Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 72

(Audrey’s POV)

As I flipped through the printed documentation Nathan had handed me, the faint aroma of the freshly printed paper mingled with the sterile air of the North American Alliance of Werewolf Therapists headquarters.

The detailed research spread across the table-a research project I knew like the back of my hand because it was mine. However, there was something off about it.

The formulations weren’t complete. The handwriting was organized but slightly different in a way that was eerily familiar.

Nathan leaned over my shoulder, his expression calm but sharp. “You recognize it, don’t you?” he asked.

I nodded slowly, a chill running down my spine. There was no doubt about it. This was my research-an earlier version, incomplete, but unmistakably mine. I turned the last page and set it down, my fingers trembling slightly from the anger bubbling beneath my skin.

“This…” I began, my voice quivering with barely controlled rage. I pushed the paper away as if it carried Victoria’s scent, her manipulative fingerprints all over it. “This is what she used to plagiarize me.”

Nathan sat across from me, folding his arms over his chest. “It’s an incomplete version, but it’s enough to pass off as legitimate. She sent it to secure her standing. If that’s not enough of a low blow, she’s positioning herself to take full credit for future developments.”

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms so hard they could’ve drawn blood. My wolf stirred within me, a sharp growl echoing in the back of my mind. “She took my work,” I bit out. “My efforts, my countless hours… and twisted them to serve her ego.”

Nathan tilted his head slightly, observing me. “This isn’t your fault, Audrey. You couldn’t have anticipated your research being stolen, could you? But you need to decide how to handle this.”

“I want this exposed,” I spat without hesitation. “No more hiding or avoiding confrontation. Victoria doesn’t just get to take what’s mine and walk away without consequences.” I snapped my head towards Nathan, determination burning in my eyes. “But I have a feeling this isn’t just a random act. There’s more to this. It didn’t fall into her hands on its own.”

Nathan arched an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You’re more confident than I remember.”

I allowed myself a brief smirk in response, though the anger remained beneath the surface. “Let’s just say I’ve learned my lessons. Documentation is everything in the healing community. I have dates, signatures, witness reports. She can’t fight me on this.”

Nathan leaned back in his chair, nodding approvingly. “Good. That’s the Audrey I remember.”

His comment softened my mood slightly, though I offered him a skeptical look. “You believed me so easily-right from the start. Why? How can you be so sure I didn’t do something underhanded myself?”

He gave me a playful grin, his blue eyes twinkling. “You think I don’t know you by now? There’s no way you’d stoop that low. You’re too stubborn and self-righteous for that.”

I blinked at him, stunned into silence for a second before I burst into a short, humorless laugh. “And here I thought you were supposed to butter me up, Nathan, not insult me.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Audrey… you’re one of the few people I trust,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically serious. “Besides,” he continued, his grin returning, “when have I ever taken sides against you?”

The warmth of his words caught me off guard, though I brushed it off with a shake of my head. “Do you treat everyone like this, or should I feel special?”

He chuckled softly. “Let’s just say my circle of trusted allies is… limited. You’re one of the select few.”

I exhaled slowly, my stance softening. “I suppose that makes two of us,” I said quietly. “Outside of you and Sarah, I don’t think I have anyone I can genuinely rely on.”

Nathan tilted his head, studying me thoughtfully, but before he could respond, his phone began vibrating on the table. His brow furrowed as he glanced at the screen.

“Excuse me,” he said, rising to his feet.

I nodded and watched him walk outside to take the call, his demeanor shifting instantly. His gentle presence gave way to a sharp, calculated posture-one that reminded me he was still an Alpha, even if not yet in title.

I gathered my bag and stood, convinced it was time to act. By the time I reached the door, Nathan was already approaching again, his usual calmness returning.

“Leaving so soon?” he asked casually, slipping his phone into his pocket.

I gave a small nod. “I’m not the type to wait and see how things play out. I want to confront Victoria about this directly.”

Nathan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. “Directly at the Moonstone Therapy Center?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “If she wants the spotlight, let’s make it public. I’m tired of her games.”

“What did she offer you?” I demanded, stepping closer. “Money? Influence? A chance to climb the pack ladder?”

For several agonizing seconds, Rebecca said nothing. Then, finally, she whispered, “She said… she’d introduce me to Nathan Snowfang.”

I stared at her, stunned. Of all the reasons that could’ve driven her betrayal, this was by far the most ridiculous.

“You sold me out,” I said slowly, each word heavy with disbelief, “for a chance to meet Nathan? A man you’ve never even spoken to?”

Her eyes flicked toward me briefly before darting away again.

“As if that wasn’t bad enough,” I continued coldly, “you stole from someone who trusted you. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

Rebecca straightened slightly, glaring at me with a sudden surge of resentment. “If I hadn’t done it, someone else would have, Audrey! You think the healing community will side with you when they see Victoria’s version of the research? You think you’ll recover from this scandal unscathed?”

Something inside me snapped. Without hesitation, I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone, holding it up so she could see the recording app clearly displayed.

“You mean this?” I said smoothly.

Her face went pale, her defiance crumbling instantly.

“Unlike you,” I added, slipping the phone back into my pocket, “I don’t show mercy. Remember that.”

Rebecca’s mouth opened, but no words came out as I turned away and walked back to my car.

This wasn’t over-not by a long shot.