Chapter 42: A Brush of Lips
Chapter 42: A Brush of Lips
(Aria’s POV)
Alexander stood before me, his amber eyes filled with distress. The revelation of Claire’s pregnancy had clearly shaken him, though I knew it couldn’t possibly be his. Not with his infertility issues.
“Aria,” he said, his voice hoarse with emotion, “do you truly want to sever our mate bond?”
For a brief moment, I hesitated. Despite everything he’d done, we shared
I of history. My wolf stirred uncertainly within me, sensing my conflicted emotions.
But then I remembered all the nights I’d cried myself to sleep while he was with Claire. The humiliation of being abandoned at our mating ceremony. The way he wasn’t there when my mother died.
“Yes,” I answered firmly. “I do.”
Alexander’s broad shoulders slumped. He ran a hand through his golden–brown hair and sighed heavily.
“Fine. I’ll meet you at the Territorial Registry Office tomorrow morning.”
I blinked, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. After weeks of fighting me on this, he was finally
agreeing?
Alexander gave me one last long look, his amber eyes searching my face as if memorizing it. Then he turned away, taking Claire’s hand and leading her toward their car.
Claire, clearly pleased with her victory, didn’t bother to lower her voice. “I knew she’d never change her mind! She’s too stubborn. Besides, you still have feelings for her, don’t you? Even though I’m the one pregnant with
your pup!”
Alexander silenced her with a sharp look. “Get in the car, Claire.”
He practically shoved her into the passenger seat before walking around to the driver’s side. I stood frozen in place, watching as they drove away.
The reality of what had just happened slowly sank in. Alexander had agreed to sever our mate bond. After three years of being mated and twelve years of one–sided love, it was finally ending.
A burst of incredulous laughter escaped me. I couldn’t control it. I laughed until tears streamed down my face, attracting curious stares from passersby.
I was going to be free!
As soon as I gathered myself, I pulled out my mobile phone and called Olivia. She answered on the second
ring.
“What’s up?” she asked, the sound of rustling papers in the background.
“He agreed!” I practically shouted into the phone. “Alexander agreed to sever the mate bond!”
“What? No way!” Olivia sounded as shocked as I felt. “What changed his mind?”
“Claire is pregnant,” I explained quickly. “She’s claiming it’s Alexander’s pup.”
< Chapter 42: A Brush of Lips
“But that’s impossible,” Olivia lowered her voice. “You said he can’t have pups”
“I know,” I replied, moving away from the curious ears of other werewolves on the street. “But either he believes her, or he’s using it as an excuse to finally let me go.”
“And you’re okay with that? Him believing some other wolf’s pup is his?”
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I laughed again, the sound lighter than it had been in months. “I don’t care what he believes, as long as he signs those papers tomorrow.”
“True,” Olivia conceded. “What about your own pup, though?”
My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. The irony wasn’t lost on me. While Claire was likely carrying another wolf’s pup and claiming it was Alexander’s, I was carrying his actual heir.
“After we sever the mate bond, I’ll terminate the pregnancy,” I said quietly. “It’s for the best.”
“Are you sure?” Olivia asked gently. “I mean, it’s your decision completely, but…”
“I am,” I replied firmly. “I don’t want to be tied to him forever through a pup.”
I remembered the night it happened. Alexander had come to me drunk on wolf–whiskey, more passionate than he’d been in months. Looking back, I wondered if he’d been thinking of Claire the whole time.
“I’ll go with you,” Olivia promised. “Just tell me when.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a rush of gratitude for my friend. “I should go. I need to finish my work at Silver Leaf.” “Call me after tomorrow,” Olivia instructed. “I want to hear all about the severance meeting.”
The rest of my workday flew by. I was so energized by the prospect of freedom that I completed my herbal remedy preparations ahead of schedule. My supervisor seemed surprised when I submitted all my work early. With time to spare, I decided to pick up groceries on my way home. My pregnant wolf was constantly hungry these days, and I’d been neglecting my pantry.
Arms laden with shopping bags, I waited for the elevator in my new apartment building. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice someone approaching until they were right beside me.
“Need help with those?”
I jumped, nearly dropping a bag of moonberries. Turning, I found Dominic standing there, his silver–gray eyes amused at my startled reaction.
“Sorry,” he chuckled, taking several bags from my arms before I could protest. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s fine,” I said, relaxing as the familiar scent of cedar and mountain air washed over me. “I was just lost in thought.”
The elevator arrived, and we stepped inside. Dominic glanced at the numerous bags in his hands. “Planning to feed an army?” he teased.
“I was running low on everything, I defended myself, though I knew my pregnancy cravings had influ shopping choices.
“Something’s different about you today,” Dominic observed, studying my face. “You’re practically glowing.” I couldn’t hold back my smile. “Alexander agreed to sever the mate bond!”
ed my
Chapter 42 A Brush of Lips
Dominic’s eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. “Really? What changed his mind?”
“Claire is pregnant,” I explained, watching his expression carefully. “Or at least, that’s what she’s claiming”
Understanding dawned in his eyes. “And he believes he’s the father, despite his condition?”
I nodded, still amazed at how smoothly things had worked out. “We’re meeting at the Territorial Registry Office tomorrow morning.”
“That’s excellent news,” Dominic said, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I’m happy for you, Aria.”
The elevator doors opened at our floor, and we walked to my apartment.
“I couldn’t have gotten this far without your help,” I admitted as I unlocked the door. “I owe you so much,
Dominic.”
He followed me inside, setting the grocery bags on the kitchen counter. “You don’t owe me anything. Though I still expect you to fulfill our agreement about visiting my grandmother.”
I laughed, remembering our deal. “Of course. Once the mate bond is severed, I’ll go with you to meet Eleanor
in Shadow Pack territory.”
Dominic began unpacking groceries, arranging them neatly on the counter. I moved to help him but he waved
me away.
“I’ll cook tonight,” he offered. “You provide the ingredients, I’ll provide the labor
“You don’t have to-”
“I want to,” he interrupted, already rolling up his sleeves. “Consider it a pre–celebration for your impending
freedom.”
I couldn’t find it in me to refuse. Especially when I’d already experienced his exceptional cooking skills. “Alright,” I conceded, sitting at the breakfast bar to watch him work. “What are you making?” “You’ll see,” he replied with a mysterious smile.
True to his word, Dominic quickly prepared a surprisingly elaborate meal. The aromas filling my kitchen were mouthwatering, making my pregnant wolf practically purr with anticipation.
We sat at my small dining table, the spread before us looking like something from a high–end restaurant rather than my modest apartment.
“This is incredible,” I said, taking my first bite of perfectly seasoned venison. “You missed your calling as a
chef.”
Dominic chuckled, watching as I enthusiastically sampled every dish. “I doubt being a chef would satisfy my wolf’s need for territory and pack.”
I barely heard him, too focused on the sweet and sour sauce with moonberries that seemed to perfectly satisfy my pregnancy cravings. I ate with gusto, suddenly ravenous.
“You’ve got a little…” Dominic motioned to the corner of his own mouth, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I quickly tried to wipe my face, embarrassed at my messy eating. “Did I get it?”
“No, here,” he pointed to his right cheek.
3/4
<Chapter 42 A Brush of Lips
I mirrored his gesture, wiping at my own cheek, but from his expression, I could tell I was missing the spot.
With a soft laugh, Dominic leaned across the table. “Let me.”
His finger gently brushed against my face, wiping away the sauce. Without thinking, I turned my head slightly.. and my lips accidentally brushed against his fingertip.
The contact was brief, barely a touch, but it sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. My wolf reacted instantly, stirring beneath my skin with interest.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my breath catching in my throat.
I looked up, meeting his gaze – silver–gray, deep, and intensely focused on me.
