The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 5

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Chapter 5: Sleepless Night

(Aria's POV)

My heart pounded violently in my chest as I raced toward my mother's healing room. The nurse's words echoed in my head, each syllable hammering against my skull like a physical blow.

The sterile hospital corridor seemed endless. I could hear Dominic's footsteps behind me, but they felt distant, as if coming from another world. All I could focus on was reaching my mother.

I skidded to a halt at the doorway. A large pool of crimson blood spread across the white tile floor. The metallic scent hit me hard, making my pregnant stomach lurch violently. My vision swam, dark spots dancing before my eyes. My knees buckled.

Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor.

"I've got you," Dominic's deep voice steadied me as he supported my weight. "Your mother will be alright."

But the scene before me told a different story. Medical staff worked frantically around my mother's fragile form. Her skin was ghostly pale, almost translucent, highlighting the blue veins beneath. More blood stained her hospital gown, stark evidence of what had happened.

"She saw the news report and became agitated," a nurse explained, glancing nervously between me and Dominic. "The stress triggered a severe episode. She's coughed up a significant amount of blood."

Dr. Nathan Lewis appeared, his silver hair disheveled, his usually calm demeanor now tense with urgency.

"We need to get her into surgery immediately," he said, his voice clipped and professional. "Her condition is deteriorating rapidly."

I watched helplessly as they wheeled my mother away, her small form dwarfed by the hospital bed. The rare werewolf blood disease had already weakened her significantly, and now this—a crisis triggered by the public scandal involving Alexander and Claire.

My fingers trembled as I pulled out my phone. Alexander needed to know what had happened. He should be here, by my side, not with Claire.

The call connected after three rings, but it wasn't Alexander who answered.

"Hello?" Claire's melodic voice sent a chill down my spine.

"Claire?" I barely recognized my own voice, strained and hollow. "Why are you answering Alexander's phone?"

"Oh, Aria." Her tone dripped with false sympathy. "Alexander stepped out to find some rare herbs that might help with healing. He left his phone with me so I wouldn't miss any important calls."

The casual way she explained her access to my mate's personal phone felt like another betrayal. Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision.

"My mother is in emergency surgery," I managed to say, my voice cracking. "She saw the news about you and Alexander."

There was a pause before Claire responded, her voice sickeningly sweet. "I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll let Alexander know as soon as he returns."

The call ended before I could say anything more. I stood frozen, phone still pressed to my ear, tears streaming silently down my cheeks.

"Aria," Dominic's voice pulled me back to reality. His gray eyes studied me with surprising gentleness. "Come sit down before you collapse."

He guided me to a nearby waiting area, his hand steady at my elbow. I was too numb to protest the familiar contact from another Alpha. My wolf, Ember, whimpered within me, seeking comfort rather than challenging his presence.

"Claire answered his phone," I whispered, staring blankly at the wall. "They're together."

Dominic didn't respond immediately. When he did, his voice was carefully neutral. "Focus on your mother now. The rest can wait."

He stayed with me through that agonizing hour of waiting. He didn't fill the silence with empty reassurances or press me for details about my relationship with Alexander. His quiet presence was oddly comforting.

Finally, Dr. Lewis appeared, still in his surgical gown but looking less frantic than before.

"She's stable," he announced, removing his surgical cap. "We've managed to stop the bleeding and strengthen her condition temporarily, but she's very weak, Aria."

Relief flooded through me so intensely that fresh tears sprang to my eyes. "Can I see her?"

"Briefly," he nodded. "She's sleeping and needs absolute rest."

I turned to Dominic, suddenly unsure what to say. He seemed to understand without words.

"Go," he said simply. "I'll wait."

My mother looked impossibly frail lying in the hospital bed, surrounded by monitoring equipment. Her breathing was shallow but steady, her face peaceful in medicated sleep. I carefully took her hand, mindful of the IV lines.

"I'm here, Mother," I whispered, stroking her gray-streaked hair. "I'm so sorry this happened."

Sitting beside her bed, the full weight of my situation crashed down on me. Alexander, my own mate, had publicly humiliated me. His actions had nearly cost my mother her life. Our bond, once so precious to me, now felt like chains binding me to endless pain.

Tomorrow, I would confront him. If he couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation, I would consider severing our mate bond—regardless of the risks involved.