The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Dominio Hall

Chapter 86: Dominio Had a Crush For Ten Years

Chapter 86: Dominic Had a Crush For Ten Years

(Aria’s POV)

“If you really don’t believe me, should I give her a kiss now?”

Dominic’s voice was light, almost playful, but I felt my heart skip a beat at his suggestion. While maintaining a facade of shyness, I discreetly pinched him under the table, hoping no one would notice.

Elder Quinn chuckled, his weathered face crinkling with armusement. “Perhaps a scent–marking would be more convincing, young Alpha. That’s how we did things in my day”

My eyes widened in horror, Scent–marking was an intimate act between mates or intended mates, involving the rubbing of glands located on the neck against each other. It was practically foreplay in werewolf culture.

“I’m not opposed to the idea,” Dominic replied smoothly, turning to me with a mischievous gleam in his silver–gray eyes.

My face burned hot with embarrassment. “Dominic,” I whispered urgently, “don’t you dare

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “It’s just an act, remember?” he whispered, his voice so low only my wolf’s sensitive hearing could catch it. “Play along.”

Before I could object further, his hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer. The fresh pine and midnight scent of his wolf enveloped me as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, not quite touching his scent glands to mine but making it appear that way to observers,

“There,” he said, pulling back with a satisfied smile. “Convinced now, Elder Quinn?”

The elderly werewolf harumphed, his bushy eyebrows drawn together in skepticism. “Young wolves these days have no sense of propriety. In my time, such displays were reserved for private moments.”

I vowed silently never to participate in Dominic’s charades again. This was getting far too intimate and confusing for my liking.

“Well, I for one am convinced,” Dr. Nathan Lewis chimed in, his eyes twinkling with barely suppressed mirth. “If Dominic weren’t so clearly smitten with Miss Summers, I’d offer myself as an alternative, Elder Quinn. Your granddaughter deserves someone who appreciates her.”

Elder Quinn waved him off with a dismissive hand. “At least she’s his intended and not some random she–wolf. The pack council would have my hide if I tried to set up my granddaughter with a mated Alpha.” Relief washed over me at the elder’s apparent acceptance of our ruse, though I noticed his eyes still held a hint of suspicion.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Dominic said, placing his hand on my shoulder. “The bidding meeting is about to begin, and I need to escort Aria to the refreshment area.”

As everyone began moving toward the meeting room, I seized my chance to escape. “Actually, I think I look for Olivia. You go ahead.”

Dominic looked like he might object, but nodded after a moment. “Hunter will remain close if you need

anything.”

1/3

Chapter 86 Dominic Had

I couldn’t get away fast enough, my heart still racing from our forced intimacy. The cool air of the was a welcome relief as I stepped away from the gathering.

“Water, Miss Summers?”

Hunter Hayes, Dominic’s ever–efficient assistant, appeared beside me with a glass. I accepted it gratefully. taking several sips to calm my nerves.

“Thank you, Hunter. I’m just going to find my friend.”

I wandered through the elegant venue, admiring the architectural details while searching for Olivia. As!

turned a corner, I nearly collided with two arguing females.

“I told you he has a girlfriend!” Eva Blackwood’s triumphant voice rang out as she confronted Vanessa Lockwood. “You should have seen your face when Dominic introduced her!”

I quickly stepped back, not wanting to intrude on their heated exchange. Unfortunately, the movement caught

Eva’s attention.

Vanessa tossed her perfect blonde hair, her voice dripping with disdain. “A girlfriend is hardly relevant. Dominic wouldn’t settle for someone so… ordinary.”

Though I couldn’t see her face from my position, her tone made it clear she was referring to me. A small part of me bristled at the insult, but another part–the reasonable part–agreed with her assessment.

I wasn’t worthy of someone like Dominic Blackwood. I was pregnant with another wolf’s pup, still technically mated, and carried enough emotional baggage to sink a ship. It was important to remember that this was all

just an act.

Before I could slip away unnoticed, Eva spotted me. “Aria! There you are!”

She rushed over, linking her arm through mine as if we were the best of friends. The sudden shift in her behavior was jarring–wasn’t this the same girl who had been openly hostile to me just minutes ago? Vanessa turned, her striking blue eyes narrowing when she saw me. Her wolf’s scent spiked with irritation, though her face remained composed.

“Why aren’t you wearing the bracelet?” Eva demanded, giving me a little shake. The silver moonstone one that Grandma Eleanor gave you!”

I blinked in confusion at her sudden interest in the bracelet. “1-

“It’s a family heirloom, you know,” Eva continued loudly, clearly intent on Vanessa hearing every word. “Grandma only gives them to females she accepts into the family.”

So that was her game. She was using me to get back at Vanessa, showing me off like some prized possession to deter a rival she clearly disliked.

Vanessa’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rose in disbelief. “Eleanor gave you a bracelet?”

I nodded reluctantly, uncomfortable with being caught in the middle of whatever rivalry these two.

going

1. on.

“And you’ve visited the Shadow Pack compound?” Vanessa pressed, stepping closer. “You’ve met Dominic’s grandmother?”

“Yes, I have,” I confirmed, seeing no reason to lie about that fact.

HE

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Chapter 86. Dommie Hed

Vanessa’s face registered genuine shock before morphing into auspicion. You’re working with you?” She gestured to Eva with distaste. “She put you up to this?

Eve laughed sharply. “She doesn’t need my help! Dominic is completely smitten with her. Even Orandma approves, and she’s notoriously picky.”

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