Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 70

(Audrey’s POV)

The air in the room turned thicker the moment Arthur Moonstone stepped inside. His presence was overwhelming, filling every corner of the space like it was his personal domain, which, in many ways, it was. His dark eyes scanned the room, settling on my uncle Howard who stood frozen for a split second. The overconfidence that Howard had been wearing earlier flickered and dimmed under Arthur’s cold, calm gaze.

Howard recovered quickly, puffing out his chest. He smirked, his earlier bravado returning, though not without a hint of nervousness. “Well, Alpha Moonstone,” Howard said, his voice louder than necessary, “it’s nice to see that Audrey’s mate actually pays attention. Maybe you can help us resolve this little… family issue.”

I clenched my fists tightly at my sides, resisting the urge to physically pull Arthur away from this mess. The last thing I wanted was for him to witness this absurd scene or to give Howard any more ammunition.

“Arthur,” I began in a low voice, hoping to steer this in a different direction, “there’s no need for you to be involved-“

Arthur lifted his hand slightly, cutting me off without so much as a glance in my direction. His focus remained on Howard. His calmness unnerved me, and I could feel the tension bubbling just beneath the surface of his controlled posture and heavy wolf presence.

“I’m listening,” Arthur said evenly, lowering himself into one of the worn chairs. He gestured toward Howard with a slight nod of his head. “Go ahead.”

My jaw dropped. “What?” I hissed, taking a step forward. “Arthur, you can’t seriously-“

“Quiet,” he said, his voice as sharp as a blade, his eyes finally cutting to mine. Just one look, and my legs felt as though they’d turned to stone.

Howard, emboldened by what he clearly misinterpreted as sympathy from the Alpha, immediately launched into what had to be the most grandiose pile of lies I’d ever heard in my life.

He jabbed a finger toward me, his voice swelling with fake righteousness. “We took her in when no one else would. A stray pup with nothing to her name. We gave her food, shelter, a proper upbringing! Everything she has now is because of us!”

I felt a fire ignite in my chest as the blatant lies rolled off his tongue. My hands clenched tightly into fists, my nails digging into my palms to keep myself from exploding. But Arthur’s calm demeanor was more infuriating than Howard’s nonsense. Arthur sat there, his expression unreadable, as if he was… considering Howard’s words.

“And what exactly do you believe Audrey owes you for this supposed generosity?” Arthur asked, tilting his head slightly, his voice void of any emotion.

“Oh, Arthur,” I snapped, unable to keep silent a second longer. “You can’t seriously be-“

Arthur’s sharp gaze froze me in place again, though his calm tone didn’t change. “I’d like to hear it,” he said simply, before turning back to Howard.

Howard practically beamed, as though he’d won something. “At least someone sees reason,” he crooned, throwing a triumphant glance my way before straightening a little more. “We’re only asking for what’s fair. First and foremost, my mate Juliette needs proper treatment for her silver poisoning. The Moonstone Pack’s premium wolfsbane supplements would do the trick and-“

I tuned him out for a split second, my heartbeat thudding loudly in my ears. The sheer audacity of his demands. These weren’t simple requests. They were deliberate. Every word felt like a slap, digging deeper into wounds I hadn’t had a chance to heal.

Arthur remained still, watching Howard with the patience of a predator stalking prey. It sent a chill down my spine.

“Additionally,” Howard continued, his chest puffing out further with every word, “it’s only fitting that we secure a solid future for our boy Timothy. A position at the Moonstone Therapy Center. A good one. That’d ensure everything’s squared.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. “This is unreal!” I snapped, turning fully to Arthur now. “How can you even entertain this-this nonsense?” My voice cracked, my frustration spilling over.

But Arthur didn’t flinch. “Is that all?” he asked Howard, ignoring my outburst entirely.

Howard hesitated for only a moment, clearly emboldened by Arthur’s calm demeanor. “Well… territory rights,” he added slyly.

“What?” I said, my voice barely a whisper at first. The fury building in my chest threatened to consume me. “Are you joking?”

“Think of it as a token of goodwill,” Howard said smoothly. “A little acknowledgment of familial bonds. It’s only fair when you consi-“

“You think you deserve territory rights?” My voice rose with a venom I couldn’t hold back anymore. “After treating me like nothing more than a servant for years? Are you insane?”

Howard didn’t even bother looking at me this time. His greedy eyes were locked on Arthur, like a dog expecting a bone.

And then, Juliette’s voice rang out from the doorway. “There’s nothing to repay.”

Everyone turned to face her. My aunt’s frail figure stood in the doorway, her hospital gown washing her out completely, but her eyes burned with something fierce.

“Juliette…” Howard hissed, his panic palpable.

Juliette ignored him, limping into the room. “He didn’t spend a cent on Audrey.” Her voice trembled with effort, but her words hit like a hammer. “She supported herself from the time she was fourteen. Worked at healing centers. Did odd jobs. Audrey earned her own way.”

My entire body went cold. “Is that true…?” I whispered, the world tilting beneath me.

Tears pricked the edges of my vision. I understood now. It wasn’t just that he made my life miserable. It was that he had stolen from me.

Howard roared, his wolf claws extending in an instant. “You lying old-“

Juliette didn’t flinch, even as Howard lunged toward her with reckless force.

But before his claws could get close, Arthur moved faster than I thought possible. He didn’t just stand-his wolf aura exploded through the room like a shockwave, creating a thick, heavy pressure that made the air itself seem impossible to breathe.

Howard froze mid-motion. His clawed hand shook violently under the invisible force of Arthur’s Alpha power. His arm wouldn’t move any further.

Arthur’s eyes, darker than ever, burned with an unbridled fury that stopped everyone dead in their tracks. “Touch her,” Arthur growled, his voice low and colder than ice, “and I’ll make sure you never use that arm again.”