The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: The Mated She Wolf

(Arie’s POV)

My heart sank as I looked at Dominic across the table. His silver gray eyes held genuine regret as he explained his friendship with Alexander. Of course they were close. The two most powerful Alphas in the Northern Territory would naturally have connections.

* understand.” I said quietly, unable to hide my disappointment. “I shouldn’t have asked

I made to stand, but Dominic’s warm hand caught mine, stopping me.

“Why so serious?” His unexpected teasing tone made me look up in surprise. A playful smile curled the corners of his lips. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t help you.”

“But you just said-

“I said it puts me in a difficult position,” he clarified, his thumb tracing small circles on my hand that sent

unexpected tingles up my arm. “Not an impossible one.”

Hope flickered back to life inside me. “You’ll help me?”

*On one condition.”

I held my breath, waiting. With Alexander refusing to sign the severance agreement, I was desperate enough

to accept almost anything.

“You need to accompany me to Shadow Pack territory,” Dominic said, his expression turning serious again.

“My grandmother has been asking to meet you.”

“Your grandmother?” I blinked in confusion. “Why would she want to meet me?”

Dominic’s smile returned, softer now. “She’s been curious about you for some time. Says she has something

important to discuss.”

“Is that all?” I couldn’t hide my surprise at the simple request.

“That’s all,” he confirmed. “Eleanor Blackwood doesn’t ask to meet just anyone. If she’s requesting your presence specifically, it must be important.”

I barely hesitated. “I’ll go.”

Relief washed through me so intensely I nearly cried. With Dominic’s help, I might actually be free of Alexander. Free to make my own decisions about my future, about this pregnancy.

“When do we leave?” I asked, unable to keep the eagerness from my voice.

Dominic lifted his wine glass. “I’ll make arrangements for this weekend. Three days from now.”

I raised my glass of water, clinking it against his. “Thank you, Dominic. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

His silver eyes gleamed in the soft lighting. “Let’s start with you enjoying that wolf–apple pie you ordered.”

The tension broken, I laughed the first genuine laugh I’d managed since before my mother’s death. My wolf stirred contentedly within me, sensing that we were one step closer to freedom.

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After finishing our meal, we stepped out of the private dining room into the restaurant’s main area. The hostess nodded respectfully to Dominic as we passed, several diners turning to watch us with obvious

Blackwood*

The familiar voice made me freeze mid–step. My wolf’s hackles rose in immediate alarm, her protective instincts flaring around our unborn pup.

Alexander stood near the entrance, with Claire clinging to his arm like she belonged there. Her emerald eyes pleamed with satisfaction as she leaned into him, a possessive smile on her perfect face.

I instinctively ducked behind Dominic’s broad frame, pressing close to his back. His scent – pine forests after rain with hints of cinnamon – enveloped me, masking my own pregnancy–altered scent.

“Reed,” Dominic acknowledged coolly, his body subtly shifting to shield me more effectively. “Didn’t expect to see you here”

Alexander approached, his amber eyes scanning Dominic with undisguised curiosity “Just taking Claire to dinner. She’s had a difficult day”

Claire’s tinkling laugh grated on my nerves like nails on glass. ‘Alex, we should ask Dominic if we could use his private dining room. You always said he keeps one booked here.”

I suppressed a grow! at her familiarity with my mate. Ex–mate, I forcefully reminded myself, my nails digging into my palms.

I could practically feel the wheels turning in Alexander’s mind, his wolf’s instincts trying to parse the scents

My eyes widened at how close to the truth his answer was. Technically, he wasn’t lying. My heart pounded so loudly I feared Alexander might hear it.

Alexander’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You’re helping someone sever a mate bond? That’s… unexpected.”

“The circumstances warrant intervention,” Dominic replied coolly. “Her mate has been… neglectful.”

The subtle accusation wasn’t lost on Alexander. His jaw tightened momentarily before he forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Well, you’ve always had a soft spot for damsels in distress,” he commented, trying to keep his tone light though his scent sharpened with irritation. “Though I’m surprised you’d interfere in another wolf’s mating. That’s not typically your style.”

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