The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: His Guilt 

(Aria's POV) 

"Scandal?" Elizabeth's voice cut through the room like a knife. Her eyes darted between Alexander and Claire, then settled on me with concerned intensity. "What scandal is this?" 

Alexander stepped forward, his posture stiff and defensive. "It's nothing, Mother. Just rumors." 

"Rumors with photographic evidence," I countered, my voice steadier than I felt. 

Claire laughed lightly, the sound like broken glass to my ears. "People will talk about nothing. I assure you, Elizabeth, there's nothing inappropriate between Alexander and me." 

Elizabeth's gaze hardened as she pulled out her tablet from a nearby drawer. After a few quick taps, she turned the screen toward us. 

"Nothing?" she questioned, displaying the news article with photos of Alexander and Claire standing intimately close by his office window. "This doesn't look like nothing to me." 

Alexander's jaw tightened. "It's being taken out of context." 

"And this?" Elizabeth swiped to another image showing Claire clinging to Alexander's arm outside the pack house. "Is this also out of context?" 

Claire's perfect smile faltered for just a moment. I noticed Richard shifting uncomfortably in his chair. 

Elizabeth zoomed in on one particular photo, her finger pointing to a figure in the background. "That's Lucas, isn't it? Your Beta was present during these... business meetings?" 

Alexander remained silent, caught in his mother's trap. Lucas Bell's presence in the photos confirmed these weren't isolated incidents or misinterpreted moments. 

Elizabeth set down the tablet and turned to Claire, her usually gentle demeanor transformed by maternal protectiveness. 

"Listen carefully," she said, each word deliberate and sharp. "Whatever game you're playing ends now. Alexander and Aria will have their formal mating ceremony soon, with the blessing of both families." 

Claire's emerald eyes flickered with something dangerous. "Elizabeth, you misunderstand. Alexander and I are merely—" 

"Childhood friends. Yes, I've heard," Elizabeth cut her off coldly. "Friends don't cause scandals that endanger their friend's mother-in-law's health." 

Richard finally found his voice. "Elizabeth, you're overreacting. Claire has every right to—" 

"To what?" Elizabeth challenged, rounding on her husband. "To insert herself between a mated pair? To undermine our son's Luna? To bring shame to our pack's reputation?" 

The room fell silent. Even Richard seemed to have no response. 

Claire stood gracefully, smoothing her pristine white dress. "I think it's best if I leave." Her voice was controlled, but I could sense her anger beneath the practiced calm. "I never meant to cause any trouble." 

Alexander stepped forward. "I'll drive you—" 

"No," Elizabeth and I said simultaneously. 

Claire's perfect mask slipped for just a second, revealing raw fury before she composed herself. 

"Of course," she murmured. "I can call for a car." She looked at me with false sympathy. "I truly hope your mother recovers soon, Aria." 

The mention of my mother from her lips made my wolf growl beneath my skin. I said nothing as she glided out, Richard following to escort her. 

Dominic, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, finally spoke. "So there's to be a formal mating ceremony? Congratulations are in order, then." 

His tone was light, but his silver-gray eyes studied Alexander intensely. 

Alexander glared at him. "Yes. Soon." 

"Wonderful news," Dominic continued smoothly. "I'll be sure to send an appropriately generous gift. The Shadow Pack values strong alliances." 

The underlying message wasn't lost on anyone. Dominic was reminding Alexander of his position as Alpha of storm pack and the political implications of his personal scandals. 

Elizabeth smiled tightly. "Shall we have dinner? The food is getting cold." 

Dinner was a tense affair filled with stilted conversation. Richard returned halfway through, his expression sour. Dominic maintained perfect courtesy, discussing territory matters with calculated ease that somehow made Alexander grow increasingly agitated. 

My thoughts kept drifting to my mother lying in a hospital bed because of this situation, and to the tiny life growing inside me that no one yet knew about. 

After the meal, I excused myself, claiming exhaustion. It wasn't a lie – the pregnancy and emotional turmoil had drained me completely. 

"I should be going as well," Dominic announced, rising from his seat. "Elizabeth, exceptional meal as always." 

Alexander walked him to the door while I headed upstairs to our private quarters. I barely had the energy to change into my nightgown before collapsing onto the bed. 

One hand rested protectively over my belly where our unborn pup was growing. "What a day you've had, little one," I whispered, tears burning behind my closed eyelids. "I'm sorry for all this stress." 

I must have fallen asleep because I woke to the sensation of someone climbing into bed beside me. Alexander's familiar scent enveloped me as he pulled me into his arms. 

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