Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left novel Chapter 39

39 /261

(Audrey’s POV)

I stood outside the Silver Moon Arena, the cool evening air brushing against my skin. My coat barely kept the chill out, but I held it tightly around me. My eyes scanned the crowd, looking for someone I already knew wouldn’t show up. The excitement of the wolves entering the arena was almost contagious, but I felt none of it.

The concert-goers chatted animatedly. Some were showing off their tickets. Others were taking pictures with their friends. Everyone seemed thrilled. I wasn’t. I clutched the extra ticket in my hand-the one I had saved for Arthur-as if letting it go would mean accepting the truth I kept denying.

The truth that he wasn’t coming.

“Waiting for someone?”

A bubbly voice broke my train of thought. I turned to see a young she-wolf standing beside me. She had a bright smile and warm eyes. Her energy was almost too much to handle in my current mood.

“Yes,” I said simply, forcing a polite expression.

The she-wolf grinned, glancing at my ticket. “Bet they’re stuck in traffic. It’s gonna be an amazing show, though! Michael Storm always puts on the best concerts!”

I nodded absentmindedly, not bothering to answer. Her enthusiasm was overwhelming, and I was barely holding myself together. Still, her cheeriness was oddly grounding, pulling me back from my spiraling thoughts.

Another hour crawled by. I glanced at the phone in my hand again. No messages. No calls. Just silence.

The she-wolf reappeared by my side, holding two cups of steaming hot chocolate. She offered me one with a friendly nod.

I shook my head. “No, thank you,” I said.

“Suit yourself!” she chirped, taking a sip from her own cup. She didn’t seem offended by my refusal. Instead, she sighed contentedly after drinking.

“So,” she began after a little pause, “still waiting for them?”

I hesitated. My lips pressed together as I thought about how to respond. “It’s… complicated,” I finally admitted, my voice soft and strained.

She nodded as if she understood. “It happens! Maybe they’re just late. Hopefully they show up soon.”

Her innocence made my chest hurt. I couldn’t even explain why. Before I could respond, her gaze shifted over my shoulder.

“Wow,” she whispered, her voice lowering with awe. “Who’s that?”

I looked in the direction of her gaze, and just like that, the air in my lungs shifted.

Nathan Snowfang was approaching us. He strode through the scattered crowd near the arena’s entrance with a sense of casual confidence. His brown leather jacket stood out against the sea of dressed-up wolves, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the area as if they were looking for someone specific.

When his gaze landed on me, he tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“What a coincidence,” I muttered under my breath, although part of me doubted it was.

“Good evening, Audrey,” Nathan said smoothly when he stopped in front of me. His expression was neutral but warm enough to feel approachable.

The she-wolf blushed, obviously mistaking something. Her wide eyes darted between the two of us as her smile grew even bigger.

“Ohhh,” she said, leaning toward me conspiratorially. “Is this your mate?”

Heat rose to my cheeks, but before I could say anything, Nathan spoke.

“Not quite,” he replied easily. His tone was light and good-natured, but there was no hesitation in his words. “Just here to check on an old friend.”

The young wolf’s face flushed even darker. She stammered out a quick apology, clearly flustered by her assumption. Nathan chuckled softly and turned to me, his expression shifting into something a little more serious.

“Arthur didn’t come?” he asked. His question was just casual enough to avoid sounding pointed, but I could see the curiosity in his eyes.

I shook my head, trying to keep my voice steady. “No. He… won’t be coming.”

Nathan watched me for a moment before giving a slow nod.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said gently. “Come inside with me instead. There’s no point waiting anymore.”

I gripped the extra ticket in my hand tightly, hesitating. Part of me still wanted to wait, even though I knew it was pointless.

“Do you have a ticket?” Nathan asked suddenly, his attention shifting to the she-wolf.

She gave a sheepish smile and shook her head. “No, I couldn’t get one. I was hoping to find a way in, though.”

Without thinking, I held out my extra ticket.

“Take this,” I said.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh, no! I couldn’t! It looks like you were saving it for someone important-”

“Take it,” I interrupted firmly, pressing the ticket into her hand. “Enjoy the concert.”

Her gratitude was immediate and loud. “Thank you so much! I really, really owe you one!”

Before she could say more, Nathan held up his hand. “Actually, would you mind trading those tickets with me?”

The she-wolf blinked in confusion as she glanced at her friend. “Trade? Why?”

Nathan just smiled faintly, expertly disarming her hesitation.

As the swap happened, I frowned. Something about his actions struck me as odd, but I didn’t have time to think it through.

—

The soft lights of the arena bathed the enormous space in a warm glow. Hundreds of wolves were seated in rows, murmurs of excitement filling the air as the stage sat illuminated and ready for the show.