Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 253

**Chapter 253: Bumping into Erik**

**Deanna’s POV:**

I cast my gaze downward, my voice barely a whisper, “I’ll think about it.”

In that moment, I could feel the weight of Kathryn’s 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.

Setting her spoon aside, Kathryn leaned closer, her expression earnest and unwavering. “And, Deanna—now that you’ve chosen to distance yourself from the Mooncrown Pack, it’s crucial that you also maintain your distance from Mr. Eaton.”

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.

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.

As I stood halfway through drying my hair, my phone chimed—a familiar ding that pierced through the quiet of my thoughts.

The screen illuminated with a message from Luis.

“Good night.”

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.

But tonight felt different. I found myself staring at the screen longer than I usually did, the weight of Kathryn’s advice echoing in my mind.

I opened his profile, my thumb hovering over the Block Contact option, contemplating the finality of that action.

I held my breath, the tension building as I prepared to tap Confirm—

Suddenly, a call interrupted my thoughts.

It was Violet.

I answered instinctively, her voice bright and full of warmth washed over me. “Deanna! You won’t believe it! I found a friend whose family runs a farm with the most organic, free-range chickens and pesticide-free veggies. I’ve already mailed a bunch to you!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you trying to make me overweight?”

“Pregnancy demands nutrition! I can’t let my god-baby starve!” she retorted playfully, her laughter infectious.

A thought struck me, and I remembered with a jolt. “Your birthday is in two days! Why didn’t you tell me?”

In the past, Violet’s 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.

But this year, with my condition, the loud parties and venues filled with alcohol were hardly suitable for someone expecting.

She chuckled shyly. “I didn’t want you to overexert yourself. I was planning to sneak back at midnight so we could blow out the birthday candles together—just the two of us.”

A rush of warmth filled my chest, and I felt my eyes sting with emotion. I smiled softly, “What kind of birthday girl leaves her own party halfway? I’m pregnant, not an invalid. I’ll celebrate with you—just not until sunrise this year.”

“Really?! Deanna, that’s more than enough for me! Just stay for the cake. I promise I won’t make you and my god-baby pull an all-nighter.”

“No need,” I replied quickly, stepping sideways to make my exit.

But then a thought struck me, halting my movement. “How do you even know I’m pregnant?”

Erik didn’t flinch at my question. “I own the clinic where you booked the termination.”

My stomach dropped as the pieces fell into place—he was the one who had informed Luis.

A chill ran through me, and my expression hardened.

Erik raised his hands in a gesture of innocence. “I simply believe a father deserves to know.”

I scoffed softly, the disbelief evident in my voice. “Of course you’d take his side. You’re his friend.”

“I’m not defending him. Just pay attention to how he treats you. Really notice it.”

An uncomfortable silence enveloped us, my gaze dropping to the floor as his words sank in.

He added, “Oh—and last time, didn’t you ask who the girl in that photo in Luis’s office is? Did you ever go check?”

A memory jolted back to the forefront of my mind. The day I had been hospitalized, I had asked Erik, ‘Who’s the girl in that photo on Luis’s desk?’

And now, the question lingered like a haunting echo, begging for answers I wasn’t sure I was ready to confront.