Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 218

(Audrey’s POV)

When I returned to the Wolf Medical Center, Elder Shadowcrest was already asleep. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful despite the silver poisoning that was slowly claiming her life.

I adjusted her blanket, making sure she was comfortable for the night. The pack healer approached quietly, clipboard in hand.

“She’s been resting well,” he informed me in a hushed tone. “Her vital signs are stable for now.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Please call me immediately if there’s any change in her condition.”

After leaving detailed instructions with the healer about her care, I headed out to my car. The emotional weight of the day- from Arthur’s dinner to Florian’s territory den to my grandmother’s diagnosis-left me utterly drained. I decided to check into a territory hotel for the night rather than make the long drive back to Central Territory.

The hotel was simple but clean. I collapsed onto the bed without even changing, staring at the ceiling as my mind raced with worries about my grandmother’s condition. Sleep eventually claimed me, though it was restless and filled with troubled dreams.

The next morning, I woke early, eager to return to my grandmother’s side. I’d just finished getting ready when my phone rang. Healer Reed’s Beta assistant’s name flashed on the screen.

“Good morning, Ms. Winter,” the assistant said, his voice noticeably strained. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all,” I replied, immediately sensing something was wrong. “Is everything alright?”

The assistant hesitated. “I was wondering if you had informed your pack about Healer Reed taking over Elder Shadowcrest’s treatment?”

I frowned, confused by the question. “No, I assumed the Wolf Medical Center would handle the administrative details. Has something happened?”

“Well,” he began cautiously, “members of the Shadowcrest pack arrived about thirty minutes ago. They’ve identified themselves as Elder Shadowcrest’s daughter-in-law and granddaughter, and they’re… rejecting Healer Reed’s involvement in the treatment.”

A cold sensation washed over me as understanding dawned. The Shadowcrest family-particularly Emma and her mother- were moving quickly to prevent my grandmother’s recovery. If Elder Shadowcrest died, they’d have easier access to the pack will and hunting grounds.

“I’m so sorry for this trouble,” I said, grabbing my car keys. “Please tell Healer Reed I’ll resolve this immediately. I’m on my way.”

“We understand pack politics can be complicated,” the assistant replied diplomatically. “Healer Reed is waiting outside the healing chamber.”

I drove to the Wolf Medical Center with a growing sense of urgency, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. Every second felt crucial. I knew the Shadowcrest family would do anything to maintain their grip on the pack’s resources.

When I arrived, I found Healer Reed standing in the corridor outside my grandmother’s healing chamber, his expression carefully neutral despite the obvious tension. His silver-streaked fur seemed more pronounced under the harsh medical center lighting.

“Healer Reed, I apologize for this situation,” I said, approaching him quickly. “I should have anticipated this interference.” The older wolf offered a slight smile. “Not your fault, Ms. Winter. I’ve been practicing long enough to recognize pack drama when I see it.” He glanced at the closed door. “I’ll give you some space to handle this. Perhaps I’ll get some fresh venison in the meantime.”

After he walked away, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I needed to handle this confrontation carefully. Too much was at stake.

I approached the door and knocked firmly. “Emma Shadowcrest, open this door.”

There was a pause, then shuffling sounds. A moment later, the door opened to reveal Emma’s perfectly composed face, her expression a study in fake innocence. She wore an expensive outfit that screamed of privilege and entitlement.

“Oh, Audrey,” she said with feigned surprise. “How nice of you to join us. Mother and I were just discussing Grandmother’s care.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “We’re concerned about this… healer you’ve brought in. His credentials seem questionable. He might worsen her condition.”

I couldn’t help but laugh-a cold, humorless sound that echoed in the hallway. “Worsen her condition? Or are you afraid he might improve it?”

Emma’s carefully crafted mask slipped for a moment, revealing the calculation beneath. “What are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything,” I replied, stepping closer until we were almost nose to nose. “I’m stating clearly that you’re interfering with her treatment because you’re afraid she’ll recover. A living Elder Shadowcrest compromises your plans for the pack hunting grounds, doesn’t it?”

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