Chapter 83: One Down, One to Go
Chapter 83: One Down, One to Go
(Aria’s POV)
Olivia could barely contain her excitement as she pressed play on her phone.
I winced as the unmistakable sounds of intimacy filled the room, Richard Reed’s deep voice was clearly recognizable, even through the audio distortion.
“Olivia! Turn it down!” I hissed, glancing nervously at my apartment door as if someone might burst in at any
moment.
She complied, but her eyes danced with mischief. “Listen to how vigorous the Alpha’s growl is,” she commented with a wicked grin. “Quite different from his son’s supposed performance issues, wouldn’t you say?”
Heat rushed to my face. “That’s not something I want to discuss.
“Come on,” Olivia pressed, leaning forward. “I’m just curious. For all his faults, he is an Alpha. Was he at least good at satisfying his Luna?”
Her wolf’s curiosity was palpable, and I knew she wouldn’t let this go.
“Olivia…” I warned, but memories flooded back unbidden.
The last time Alexander and I were intimate had been nearly three months ago, just before everything fell apart. I remembered the passion in his amber eyes as he’d taken me to our den, his powerful Alpha scent enveloping me completely.
For hours, he’d been attentive, passionate, and seemingly devoted. His wolf had howled with satisfaction while mine purred beneath him. When we finally emerged, dawn was breaking.
“He was… attentive,” I admitted reluctantly.
“That good, huh?” Olivia wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
What I didn’t tell her was how Alexander had arranged for his Beta to take me home afterward, claiming he needed to join his pack mates for wolf–whiskey. At the time, I’d thought nothing of it. Now, I wondered if he’d already been seeing Claire.
A wave of melancholy washed over me. How could moments of such intense connection exist alongside such cold indifference? My wolf whimpered softly within me at the recollection.
Olivia’s expression softened as she noticed my change in mood. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”
I shook my head. “It’s fine. Just bizarre to think about now.”
Olivia quickly changed the subject. “Hey, so I was wondering if I could come with you to that fancy werewo gathering Dominic is hosting? You know, the one with all those influential Alphas from the Northern Territory?”
I welcomed the distraction. “I don’t see why not. Let me call Dominic and ask-”
Chapter 3 one Down Dr
My mobile phone rang before I could finish, Dominic’s name fashing on the display
Hello? I answered, shooting Olivia a surprised look.
“Aria. His deep voice sent an unexpected sliver through me, “I wanted to let you know the event
moved up to tonight.”
Tonight?” I echoed, glancing at Olivia who was leaning closer, trying to eavesdrop.
Til send a dress over within the hour,” he continued. “I noticed you were showing more, so I took the liberty of selecting something in a larger size.”
I instinctively placed a hand on my growing belly. At nearly three months along, my pregnancy was becoming noticeable, especially to other wolves with their heightened senses.
“Thank you,” I said, touched by his thoughtfulness. “Actually, Olivia was just asking if she could come along “Of course she can come,” he said easily. “The more allies you have there, the better. I’ll send something for her as well.”
After thanking him again, I ended the call and turned to Olivia. “You’re officially invited.”
She squealed with delight. “Perfect! This is my chance to make connections with some serious pack players. Do you know how many potential business contacts will be there? My neutral zone commerce management could expand beyond Riverdale territory!”
I smiled at her enthusiasm. “Just remember we’re supposed to be supporting each other. This isn’t just a networking opportunity.”
Her expression grew serious. “Of course. I’ve got your back, Aria. Always”
True to his word, Dominic sent over two garment bags within the hour. Mine contained an elegant maternity dress in deep aubergine that would drape beautifully over my slightly rounded belly. Olivia’s was a striking emerald that complemented her coloring perfectly.
“How did he know my size?” Olivia marveled, holding the dress against herself.
shrugged. “He has his ways.”
By late afternoon, we were both dressed and waiting. Olivia paced excitedly by the window while I sat on the couch, suddenly nervous about attending such a high–profile event with my pregnancy becoming more
obvious.
“There he is!” Olivia announced as Dominic’s luxury SUV with the Shadow Pack emblem pulled up outside Moon Valley Residences.
I stood, smoothing my dress nervously. The material was soft against my sensitive skin, clearly chosen with a pregnant wolf’s comfort in mind.
When we reached the lobby, Dominic was waiting. His tailored black suit emphasized his powerful Alpha build, and his silver–gray eyes warmed visibly when they landed on me.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly, his gaze sweeping over me appreciatively.
“Not too obvious.
I asked, gesturing to my barely visible bump.
“Perfect,” he assured me. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate silver–infused shawl. “This will help filter the overwhelming scents at the gathering. Pregnant wolves can be sensitive.”
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Chapter 83 One Down, On.
I accepted it gratefully, once again touched by his thoughtfulness. Alexander had never considered such. detalls.
“Thank you for including me,” Olivia said as Dominic helped us both Into the SUV.
He nodded politely. “Any friend of Aria’s is welcome.”
The drive to the venue was short but gave me time to study Dominic’s profile as he discussed the event with us, Something about his strong jawline and intense focus made my wolf stir with interest.
The gathering was held in a luxurious indoor garden, specially designed to appeal to werewolf senses. Natural stone pathways wound between flowing water features and carefully cultivated moon–blooms that only opened in the presence of werewolves.
As we entered, several heads turned our way. I felt the weight of curious gazes, no doubt wondering about my connection to the powerful Shadow Pack Alpha.
We had barely made it past the entrance when Dr. Nathan Lewis approached, his expression tense.
“Dominic, we have a situation,” he said in a low voice. “My sister Alison is having quite the argument with your cousin. It’s getting heated.”
I recalled our visit to the Shadow Pack compound. “Your cousin Eva?” I asked Dominic.
He nodded, looking supremely unconcerned. “Let them fight. One down, one to go,” he said dismissively before turning his attention back to me.
“One down?” I questioned, confused by his callous response.
“I’ll explain later,” he murmured, his silver–gray eyes warming as they met mine. “First, let me show you to the refreshment area. They’ve prepared several options that are particularly appealing to pregnant werewolves.” Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment on Dominic’s revelation of my condition.
Dominic guided me through the crowd, his hand a steady presence at the small of my back. Olivia had already spotted someone she recognized and veered off with a quick promise to find me later.
We had just reached the refreshment table when a sharp voice cut through the ambient conversation. “Cousin! I need to speak with you immediately!”
I turned to see a young, attractive female with striking gray eyes–unmistakably a Blackwood–storming toward us. Her long dark hair was styled elaborately, and her expensive outfit screamed of pack privilege. Eva Blackwood’s face was flushed with anger as she approached. “That Lewis she–wolf is impossible! She deliberately spilled moon–wine on my new dress and then had the audacity to claim it was an accident!” Dominic didn’t even look away from selecting a plate for me. “Perhaps it was.”
“It was not!” Eva insisted. “She’s been hostile since the moment I mentioned-”
She stopped abruptly as her gaze finally landed on me. Her posture stiffened instantly, and her wolf’s scent sharpened with hostility.
“Aria Summers?” Her voice rose with indignation. “What are you doing here?!”
