Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 151

Ella

The journey to the hidden territories was swift once we reached the coast.

We boarded a small plane and ascended into the heavens at top speed, and I swear Sinclair didn’t relax until we were cruising at 30,000 feet. I didn’t realize how tense he’d been even after we left Moon Valley, until we were out of danger and his muscles finally unwound.

The flight took more than six hours, though I slept most of the way. When we finally landed Sinclair gently untangled our bodies, which instantly woke me. I emit a sleepy moan, looking up at him blearily. “Are we there?”

“Yes,” He confirms, leaning over to cup my cheek. “But stay here until I can make sure it’s safe, okay?”

Without another word, he disappears out the door with his men, descending the small staircase leading down to the tarmac. I lurch to my feet, moving to the windows to look outside. My first glimpse of the hidden territories takes my breath away; the horizon is dominated by a glittering lake, framed beneath the towering peaks of snow-capped mountains. At the center of the lake, looking as though it’s floating on the water, is an opulent city which is only visible at certain angles. The rest of the time it looks like nothing more than a ball of light.

Eager to get out and explore, I quickly spy my mate, prowling around the area with Hugo and our guards to make sure no danger is hiding just out of sight. In the distance I can also see a line of shiny cars waiting for us, and I roll my eyes. Overprotective wolves.

I emerge from the plane and breathe in the foreign air, my newly awakened senses assailed by strange and unfamiliar scents. I cradle my belly in my arms, feeling a wave of curiosity from my pup. Rafe may not know what’s going on, but he knows I’m feeling alight with interest. “Are you ready, my darling?” I ask him, “We’re going on an adventure.” He flutters in my womb, and I feel thoroughly encouraged.

I don’t even get to the end of the platform before Sinclair turns and sees me. A wave of disapproval assails me, and then his voice sounds in my head. I told you to stay put.

What, so you can protect me from all this fresh air and the beautiful landscapes? I sass in reply, taking the first step down the stairway. Sinclair bounds to my side in an instant, scooping me up and growling deep in his chest. “Naughty mate, you have no idea what dangers could be awaiting us.”

“Oh, like the bath snakes you once warned me about?” I ask archly, finding it impossible not to smile at the memory.

“That was a joke. This isn’t.” Sinclair grimaces. “We’re in unknown territory now – quite literally. Don’t ask me to take your safety for granted because I won’t do it, Ella.”

“We have to feel safe somewhere, Dominic.” I reply gently, stroking his jaw. “Otherwise we’ll drive ourselves crazy with worry.”

“The only place I ever feel you’re safe is when you’re in my arms.” Sinclair shares, and suddenly I understand why he’s always touching me. It’s not only for affection, but his own comfort as well.

“Then what on earth were you doing leaving me alone in a plane?” I tease, nuzzling my face against his neck.

My mate shakes his head with an indulgent purr, “how we ever thought you were human, I’ll never know.” Sinclair remarks dryly. “Only she-wolves can manage to be so insolent and so sweet at once.”

I giggle as he carries me down the steps, belatedly realizing that we probably left the secrets of my past behind and out of reach. Of course, thoughts of my past only make me think of my sister, “When will Cora arrive?”

“Soon.” Sinclair promises, kissing my brow. “They were coming from the shadow pack.” I don’t need more explanation. When we fled we took different paths for the sake of safety, and Roger, Henry and Cora had gone east while we’d gone west. It makes sense that the others had a longer journey.

As Sinclair carries me towards the line of cars, the back door to the middle vehicle opens, and then a distinguished looking man emerges. He’s probably five or six years older than Sinclair, and thus a decade older than me, but he welcomes us with a wide smile and open arms. “Dom!”

“Gabriel!” Sinclair replies, flashing his fangs but showing no aggression. He puts me down only long enough to embrace the other man, then promptly tucks me under his arm. “This is my mate, Ella. Ella, this is King Gabriel MontClair of Vanara.”

My eyes widen when I hear this man is royalty, but then again my mate was almost a king as well. I extend my hand to him, “Pleasure to meet you.”

Gabriel clasps both of his hands around mine. “It’s an honor.” He replies warmly, a somber note entering his expression as he looks back and forth between us. “I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through.”

“Why? You didn’t do it.” I quip, before I can think better of it.