Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 194

Sinclair

“I’m worried about Ella.” I confess, pushing away my dinner.

“You still haven’t been able to connect?” Hugo inquires, looking up from his own meal. We’re on the road today, in between territories and enjoying a rare night free of politics – though not free of stress. This is the first time I’ve been able to stop moving all day, and I know I have a long night of research and preparations for our next destination ahead.

“Not the way I want.” I confirm. “We talk on the phone but something feels off. It would be different if I could actually see her, hold her and feel her emotions for myself. I can’t stand this distance.”

“Maybe that’s all this is then,” Hugo guesses. “You feel anxious because you’re so far away and don’t have the bond to rely on, and the absence of the connection is driving your wolf to distraction”

“But it’s not just her.” I admit, “Every time I ask Dad or Gabriel about Ella, it feels like they’re holding something back, and it concerns me that she’s not coming to our dreams. Every time I reach out for her… it’s like she’s not even there.”

“That’s not unheard of. Dream meetings take more energy than regular sleep -more brain power.”

Hugo reasons, “Few couples meet that way every night, or even weekly – especially under such stressful conditions.”

“My worry is that she’s too stressed. I can hardly get her to turn on the video function on calls lately and when I do she’s got great big circles under her eyes.” I grumble, “And if I could get her into a dream then I could force her to tell me what’s going on, but my voice alone can only do so much.”

Not to mention the naughty thing finds an excuse to get off the phone as soon as we get stern with her. My wolf adds crankily.

“You knew that was a risk.” Hugo replies with a sigh, “And if you ask me, she’s not the only one working herself into the ground to distract herself from missing her mate.”

“That’s not why I’m doing it.” I counter grumpily, and he shoots me a disbelieving glance. “At least, it’s not the only reason. There’s too much to do. I feel guilty every time I take even the smallest break.”

“You and Ella are two sides of the same coin.”

Hugo laughs, “I think you both need to take a day off.”

“A day off to do what?” I scowl, feeling irrationally annoyed with my Beta even though I know he’s only trying to help. “Sightsee? Read a novel? While my people are dying?”

“So Ella shouldn’t get one either?” Hugo inquires slyly, finishing his plate. “She should keep working herself into the ground, until she’s completely burnt out?”

“That’s different.” I bite, baring my fangs at him.

“Why?” Hugo demands. “Why is it okay for her to take care of herself, but not you?”

“Because I don’t have the luxury of burning out! If I do, then I compromise the entire fvcking war.” I burst out angrily.

“And that’s exactly why you should set some damned boundaries for yourself, Dom.” Hugo growls. “Because if you keep this up, you will render yourself useless to us whether you approve of it or not. So for the love of the Goddess man, take the night off. Go call your mate and talk it out, take the edge off, do whatever you need. And come back tomorrow recharged.”

I narrow my eyes at him, annoyance surging through my veins, “You know you can be a bl00dy prick sometimes.”

“Yeah, but I’m right.” Hugo snorts, not the least bit bothered by the insult.

“Of course you are, that’s why it’s so damn iritating.” I chuckle, standing and clapping him on the shoulder. “Thank you, brother.”

I leave the hotel dining room and retreat to my room, pulling out my phone. It’s about 8 o’clock, and though Ella and I normally tałk much later than this, I think our brief bedtime calls might be part of the problem – they don’t leave us enough time to speak in depth. I dial her number and wait for the line to pick up, my wolf sighing with satisfaction when her silky voice fills my ear, ” Dominic?”

“Hello trouble.” I greet her, “What are you up to?”

“Just trying to catch up on the summit plans.” She explains. “Is everything okay? You’re early.”

“Everyth ing is just fine. I decided to take the night off, so you should too.” I order warmly.