Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 214

Chapter 214: A Wolf’s Recovery

Chapter 214: A Wolfs Recovery

(Celeste’s POV)

I stared at my reflection in the small mirror, barely recognizing the gaunt face that stared back. The hunger strike had taken its toll. Dark circles shadowed my eyes, and my cheekbones stood out too sharply against my pale skin.

“Let me help you,” Nina said, appearing behind me with a small pot of cream.

I nodded, allowing her to dab concealer under my eyes. I needed to look presentable for my

visits to Grandmother Eleanor and Matthew today.

“Not too much,” I warned. “I don’t want to appear as though I’m trying to hide something.”

When Nina finished, I looked marginally better. Still thin and tired, but no longer deathly.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my quarters. The hallway seemed longer than I remembered, each step requiring more effort than it should.

I had barely made it halfway down the corridor when I spotted Luna Victoria approaching. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of me.

“Celeste,” she greeted, her voice carrying a strained smile. “I’m glad to see you up and about.”

I inclined my head politely. “Luna Victoria.”

The formal address wasn’t lost on her. A flicker of pain crossed her features.

“You’re looking better,” she said, studying my face. “Dr. Pierce’s healing herbs must be

working.”

“They are,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

Victoria fidgeted with her sleeve. “Where are you headed?”

“I’m going to see Grandmother Eleanor,” I said. “And then Matthew.”

At the mention of Matthew’s name, Victoria’s expression tightened.

“Celeste,” she began, her voice taking on that motherly tone she used when delivering unwelcome advice. “Is that wise? After everything that’s happened with the Sterling family?”

I looked at her steadily. “What do you mean?”

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Chapter 214: A Wolf’s Recovery

Victoria sighed. “The situation with Matthew’s father created significant tension with the merchant wolves. Alpha James had to make substantial concessions to smooth things over.”

“How unfortunate,” I said, not bothering to hide my sarcasm. “Perhaps he should have considered that before unjustly detaining an innocent wolf.”

“I’m concerned about you,” she continued. “This relationship with Matthew… it’s bringing you

nothing but pain.”

“Is that what you think?” I asked quietly. “That Matthew is the source of my pain?”

Victoria stepped closer. “Look at what you did to yourself. Starving for days. Eating those… those scraps. You harmed yourself. You caused Scarlett to harm herself too.”

My temper flared. “I didn’t deny myself food and water, Victoria. Alpha James did that. And

Scarlett made her own choices.”

“But you influenced her,” Victoria insisted. “You know how impressionable she is.”

I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped me. “Impressionable enough to arrange for omega wolves to pretend to kidnap her? Impressionable enough to stand by while Lucas killed them?”

Victoria’s face paled. “That was a mistake. She’s young and foolish sometimes.”

“Then perhaps her kind heart will prevent her from causing further harm to Matthew’s family,” I said smoothly. “After all, she wouldn’t want me to starve myself again, would she?”

Victoria’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t…”

“I would do whatever necessary to protect those I care about,” I stated firmly.

Victoria took a step back, studying me. “You’ve changed, Celeste.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “Moon Shadow Prison has that effect.”

An uncomfortable silence stretched between us. Victoria reached into her pocket.

“Before you go,” she said, handing me a small, elegantly folded note sealed with the Alpha

King’s council insignia. “An invitation from Jason Moore. He wishes to have a meal with you.”

My fingers tightened around the paper. Jason Moore–the same wolf who had attacked

Matthew at the Moon Silver Restaurant.

“Why would he want to meet with me?” I asked, though I already had suspicions.

Victoria’s eyes wouldn’t meet mine. “He was displeased about Matthew’s father’s release. He feels it undermined his complaint about the incident at the restaurant.”

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“I see,” I said coldly. “And if I refuse?”

Victoria’s silence was answer enough. Jason could make things very difficult for Matthew’s

family.

“I’ll go,” I said finally.

Relief washed over Victoria’s face. “Thank you, Celeste.”

Looking at her now, I could see her true intention wasn’t concern for my wellbeing. She wanted to manipulate me into meeting Jason, to protect the Winter Pack’s standing with the Alpha King’s council.

“I should get going,” I said. “Grandmother will be waiting.”

I spent an hour with Grandmother Eleanor, telling her edited versions of recent events, making her laugh, pretending everything was fine. When I left, my heart was lighter, even as worry about her declining health weighed on me.

The Moon Silver Restaurant was bustling when I arrived. The beta wolf server recognized me

immediately.

“Miss Winters,” he greeted. “Mr. Moore is expecting you in the Jade Room.”

I followed him upstairs, noting that the Jade Room was directly adjacent to the large private room Lucas and Alexander frequently used.

Jason Moore stood by the window, a glass of moon–blessed wine in hand. He was handsome in the conventional way–tall, with sharp features and expensive clothes. His pack insignia, displaying his connection to the Alpha King’s council, was prominently displayed on his collar.

“Miss Winters,” he greeted, his voice smooth as honey. “How kind of you to accept my

invitation.”

I remained by the door. “Let’s not pretend this is a social call, Jason.”

His smile didn’t waver. “Always so direct. Please, sit down.”

“I’m not hungry,” I replied coldly.

Jason shrugged elegantly. “As you wish. A drink, perhaps?”

“No.”

He sighed, setting down his own glass. “You’re making this rather difficult, Celeste.”

“I’m not interested in making things easy for you,” I countered. “State your purpose for this

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Chapter 214: A Wolf’s Recovery

meeting.”

Jason gestured to the chair across from him. “It concerns a matter of some delicacy. Please,

sit.”

Reluctantly, I complied, perching on the edge of the seat.

“I’ll be direct, since you prefer it,” Jason said. “My grandfather, Senior Council Member Moore,

has learned of Lucas’s intention to arrange a mate marking between us.”

I nearly choked. “Excuse me?”

“A mate marking,” Jason repeated, looking pleased by my reaction. “Between you and me.”

“That’s absurd,” I said flatly. “I would never agree to such a thing.”

Jason’s smile turned cold. “Perhaps not willingly. But we both know your position in the Winter

Pack is… precarious.”

I stood abruptly. “This conversation is over.”

As I turned to leave, Jason’s voice stopped me.