Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 88

(Audrey’s POV)

“Your wolves kidnapped my mate,” Arthur stated coldly, his body still positioned protectively in front of me despite the silver burning into his back.

I could smell his blood and the sickening scent of silver-burned flesh. Yet he stood tall, refusing to show weakness.

Marcus’s eyes narrowed, shifting from Arthur to me and back again. “Is this true?” he demanded, turning to Grey.

Grey’s face paled even further. “They owed a debt-”

“A debt?” Marcus cut him off, his voice dangerously low. “You kidnapped the Alpha King’s marked mate over a debt?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Even Grey’s reinforcements seemed to shrink back.

“I can explain-” Grey began.

“There is no explanation for this,” Marcus interrupted again. He turned to Arthur, his demeanor shifting to something resembling respect. “Alpha Moonstone, I assure you this was not sanctioned by the larger coalition.”

Arthur’s voice remained steady despite his injury. “Yet it happened in your territory, under your authority.”

Marcus nodded grimly. “And I will ensure your satisfaction.” He paused, considering. “What do you require for this… transgression to be settled?”

“Her freedom, immediately,” Arthur replied without hesitation. “And Grey’s head.”

Grey made a choking sound, backing away until he hit the wall.

Marcus’s expression remained impassive. “The first is granted. The second…” he hesitated. “Grey is useful to me. Perhaps another arrangement could be made?”

Arthur’s eyes glinted dangerously. “What do you propose?”

“Hunting rights in your western territory,” Marcus said quickly. “For one season.”

I felt Arthur stiffen beside me. The western territory was rich in game and healing herbs – a significant concession.

“Two moons, not a full season,” Arthur countered. “And Grey remains in the far northern territories until our mate bond ceremony in three weeks.”

My heart stuttered at his casual mention of our impending mate bond severance, the way he acknowledged it without emotion.

Marcus considered the offer, then nodded. “Acceptable.” He turned to Grey. “You hear that? Northern territories, no exceptions.”

Grey nodded frantically, relief washing over his features.

Blake Thornton suddenly lunged forward, falling to his knees before Arthur.

“Alpha Moonstone, please,” he begged, his earlier arrogance replaced by abject terror. “I was only following orders. I didn’t know-”

Arthur didn’t even look at him as Daniel Hayes stepped forward and kicked Blake away from us.

“Touch my Alpha again, and I’ll tear your throat out,” Daniel snarled.

Marcus gestured to his wolves. “Escort these two out. Make sure they’re unharmed.”

The meaning was clear – Arthur and I would be allowed to leave safely. Howard cowered against the wall, desperately trying to become invisible.

“What about him?” I asked Arthur quietly, nodding toward my uncle.

Arthur’s lips curved into a cold smile. “He stays. He has a debt to settle, after all.”

Howard’s face crumpled. “Audrey, please, you promised-”

“I promised nothing,” I cut him off, the memory of silver restraints still burning on my wrists. “You set me up, Howard. Deal with the consequences.”

Daniel supported Arthur as we moved toward the exit, Marcus’s wolves parting to let us through. Outside, the fleet of black SUVs waited, the Moonstone Pack insignia gleaming in the sunlight.

Once inside the lead vehicle, I immediately turned to examine Arthur’s wound.

“Drive,” Arthur commanded Daniel, who slid into the driver’s seat. “Wolf Medical Center. Now.”

“How bad is it?” I asked, trying to see the extent of the silver damage through his torn shirt.

Arthur winced as the SUV lurched forward. “I’ve had worse.”

“That’s not an answer,” I insisted, gently pulling the fabric away from the wound. I gasped at what I saw – angry red flesh with silver fragments still embedded in the skin, the veins around the wound turning an alarming black color.

“Drive faster,” I told Daniel, my voice tight with worry.

Arthur chuckled weakly. “So concerned about me when just hours ago you were insisting on severing our mate bond.”

I glared at him. “Don’t joke about this. Silver poisoning is serious.”

His face was growing paler by the minute, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.

“How did you know?” I asked, trying to keep him talking, conscious. “About the kidnapping?”

Arthur’s eyes fluttered briefly. “George Thompson called Daniel. Said you’d gone silent in the middle of a conversation about Elder William’s medicine.”

A wave of gratitude toward George washed over me. “And Victoria? She answered your phone when they called.”

Arthur’s expression darkened. “I had something to do. When Victoria started hemorrhaging again, I went to sign the forms authorizing her treatment. The therapist called me out to talk to me about the procedures.”

“She told them you were buying her cake,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.

She gathered her jacket from a nearby chair. “I should go. Daniel can look after you.”

I frowned. “Leaving so soon? After I risked my life for you?”

Audrey paused, looking uncomfortable. “I’m grateful, Arthur. Truly. But this doesn’t change anything between us.”

“So you’ll just walk away? Leave me here injured?” I pressed.

“Daniel can take care of you,” she repeated, avoiding my gaze.

I scoffed. “Daniel? He can barely look after himself, let alone an injured Alpha.”

As if on cue, Daniel entered carrying a small bag of my personal items.

“I brought your things, Alpha,” he said, placing the bag on the bedside table. “Change of clothes, phone charger, toiletries.”

I looked pointedly at Audrey. “See? Useless. He probably forgot my medication schedule too.”

Daniel didn’t even attempt to defend himself. “I’m not good at this stuff, Luna. The nurse had to write it down for me twice, and I still don’t understand it.”

Audrey crossed her arms. “You have an entire pack of wolves who can help you, Arthur.”

“But only one mate,” I countered, watching her expression carefully.

Her eyes narrowed. “Soon-to-be-severed mate.”

“Still my mate for now,” I insisted. I shifted in the bed and winced dramatically. “At least get me some water before you abandon me to Daniel’s incompetent care.”

Audrey rolled her eyes but moved to the pitcher on the nightstand, pouring water into a plastic cup. She added a straw and brought it to my lips.

“Here,” she said, her tone exasperated but gentle.

I took a small sip, enjoying the way she leaned closer, the faint scent of her skin mingling with the antiseptic smell of the medical center. For a moment, it felt like old times, before everything had gone so terribly wrong between us.

The door burst open, shattering the moment.

“Arthur! Oh my god, I just heard!” Victoria rushed in, her face a perfect mask of concern. “They said you were injured protecting that-” She caught herself, glancing at Audrey. “Protecting Audrey.”

She pushed past Audrey to stand beside my bed, her hand immediately finding mine.

“I was so worried,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Let me take care of you. I know exactly what you need.”