Chapter 1: Are You Pregnant?
1246 Words
Chapter 1: Are You Pregnant?
(Aria's POV)
"I have wonderful news, Luna," Dr. Sarah Mills said, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "You're pregnant! About six weeks along. Everything looks perfect."
My hand flew to my mouth. After a full year of disappointment, of watching Alexander's face fall each time I shook my head, we finally had our miracle.
Dr. Mills handed me a folder of prenatal papers and vitamin schedules. "You've been so patient throughout this process. I'm truly happy for you and Alpha Reed."
Alexander. I needed to tell him immediately.
I practically floated out of Silvercrest Hospital, clutching the folder to my chest. Our pack would finally have its heir. My wolf, Ember, purred with contentment inside me for the first time in months.
I told my driver to take me to the pack house immediately. As the car pulled away from the hospital, my phone rang. Mother's face appeared on the screen, her warm amber eyes crinkling at the corners from her smile in the photo.
"Hi, Mother," I answered, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.
"Little wolf," she said, using my childhood nickname. Her voice sounded weaker today, I noticed with a pang. "How are you, sweetheart?"
"I'm good. How are you feeling today?" I asked, concerned about the fatigue in her tone.
"Oh, the same." She dismissed her condition like always. "I was thinking about you and Alexander. Have you discussed the formal mating ceremony yet?"
I bit my lip. The traditional ceremony should have happened shortly after our official mating, but Alexander's grandfather had fallen ill, and then there were always pack matters, business deals, territory negotiations...
"We haven't set a date yet," I admitted.
Mother's sigh was soft but filled with longing. "I would love to see you both participate in the ceremony before I..." She trailed off.
"Don't talk like that," I said quickly. "You'll be fine."
"Dear, we both know my condition isn't improving." Her pragmatism was gentle but firm. "It would mean everything to me to see my daughter properly celebrated as Luna before I pass."
My throat tightened. "We're planning it, Mother. I promise."
"Good," she said, sounding relieved. "I love you, dear."
"I love you too."
After hanging up, guilt gnawed at me. I hadn't exactly lied, but Alexander hadn't mentioned the ceremony in months. Now with the baby coming, though, surely he would want to make everything official.
My phone rang again. Alexander's name flashed on the screen.
"Alexander!" I answered eagerly. "I have amazing-"
"Aria," he cut me off, his voice pitched low and professional. "I'll be working late tonight. Don't wait up."
I frowned. "But I have something important to tell you."
A feminine laugh sounded in the background. My spine stiffened.
"Sorry, can't talk now. Important meeting. I'll see you tomorrow." He hung up before I could respond.
I stared at my phone in disbelief, then reopened social media. Claire had posted again just two minutes ago: "Visiting the pack house" with a photo of a man's back by a large window. The broad shoulders and golden-brown hair were unmistakable. Alexander.
My chest tightened as I stepped out of the car at the Reed Pack headquarters, noticing the massive LED display on the building's facade.
Claire's face beamed down at me, her perfect smile announcing her as "Chief Healer of Reed Pack's New Healing Institution."
When had that happened? Alexander hadn't mentioned any new appointment.
I pushed open his office door without knocking.
Alexander stood by his desk, leaning over documents. Claire sat comfortably on the leather couch, legs tucked beneath her as if she belonged there. Both looked up at my entrance.
"Aria," Alexander straightened, surprise flickering across his handsome face. "I thought I told you I was working late."
"You did." I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. "But I needed to see you."
Claire's smile was honey-sweet as she stood. "Aria! What a lovely surprise. Alexander and I were just discussing my new position."
I ignored her, focusing on Alexander. "I need to speak with you. Alone."
Alexander frowned. "Claire is our chief healer now. Whatever you need to say-"
"Is private," I finished firmly.
Claire placed a hand on Alexander's arm, the gesture casual yet possessive. "Don't worry, I understand mate things." She winked at me. "Though you should know, Aria, there's no need to be territorial. Alexander and I have been friends since we were pups."
More than friends, I thought bitterly, but kept my expression neutral.
Alexander stepped toward me, finally giving me his full attention. "What is it? You look... different."
I felt a flutter of hope. Maybe he could sense the change in me already. I took a deep breath and reached for his hand.
"Alexander, I-"
A sharp crash interrupted me. Claire had knocked over her crystal water glass, sending shards scattering across the hardwood floor.
"Oh!" she cried out, bending to pick up the pieces. "I'm so clumsy!"
"Don't touch that!" Alexander immediately released my hand and rushed to her side. "You'll cut yourself."
Too late. A small gasp escaped Claire as blood welled from her index finger. The scent hit the air-sharp, tangy, distinctive.
Alexander's protective instincts flared instantly. He crouched beside her, taking her hand in his with a gentleness that made my wolf whimper in confusion.
"What were you thinking?" he scolded, but his tone was soft with concern. "Let me see."
I stood frozen, watching my mate tend to another woman with care that should have been reserved for me alone. The scene felt surreal, like I was watching from outside my body.
Claire looked up at me through her lashes. "Oh, it's nothing serious - I'm just clumsy. Please, go ahead with what you were saying, Aria."
Her tone was gracious, yielding - the picture of a considerate friend stepping aside. But the damage was already done. My moment was shattered, the words I'd rehearsed scattered like the glass on the floor. And she knew it.
I managed a strained smile, my heart fracturing along invisible fault lines.
"I should get this cleaned properly," Claire said, making no move to withdraw her hand from Alexander's. She stood, and he rose with her, still holding her injured finger. "You two continue your... show of affection. I'll see myself out."
The way she said "show of affection" carried a subtle challenge - not the words of an outsider making an innocent remark, but of someone who knew exactly how little affection existed between Alexander and me. As if she had been keeping score.
As Claire passed through the doorway, her gaze lingered briefly on the portrait of Richard Reed hanging in the hallway. Her lips curved into the faintest smile - a private, satisfied expression that vanished before anyone else could catch it. I noticed, but the thought had no time to take root.
Because the lingering scent of Claire's expensive perfume mixed with her blood hit me differently now - my wolf's senses heightened by pregnancy.
Nausea rolled through me in a violent wave. I bolted for the bathroom and barely made it before emptying my stomach.
When I finally straightened, wiping my mouth, Alexander stood in the doorway. His expression shifted - but not to the joy I'd imagined. A shadow of something crossed his face first. Unease. Almost dread. Then it settled into a careful frown.
"Aria, you..." Alexander studied me for a long moment. "You... are you pregnant?"
- Writer
