Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 137

137 /261

(Audrey’s POV)

“How did you know I was taking care of Arthur at the medical center?” I asked Florian, then immediately felt stupid.

His golden wolf eyes glinted with amusement as he leaned casually against his doorframe. “Ms. Winter, do you think I live in isolation? News travels fast among wolves, especially when it concerns the Alpha King and his mate.”

Of course he’d know. With his connections throughout the wolf territories, precious little would escape his notice. I held out the garment bag containing the expensive silver-blue dress he had lent me for Emma’s birthday celebration.

“I wanted to return this,” I said. “Thank you for letting me borrow it.”

To my surprise, Florian didn’t take it. Instead, he chuckled softly, his trademark lazy smile spreading across his face.

“Ms. Winter, you think too lowly of me. It’s just a dress. I gave it to you, I won’t take it back.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Gave?”

The dress was clearly expensive, definitely worth thousands in rare healing herbs. No wolf gave away such resources casually, especially not to a virtual stranger.

Florian crossed his arms, deliberately avoiding my attempt to return the garment. “What else? For being my companion for nothing?”

I recognized a lost cause when I saw one. My wolf sensed his stubbornness beneath that relaxed exterior.

“Fine,” I conceded with a sigh. For an Alpha from an ancient bloodline pack, this probably wasn’t much. Further refusal would seem pretentious. “Thank you then.”

“If you really want to thank me, do me a favor,” he replied, golden eyes watching me carefully.

“Not being your companion anymore,” I blurted out without thinking.

He laughed, a genuine sound that made him seem almost approachable. “What are you thinking? Go to Northern Wolf Academy this Sunday and pick someone up for me. I won’t be free.”

I frowned, suddenly curious. “Male or female wolf?”

“Female,” he answered simply.

I understood immediately. He’d mentioned earlier that he was here accompanying a student. Initially, I thought it might be an illegitimate pup, but he was too young to have a college-aged offspring… A she-wolf companion then?

“Okay, I’ll do it,” I agreed, noticing for the first time a pair of female wolf slippers by his entrance.

My priority right now was the Northern Alliance collaboration for my healing practice. I’d have plenty of free time this weekend anyway.

“I’ll text you the details,” he said, already closing his door.

The next morning, the doorbell rang just as I was stepping out of the shower. Wrapping myself in a robe, I checked the peephole, expecting Sarah with updates on our office setup.

Instead, I found Arthur Moonstone standing there, dressed in a formal pack leader suit that highlighted his broad shoulders. My wolf stirred immediately at the sight of him, and I reluctantly opened the door.

He entered without waiting for an invitation, changed into guest slippers with practiced ease, and set a covered tray on my kitchen table.

“The pack chef from the mansion made it,” he explained, his voice carefully neutral. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Before I could respond, he led me to the table with a gentle hand on my lower back. The familiar gesture sent an unwelcome warmth through me.

“Eat while it’s hot,” he said, removing the covers to reveal a spread of my favorite breakfast foods. “George Thompson said these are your favorites.”

I stood frozen, staring at the array of dishes – venison sausages with rare healing herbs, moon berry pancakes, and freshly squeezed wolf apple juice.

“Arthur,” I said finally, finding my voice. “Don’t you understand? We’re severing our mate bond. You don’t need to do this.”

“You don’t understand me either,” he replied, gently gathering my damp hair so it wouldn’t fall into my food as I sat down. “I’m serious about winning you back.”

There was a certainty in his eyes that unnerved me – he seemed so confident that I would eventually fall for his efforts. The worst part was, I knew I might. My wolf already responded to his presence, to his scent of pine and musk that filled my small kitchen.

“I don’t need this half-hearted effort,” I said, suddenly annoyed. “Why are you trying so hard now? Because I have no pack left, and you’re a lifeline? Or are you just not willing to let another Alpha have me?”

He seemed to freeze at my words, his eyes darkening. “Neither.”

“Then why?” I demanded, getting up from the table. “Don’t say it’s because you love me. Daniel Hayes reminded you of my birthday. George Thompson told you what I like to eat. What do you know about me?”