Chapter 56: Exposed!
Chapter 56: Exposed!
(Aria’s POV)
The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Blackwood family compound as Dominic and I descended the grand
staircase. My cheeks still burned from our encounter upstairs and the lingering embarrassment of my dream. I tried to focus on anything else but the powerful Alpha walking beside me.
As we entered the dining room, Eleanor Blackwood’s silver–gray eyes–so much like Dominic’s–lit up at the sight of us. The knowing smile on her face made my stomach flip.
“Good morning, dears,” she called cheerfully. “Did you sleep well?”
Victoria, sitting at the table with her husband Marcus, didn’t bother hiding her smirk. “I hope the accommodations were…
comfortable?”
The emphasis on that last word made my face burn hotter. They knew. They all knew about the moonberry wine in last night’s
soup and exactly what effect it would have had on Dominic.
“Perfectly adequate,” Dominic answered smoothly, pulling out a chair for me. His hand brushed my back, sending a jolt of
electricity through my body that made my wolf stir beneath my skin.
“Aria, come sit by me,” Eleanor patted the space beside her. “I have something for you.”
I glanced uncertainly at Dominic, who nodded encouragingly. As I settled beside the Blackwood matriarch, she reached for an
ornate wooden box on the side table.
“I want you to have this,” she said, opening the box to reveal a stunning silver moonstone bracelet. The delicate band shimmered
with an inner light that seemed almost magical.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly-“I started, but she was already clasping it around my wrist.
“Nonsense. This was a gift from my mate, Dominic’s grandfather. It’s been passed down for generations to the mates of
Alpha line,” Eleanor explained, her weathered fingers surprisingly gentle as she secured the clasp. “It belongs to you now.”
Guilt pierced my heart. I wasn’t really Dominic’s intended mate. This was all a charade, a temporary arrangement to
Dominic avoid his grandmother’s matchmaking efforts. I didn’t deserve such a precious family heirloom.
“Thank you, but I really shouldn’t-” I tried again.
help
our
“It looks perfect on you,” Dominic interrupted, his deep voice carrying a note of finality that silenced my protests. His silver–gray
eyes caught mine, communicating a silent message: Just accept it.
The moonstone gleamed against my skin, its weight comforting yet somehow binding. I wondered if Dominic realized what this gift symbolized–his grandmother formally acknowledging me as his future Luna.
The conversation shifted to pleasant morning topics. I relaxed slightly, answering Eleanor’s questions about my herbal
knowledge while Dominic discussed pack security matters with his uncle. The breakfast was delicious, especially the
moon–berries that appealed to my pregnant wolf’s cravings.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by noisy chatter at the entrance. I looked up instinctively, my fork pausing
halfway to my mouth.
“Alpha Blackwood’s grandmother, if you see who’s here, you’ll definitely be happy!” Eva’s voice rang out before she appeared in
the doorway.
She walked in with exaggerated grace, her high heels making crisp sounds against the floor tiles. Every movement screamed of
practiced elegance, the hallmark of an elite pack family upbringing.
“Grandmother, look who’s here?” Eva’s excitement seemed forced, her eyes darting between Eleanor and Dominic.
Behind her walked a stunningly beautiful she–wolf with perfect blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Her designer clothes and
immaculate appearance spoke of wealth and status equal to the Blackwoods.
“Eleanor, I’m here to see you…” The newcomer smiled warmly, placing an exquisite gift box on the table. “This is a specialty I
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