Chapter 20: He Likes You
Chapter 20: He Likes You
(Aria’s POV)
Standing outside the restaurant, I finally took a deep breath of the cool night air. My hands were still shaking from our near encounter with Alexander and Claire. The thought of facing them, of seeing Claire’s smug expression when she realized I was with Dominic, made my stomach churn.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I shouldn’t have hidden. I’m the Luna of the Storm Pack- or at least I was. Claire should be the one hiding, not me.”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. What had happened to my pride? To my dignity? I had slapped Alexander three times in the hospital corridor, yet here I was, cowering behind Dominic like a frightened pup.
Dominic’s eyes crinkled with amusement, the silver in them catching the street light.
“Next time, we could just slap their faces instead,” he said with a mischievous smile. “You seem quite skilled
at that.”
My flush deepened. “You saw that?”
“The entire hospital saw that,” he chuckled. “It was… impressive.”
Despite myself, I smiled. “It felt good.”
“I don’t doubt it.” His expression turned more serious. “I’ve arranged for a lawyer to handle your mate bond
severance proceedings. His name is Benjamin Quinn–he’s the best in the territory. Known as the ‘Territorial Territory’s Undefeated Counsel.”
I stared at him, stunned. “You’ve already found a lawyer? But we just agreed-”
“I like to be prepared,” Dominic said simply. “He’ll contact you tomorrow.”
Gratitude washed over me, so intense I had to blink back tears. “Thank you, Dominic. I don’t know what to
say.”
“You don’t need to say anything,” he replied, his voice gentle. “Just take care of yourself… and the pup.”
My hand instinctively went to my belly, my wolf whimpering uncertainly within me. So he had noticed. Of
course he had–Alpha senses were extraordinarily keen.
“Does Alexander know?” Dominic asked quietly.
I shook my head. “No. And I’m not sure if I want him to.”
He nodded, not pressing further. “Let me drive you home.”
The next morning, my phone rang just as I was finishing my tea. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Summers? This is Benjamin Quinn. Dominic Blackwood arranged for me to represent you in your mate
bond severance proceedings,
His voice was crisp and professional, exactly what I’d expect from someone with his reputation.
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Yes, thank you for calling,” I replied, sitting up straighter as if he could see me
1 understand your situation is complicated, he continued. “Could you outline your desired terms for the
severance?
1took a deep breath. This was really happening
*I want a clean break,” I said firmly. “No ongoing financial entanglements. I’ll keep my apartment and personal belongings, but I want nothing from the Storm Pack assets.”
“That’s quite generous, Benjamin noted. “Most Lunas in your position would be entitled to significant
compensation.”
“I don’t want anything that would keep me tied to Alexander, I insisted.
“And what about custody arrangements? Dominic mentioned there might be… considerations.”
My free hand moved protectively over my stomach. “That’s not relevant at this stage.”
There was a brief pause. “I understand. Rest assured, I’ll handle everything from here. You won’t have to deal directly with Alpha Reed unless absolutely necessary.”
After hanging up, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. My wolf seemed calmer too, sensing that the biggest obstacle to our freedom was being removed.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my attention to something I’d neglected for far too long–my passion for herbal medicine. Alexander had always considered it “beneath an Alpha’s Luna” and discouraged me from practicing except in secret.
I gathered my supplies and began preparing several unique remedy samples. My hands remembered the work even after my two–year hiatus, moving confidently as I mixed, ground, and measured.
By noon, I had prepared five different remedies: a strengthening tonic for elderly wolves, a soothing balm for shifting pains, a calming tea for pregnant she–wolves, a salve for battle wounds, and a specialized mixture for moon sickness.
1 packaged each carefully with detailed instructions and sent them to various medicinal cooperatives around the territory. My heart raced with nervousness and excitement. What if my skills had deteriorated? What if no one was interested?
Before I could spiral further into anxiety, my phone rang again. Alexander.
My stomach dropped. Had he already heard about the lawyer? Was he calling to argue or threaten?
With reluctance, I answered. “Hello?”
“Aria.” His voice sounded strained. “It’s my mother. She’s ill.”
That wasn’t what I expected. “Elizabeth? What’s wrong with her?”
“The doctor says it’s stress and worry,” Alexander replied. “She’s been asking for you.”
Suspicion flared within me. “Is this some kind of trick to get me to come back?”
“It’s not a trick,” he insisted, a note of genuine concern in his voice. “She’s really sick.”
I heard rustling, then Elizabeth’s weak voice came through. “Aria, dear? Is that you?”
My heart clenched. Elizabeth had always been kind to me, defending me against Richard’s barbs and
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der 20 Me Likes You
Alexander’s neglect.
“Elizabeth? Are you alright?”
Just a bit under the weather,” she replied, her voice thin and trembling. “Nothing to worry about.”
But I was worried. Elizabeth wouldn’t pretend to be ill just to manipulate me. She had too much pride for that.
“I’ll be right there,” I promised, already reaching for my coat.
As I drove to the Storm Pack’s main house, my hand kept straying to my belly where our unborn pup was growing. What would Elizabeth think if she knew? Would she be happy about a grandchild, even if Alexander and I were separating?
The Reed residence loomed ahead, imposing as always with its stone facade and tall windows. I parked and hurried inside, ignoring the curious glances from pack members who hadn’t expected to see me return.
Lucas Bell met me in the foyer, his expression somber. “Thank you for coming, Luna Summers. The Alpha Mother is upstairs.”
I climbed the familiar staircase, my heart pounding. When I entered Elizabeth’s room, I nearly gasped aloud.
She looked terrible. Her normally vibrant face was pale and drawn, her silver hair limp around her shoulders. She seemed to have aged a decade in just a few days.
“Elizabeth,” I whispered, rushing to her bedside.
She smiled weakly, reaching for my hand. Her fingers were cold and trembling.
“You came,” she said, her voice barely audible. “I wasn’t sure you would.”
I sat beside her, squeezing her hand gently. “Of course I came. What happened? Alexander said you were ill,
but…”
“It’s an old ailment,” she explained. “A heart condition. Stress and worry make it worse.”
Guilt washed over me. Had my abrupt departure contributed to her decline?
“Don’t look so concerned,” Elizabeth chided gently. “I’ve had this for years. Long before you joined our family.”
I bit my lip. “I’m still sorry to see you like this.”
She sighed, her amber eyes–so like Alexander’s–searching my face. “Alexander tells me you’ve hired a lawyer. You’re really going through with the severance.”
It wasn’t a question, but I nodded anyway.
“I’m sad to hear it,” she continued. “I had hoped… well, it doesn’t matter what I hoped. You must do what’s
right for you.”
“He never really loved me,” I said softly. “Not the way a mate should.”
Elizabeth’s grip tightened slightly. “That’s not true, Aria. He does love you. He’s just… complicated.”
My wolf whimpered softly, and I shook my head. “I appreciate you trying to comfort me, but we both know the truth. His heart has always belonged to Claire.”
Before Elizabeth could respond, the door burst open. Richard Reed stood in the doorway, his powerful scent filling the room as he glowered at me.
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Blumen 20 Ne Likes You
“What are you doing here?” he demanded, his amber eyes flashing with anger. “Haven’t you done enough
damage?”
1 straightened my spine, refusing to be intimidated. “I came to see Elizabeth. She asked for me.”
Richard advanced into the room, his Alpha presence threatening despite his retired status. “Playing games, are you? First you want to sever the mate bond, then you cling to my son like a leech.”
His words stung, but I kept my composure. I’m here for Elizabeth, not Alexander.”
Elizabeth began coughing, a harsh sound that shook her frail frame. I quickly helped her sit up, supporting
her shoulders as I reached for the water glass on her bedside table.
“Small sips,” I murmured, holding the glass to her lips. “That’s it.”
Richard’s expression darkened further. “Look what you’ve done! Your very presence upsets her!”
“Richard, please,” Elizabeth gasped between coughs. “Not now.”
He ignored her plea, pointing an accusing finger at me. “You’ve been a jinx to this family from the start! Three years and not a single pup. And now you’re making my mate ill with your selfish games!”
My wolf bristled defensively within me, protective instincts flaring at his aggression. If only he knew I was carrying his grandchild right this moment. But I bit back the retort, focusing instead on helping Elizabeth breathe more easily.
“You’re the one upsetting her,” I said with quiet firmness. “Not me.”
Richard’s face contorted with rage. “You dare speak to me that way? You’re nothing but a stain on our pack’s
bloodline!”
The color drained from Elizabeth’s face as his tirade continued, her breathing becoming more labored. I held her hand, murmuring soothing words as Richard continued his verbal assault.
“A jinx to the Reed pack bloodline,” he spat. “That’s what you are!”
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