The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Truly Willing to Spend

Chapter 35: Truly Willing to Spend

(Aria’s POV)

I found myself frozen in place as Dominic’s intense silver–gray eyes locked with mine. There was something in

his gaze I couldn’t quite read–a depth that made my wolf stir curiously beneath my skin.

“Dominic, if you stare any harder at that pastry, you might set it on fire,” Dr. Lewis teased, breaking the strange moment between us.

Dominic blinked, seeming to snap back to reality. “I’m not staring at the pastry,” he muttered, then louder to

Dr. Lewis, “Go get another one.”

Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow. “You’re ordering me around now? I’m your doctor, not your servant.”

“Nathan,” Dominic warned, though there was no real heat in his voice.

“Fine, fine. I’ll go. But only because I want another one myself, Dr. Lewis said with a dramatic sigh. “The

things I do for friendship.”

Dominic playfully kicked at him, making Dr. Lewis laugh as he dodged and headed toward the refreshment

0 table. I couldn’t help but smile at their interaction.

It struck me then how genuine their friendship seemed–the easy banter, the comfortable teasing. I’d never seen Dominic interact with Alexander this way, despite Alexander often referring to Dominic as his close

friend and pack brother.

“You and Dr. Lewis seem very close,” I commented.

Dominic nodded. “We’ve known each other since university. He’s one of the few people I trust completely.”

I took another bite of my pastry, mulling over this revelation. “Alexander always said you two were like

brothers.”

Something flashed in Dominic’s eyes–annoyance, perhaps? “Alexander has a habit of exaggerating relationships when it suits him.”

That was certainly true. Alexander had a talent for reshaping reality to fit his narrative.

“Can I ask you something?” I said, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“You just did,” Dominic replied with a slight smirk.

I rolled my eyes. “Why are you helping me? I mean, really helping me? Alexander must have offended you somehow.”

Dominic’s smile faded, replaced by a cold look that chilled the air between us. “He offended me greatly,” he said, his tone suddenly hard.

I blinked, surprised by the stark change. “I don’t understand. Alexander always speaks so highly of you.”

“I’m sure he does,” Dominic replied with a snort.

Before I could press further, Dr. Lewis returned with two more pastries, handing one to each of us.

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< Chapter 35 Truly Willing 1.

“You know,” he said casually, “I’ve known Dominic for years, and I’ve never seen him give up his dessen for anyone. You must be special, Ms. Summers.”

Dominic glared at him. “Don’t you have other people to annoy?”

“None as fun as you,” Dr. Lewis replied cheerfully, “Besides, I’m simply making an observation. You’re unusually generous with Aria.”

“Nathan,” Dominic warned again, but his friend just grinned wider.

“What? It’s true. Remember that time I asked for a bite of your moon–berry tart and you nearly took my hand

off?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at their bickering, which sounded more like schoolchildren than two respected professionals.

“It’s different,” Dominic muttered. “Aria’s-”

He was interrupted by his phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, his expression shifted immediately. “Excuse me,” he said, stepping away to answer.

I watched as he spoke in short, clipped sentences, his posture growing increasingly tense. “No… Yes, I know… That’s not… Mother, please.”

My heart sank. Mother. That had to be Eleanor Blackwood, matriarch of the Shadow Pack. If she was calling now, it likely meant that news of Dominic claiming me as his intended mate had already reached his family.

Dominic’s face was a study in carefully controlled frustration as he listened. He glanced at me once, his silver–gray eyes unreadable, before saying firmly, “I know,” and ending the call.

“Is everything alright?” I asked when he returned.

“Fine,” he replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. “Just family matters.”

I bit my lip, guilt washing over me. “I’m sorry. I’ve caused you trouble with your family, haven’t I?”

“No,” he said quickly. “It’s nothing to worry about”

But I wasn’t convinced. Alexander had mentioned once that Dominic’s parents had a loveless, politically arranged mating. If that was true, Eleanor Blackwood would likely have strong opinions about who her son should choose as his mate.

And I was hardly an ideal candidate–a divorced Luna from a rival pack with no significant bloodline to speak

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“Maybe we should leave,” I suggested. “I think we’ve accomplished what we came for.”

Dominic studied my face for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll take you home.”

The ride back to my apartment was quiet, both of us lost in our own’thoughts. My wolf was unusually restless, sensing my conflicted emotions.

“Thank you for tonight,” I said as we pulled up to my building. “I appreciate everything you’ve ne.” Dominic turned to look at me, his expression softening. “You don’t need to keep thanking me, Aria.”

“I do though,” I insisted. “You’ve risked a lot to help me.”

He shook his head slightly. “Goodnight, Aria. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I nodded and stepped out of the car, watching as he drove away. Despite his reassurances, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my problems were becoming his problems.

“Repay him?” Olivia repeated. “Aria, the man is the Alpha King of the Shadow Pack. He’s probably one of the wealthiest werewolves in the Northern Territory. What could you possibly give him that he doesn’t already have?”

I tried to think of anything Dominic had mentioned enjoying. “I don’t really know,” I admitted. “We haven’t exactly had a lot of personal conversations.”

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