Chapter 23: Unexpected Encounters
Chapter 23: Unexpected Encounters
(Aria’s POV)
“Maybe she’s pregnant,” Olivia whispered, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of potential gossip. She peered around the corner, watching Claire’s retreating figure with undisguised interest.
“Or maybe she caught something from all her affairs,” she added with a mischievous grin. “Karma works in mysterious ways.”
I sighed heavily, one hand instinctively moving to my belly. The tiny life inside me–the one I’d just considered ending–felt suddenly more precious after seeing the ultrasound.
“Or maybe she’s pregnant and trying to trap Alexander?” Olivia continued, her wolf’s curiosity clearly piqued. “That would explain why she’s been so desperate to keep him close.”
“Can we please just leave?” I asked, my voice betraying my exhaustion. The emotional toll of the day had drained me completely.
My friend ignored me, continuing to peer through the c***k in the door. “Just a minute. I want to see if she gets any paperwork. That might tell us something.”
“Olivia, please.” I leaned against the wall, suddenly lightheaded. My wolf whimpered within me, confused by the day’s events and the contradictory signals I was sending.
Finally, after Claire had disappeared from view, Olivia relented. She looped her arm through mine, supporting me as we made our way toward the exit.
“I’m telling you, she’s hiding something big,” Olivia insisted as we stepped into the bright afternoon sunlight. “The OB/GYN department? Sunglasses and a scarf indoors? Classic sneaky behavior.”
I closed my eyes briefly, the sunlight intensifying my growing headache. “I’m tired of hearing her name. Can
we drop it?”
Olivia opened her mouth to argue but must have seen something in my expression that made her reconsider. She squeezed my arm gently instead. “Fine. Let’s get you home so you can rest.”
We had barely made it halfway across the parking lot when a car horn sounded. I turned to see a sleek black luxury vehicle pulling alongside us.
The window rolled down to reveal Dominic Blackwood, his silver–gray eyes immediately finding mine.
“Ladies,” he greeted, his deep voice carrying easily through the air. “Need a ride?”
My wolf perked up immediately at his scent–pine forests after rain with hints of cinnamon–a reaction that
confused me.
“Actually, we were just heading out for lunch,” Olivia replied before I could speak. “Care to join us?”
I shot her a look, but she pretended not to notice.
Dominic’s gaze lingered on my face, concern flickering in those perceptive eyes. “You look tired, Aria. Are you
alright?”
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Tm fine, I lled. Just a routine checkup.”
He didn’t look convinced but didn’t press me further. “Then lunch sounds good. Hop in.”
Olivia practically pushed me toward the passenger side while she took the back seat. “Such a gentleman, offering us a ride and lunch,” she said with a grin that made me want to kick her.
“I actually didn’t offer lunch,” Dominic pointed out with amusement as he pulled away from the curb. “But I’m happy to extend the invitation.”
I fidgeted with my purse strap, feeling slightly awkward. “You paid last time. If we’re going to eat together, it’s my turn.”
His lips quirked upward. “Are we establishing a pattern, Ms. Summers?”
The formal address made me smile despite myself. “Just fairness, Mr. Blackwood.”
“Where to?” he asked, navigating through the hospital parking lot with easy confidence.
I thought for a moment. “Moonlight Grill? They have good lunch specials.”
Dominic’s eyes brightened with recognition. “The place near the old territory gathering hall? I remember their moon–seared steaks.”
“You’ve been there?” I asked, surprised he would remember such a modest establishment.
“We used to go after territory meetings,” he replied. “You were there a few times, I think. With Alexander.”
The mention of my mate–soon to be ex–mate–sent a pang through my chest. “Yes,” I said quietly. “I remember.”
Dominic seemed to sense my discomfort and smoothly changed the subject, asking Olivia about her work as territory manager while we drove.
Moonlight Grill was crowded when we arrived, filled with the lunch rush of both werewolves and humans. The mingled scents–food, people, spices–made my sensitive pregnancy senses work overtime. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm me.
We found a table near the back, away from the busiest sections. A waitress recognized Dominic immediately, her eyes widening as she took in his powerful Alpha presence.
“Alpha Blackwood,” she breathed, nearly dropping her notepad. “It’s an honor to serve you.”
He nodded politely, seemingly unfazed by her awe. “Thank you. We’ll need a moment with the menus.”
As she hurried away, I raised an eyebrow at him. “Famous everywhere, aren’t you?”
He shrugged, a hint of embarrassment crossing his features. “A mixed blessing. Makes it hard to have a quiet meal sometimes.”
We ordered quickly–moon–seared steaks for Dominic and me, and a special herb salad for Olivia. The waitress had just left when a group of young wolves pushed past our table, jostling me roughly.
I stumbled, nearly falling, but Dominic’s hand shot out with Alpha speed, steadying me with a firm grip on my
arm.
“Careful,” he murmured, his touch sending an unexpected warmth through me.
withd
“Thank you,” I said, withdrawing my arm perhaps too quickly. The sensation had startled me–and seemingly
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my wolf as well, who stirred with interest.
- 25.
Our food arrived promptly, the perfectly prepared steak reminding me of why werewolves favored this place. The meat was seared just enough to seal in the juices while leaving the center rare–exactly how our wolves preferred it.
“This is exactly how I remember it,” Dominic commented, clearly enjoying his meal.
I nodded, taking small, careful bites. My appetite had been unpredictable since the pregnancy began.
Suddenly, Olivia’s phone rang with the distinctive tone she used for work emergencies. She grimaced, answering quickly.
“What? When?” Her expression grew serious as she listened. “Yes, I understand. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
She hung up and looked at us apologetically. “Border dispute between trading packs. They need a territory manager immediately.”
Dominic nodded understanding. “Go. We’ll be fine.”
Olivia gathered her things, throwing me a meaningful glance that I deliberately ignored. “Sorry to abandone you. The bill’s on me next time.”
And just like that, she was gone, leaving me alone with Dominic.
The atmosphere shifted subtly. Without Olivia’s chatter, I became acutely aware of Dominic’s presence across the table. My wolf seemed unusually alert, her senses heightened in a way I didn’t fully understand.
“So,” I began just as Dominic said, “I was thinking-”
We both stopped and smiled.
“You first,” he offered.
“I was just going to ask about the weekend,” I said. “For visiting your grandmother.”
“Actually, that’s what I was going to discuss,” he replied, setting down his utensils. “I’ve made arrangements
for us to leave tomorrow, if that works for you.”
“Tomorrow?” I repeated, surprised at the short notice.
He nodded. “Eleanor doesn’t like to be kept waiting. She’s… formidable.”
“Formidable,” I echoed with a nervous laugh. “That’s encouraging.”
“She won’t bite,” he assured me with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “At least, not you.”
We finished our meal in comfortable silence. When the check came, I insisted on paying despite his protests.
“You can get it next time,” I said, then immediately wondered if there would be a next time.
As we left the restaurant, Dominic suggested, “Would you like to visit the Neutral Grounds? It’s not far from
here.”
I hesitated. The Neutral Grounds were where young wolves from different packs used to gather for socialization and friendly competitions. I hadn’t been there in years.
“Is it even open to visitors?” I asked. “I thought they restricted access these days.”
3/5
“They buka sampughs, he said with enduring 78 vaikutad she of his Alpha dryne
Nostalgie for simpler times tugged in me Xing grough part of me wonderat if this was wise વરત માનસન્સનું વધતું હતું છે
Tindaisgreining,
The drie is the Neutral Grounds was briet. When we enved at the gate, I was surprised to see the guard wave us through without question after spotting Dorf.
They really do mate exceptions for you, I commerned as we parked
He emited enigmatically, ten’s just say I have a good relationship with Elder Marcus
We strolled around the training fields and meeting areas, now mostly empty since it was a weekday afternoon Everything looked smaller than i remembered, yet the scents and sounds instantly transported me back to my youth.
used to come here with my brother,” I said, gazing at the training rings where young wolves practiced their combat skills Before I knew Alexander
The mention of his name brought unwelcome memories flooding back. This was where I’d first seen Alexander, competing in a strength contest against other young Alphas. Where I’d watched him, admired him from afar, years before our wolves recognized each other as mates.
My wolf whimpered within me, confused by the memories and our current situation. The weight of recent events–my mother’s death, Alexander’s betrayal, my pregnancy, the mate bond severance–suddenly felt crushing.
Dominic must have sensed my distress. He kept a respectful distance, allowing me space with my thoughts.
“Maybe we should leave,” I suggested quietly after several minutes of silence.
He nodded without question. “Of course.”
As we reached the gate, our car was suddenly surrounded by several official–looking wolves. At their center stood Elder Marcus himself, a dignified older werewolf with silver hair and penetrating blue eyes.
“Alpha Blackwood,” he greeted warmly, extending his hand. “What a pleasant surprise. We weren’t expecting you today.”
“Elder Marcus,” Dominic replied, clasping the older wolf’s forearm in traditional greeting. Just showing Ms. Summers around the grounds.”
Elder Marcus turned to me, recognition dawning in his eyes. “Little Aria Summers? My, you’ve grown into a
beautiful she–wolf.”
I smiled, touched that he remembered me. “Thank you, Elder. It’s been many years.”
“Indeed it has,” he agreed, his gaze moving between Dominic and me with obvious curiosity. “I must thank you, Alpha Blackwood. Your donation has allowed us to improve the safety features for our young trainees.”
“Donation?” I glanced at Dominic questioningly.
Elder Marcus answered before Dominic could, “Alpha Blackwood has generously funded new training equipment and safety barriers for our young wolves. The formal announcement isn’t until next week, but the impact is already being felt.”
I looked at Dominic with newfound appreciation. He seemed almost embarrassed by the elder’s praise.
“It’s a worthy cause,” he said simply.
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Elder Marcus smiled broadly. “Well, when can we expect the marking ceremony invitations? All the elders will
want to attend, of course.”
Marking ceremony?” I repeated, confused.
“For you and Alpha Blackwood,” Elder Marcus clarified, looking between us expectantly. “You are to be mated,
are you not?”
Before I could correct him, Dominic’s hand came to rest on the small of my back, warm and steady.
“We’ll be sure to send invitations to all the elders,” he said smoothly, his silver–gray eyes meeting mine with an
intensity that made my wolf sit up and take notice.
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