The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Do You Want to Sever the Mate Bond? 

(Aria's POV) 

"Nothing?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. "You expect me to believe there's nothing between you and Claire?" 

Alexander's amber eyes hardened as he stepped toward me. "She means nothing to me, Aria. You are my Luna, my true mate." 

His words should have reassured me, but they rang hollow after what I'd just witnessed. 

"Then why did you rush to her side the moment she cut her finger?" I demanded, my wolf bristling beneath my skin. 

Alexander sighed, running his hand through his golden-brown hair. "It was instinct, nothing more. I've known her since childhood." 

"You never told me you were engaged to her," I said, unable to keep the hurt from my voice. 

He reached for me, pulling me into his embrace. I stiffened at first, surprised by this rare display of affection. 

"It was arranged by our families," he murmured against my hair. "But when my wolf recognized you as my true mate, none of that mattered anymore." 

I wanted to believe him. Three years ago, I would have melted into his arms, overjoyed at this tender moment. But now... 

"She severed her mate bond with Beta David," I said, pulling back to look into his eyes. I reached for my phone, opening Claire's social media. "Look." 

Alexander glanced at the screen, his expression unchanged. "And?" 

"And she's suddenly appearing everywhere in our lives," I pointed out. "Becoming Chief Healer, visiting you at work, calling you 'Alex'..." 

His amber eyes remained steady. "Claire and I are from the same pack. We grew up together. That's all there is to it." 

"She wants you back," I whispered. 

Alexander cupped my face in his hands. "It doesn't matter what she wants. We are mates, Aria. We will live our own lives." 

His words were perfect, but something in his tone made my stomach clench with doubt. 

He turned toward the door. "Lucas!" 

The Beta appeared instantly, as if he'd been waiting just outside. His hazel eyes darted between us before settling respectfully on Alexander. 

"Cancel my afternoon appointments," Alexander instructed. "And schedule an appointment with Dr. Nathan Lewis at Silvercrest for Aria's mother. The best treatment available." 

I blinked in surprise. My mother's condition had been deteriorating for months, but I hadn't expected Alexander to intervene personally. 

"Yes, Alpha," Lucas nodded, then disappeared as quietly as he'd arrived. 

Alexander turned back to me, his expression softening. "Your mother's health is important to you. It's important to me too." 

My wolf calmed slightly at this gesture of caring. Was I being paranoid about Claire? Was I letting my insecurities cloud my judgment? 

I was pregnant with Alexander's child. My mother was looking forward to our formal mating ceremony. Perhaps things weren't as broken as they seemed. 

"Alexander, I—" I began, but was interrupted by the shrill ring of his mobile phone. 

He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. Claire's name flashed brightly. 

My heart sank as he declined the call. But when it rang again immediately, something shifted in his expression. 

"What is it, Claire?" he answered, his tone annoyed. 

I turned away, not wanting him to see how much this hurt me. My hand instinctively moved to my belly, where our pup was growing. Ember whimpered within me, sensing my distress. 

"What?" Alexander's voice suddenly sharpened. "Are you hurt? Where are you?" 

I froze, my back still to him. The concern in his voice was unmistakable. 

"Stay there. I'm coming now," he promised, his wolf's protective instincts evident in his tone. 

He ended the call and strode toward me. "Claire's been in a car accident outside the pack house. I need to check on her." 

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