Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 69

Sinclair

It’s mid-morning by the time I leave Roger’s house, and I dial Cora’s phone number, both because she needs to know about what happened, and because I need help caring for Ella. Despite the doctor’s promises, I’m worried that Ella won’t recover as quickly as he’s predicting and if anyone knows what to expect, her sister surely must.

“Mr Sinclair?” She sounds uncertain as she answers, as if she suspects her caller ID might be lying to her.

“Good morning, Cora.” I greet her, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry to disturb you when you’re at work, but I’m calling with some bad news.”

I can feel the anxiety in her sharp intake of breath, and worry imbues her soft voice, “Is Ella okay? Is the baby?”

“They’re both at home resting.” I share, hoping this will assuage the worst of her fears. “But there was another attack last night.”

“Another one?” Cora squeaks, indignation bleeding into her voice as she continues. “I thought you were supposed to be this all powerful Alpha? You’re supposed to be keeping her safe! My sister has known you for a month and she’s already had people trying to kill her twice!”

I understand her outrage, and I agree with it completely. “I know. You have every right to be upset with me. I’m not very happy with myself right now… I failed her.” I confess, exhaling heavily. “I’m not turning out to be a very good father so far.”

“I…” Cora doesn’t seem to know what to make of this. “Tsk,” She clears her throat. “Well is she alright? Does she need anything?”

“She’s a bit scraped up, but I’m afraid the worst damage was psychological. It wasn’t like last time. She… she didn’t recognize me afterwards.” I wonder if the human can hear how upsetting I find this particular detail, but when she remains silent I forge on. “She’s in a deep state of shock – the doctor used the word dissociative, like she completely disconnected from her body to protect her mind.”

Cora swears, but she doesn’t sound surprised. “I’ll leave work right now.” She offers, “I can be there within a half hour.”

“Wait.” I advise, “She’s been sedated and I’m not sure when she’ll wake up.” For a moment I debate whether or not I should voice my next thought. Ella hasn’t spoken to me much about her childhood, but I know that she feels very protective of her sister. Moreover, I remember the way she acted after the attack in the alley, refusing to show her upset to Cora, insisting she was fine. “And… I don’t want to sound insensitive because I know you love Ella and want to be with her, but I’m afraid if you’re there she’ll be so focused on not worrying you, that she’ll try to pretend like nothing happened and ignore her own wellbeing.”

Cora thinks about this for a minute. “You’re probably right about that. Ella has always been the caretaker… she really doesn’t know how to deal with having the tables turned on her.”

“So I’ve learned.” I muse aloud. “So I think it would be best to give it a couple of days.”

“Alright.” Cora agrees, “But I can still help you. I know all her creature comforts, the things that soothe her best. I can send you a list.”

“That would be wonderful.” I express honestly, thankful I decided to make this call before Ella wakes. By the time she returns to consciousness I can have all her favorite things already on hand and ready to comfort her.

“But Sinclair –” Cora interrupts my thoughts.

“Please call me Dominic, Cora.” I correct gently.

“Dominic,” She repeats patiently. “It’s not my place to tell you the details… but I think you should know,”

“Yes?” I prompt her, having a dreadful premonition that I don’t want to hear whatever it is she’s about to say.