Chapter 253
\nMarked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 253<\/p>\n
**Chapter 253: Bumping into Erik**<\/p>\n
**Deanna\u2019s POV:**<\/p>\n
I cast my gaze downward, my voice barely a whisper, \u201cI\u2019ll think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
In that moment, I could feel the weight of Kathryn\u2019s concern pressing down on me. I understood that she was doing everything within her power as a mother to ensure I was safe, to carve out a path that would keep me away from the dangers lurking in the shadows of the Mooncrown Pack.<\/p>\n
Setting her spoon aside, Kathryn leaned closer, her expression earnest and unwavering. \u201cAnd, Deanna\u2014now that you\u2019ve chosen to distance yourself from the Mooncrown Pack, it\u2019s crucial that you also maintain your distance from Mr. Eaton.\u201d<\/p>\n
My hand, which had been poised with the fork and knife, came to an abrupt halt. I took a moment to absorb her words before I nodded slowly, a silent agreement that felt heavy in my chest.<\/p>\n
After dinner, all I craved was a hot shower followed by curling up with my well-worn Guidebook for Expectant Mothers. The thought of indulging in the comforting pages was a welcome distraction from the swirling chaos in my mind.<\/p>\n
As I stood halfway through drying my hair, my phone chimed\u2014a familiar ding that pierced through the quiet of my thoughts.<\/p>\n
The screen illuminated with a message from Luis.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n
This simple phrase had become a nightly ritual since he learned about my pregnancy. Each night, without fail, he sent those same words, and each night, I chose silence in response.<\/p>\n
But tonight felt different. I found myself staring at the screen longer than I usually did, the weight of Kathryn\u2019s advice echoing in my mind.<\/p>\n
I opened his profile, my thumb hovering over the Block Contact option, contemplating the finality of that action.<\/p>\n
I held my breath, the tension building as I prepared to tap Confirm\u2014<\/p>\n
Suddenly, a call interrupted my thoughts.<\/p>\n
It was Violet.<\/p>\n
I answered instinctively, her voice bright and full of warmth washed over me. \u201cDeanna! You won\u2019t believe it! I found a friend whose family runs a farm with the most organic, free-range chickens and pesticide-free veggies. I\u2019ve already mailed a bunch to you!\u201d<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t help but laugh. \u201cAre you trying to make me overweight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPregnancy demands nutrition! I can\u2019t let my god-baby starve!\u201d she retorted playfully, her laughter infectious.<\/p>\n
A thought struck me, and I remembered with a jolt. \u201cYour birthday is in two days! Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n
In the past, Violet\u2019s birthdays were extravagant affairs, each one a grand celebration filled with laughter, friends, and a touch of glamour. I had always been there, a steadfast presence in her life for those significant moments.<\/p>\n
But this year, with my condition, the loud parties and venues filled with alcohol were hardly suitable for someone expecting.<\/p>\n
She chuckled shyly. \u201cI didn\u2019t want you to overexert yourself. I was planning to sneak back at midnight so we could blow out the birthday candles together\u2014just the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
A rush of warmth filled my chest, and I felt my eyes sting with emotion. I smiled softly, \u201cWhat kind of birthday girl leaves her own party halfway? I\u2019m pregnant, not an invalid. I\u2019ll celebrate with you\u2014just not until sunrise this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?! Deanna, that\u2019s more than enough for me! Just stay for the cake. I promise I won\u2019t make you and my god-baby pull an all-nighter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo need,\u201d I replied quickly, stepping sideways to make my exit.<\/p>\n
But then a thought struck me, halting my movement. \u201cHow do you even know I\u2019m pregnant?\u201d<\/p>\n
Erik didn\u2019t flinch at my question. \u201cI own the clinic where you booked the termination.\u201d<\/p>\n
My stomach dropped as the pieces fell into place\u2014he was the one who had informed Luis.<\/p>\n
A chill ran through me, and my expression hardened.<\/p>\n
Erik raised his hands in a gesture of innocence. \u201cI simply believe a father deserves to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
I scoffed softly, the disbelief evident in my voice. \u201cOf course you\u2019d take his side. You\u2019re his friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not defending him. Just pay attention to how he treats you. Really notice it.\u201d<\/p>\n
An uncomfortable silence enveloped us, my gaze dropping to the floor as his words sank in.<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cOh\u2014and last time, didn\u2019t you ask who the girl in that photo in Luis\u2019s office is? Did you ever go check?\u201d<\/p>\n
A memory jolted back to the forefront of my mind. The day I had been hospitalized, I had asked Erik, \u2018Who\u2019s the girl in that photo on Luis\u2019s desk?\u2019<\/p>\n
And now, the question lingered like a haunting echo, begging for answers I wasn\u2019t sure I was ready to confront.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-2335","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}