Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 97

(Audrey’s POV)

“What no relationship?”

I nearly spilled my drink as I turned around, coming face-to-face with Nathan Snowfang. “Nathan,” I stammered. “What are you doing here?”

His lips curved into a small smile. “Same as everyone else-enjoying full-moon weekend.” He gestured to the empty chair at our table. “May I?”

I nodded, still surprised by his sudden appearance. Sarah shot me a mischievous look before lifting her glass in a silent toast to Nathan.

“I’m here with a friend,” Nathan explained, settling into the chair. “He’s somewhere by the bar.”

I glanced around the crowded club, my eyes scanning the bar area. Sarah leaned forward, her interest piqued.

“Anyone we know?” she asked.

Nathan’s eyes danced with humor. “Lucas Reed, actually. Though I think he’s more interested in watching you from afar than talking to me.”

Sarah’s face darkened at the mention of Lucas. “That coward. He thinks he can watch me while planning his mate bonding with another she-wolf?”

Without another word, she downed her drink and headed for the dance floor, her movements deliberately provocative.

“She seems upset,” Nathan observed dryly.

I sighed, watching Sarah as she began dancing with a tall, dark-haired wolf. “Lucas broke her heart. He’s forming a political mate bond with another she-wolf but suggested they continue seeing each other secretly.”

Nathan’s expression hardened. “Dishonorable.”

“How are your injuries?” I asked, changing the subject. “Those silver burns looked painful.”

He shrugged, dismissing my concern. “Healing well enough. Werewolf regeneration is remarkable once the silver is removed.”

His casual tone didn’t fool me. I’d seen the severity of those burns-punishment from his stepmother for helping me.

“I’m sorry you got hurt because of me,” I said quietly.

“Don’t be,” he replied, his voice firm. “I made my choice.”

We fell into comfortable silence, both watching the dance floor. Sarah had attracted quite an audience, moving with the fluid grace of a she-wolf who knew her own power. She was beautiful in her defiance, drawing admiring glances from wolves throughout the club.

“She’s handling it well,” Nathan commented.

I nodded. “Sarah doesn’t wallow. She fights back.”

I envied her resilience sometimes. While I had spent years pining for Arthur, Sarah never allowed herself to become trapped in unrequited feelings.

A commotion erupted on the dance floor. Lucas Reed had appeared, shoving aside the wolf dancing with Sarah.

“You don’t touch her,” Lucas snarled loudly enough for everyone to hear.

The other wolf backed away, hands raised. “Easy, man. Just dancing.”

Lucas’s wolf claws partially extended as he stepped toward Sarah. “You’re making a scene,” he growled.

Sarah grabbed his arm, her face flushed with anger. “The only one making a scene is you.”

She dragged him toward a quieter corner of the club, but their voices carried over the music.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Sarah demanded.

Lucas swayed slightly. “He was touching you. No one touches what’s mine.”

“I’m not yours,” Sarah shot back. “You made that perfectly clear when you decided to mate with someone else.”

Lucas ran a hand through his hair, his expression anguished. “You know it’s political. It means nothing.”

“Right,” Sarah replied acidly. “Just like I meant nothing when you were in moon fever last month? When you came to my bed begging for relief?”

I gasped softly. Sarah hadn’t told me about that.

Lucas’s face crumpled. “That wasn’t nothing. You know it wasn’t.”

“Then what was it, Lucas?” Sarah challenged. “Because you can’t have it both ways. You can’t mate with her and keep me on the side.”

“Please,” his voice broke. “I’ll do anything. I won’t even complete the mating ritual with her. I’ll remain celibate if you’ll just stay with me.”

Sarah’s laugh was bitter. “You’re pathetic. Maybe I’ll find a wolf who isn’t afraid to claim me publicly. Maybe I’ll let three or four males court me at once.”

I knew Sarah was bluffing, using her words to hurt him back. But Lucas didn’t know that. His wolf presence dimmed, a whimper escaping his lips as he reached for her.

“Don’t say that,” he begged. “Please, Sarah. I love you.”

“Too little, too late,” Sarah snapped, pushing past him and heading for the exit.

Lucas followed her, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a desperate look of impending loss.

I started to rise, concerned for my friend, but Nathan placed a gentle hand on my arm.

“Let them work it out,” he advised. “Lucas won’t harm her, despite his jealousy. His pack wouldn’t allow him to force himself on an unwilling female, Alpha or not.”

I reluctantly settled back in my chair. “You’re right. I can’t interfere in their pack dynamics.”

“I hope she’s worth it,” I said softly.

“She is,” he replied with absolute certainty.

As we turned onto my street, I felt the familiar pressure of a powerful Alpha presence. My wolf stirred anxiously within me, recognizing her mate even before I saw him.

Arthur Moonstone stood beside his black Maybach in front of my territory house, his tall figure illuminated by the security lights. Even from a distance, I could feel the fury radiating from him.

Nathan sensed it too, his posture stiffening as he parked the car. “It seems we have company.”

“I should have expected this,” I muttered, bracing myself for the confrontation.

As we stepped out of the car, Arthur stalked toward us. His wolf was close to the surface, his eyes glinting gold in the darkness.

“What is this?” he demanded, his gaze fixed on Nathan. “Why are you with my marked mate?”

Nathan remained calm, “I was giving Audrey a ride home from the Silver Moon Club. A courtesy between pack allies.”

Arthur’s jaw clenched, his attention shifting to me. “You were at the Silver Moon Club? With him?”

“I was there with Sarah,” I clarified, refusing to be intimidated by his anger. “Nathan happened to be there as well.”

“How convenient,” Arthur snarled, stepping closer. “And where was I during all this? Was I informed that my mate would be out drinking with another Alpha?”

Nathan’s voice remained level, though I sensed his growing tension. “Perhaps if you were more attentive to your mate’s whereabouts, you wouldn’t need to ask these questions.”

Arthur’s wolf growled, the sound vibrating in the air between them. “You overstep, Snowfang. She wears my mark.”

He grabbed my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. “Get in the car, Audrey. We’re leaving.”

His Alpha command rippled through the air, but I resisted, pulling back. “No. This is my house. I’m staying here.”

Arthur’s nostrils flared as he caught the scent of wine on my breath. “You’ve been drinking? With him?”

Before I could respond, Nathan stepped between us, his stance protective. “She’s made her choice clear, Moonstone. Despite your mate bond, you should respect her wishes.”

Arthur’s laugh was cold and mocking. “You presume to lecture me about my own mate? You know nothing of our bond.”

He turned to me, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Tell him, Audrey. Tell your friend Nathan how your wolf responds to my presence. Deny it if you can.”

I froze, Arthur’s challenging gaze held mine, awaiting my response.