Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 179

(Audrey’s POV)

“Ahem…” Sarah Mitchell cleared her throat softly beside me.

I maintained my composure even as Florian’s cutting words hung in the air. Sarah had remained silent, probably worried I might stir up trouble in this already tense gathering. I appreciated her restraint.

Mrs. Shadowcrest’s reaction to Florian’s casual insult was almost comical. The words had struck her so suddenly that she actually choked on her own saliva, coughing and sputtering in undignified surprise.

When it came to me, Mrs. Shadowcrest could be caustic and cutting, unleashing her venom without hesitation. But in front of Florian, with Elder Stormhowl watching, she transformed instantly. Like a mute forced to taste bitter wolfsbane, she couldn’t assume her usual superior posture. Her face burned red with humiliation.

“How dare you…” she began, but her voice faltered.

Elder Stormhowl’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Rogue wolf!” she scolded Florian with a single, sharp reprimand.

Then she turned her piercing gaze to Mrs. Shadowcrest, who shrank visibly under the elder’s scrutiny.

“I was merely pointing out,” Mrs. Shadowcrest tried to defend herself, her voice strained, “that she-wolves should guard their purity and remain loyal to their marked mates…”

Before she could finish her self-righteous speech, Elder Shadowcrest leaned forward. Despite her age, the imperious matriarch commanded attention with her measured calm.

“If you ever become unhappy in your mate bond,” she said to me, though her words were clearly aimed at her daughter-in-law, “I’ll be the first to bring you home. Severing a mate bond has nothing to do with honor-don’t listen to idle howls.”

The room went completely still. Mrs. Shadowcrest’s cheeks drained of color so rapidly I thought she might faint.

Everyone present knew the implication. Mrs. Shadowcrest’s own second mate marking-after her first mate had died under mysterious circumstances-had been the subject of pack gossip for years. She hadn’t expected her mother-in-law to dredge up that uncomfortable history.

Overcome with shame and unable to respond, Mrs. Shadowcrest turned and fled the room, her expensive pack robes fluttering behind her. j o b n i b . c o m Silence reigned for several heartbeats. Serena looked confused and distressed, her eyes darting between the door her mother had vanished through and the rest of us.

Elder Stormhowl finally broke the tension with a gentle pat on Elder Shadowcrest’s hand. “Your daughter-in-law was always hot-headed,” she said with a light chuckle, as if discussing the weather rather than the family drama that had just unfolded.

She then turned to me, her aged face softening into a benevolent smile. “Child, don’t let their poison get to you. Mate bonds mean nothing.”

She gestured toward the small vial hanging from her neck. “Your healing formula skills are exceptional-once the guests arrive, everyone will ask about this moonlight herb blend. Keep your energy high and earn a fortune in rare healing herbs tonight.”

I felt a surge of pride as she touched the soft-glowing vial of pale purple healing formula I’d designed specifically for her. The blend’s perfect balance and discreet scent achieved exactly what I’d aimed for-dignity with comfort, ideal for a she-wolf of her age and status.

“Thank you, Elder,” I replied, genuinely touched by her support. “I’m glad you’re pleased with the formula.”

As twilight deepened outside, the first guests began arriving for the celebration. The pack Beta announced their names at the entrance, their pack affiliations echoing through the grand hall.

Elder Shadowcrest and Serena positioned themselves near the entrance to greet the newcomers, the perfect picture of Shadowcrest Pack hospitality. Sarah and I moved ahead toward the main gathering area, planning to mingle with the guests and potentially make business connections.

I sensed Florian lagging behind us, scuffing his boots against the marble floor like a sullen pup. His golden eyes followed me with unnerving intensity.

“Why didn’t you reply to my messages?” he muttered when he caught up, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I stopped walking and turned to face him directly. “You know why.”

His jaw tightened. “The bloodline verification ritual must be wrong. I might mistake any stranger for her…”

He trailed off, his golden eyes searching mine before he added firmly, “But I would never fail to recognize her.”

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