The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Are You Pregnant? 

(Aria's POV) 

I fidgeted in the stark white waiting area of Silvercrest Hospital, my fingers absently scrolling through my phone to distract myself. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils as I waited for Dr. Mills to return with my test results. 

Three missed calls from my mother. I'd call her back soon. 

My thumb froze mid-scroll as Claire Watson's newest social media post appeared on my feed. 

She was my mate's Alpha Alexander's childhood sweetheart. 

My stomach tightened as I read her caption: "Officially dissolving the mate bond with Beta David. Time for new beginnings! #FreshStart #MovingOn" 

The glossy photo showed her looking somber yet beautiful, as always. Comments flooded in with sympathy and support. Everyone loved Claire. 

"Mrs. Summers?" Dr. Sarah Mills appeared in the doorway, her white coat pristine and her smile wide. "I have your results." 

I tucked my phone away and followed her into her office, my heart pounding against my ribs. 

Dr. Mills sat behind her desk, her blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun. "I have wonderful news, Aria," she said, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "You're pregnant!" 

My hand flew to my mouth. "Really? After trying for so long?" 

"Yes! About six weeks along. Everything looks perfect." She handed me a folder of papers. "Here's your prenatal vitamin schedule and first ultrasound appointment." 

Tears blurred my vision. After a full year of disappointment, of watching Alexander's face fall each time I shook my head, we finally had our miracle. 

"Thank you, doctor." My voice cracked with emotion. 

Dr. Mills squeezed my hand. "You've been so patient throughout this process. I'm truly happy for you and Alpha Reed." 

Alexander. I needed to tell him immediately. 

I practically floated out of the hospital, clutching the folder to my chest. Our pack would finally have its heir. My wolf, Ember, purred with contentment inside me, her presence warm and satisfied for the first time in months. 

"To the pack house, please," I told my driver, Robert, as I slid into the back seat of the black SUV. 

"Yes, Luna." He nodded respectfully in the rearview mirror. 

As the car pulled away from the hospital, my phone rang. Mother's face appeared on the screen, her warm amber eyes crinkling at the corners from her smile in the photo. 

"Hi, Mother," I answered, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. 

"Little wolf," she said, using my childhood nickname. Her voice sounded weaker today, I noticed with a pang. "How are you, sweetheart?" 

"I'm good. How are you feeling today?" I asked, concerned about the fatigue in her tone. 

"Oh, the same." She dismissed her condition like always. "I was thinking about you and Alexander. Have you discussed the formal mating ceremony yet?" 

I bit my lip. The traditional ceremony should have happened shortly after our official mating, but Alexander's grandfather had fallen ill, and then there were always pack matters, business deals, territory negotiations... 

"We haven't set a date yet," I admitted. 

Mother's sigh was soft but filled with longing. "I would love to see you both participate in the ceremony before I..." She trailed off. 

"Don't talk like that," I said quickly. "You'll be fine." 

"Dear, we both know my condition isn't improving." Her pragmatism was gentle but firm. "It would mean everything to me to see my daughter properly celebrated as Luna before I pass." 

My throat tightened. "We're planning it, Mother. I promise." 

"Good," she said, sounding relieved. "I love you, dear." 

"I love you too." 

After hanging up, guilt gnawed at me. I hadn't exactly lied, but Alexander hadn't mentioned the ceremony in months. Now with the baby coming, though, surely he would want to make everything official. 

My phone rang again. Alexander's name flashed on the screen. 

"Alexander!" I answered eagerly. "I have amazing—" 

"Aria," he cut me off, his voice pitched low and professional. "I'll be working late tonight. Don't wait up." 

I frowned. "But I have something important to tell you." 

A feminine laugh sounded in the background. My spine stiffened. 

"Sorry, can't talk now. Important meeting. I'll see you tomorrow." He hung up before I could respond. 

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