facade cracked for a split second, revealing the desperation beneath. But before I could process it further, she grabbed my arm tightly.

“Come with me,” she demanded, dragging me toward the exit.

“Victoria, let go!” I snapped, yanking my arm back, but her nails only dug deeper.

“You’re ruining everything,” she said breathlessly. “If you want him so badly, fine. Let’s settle this once and for all. We can die together if that’s what it takes!”