The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend

Chapter 8: Like Falling into an Ice Cave

Chapter 8: Like Falling into an Ice Cave

(Aria's POV)

The morning light filtered through the hospital windows as Alexander and I made our way down the sterile corridor. Despite the tension between us, I felt a glimmer of hope. After our talk last night, I'd decided to tell him about my pregnancy today.

"I hope your mother's condition has improved," Alexander said, breaking the silence between us.

"The doctor said she was stable when I called this morning," I replied, my hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach.

We reached my mother's room, but when I pushed open the door, I froze. The bed was empty, sheets neatly folded. My heart plummeted.

"Where is she?" I gasped, panic rising in my throat.

Alexander's hand found my shoulder, steadying me. "Breathe, Aria. Let's ask someone."

A nurse appeared in the doorway, clipboard in hand. "Are you looking for Emily Summers?"

"Yes," I said quickly. "Where is she?"

"She was transferred to the VIP ward early this morning," the nurse explained with a smile. "Much more comfortable accommodations."

Relief washed over me. I turned to Alexander, gratitude warming my chest. "You arranged this?"

Alexander's amber eyes met mine briefly yet he didn't answer my question directly. "Let's go see her."

As we walked toward the VIP section, my heart lightened. This thoughtful gesture showed me the Alexander I'd fallen in love with still existed beneath the complications with Claire.

"Thank you," I said softly. "This means a lot to me."

He squeezed my hand in response, and I decided that after seeing my mother, I would tell him about our pup. Despite everything, he deserved to know he was going to be a father.

As we approached the VIP ward, familiar voices carried down the hallway. I recognized my brother James's deep tone first.

"I really appreciate what you've done, Dominic. The transfer to this ward... it's beyond what I expected."

I slowed my steps, confused. Dominic was here?

"It was no trouble," came Dominic's distinctive voice. "Your mother deserves the best care available."

Alexander tensed beside me, his jaw tightening as we rounded the corner to find my brother and Dominic Blackwood standing outside my mother's new room.

"Dominic arranged the transfer?" I asked, looking between the three men. "Not you, Alexander?"

James's eyes narrowed as he spotted Alexander. "So you finally decided to show up."

"James," I warned quietly. My brother had never hidden his dislike for Alexander, but now wasn't the time for confrontation.

"Your mother is awake," James said to me, deliberately ignoring Alexander. "She's been asking for you."

I nodded, trying to process the revelation that it was Dominic, not Alexander, who had helped my mother. Alexander had taken credit for another's kindness.

The VIP room was spacious and bright, with large windows overlooking the hospital gardens. My mother looked small against the plush pillows, but her eyes brightened when she saw us.

"Alexander," she said, her voice weak but welcoming. "I'm glad you've come."

Alexander approached her bedside with practiced charm. "Mrs. Summers, I'm deeply sorry about yesterday's misunderstanding. It seems the media created quite a stir."

I watched as he smoothly explained away the situation with Claire, painting it as nothing more than pack business misconstrued by gossip-hungry reporters. His words flowed like honey, reassuring and sweet.

"Claire is the pack's Chief Healer," he explained. "Our meetings are strictly professional, focused on improving medical care for all pack members."

My mother's expression relaxed with each word. She wanted to believe him, wanted to know her daughter's mating was secure.

"I was worried," she admitted. "The news made it seem like..."

"Media exaggeration," Alexander assured her. "Nothing more."

James snorted softly from the corner of the room, earning a sharp look from me. Now wasn't the time.

Alexander turned as Dominic entered, his posture stiffening. "I'm surprised to see you here, Dominic. Visiting patients isn't usually your style."

Dominic's silver-gray eyes remained unruffled by the challenge. "I had a pack member on this floor. When I heard about Mrs. Summers' situation, I offered assistance with the room transfer."

"How convenient," Alexander replied, the edge in his voice unmistakable.

I looked between them, the realization sinking in that Alexander had deliberately misled me. "You told me you arranged this," I said quietly.

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I spoke with Dominic about it."

"But you didn't actually do anything," I clarified, keeping my voice low to avoid upsetting my mother. "You let me believe you had."

The silence that followed confirmed my suspicion. I turned to Dominic, awkwardness washing over me.

"Thank you for helping my mother," I said sincerely.

Dominic's expression softened slightly. "I didn't do it for him, Aria. I did it for you."

The tension in the room thickened. Alexander straightened, his Alpha presence filling the space.

"Perhaps we should discuss this outside," he suggested to Dominic, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Dominic inclined his head in agreement. "By all means."

Once they'd left, I busied myself with preparing fruit for my mother, trying to ignore the confusing emotions swirling through me.

"They're gone now," my mother said softly. "You can stop pretending you're fine."

I looked up, meeting her knowing gaze. Even weakened by illness, she could still read me perfectly.

"I'm just tired," I lied.

She patted the edge of her bed, inviting me to sit. "I'm relieved about Alexander and Claire. I was so worried when I saw that news report."

Guilt twisted in my stomach. She believed Alexander's smooth explanation, and I couldn't bring myself to shatter that peace.

"I know how much you were looking forward to the formal mating ceremony," she continued, her thin fingers finding mine. "It will be beautiful, I'm sure."

"Yes," I agreed, forcing a smile.

Her amber eyes—so like my own—studied me carefully. "There's something different about you, little wolf. I can sense it."

My hand unconsciously moved to my stomach. I hadn't planned to tell anyone before Alexander, but the words rose to my lips unbidden.

"I'm pregnant, Mother."

Her gasp of joy was immediate, her frail arms reaching for me. "A pup! Oh, Aria!"

James, who had been silently watching from the corner, was by my side in an instant. "You're sure?" he asked, his face breaking into a rare smile.

I nodded, tears gathering in my eyes. "About six weeks along. I found out the day before yesterday."

"Alexander doesn't know yet?" my mother asked, her eyes shining.

"No," I admitted. "I haven't found the right moment."

"Tell him now," she urged, squeezing my hand. "This joyous news will strengthen your bond. Nothing brings a mated pair closer than a pup on the way."

James nodded in agreement. "Go find him. This changes everything."

Their enthusiasm was infectious. Perhaps they were right—a baby might be exactly what Alexander and I needed to find our way back to each other. With renewed hope, I hugged my mother gently.

"I'll tell him right away," I promised.

I left the room, my heart lighter than it had been in months. The joy of sharing my pregnancy with my family had eased some of my fears. Now I just needed to find Alexander and Dominic.

I followed the sound of their voices to a quiet alcove at the end of the hallway. I was about to step forward when Dominic's words stopped me cold.

"Did Claire sever her mate bond because of you?" he asked bluntly.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat.

There was a brief silence before Alexander's response came, clear and damning.

"Yes."

I stood motionless, unable to process what I'd just heard. The world around me seemed to blur, the hospital sounds fading to a distant hum.

After all his explanations, all his reassurances about Claire being nothing more than a childhood friend, the truth emerged. Claire had severed her mate bond for Alexander.