Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 161

Ella

When we return to the palace I go straight upstairs to the office Sinclair has been using as his war room. Of course, there was a war room in his mansion back home too, but that one had been for the campaign, this one is only too literal.

When I walk into the tense space, I find my mate standing over a large diorama of the continent,a to-scale model of the territories, terrain and cities of our homeland. Tiny figures are scattered throughout the lifelike reproduction, forming armies, groups of civilians, rogues and refugees. A group of warriors surround the table supporting the miniature world, listening as Hugo delivers the evenings brief.

“Our spies report that despite their alliances during the campaign, Damon’s armies have now turned against rogue forces in the neutral territories. Apparently his conquest of the united packs is complete enough that he’s able to turn his attention to other threats, and he’s not hesitating to do just that.” Hugo explains. “Any resistance in the packs has gone underground because of his severe crackdown, and more and more shifters are attempting to escape. These are mostly those who have reason to fear the Prince due to their politics or status in the pack, but others flee for no other reason than the loss of their homes and loved ones. The people recognize that any future under Damon’s rule is bound to be bleak, so they’re leaving instead.”

“I can’t believe he’s done so much in so little time.” One of the warriors pipes up. I recognize the man as Sinclair’s third now that Gabriel is gone, but I can’t quite recall his name. Philip? Phelan? Phineas?

“To your point, Philippe, Damon has moved very quickly. He hasn’t just gone after the Alpha council and their betas, he’s been taking out the elders in each pack as well, plus any wolves that might be strong enough to make a claim for Alpha. He’s eliminated any and all competition, created a power vacuum everywhere but on the throne. It’s nothing new in terms of authoritarianism, but it’s damned effective.”

“Do we know if any of the elders have survived?” Sinclair inquires, his handsome face twisted into a grimace.

“If they have then they’re in hiding or attempting to escape.” Hugo sighs. “Essentially anyone who might have helped us has gone radio silent out of fear of detection, and rightly so.”

“So basically we’re on our own.” Sinclair assesses gravely, “Even if we can dredge up some alliances in Vanara, we’re likely going to be going in blind when we return home.”

I feel a pang of deep sympathy for my mate, one I apparently sent through the bond, because no sooner have I processed the feeling than Sinclair’s head jerks towards the door, eyes searching. I realize he was so focused on the task at hand that he didn’t even realize we’d entered, and I try not to feel a sting of hurt. How can I possibly blame him for being preoccupied with all this going on?

Hiding from me, trouble? His voice sounds in my head, and I immediately understand why he might suspect this.

I’m standing behind Roger and Gabriel, completely blocked from view. There’s also a fan directly across from us, blowing our scents down the hall rather than allowing them to permeate the small space. Of course not. I reply, wishing I could go climb into his arms. We just got back.

Any doubt I’d felt about my place among Sinclair’s priorities disappears when the meeting comes to a stand still for our exchange, and the next thing I know his fierce gaze is ordering the men in front of me to move so I might pass. I slip between them and try not to blush under the scrutiny of so many wolfish eyes, melting into Sinclairs side as he tucks me under his arm. I feel calmer at once, filled with his warmth and surrounded by his muscular embrace.

Only once Sinclair has turned my face up to kiss me senseless, does the meeting continue. I’m a bit surprised that my overprotective mate is allowing me to be part of such a stressful and disturbing briefing, but I’m also grateful. I need to know what’s going on for my own peace of mind and so that I can support my mate. It’s right that I should be here.

I would be lying if I said the details I learned didn’t weigh on me terribly, but soon enough Sinclair is leading me back to our forest suite, and it’s all I can do to hold my tongue until we’re alone. I have so much to tell him about my visit with the refugees, and I can’t wait to take him back to the camp.

Of course, my mate seems to have little interest in talking when we’re finally alone. Instead he pulls me into his arms and slams his mouth to mine with an urgency that frightens and delights me. Goddess I missed you, today. He admits in my thoughts. My wolf was furious that I let you go out into the city without me.

Hmm, just think about how furious he’d be if you went gallivanting around Vanara and left me here all by my lonesome. I reply saucily, nipping his lower lip with my fangs.

Sinclair growls and delves his tongue between my parted lips, gripping my hips and pressing me into his hardness, letting me feel how badly he needs me through physical exertion, as well as our bond. Careful little wolf, He warns. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were trying to manipulate me. I arch into him, my blood heating to a steady boil as he extracts kiss after kiss from my lips.