Chapter 10: Our Mate Bond Severance
Chapter 10: Our Mate Bond Severance
(Aria’s POV)
The antiseptic scent of the hospital had become almost comforting in its familiarity. I sat beside my mother’s bed, watching her chest rise and fall with each shallow breath.
Dr. Nathan Lewis stood opposite me, his prematurely silver hair catching the fluorescent lights as he reviewed her charts.
“We’re focusing on comfort now,” he explained, his kind eyes meeting mine. The new treatment should minimize her pain while maintaining her quality of life.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “How long?”
He hesitated. “It’s difficult to say with this rare condition. But keeping her stress levels minimal is crucial.”
His words sent a wave of anxiety through me. Stress minimal. How could I ensure that when my own life was falling apart?
“I understand,” I said, forcing confidence into my voice. “I’ll make sure she remains calm.”
My mother stirred, her amber eyes fluttering open. “Aria? Is that you, dear?”
Tm here, Mother,” I reached for her thin hand, covering it with mine.
“Where’s Alexander?” she asked, glancing toward the door.
I hadn’t seen him since he’d rushed to Claire’s side after her “suicide attempt.” Two days had passed.
“Pack affairs,” I lied smoothly, smiling to hide my pain. “You know how busy Alphas can be.”
She seemed to accept this, her eyes brightening. “How’s my grandpup doing?”
“Thriving.” I assured her, placing her frail hand against my still–flat stomach. The doctor says everything looks perfect.”
Dr. Lewis nodded in confirmation, playing along with my charade of normalcy.
*Such a blessing,” my mother whispered, her eyes drifting closed again. “I always knew you two were destined mates.”
The words cut deeper than she could know. I sat with her until she dozed off again, the medication pulling her into a peaceful sleep.
“Thank you,” I said softly to Dr. Lewis as we stepped into the hallway.
“Aria,” he hesitated, “if you need anything–anything at all–Dominic mentioned…
I cut him off with a shake of my head. “I’m fine. Really”
His kind eyes told me he didn’t believe me, but he respected my privacy.
The exhaustion hit me like a wave as I settled into the pack vehicle. The pregnancy was already taking its toll, combining with emotional stress to drain my energy completely. I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, someone was gently shaking my shoulder.
“Aria, dear, we’re here.”
I blinked awake, disoriented. Elizabeth Reed’s kind face swam into focus, and I realized we weren’t at the pack house. “The ceremonial shop?” I asked, confused.
Elizabeth nodded, clearly excited. “I thought we could do your final fitting for the traditional Luna gown today. The ceremony is only weeks away!”
My heart sank. With everything happening. I’d almost forgotten about the formal mating ceremony Alexander had promised my
mother,
I couldn’t bring myself to disappoint my mother–in–law. Unlike her husband Richard, Elizabeth had always shown me kindness.
The ceremonial attire shop was exclusive, serving only the highest–ranking pack members. Inside, delicate chimes announced our arrival. The scent of expensive fabrics and subtle magic filled the air.
“Elder Reed!” The designer emerged from the back, a tape measure draped around her neck. “And Luna Reed! Right on time.”
She ushered us into a private fitting room where my gown waited. It was breathtaking–silver–white silk embroidered with the Storm Pack’s symbolic lightning patterns in subtle thread that seemed to shimmer with each movement.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, genuinely awed.
“Try it on!” Elizabeth urged, her eyes glowing with maternal pride.
The designer helped me into the complex garment, her practiced hands working quickly. As she fastened the intricate closures, I felt the dress tighten uncomfortably around my midsection.
The designer paused, her nose twitching slightly. “Hmm, interesting”
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked.
“Your scent has changed, Luna Summers,” the designer observed. “And your form as well. Perhaps we should adjust the
measurements…”
Her implication was clear. Werewolf senses were keen enough to detect pregnancy early, especially among those with trained
Clumsy Beasts
noses.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened with sudden understanding, looking at me with a mixture of hope and question.
Tve been eating more lately,” I improvised quickly. “Stress from my mother’s illness.”
The designer nodded, though her knowing smile suggested she wasn’t fooled. “TII make the appropriate adjustments.” When she stepped out to gather additional materials, Elizabeth turned to me, her expression serious.
“Aria, where is Alexander today? Really?”
I looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “I haven’t seen him since the hospital.”
Her hand gently touched my shoulder. “I can smell Claire’s scent on your clothes from when you were at the hospital. Was she
there?”
My wolf bristled beneath my skin at the mention of Claire. “She attempted suicide, apparently. Alexander rushed to her side
immediately.”
Elizabeth’s eyes flashed amber with anger. “Again? This is becoming a pattern.”
“What do you mean, again?” I asked sharply.
Elizabeth sighed heavily. “Claire has used this tactic before. When Alexander first announced your mating, she mysteriously fell
“I had no idea,” I whispered.
“You deserve better than this, Aria.” Elizabeth’s words echoed Dominic’s from days earlier.
The designer returned, ending our conversation as she made adjustments to the ceremonial gown. By the time we finished, my energy was completely depleted,
“I need to rest,” I said to Elizabeth as we left the shop. “I have some herbal remedies to prepare for my mother.”
“Of course, dear. She squeezed my hand. “But know this–I’m going to have a serious talk with my son about his behavior.”
Back at the pack house, I dragged myself to our den. The room still carried Alexander’s scent, though it had faded from his absence. I curled up on our bed, one hand resting protectively over my stomach.
“What are we going to do, little one?” I whispered to my unborn pup.
I must have dozed off because I woke to the sensation of someone entering the room. Alexander’s Alpha scent filled the space, strong and familiar.
“Aria?” he called softly. “Are you awake?”
I opened my eyes but didn’t sit up. “I’m awake.”
He approached the bed hesitantly. I’m sorry I left you at the hospital.”
I
“And went running to Claire. Again.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice.
Alexander sighed heavily running a hand through his golden–brown hair. “She attempted suicide, Aria. What was I supposed to
do?”
“How c
convenient that she always has these emergencies whenever you and I need to talk” My tone was arctic.
His amber eyes narrowed slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I sat up, anger giving me renewed energy. “Your mother told me this isn’t the first time Claire has pulled this stunt. She has a pattern of creating dramatic crises whenever she wants your attention.”
“That’s not fair,” Alexander protested. “She’s genuinely troubled.”
“And I’m genuinely tired of being second in my own mate’s life,” I snapped.
Alexander moved to sit beside me, but I shifted away. His face registered the rejection with a flash of hurt.
“It’s not what you think,” he insisted. “Claire and I-”
“Please spare me the explanations,” I interrupted. “You’ve made your priorities clear,”
“She’s lost everything because of me, Alexander said, his voice hollow. “Her mate is disabled because he saved my life. How can
I not feel responsible?”
“Then your obligation should be to her ex–mate,” I pointed out coldly, “not to the woman who abandoned him when he needed her
most.”
Alexander flinched as if I’d struck him. “You don’t understand-”
“I understand perfectly I cut in. “But what I don’t understand is why your guilt toward Claire outweighs your commitment to me.”
Alexander’s shoulders slumped. “I’ve ended it,” he said quietly. All connection with Claire beyond gratitude. I won’t repeat what
happened at the hospital.
I’d heard similar promises before. My wolf whimpered with exhaustion within me..
“Just go, Alexander,” I said, turning away. “I’m too tired for this.”
He reached for my hand, his touch almost desperate. “Aria, please, can we stop this? Your mother is ill. This isn’t the time to be
discussing severing our mate bond.”
Hinge How did we know I was enneidering that?”
appearances and preventing a scandal.
“Please,” he continued, although his voice was soft, I could feel the underlying threatening. “For your mother’s sake, let’s
postpone this discussion. The stress of a mate bond severance could kill her in her condition.”
