All Chapters of Accidental: Alpha's Surrogate Bride: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Ilaria's POV “Reed,” I said quietly, twisting my fingers together. “Don’t go to Blue Moon Pack. I don’t want… any more ties to them.”His pen stilled. Then he looked calmly at me. “I’ll be with you,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”Relief washed through me, but then my phone buzzed. The screen lit up. It was Calista. What did she want?‘Come to my birthday party tomorrow. If you don’t, I’ll show everyone the nude photos.’My stomach dropped. I turned the phone face-down quickly. Reed couldn’t see this.My pulse raced. Calista always knew how to corner me.Reed was already back to his work, his voice low as he gave instructions. But his promise echoed in my head, steadying me.I let myself look at him. Strong jaw, broad shoulders, every move controlled.For a second, when he glanced my way, I thought I saw tenderness. Did he… like me?No. It was the baby. It had to be.Still, my cheeks burned. When his gaze caught mine, I panicked and looked down, fussing with my sleeve.Even so, I felt h

The banquet hall glittered with light as the guests moved around, voices rising in laughter and greetings. The music swelled, announcing the start of the evening.The tall doors swung open. Bill entered first, his presence commanding the room’s attention. At his side, Calista swept in, her mother trailing just behind.Calista was draped in an extravagant gown that shimmered with every step. Jewels sparkled at her throat and wrists, her hair arranged to perfection. She smiled, basking in the wave of admiration that greeted her.“She’s dazzling,” someone whispered.“Bill’s daughter looks every bit the princess,” another murmured.Calista tilted her chin proudly, the center of every gaze. Her mother lingered close, lips curved in a satisfied smile.I stood looking into the hall, my hands trembling against the fabric of my skirt. Lyra had gone to park the car so I had to do this alone, then.My chest tightened, but there was no turning back. I took a deep breath and stepped into the hall.

Ilaria's POV After the banquet, things quieted down. Bill and the others didn’t make a move for weeks. For once, my life started to feel normal again.That afternoon, I decided to take Reed a cake I had made for him. The sun was warm on my skin as I crossed the lobby of his company building, the glass doors reflecting the city outside.But the moment I reached the elevator, my stomach turned. A sharp wave of nausea hit me without warning. I pressed a hand to my mouth and leaned against the wall, gagging quietly.The elevator doors slid open just then.A familiar voice cut through the air. “Well, well. What’s this?”Calista stepped out, eyes narrowing as they swept over me. Before I could straighten, she grabbed my arm, her fingers digging into my skin.“Why are you gagging?” Her voice was low but edged with mockery. “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant… with his child?”I forced in a breath, meeting her gaze. “I took some medicine earlier. It messed with my stomach. That’s all.”Her brows

Ilaria's POV I thought that was the end of it. That maybe, for once, I may have a moment to breathe.But peace never lasted long around her.The air in the produce aisle went cold in an instant.Calista’s shove had knocked me back a step, my grip tightening on the basket to steady myself. A few heads turned our way, curious but unwilling to interfere. My pulse thudded in my ears.“What’s wrong?” Calista tilted her head, her smile sinister. “Didn’t think I’d recognize you? A miserable servant shopping for fruit?” Her voice dripped with mockery.Before I could speak, Lyra stepped between us. Her hand brushed mine and I felt the heat of her anger radiating off her.Her posture had the quiet authority of someone who didn’t need to raise her voice to make others listen.“Watch your mouth,” Lyra said evenly. “She’s not a servant. She’s Reed’s mate.”The chatter around us faltered. Calista’s smirk wavered, though only for a second.“Mate?” she repeated, her tone light but edged. “You’re jok

Ilaria's POV I tugged on a pair of soft slacks and pulled my hoodie over my head before leaving the room. I padded down the stairs, brushing damp strands of hair away from my face.Halfway down, I froze.Reed was standing near the entrance, tall and composed, and in front of him was Calista. Her posture was coy, her hand brushing against his arm slowly.My stomach knotted.She saw me almost immediately. That smug, glittering smile appeared on her face. She leaned closer to him, lowering her voice, angling her body so I couldn’t mistake what she was doing.Reed’s posture tensed. I couldn’t hear what he was saying but they looked intimate and perfect together.Of course. She was everything a Luna was supposed to be. I’d known this from the beginning. Someone like me couldn’t compare. No wonder Reed wanted her. My fingers clenched in the pocket of my hoodie. The heat behind my ribs ached. I didn’t want to watch another second. I didn’t want to feel the same helpless weight I’d felt so