Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 13

Ella

This is confusing.

It was much easier for me to hate Sinclair when he was being overbearing and bossy, I’m not sure what to make of all this kindness. It seems too good to be true, and that’s a guaranteed red flag. I learned the hard way growing up as an orphan, if it seems too good to be true, it’s because it is.

At the same time, I can’t bring myself to pull away from Sinclair. He’s still holding and rocking me more tenderly than I ever could have imagined. Has anyone ever held me this way? Mike certainly didn’t, and while Cora has always comforted me in times of need, this does not feel like cuddling Cora. I’m aware of Sinclair’s touch in a way that is far from sisterly, I feel as though I’m being scalded by his heat, and wonder if werewolves run higher temperatures than humans.

It strikes me quite suddenly that if Sinclair is half this attentive with his children, my baby will have more love than I could have possibly hoped for. He really will make a wonderful father – assuming this isn’t some act to make me agree to some new condition on our agreement. Then again, I remember how kind he’s always been to Jake and Millie, how obviously he loves children.

I’m not sure where it comes from, but suddenly I feel a rush of jealousy for the woman who will become his mate. She will be very lucky indeed, and it’s obvious his sperm wasn’t the problem with his past fertility struggles now. They’ll probably have many children together, and my baby can have siblings to love and play with. I might not be able to have a big family, but my child will be part of one – and that’s what’s important, right? So why do I feel so bitter at the thought of another woman being with Sinclair?

I might suspect that a she-wolf would feel threatened by my baby, because it would prevent one of her own pups from becoming Sinclair’s heir, but I know that’s not it either. I snuggle closer as my tears slow, and Sinclair purrs, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. Why is it so hard to pull away from him? Why does the idea of leaving his arms make me so disappointed?

I can’t be attracted to him. I can’t. It’s a recipe for disaster!

“What are you thinking about?” His deep voice sounds in my ear, and I jolt as if I’ve been shocked. I can feel myself coloring already, and when I look up at him, there’s a knowing smirk on his face.

I try to conjure an excuse that would explain my embarrassment, so I confess a half truth, “I was thinking I want more ice cream.”

Sinclair frowns now, eyeing the bowl I’ve just finished. “I think that might be overdoing it. The doctor said you needed a very nutritious diet.”

The baby doesn’t care for this, and neither do I. My craving hasn’t been satisfied yet, and no one has ever deigned to tell me what I can or cannot eat. “I’m an adult, Sinclair. I can see to my own health.”

“I’ve asked you to call me Dominic.” He reminds me, catching me in the crosshairs of his piercing eyes.

“My point remains the same no matter what I call you.” I state tritely, pulling away from him at last. I slip off his knee and rise to my feet. His collar is soaked through with my tears, and though I’m standing and he’s kneeling, he’s still almost as tall as I am. I place my hands on my hips, trying not to cower in the face of his stern expression.

“What if I make you something else, what’s your favorite dish?” Sinclair questions.

Rolling my eyes, I retrieve my bowl and circle around him, heading for the door. My fingers are inches from the handle when a tree trunk arm circles my middle and I’m lifted off my feet. “Hey! Put me down!”

“Such a naughty little human.” Sinclair clucks in disapproval, setting me down on the couch.

“You said I was free to go wherever I wish here.” I remind him. “I want to go to the kitchen.”