The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Shifting the Blame (Aria's POV) 

My breath caught in my throat as I watched Claire step out of Alexander's car. I couldn't believe she had the audacity to come here, to our family home, after everything that had happened. 

She emerged with practiced grace, her auburn hair catching the afternoon sunlight. As always, she wore pristine white clothing that emphasized her healer status and supposed purity. The sight made my stomach turn. 

Alexander followed behind her, carrying several packages. His face tensed when he spotted Dominic standing beside me, and his amber eyes narrowed dangerously. 

"Elizabeth!" Claire exclaimed with theatrical warmth, approaching my mother-in-law with outstretched arms. "It's been too long!" 

Elizabeth's smile remained fixed in place, but I could see the strain in her eyes. "Claire. What a surprise." 

Claire presented a beautifully wrapped package to her. "A small gift. That special tea blend you've always loved from the eastern territory." 

Elizabeth accepted it with cold politeness. "How thoughtful." 

Claire then turned to me, another package in her manicured hands. "And for you, Aria. Some rare healing herbs to help with your... fertility issues." 

The deliberate emphasis on my supposed infertility made my wolf bristle violently beneath my skin. I glanced at the herbs Alexander carried - clearly purchased during their outing together while I'd been dealing with my mother's medical emergency. 

"No, thank you," I said firmly, not bothering to mask my hostility. "I don't accept gifts from women who answer my mate's phone." 

Claire's emerald eyes widened in feigned hurt. "I was merely helping Alexander while he selected these herbs. For you, of course." 

Her perfect smile couldn't hide the venom beneath her words. My wolf sensed the deception and growled softly within me. The pregnancy had made me more attuned to threats, and every instinct in my body screamed that Claire was dangerous. 

"Aria!" Richard Reed's harsh voice cut through the tense silence. Alexander's father scowled at me from the doorway. "Is this how the Luna of Storm Pack treats guests?" 

I straightened my spine, refusing to be cowed. "Does Storm Pack typically entertain uninvited guests in the family home rather than the pack house?" 

Richard's face darkened with anger. "Claire Watson is always welcome in this house. She's practically family." 

"Unlike some," he added under his breath, though loud enough for my enhanced hearing to catch. 

The words stung more than I wanted to admit. After three years, I was still an outsider to him. 

"Richard," Elizabeth's sharp tone cut through his tirade. Her glare silenced him immediately. 

Richard's demeanor changed instantly. "Claire, my dear. How wonderful to see you!" His voice dripped with warmth he never showed me. "Tell me about your work as our new Chief Healer." 

The contrast in how he treated us was stark and painful. Claire received the respect I'd spent years trying to earn. 

"Yes, do tell," Dominic's deep voice rumbled beside me, his silver-gray eyes analyzing the dynamics at play. "It's fascinating how quickly you secured such an important position after severing your mate bond." 

An awkward silence followed his pointed remark. Claire's smile faltered for just a second before she recovered. 

"Timing and opportunity," she replied smoothly. "The Pack needed leadership in healing, and I was qualified." 

"Aria," Richard commanded, ignoring Dominic's comment. "Prepare the traditional welcome tea for our guests." 

The traditional welcome tea was a ritual reserved for honored pack visitors. That Richard would request it for Claire while my mother lay critically ill in the hospital was the final insult. 

"I'll have the pack house staff prepare it," I responded coldly, my hands trembling slightly with anger. 

Richard's face flushed with fury at my defiance. "As Luna, you should—" 

"Perhaps Alexander should prepare it," Dominic suggested smoothly, cutting off Richard's tirade. "I've heard he's quite discerning about herbal blends." 

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