Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 102

Ella

Sinclair calls soon after the news about the Princess breaks, explaining that he’ll probably be stuck at the office until late this evening as a result. He was relieved to hear that Henry and Roger were at the house with me, and made me promise to call him if I need anything.

The three of us spent the afternoon discussing ideal qualities to look for in a potential second-chance mate for Sinclair, which proved surprisingly difficult. Apparently Sinclair had a few serious girlfriends in high school before Lydia came along, then a few more who were more akin to distractions while she continued to date Roger. There hasn’t been anyone since they divorced, which is why he apparently always got photographed with different women – because he never wanted to lead anyone on with second dates when he knew it wasn’t going to go anywhere.

Combined, this meant that his only serious interests amounted to boyhood daliances, his evil fated mate, and me – a human he can’t ever be with. Try making a dating profile out of that.

I wish there was some way I could just become a wolf. I think, standing in front of the bathroom mirror and staring at my reflection, just because it’s an excuse to be on my feet. In horror movies all werewolves have to do is bite a human, then they’re changed forever. I know all that isn’t real, but part of me still wishes it could be.

I’d love to transform. My inner voice agrees wistfully. To be free to lope through the forest under the full moon.

Can you imagine what it would feel like to be so powerful? I reply, relieved that we’re on the same page for once. I’ve never felt powerful in my life. It would be nice to know what that’s like… at least once.

We’re powerful in at least one way. My conscience proclaims, ever the optimist when I’m trying to feel down on myself. We made a baby. We’re growing Sinclair’s pup. If that’s not power, what is?

“You okay Ella?” Roger’s voice floats through the door, and I push away my thoughts.

Pulling my gaze from my reflection, I swing the door open, eyeing the waiting wolf indignantly. “You know just because I’m on bed rest, it doesn’t mean I can’t stand up every now and then.”

“And if I know my brother, his response would be that stalling and making up reasons to stay upright every time you have an excuse to be on your feet is cheating.” Roger replies, flashing me a grin.

I narrow my eyes at him. That’s exactly what Sinclair would say, but whereas Sinclair’s scolding has the power to make me shake in my boots, Roger’s just irks me. “Well, Dominic isn’t here.” I remind him, turning my nose up.

“Oh really?” A deep voice sounds from the doorway, and I jolt slightly, turning to find Sinclair watching us with raised brows.

“You’re home!” I exclaim, glancing at the clock. It’s already ten PM, but I barely noticed how quickly the night passed.

“I am.” Sinclair confirms, prowling forward with lethal grace. “And from the sounds of it, not a moment too soon.”

I willingly melt into his arms when he reaches for me, lifting my feet off the ground as I’m enveloped in a warm hug. “I was only up for a minute.” I tell him, breathing in his scent.

Sinclair trails kisses over my hair, “Now why don’t I believe you?” He inquires, his amused voice a low rumble in my ear.

“Because you’re a suspicious ogre who assumes the worst of people?” I suggest, batting my lashes at him and adopting an innocent tone as I add, “even the mother of your child.”

The big Alpha chuckles, “Of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a bundle of pure mischief.”

Before I can respond, we’re given a much-needed reminder that we aren’t alone. “I think it’s time for us to go, Roger.” Henry observes, eyeing us with a guarded expression. “Dominic, walk us out?”

“Of course.” He deposits me on the couch with a warning to stay put until he returns. I know I should do as he says, but at the same time, I’m impossibly curious about what Henry might have to say to Sinclair after our visit today. Is this something about the Princess’s death? Is he angry with us for keeping the secret about my identity for so long? Was he merely being kind when he told me he didn’t care if I was human?