Alpha’s Regret After His Pregnant Luna Left 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.

“Try that again and I’ll call the Pack Council,” I warned, though we both knew I wouldn’t.

He leaned back in his chair, seemingly unperturbed by my rejection. “When will you fulfill our childhood mate arrangement, Audrey Winter? Or should I say, Serena Shadowcrest?”

I swallowed hard, caught off-guard by his directness. “I need time,” I admitted. “The last time I gave my heart to an Alpha wolf, he shattered it completely.”

“I’m not Arthur Moonstone,” Florian reminded me quietly.

“I know,” I whispered. “That’s what scares me.”

The vulnerability in my voice seemed to affect him. He nodded slowly, understanding in his eyes. “Take your time. I’ve waited for you for years-I can wait a little longer.”

We finished our meal in comfortable silence, the tension gradually ebbing away. Tonight had been a revelation in many ways, but one thing was becoming increasingly clear-my feelings for Florian Stormhowl were growing stronger by the hour.

The next morning, I woke early, thoughts of our impending meeting with someone who supposedly had information about Mrs. Shadowcrest filling me with nervous energy. Florian had arranged the meeting but shared few details.

I had just finished getting dressed when a sharp knock at the door startled me. Assuming it was Florian arriving early, I pulled it open without checking.

The wolf standing on my doorstep was not Florian.

Though he shared the same striking golden eyes, the older wolf’s face was harder, his presence more severe. Alpha Stormhowl -Florian’s father.

“Ms. Winter,” he greeted formally, stepping past me into the territory den without waiting for an invitation. “Or should I call you Ms. Shadowcrest now?”

I closed the door slowly, wariness creeping up my spine. “Alpha Stormhowl. This is unexpected.”

He surveyed the territory den with critical eyes, noting the decorations and personal touches. “My son personally oversaw every detail of this territory den’s decoration. Did you know that?”

“I learned that recently, yes,” I replied cautiously.

Alpha Stormhowl nodded, his expression unreadable. “He’s always been dedicated when it comes to you. Even as a pup, he insisted you were special.”

Though his words seemed appreciative, something in his tone put me on edge. There was a purpose to this unexpected visit, and I doubted it was to welcome me to the family.

“I appreciate your son’s thoughtfulness,” I said carefully. “Is there something I can help you with, Alpha Stormhowl?”

He turned to face me directly, all pretense of pleasantry dropping away. “Twenty years ago, you and my son might have been well-matched,” he stated bluntly. “But circumstances have changed.”

I straightened my spine, refusing to be intimidated. “What circumstances would those be?”

“You were Arthur Moonstone’s mate,” he replied, as if that single fact disqualified me completely. “My son deserves a she- wolf with a pure bloodline, not one who has already been marked by another Alpha.”

The insult stung, but I kept my expression neutral. “Has Florian shared these concerns?”

Alpha Stormhowl’s jaw tightened. “That’s precisely why I’m here. My son refuses to listen to reason where you’re concerned.”

“So you’ve come to reason with me instead,” I concluded, anger beginning to simmer beneath my calm exterior.

He inclined his head slightly. “I’m glad we understand each other.”

“What makes you think I’ll be any more receptive to your… concerns… than Florian was?”

A cold smile spread across his face. “Because unlike my son, you seem pragmatic. And I think you care about his future.”

“His future as Alpha of the Stormhowl Pack, you mean,” I clarified, seeing where this conversation was heading.

“Florian isn’t my only son,” Alpha Stormhowl stated casually, though his eyes remained sharp. “If he insists on this path with you, the pack leadership could easily pass to one of his siblings.”

I forced myself to remain outwardly calm despite the threat. “Elder Stormhowl would never allow that. She adores Florian.”

Something dangerous flickered across Alpha Stormhowl’s face. “Elder Stormhowl suffered silver poisoning this morning,” he revealed, his voice deliberately even. “She’s currently at the Wolf Medical Center in critical condition.”

A chill ran through me. “What happened?”

“The pack is fighting over you, Ms. Winter,” he replied coldly. “The controversy has caused significant strain. With Elder Stormhowl incapacitated, pack decisions now fall to me.”

I struggled to keep my expression neutral despite the shock and guilt washing over me. Another elder poisoned-this couldn’t be coincidence.

Alpha Stormhowl moved toward the door, having delivered his message. He paused with his hand on the knob, glancing back

at me.

“Ms. Winter, I may not have the ability to make him see reason, but you certainly do.”