No Longer the Alpha’s Guardian Chapter 14

No Longer the Alpha’s Guardian Chapter 14

At the Moon Shadow pack house, my father had already passed by the time I arrived.

Before he died, in front of all the elders, he named me Alpha. Gave me everything. The pack, the company, the estate.

I felt nothing but guilt.

I had cut ties with him for Elijah. He said he would never forgive me. But he never stopped loving me.

Today was his funeral. I held it in the backyard. He loved that garden.

A light rain fell all morning.

People came to pay their respects. They bowed to my father’s portrait, then came to me.

Several Alphas from allied packs—men who had known my father for decades—spoke gently.

“Audrey, we watched you grow up. Your father is gone, but we’re still here. If the Moon Shadow Pack ever needs anything, you come to us. We may not have much, but we have influence.”

I almost cried.

Elijah arrived near the end of the ceremony.

He stood at the edge of the yard, confused. “Who died?”

“Who are you?” A servant stopped him. “This is our Alpha’s funeral. If you’re here to pay respects, this way.”

Alpha Alex. Dead.

Elijah walked in, his chest tight.

I was kneeling in front of the altar.

People whispered.

“Isn’t that Audrey’s mate? What’s his name—Elijah? I was wondering why he wasn’t here.”

“So this is the Elijah everyone’s talking about? Audrey has good taste.”

“Shh. I heard she already broke the bond.”

I looked up.

The second I saw him, my wolf snarled.

“What are you doing here? Get out.”

“Audrey…”

Elijah walked to the altar and knelt in front of my father’s portrait.

“Dad. Rest in peace.”

I slapped him so hard my hand stung.

“Don’t you dare call him that. We’re done. Get out.”

The crowd stirred.

“No way. They really broke the bond?”

“She gave up everything for him once. What happened?”

“I heard he cheated.”

“Audrey.” Elijah stayed on his knees. “I won’t agree to this. I don’t want to break the bond.”

“Are you serious? You asked for the dissolution. Now the papers are signed, and you’re backing out?”

“I was out of my mind. But I know better now. And the waiting period isn’t over. There’s no certificate yet.”

I stared at him. A bitter smile pulled at my lips.

“Out of your mind? You made me kneel for Kelly. You cut my face with your own hand. You had your servants tie me up and whip me ninety-nine times. Was that ‘out of your mind’ too?”

I stepped closer, my voice flat and hard.

“This is my father’s funeral. He doesn’t want you here. I don’t want you here. Leave. Or I will make you leave.”

“Audrey, please. I’m serious. I regret everything. Your father was my father too. I have to be here.”

He swallowed hard.

“Audrey, you have to believe me. I didn’t order those lashes. I didn’t know anything about it until I saw your video. I’ve cut her off completely. I—”

“Shut up.”

I cut him off cold.

“If I had known you would cheat on me, I would have listened to my father in the first place.”

I stepped back.

“You won’t leave? Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”