Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 443

Chapter 443- A Private Chat

Ella

My face falls into stern, cold lines as I see my uncle step forward. He was invited to this party, of course, as part of the delegation – but honestly, after our stern message to the Atalaxians about how he was not welcome, I’m surprised that he was willing to attend.

I look up at Sinclair and follow his hard gaze towards his security team, which nods to him, assuring him that they fully vetted Xander, ensuring that he held no weapons or means of hurting us.

And considering that my mate is a weapon himself and could tear this man to pieces as easily as breathing, I suppose that there’s nothing to worry about either way. Still, I tighten my arms around my child and feel Sinclair bristle behind me, his hackles rising.

Inside me, my wolf has her teeth fully bared, snapping, eager to sink her teeth into this terrible man.

I don’t bother to calm her. Her rage is justified.

Perhaps sensing the effect he has on us, Xander smiles a little smugly and steps forward just one step, giving us a deep bow.

“Your highnesses,” he says, his voice clear and precise. “I come to offer you my congratulations on your ascension to the throne and the naming of your heir. It is…quite an accomplishment.”

“Not without its obstacles, of course,” Sinclair says, a bit through his teeth. ” But yes, it is a wonderful day – though one darkened by your presence. I’ll ask you to leave now, Xander. You are not welcome here, despite the protection of the Atalaxian government. If you refuse, I’ll have you removed.”

“I’ll go,” he says, straightening, his eyes going immediately to Rafe in my arms. “I merely wanted a chance to see the child I arranged to bring into the world. He is…as handsome a specimen as I hoped he would be.”

“But no desire to see me, or acknowledge my presence?” I snap, riled despite myself. “Your own blood? Your brother’s child?”

“My brother’s daughter,” Xander corrects, not bothering to be vicious with his words or to look at me, his eyes still on Rafe. “My focus rests on the male line.”

Slowly, I turn and pass my child to his father, who takes him willingly. Then I take two steps forward, interposing myself between myself and Rafe so that Xander forced to look at me. When he bends to try to look around me I shift my weight so that he cannot.

“No.” I snap, my voice as cold as ice. ” You will look at me, Xander. I am your Queen.”

“You are not my queen,” he hisses, his eyes finally meeting mine, flinty and dark. “I am Atalaxian now.”

“It does not matter to me,” I say, dismissive, and then – without really realizing what I’m doing – I access my gift. I don’t close my eyes to do it this time, instead allowing the lavender calmness to radiate from me, to reach out towards him. I can see it, the lavender tint that the air around us takes, but I’m not sure if everyone can. Not that it really matters.

“What,” Xander breathes, hissing as my gift touches him, as he feels it begin to work, to sweep through is body.

I don’t let it heal, merely seek. And I see…all of it, inside of him.

“You will die,” I say, quietly and calmly. “No matter who your Queen is, or what country you call home. I can see it within you – the cancer is taking hold, spreading throughout. Even if you had gotten Rafe away from us, you wouldn’t have lived long enough to enjoy any real time on your throne.”

“Lies,” Xander hisses, taking a frightened step from me. “You are a witch – like all women -”