Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 175

175 /261

(Audrey’s POV)

Before I could respond to Mrs. Shadowcrest’s hostile question about my departure, Elder Shadowcrest’s voice thundered through the room.

“Who gave you the right to chase away guests in my courtyard?” she demanded, her eyes flashing dangerously at Mrs. Shadowcrest.

The atmosphere in the room immediately shifted. Even Emma took a step back, surprised by her grandmother’s sudden fury.

“Grandmother, I was planning to leave anyway,” I said quickly, trying to defuse the tension. “Florian will likely bring the newly found she-wolf here soon. If it truly is Serena Shadowcrest, this will be an important pack reunion. I shouldn’t be present as an outsider.”

Elder Shadowcrest’s expression softened as she took my hands in hers. “You’re not an outsider to me, Audrey.”

“I know,” I smiled gently. “But this is a moment for your family. Besides, I’ve already packed my travel bag this morning.”

After several more attempts to convince me to stay, Elder Shadowcrest finally relented with a resigned sigh. She embraced me tightly and made me promise to visit again soon.

As I followed Mrs. Shadowcrest out of the room and into the hallway, far enough that Elder Shadowcrest couldn’t hear, her demeanor changed instantly.

“Don’t come back without a reason in the future,” she hissed, disgust evident in her voice. “Our Shadowcrest pack isn’t something that just any packless runt can climb up to!”

The venom in her words stung, but I refused to show any reaction. Years of facing hostility from those with pack status had thickened my skin considerably.

“I know exactly why you dislike me, Mrs. Shadowcrest,” I replied calmly. “You want to eliminate me as Arthur Moonstone’s ex-mate for Emma’s sake. But I merely happened to win your mother-in-law’s favor. I have no interest in gaining status through your pack.”

Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the gold wolf bracelet that Elder Shadowcrest had given me. “Look at you, wearing gifts from our pack like some begging omega on the territory borders. Pathetic.”

That struck a nerve. I’d endured enough insults in my life, but being compared to a begging omega when I’d worked so hard to stand on my own was too much.

“Is this how you always behave, Mrs. Shadowcrest?” I asked, my voice sharp. “So aggressively defensive and condescending? No wonder your daughter turned out the way she did.”

Her face contorted with fury. “Watch your mouth! You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“Oh, I think I do,” I retorted, emboldened by anger. “I know exactly what kind of wolf would force someone to kneel in the snow just to feel powerful.”

Mrs. Shadowcrest stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. “You should be careful. I could make your life very difficult.”

I laughed without humor. “You already tried that, remember? And yet here I am. But I wonder what the pack forums would say if they knew more about Emma’s… activities?”

The insinuation was vague, but it was enough. Mrs. Shadowcrest’s eyes widened with uncertainty. I had no specific dirt on Emma beyond what was already known, but she didn’t need to know that.

“Stay away from my pack,” she warned one last time before turning on her heel.

I watched her go, recalling Florian’s advice about using the ambiguity of situations to my advantage. It seemed to work better than I expected.

Outside the Shadowcrest residence, I pulled out my phone to call a pack transport service. Before I could dial, a middle-aged beta wolf with a formal demeanor approached me.

“Miss Winter? I’m Steward Peter from Elder Shadowcrest’s household,” he said with a respectful bow. “The Elder has arranged for Driver Ben to take you home safely.”

I was touched by Elder Shadowcrest’s thoughtfulness, even after I’d insisted on leaving. “Please thank her for me.”

In the car, I messaged Sarah Mitchell to update her on my plans. She had mentioned spending the Full Moon celebration at a southern territory resort, hoping to find a suitable alpha after her complicated relationship with Lucas Reed.

My phone buzzed with breaking news: the main territorial routes between Northern and Central Territories were closed due to multiple vehicle accidents in the snowy conditions.

“Miss, we might have a problem,” Driver Ben announced from the front seat, confirming what I’d just read. “The roads back to Central Territory are closed. Elder Shadowcrest suggested I take you to a nearby luxury territory hotel until conditions improve.”

“Which hotel?” I asked, resigned to spending the Full Moon celebration in Northern Territory after all.

“The Moonlight Palace,” he replied. “I believe Alpha Stormhowl has stayed there before.”

The name was familiar-it was the same hotel where Florian had booked a room for me previously. The coincidence made me uneasy, but I didn’t have many options.

Just as I was settling into this new plan, my phone rang. Sarah’s name flashed on the screen.