The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Like Falling into an Ice Cave 

(Aria's POV) 

The morning light filtered through the hospital windows as Alexander and I made our way down the sterile corridor. Despite the tension between us, I felt a glimmer of hope. After our talk last night, I'd decided to tell him about my pregnancy today. 

"I hope your mother's condition has improved," Alexander said, breaking the silence between us. 

"The doctor said she was stable when I called this morning," I replied, my hand unconsciously moving to my still-flat stomach. 

We reached my mother's room, but when I pushed open the door, I froze. The bed was empty, sheets neatly folded. My heart plummeted. 

"Where is she?" I gasped, panic rising in my throat. 

Alexander's hand found my shoulder, steadying me. "Breathe, Aria. Let's ask someone." 

A nurse appeared in the doorway, clipboard in hand. "Are you looking for Emily Summers?" 

"Yes," I said quickly. "Where is she?" 

"She was transferred to the VIP ward early this morning," the nurse explained with a smile. "Much more comfortable accommodations." 

Relief washed over me. I turned to Alexander, gratitude warming my chest. "You arranged this?" 

Alexander's amber eyes met mine briefly yet he didn't answer my question directly. "Let's go see her." 

As we walked toward the VIP section, my heart lightened. This thoughtful gesture showed me the Alexander I'd fallen in love with still existed beneath the complications with Claire. 

"Thank you," I said softly. "This means a lot to me." 

He squeezed my hand in response, and I decided that after seeing my mother, I would tell him about our pup. Despite everything, he deserved to know he was going to be a father. 

As we approached the VIP ward, familiar voices carried down the hallway. I recognized my brother James's deep tone first. 

"I really appreciate what you've done, Dominic. The transfer to this ward... it's beyond what I expected." 

I slowed my steps, confused. Dominic was here? 

"It was no trouble," came Dominic's distinctive voice. "Your mother deserves the best care available." 

Alexander tensed beside me, his jaw tightening as we rounded the corner to find my brother and Dominic Blackwood standing outside my mother's new room. 

"Dominic arranged the transfer?" I asked, looking between the three men. "Not you, Alexander?" 

James's eyes narrowed as he spotted Alexander. "So you finally decided to show up." 

"James," I warned quietly. My brother had never hidden his dislike for Alexander, but now wasn't the time for confrontation. 

"Your mother is awake," James said to me, deliberately ignoring Alexander. "She's been asking for you." 

I nodded, trying to process the revelation that it was Dominic, not Alexander, who had helped my mother. Alexander had taken credit for another's kindness. 

The VIP room was spacious and bright, with large windows overlooking the hospital gardens. My mother looked small against the plush pillows, but her eyes brightened when she saw us. 

"Alexander," she said, her voice weak but welcoming. "I'm glad you've come." 

Alexander approached her bedside with practiced charm. "Mrs. Summers, I'm deeply sorry about yesterday's misunderstanding. It seems the media created quite a stir." 

I watched as he smoothly explained away the situation with Claire, painting it as nothing more than pack business misconstrued by gossip-hungry reporters. His words flowed like honey, reassuring and sweet. 

"Claire is the pack's Chief Healer," he explained. "Our meetings are strictly professional, focused on improving medical care for all pack members." 

My mother's expression relaxed with each word. She wanted to believe him, wanted to know her daughter's mating was secure. 

"I was worried," she admitted. "The news made it seem like..." 

"Media exaggeration," Alexander assured her. "Nothing more." 

James snorted softly from the corner of the room, earning a sharp look from me. Now wasn't the time. 

Alexander turned as Dominic entered, his posture stiffening. "I'm surprised to see you here, Dominic. Visiting patients isn't usually your style." 

Dominic's silver-gray eyes remained unruffled by the challenge. "I had a pack member on this floor. When I heard about Mrs. Summers' situation, I offered assistance with the room transfer." 

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