Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 197

(Audrey’s POV)

The rich aroma of fresh venison filled the territory den as Florian worked in the kitchen. I sat on the comfortable sofa, scrolling through messages on my pack device while occasionally glancing up to watch him.

His movements were surprisingly fluid as he chopped herbs and seasoned meat. For someone who exuded such Alpha arrogance, he seemed perfectly at ease with domestic tasks.

“You’re staring,” Florian remarked without looking up from the cutting board.

I quickly averted my gaze. “Just making sure you don’t poison me.”

He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. “If I wanted you gone, Winter, I’d have far more efficient methods.”

“That’s not as reassuring as you think it is,” I replied dryly.

Florian paused his cutting and looked up at me with those piercing golden eyes. “You should take a shower before we eat. The bathroom’s fully stocked.”

I frowned at his strange request. “Why would I need to shower before dinner?”

“Just trust me,” he said with that infuriating smirk. “By the time you’re finished, dinner will be ready.”

Though suspicious, I decided to comply. The thought of washing away the day’s stresses was tempting.

“Fine,” I conceded, grabbing my bag. “But if I come out and find you’ve disappeared with my car keys, I’ll hunt you down myself.”

His laughter followed me down the hallway. The bathroom was exactly as he’d promised-fully stocked with premium toiletries and fluffy towels. The hot water felt heavenly against my skin, washing away the tension of confronting the Shadowcrest family and Arthur’s revelation about our fake mate severance.

When I emerged, dressed in fresh clothes with my hair still damp, I was greeted by a sight that made me stop in my tracks.

The dining table had been transformed. Four separate venison dishes were arranged artfully on slate plates, accompanied by a steaming bowl of broth. The presentation was impeccable-professional level, even.

“Impressed?” Florian asked, pulling out a chair for me.

I approached cautiously, inhaling the mouthwatering scents. “I’m… surprised. This doesn’t look like something made by an amateur.”

“I told you not to underestimate me,” he replied, his chest puffing slightly with pride. “My hunting skills are unmatched in Northern Territory.”

I took my seat, eyeing the perfectly seared venison medallions. “Is that supposed to impress me?”

“My qualities are no less than those of your former mate,” he stated matter-of-factly, serving me a portion of each dish.

I rolled my eyes at his blatant competitiveness with Arthur. “Where are the venison strips you were cutting earlier? I thought we were having those.”

A flicker of something-embarrassment?-crossed his face before he smoothly replied, “I was planning spiced venison all along. The strips were just preparation.”

I took a bite of the meat, closing my eyes as the flavors exploded on my tongue. It was absolutely delicious-tender, perfectly seasoned, and with a distinctive restaurant quality that I knew well.

“This is amazing,” I admitted honestly. “I didn’t expect such culinary talent from an Alpha wolf.”

Florian’s smug expression grew as he watched me eat. “The territory den restaurant down the street is known for their venison,” he said casually. “Perhaps someday you could learn to love the Alpha as much as you love the territory.”

I nearly choked on my bite. “Excuse me?”

His golden eyes twinkled mischievously. “The food. You seem to be enjoying it thoroughly.”

I set down my fork deliberately. “You asked me to shower so you could dispose of your failed cooking attempts and order takeout, didn’t you?”

His confident expression faltered. “What? No, I—”

“Nobody cuts venison strips first when making spiced venison,” I pointed out, unable to suppress my grin. “And this presentation is too perfect. I’ve eaten at enough territory den restaurants to recognize professional plating.”

For a moment, he looked genuinely caught off-guard-a rare sight for the usually composed Alpha. Then he threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained.

“You caught me,” he admitted, shaking his head. “My first attempt was… less than successful.”

I couldn’t help but laugh with him. “I appreciate the effort, though. And the food is excellent, regardless of who prepared it.” “Perhaps next time I’ll be more honest about my hunting skills,” he conceded.

“Perhaps next time I’ll do the cooking,” I countered.

Our eyes met across the table, and something electric passed between us. Before I could process what was happening, Florian leaned forward, his intention clear as his eyes dropped to my neck.

I reacted instinctively, my palm coming up to block him. His lips pressed against my hand instead, sending a jolt of sensation up my arm that made my wolf stir restlessly beneath my skin.

I jerked away, putting distance between us. “What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, heart racing.

Florian’s eyes had darkened, the gold now molten with intensity. “Testing boundaries,” he replied, voice husky.

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