The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Becoming a Father

(Aria’s POV)

I stared at Alexander in disbelief. His words hung heavy in the air between us.

For your mother’s sake, let’s postpone this discussion. The stress of a mate bond severance could kill her in

her condition.”

How dare he use my mother’s illness against me? The manipulation was so blatant it left me breathless. I pulled my hand away from his, unable to bear his touch.

“That’s low, even for you,” I whispered.

Alexander’s amber eyes widened slightly, as if surprised I’d called out his tactic. “Aria, I’m simply stating

facts. Your mother’s condition-”

“Don’t,” I cut him off sharply. “Don’t pretend you’re concerned about my mother when you’re only worried about

your reputation.”

I moved to the window, gazing out at Storm Pack territory. The view reminded me of when I first arrived here as Alexander’s mate. How hopeful I’d been then. How naive.

Back then, Alexander and Dominic had been the most admired Alpha figures in our region. Young, powerful, respected. I’d felt so blessed that my wolf had recognized Alexander as my mate after years of secret

longing.

Now that girlish adoration felt like a distant dream, belonging to someone I barely recognized.

“Do you remember when we first met?” Alexander asked, his voice soft with nostalgia. “At the territorial council meeting when you were eight?”

I didn’t turn around. “I remember.”

“You were collecting herbs behind the meeting hall,” he continued. “You had dirt on your cheek and leaves in your hair.”

Despite everything, the memory tugged at something deep within me. I’d been so nervous meeting the young

heir to the Storm Pack.

Alexander moved behind me, carefully placing his hands on my shoulders. When I didn’t pull away, he gently

turned me to face him.

“There is nothing between Claire and me,” he said, his amber eyes earnest. “Nothing that matters, anyway.

You are my mate, Aria. My Luna.”

His words should have warmed me. Once, they would have. Instead, I felt hollow.

The shrill ring of his mobile phone shattered the moment. Alexander pulled it from his pocket, grimacing at the screen. Claire’s name flashed insistently.

A bitter smile twisted my lips. “Quite the coincidence.”

“I won’t answer,” he said quickly.

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Chapter 11 Becoming a f

I stepped back, gesturing to the phone. “Go ahead. We both know you want to.”

No. He declined the call with a firm press of his thumb. “I meant what I said.”

The phone rang again immediately. Claire’s persistence was almost impressive.

Without hesitation, I plucked the device from his hand. Alexander stiffened but didn’t stop me as I navigated to his contacts and blocked Claire’s number.

“There,” I said, handing it back to him. “Problem solved.”

I expected anger or at least irritation. Instead, his shoulders seemed to relax, as if I’d lifted some burden from him.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

His reaction confused me. Was he genuinely relieved to be free of her calls? Or was this another performance?

“I really am sorry for leaving you alone at Silvercrest,” he continued, taking my hands in his. “It won’t happen again.”

A month ago, such a gesture would have delighted me. Now I felt only weariness.

“My mother’s health is my priority right now,” I told him, the truth simpler than explaining my complicated

mated before…”

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feelings. “And she wants to see us properl

I couldn’t finish the sentence. The reality of my mother’s terminal illness was still too painful to acknowledge aloud.

Alexander nodded solemnly. “Then we’ll give her that. The formal ceremony will proceed as planned.”

“Thank you,” I said, meaning it despite everything.

We chose ceremonial offerings for the pack elders–rare herbs and precious stones that symbolized fertility and prosperity. Alexander seemed genuinely interested in every detail, consulting me on each decision.

He smiled, looking pleased with my approval. It felt almost normal, like we were the happy couple everyone believed us to be.

Claire’s absence was conspicuous. No calls, no unexpected visits, no emergencies requiring Alexander’s immediate attention. The quiet should have been comforting, but instead, it left me on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I didn’t have to wait long.

thought it offer my assistance with ceremony preparations, she announced, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “have extensive experience with traditional rituals.”

Richard beamed at her. “A wonderful gesture, isn’t it?”

“You always did have a sweet tooth,” she continued, her voice softening into familiarity. “Remember when we

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