Accidental Surrogate for Alpha-Chapter 156
Posted on February 10, 2025 · 1 mins read
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Chapter 156: Sightseeing in Ella

The Vanaran capital feels like another planet. Crystals tower everywhere, carved into the most intricate forms I've ever seen.

The city's shifters are friendly and openly curious. We frequently stop so Gabriel can chat with the locals and introduce us.

It's all so easy and peaceful—no lies, no secrets, just wolves living openly together in harmony.

Watching Gabriel, I see a strong but compassionate leader, ruthless yet open-minded. He's intelligent and possesses as much raw power as my mate, though he lacks Sinclair's dangerous edge. He'd likely be deadly if pushed, but he's far more easygoing than my brooding Alpha. Then again, he's not exiled and preoccupied with planning a revolution.

For a moment, I envision a future where Sinclair is King of the united packs, and Damon's regime is a long-forgotten nightmare. I know in my heart that my mate could create such a society; Gabriel's utopian world could be ours, if only we could reclaim our home.

Perhaps it's naive to think a traumatized society could fully recover and achieve such easy comfort. After all, Sinclair can't simply snap his fingers and undo his predecessor's suffering. If we win this war, we'll face a monumental task of healing, rebuilding the united packs, and earning the trust of an oppressed people. But I believe that if anyone can achieve this, it's Sinclair.

I turn to look at him, inspired by this vision and eager to share my hope. However, his face reveals a man a million miles away. His jaw is clenched, and his gaze hawk-like, scanning our surroundings. He manages a smile and greets people, but his grip on my waist never loosens, and the hardness in his eyes remains.

A cool breeze carrying the scent of rain flutters through the square. I lean into his side.

"What good is coming out if you're not going to be present?" I ask, poking his muscular chest.

The huge Alpha looks down at me with dry amusement, closing his powerful hand around my offending finger.

"I said I would come; I didn't promise to forget my worries."

"That's cheating," I inform him, narrowing my eyes.

"Is it now?" he asks, arching a brow. "Need I remind you that you're the one who pointed out how dangerous unfamiliar territories can be? Especially for mischievous little wolves too clever and too brave for their own good."

"You agreed to take a break," I counter, ignoring his bait and laying down some of my own. "And if you get to break your promises, then I don't see why I should have to keep mine."

He needs no further explanation. Before leaving Gabriel's palace, Dominic made me vow to stay close, never leave his sight, and tell him immediately if I sensed anything amiss. He was being cautious—rightly so after everything we've been through—but now those promises provide the perfect button to push.

Sinclair growls; his wolf responds to mine. Instantly, I realize the best way to get my mate out of his shell is to do it literally.

"Ella—" Sinclair warns, his voice an admonishment.

"We should shift," I suggest, cutting him off. "Half the people here are in wolf form." I gesture to the people bustling around us. The Vanarans, secure in their secret lands, seem to feel no danger shifting in public, even in broad daylight.

"Your wolf is too inexperienced to be around so many strangers," Sinclair cautions, shaking his head. "It's not a good idea."

My wolf disagrees vehemently. Having made shifting a possibility, she claws at my skin, begging to be released. Yes, yes, yes! Freedom! Sinclair grips my nape. No, mate.

Too late! My wolf sings defiantly, and my body shudders as the painful shift begins. Cursing, Sinclair shields me as I tremble, jerk, and whimper for the next few minutes.

It's over quickly, and soon I'm sitting before him as my wolf, my dress in tatters on the ground. I wag my tail, looking up at my mate, arms crossed, disapproval radiating from him. I jump up, bracing my paws on his rock-hard abs, wishing I were tall enough to lick the frown off his face. Instead, I swipe my tongue over his neck and nuzzle his chest. Come on, Dominic. Come play with me! Please, please, please!

I am not amused by this, Ella, his grumpy voice sounds in my mind.

Ignoring him, I jump down and bound around his legs, nudging him and repeating my pleas. It's when I nip his ankles that the stoic Alpha finally caves, his massive wolf bursting free with a roar. My wolf is in charge, and she only wants to celebrate. Yay!!! She cries, pouncing on him the moment the shift is complete.

Sinclair's foreboding energy is tinged with humor now, and I know I've won. We wrestle and play for a moment before he pins me beneath him, his heavy body trapping me completely.

"Is this what you wanted, trouble?" he teases, mouthing my neck affectionately.

"No, I want to run!" I whine, squirming but remaining stuck.

"Hmm, I don't know. I kind of like having you right here, your little paws in the air, completely at my mercy," he informs me huskily.

"Your mercy to do what? Suffocate me?" I complain, trying to dislodge his enormous form. How can anyone be this heavy? Sinclair doesn't budge, but he releases my neck and shifts his weight to investigate my belly with his nose.

"Look at this tummy," he croons, ignoring my question and burying his snout in the downy white fur. "So soft, so precious."

Despite myself, the baby sends what feels like laughter to us both, and I melt, wanting more. Now that Sinclair is playful, I shouldn't mind him lying on me like a living wolf rug. At least, the human part of my brain acknowledges this. My wolf, however, still wants to run.

Dominic, come on, let me up! I want to play.

"We are playing," he replies slyly. "This is a game I like to call 'Pin the Naughty Mate.' Don't you like it?"

"No!" I respond indignantly.

"You two do realize we're in the middle of the street, right?" Roger observes, appearing at my periphery and interrupting my reply.

"Don't look at me," Sinclair says to us both. "She started it."

"Dominic, it's not fair! I've barely ever shifted; I just want to run around a little!" I say, trying to sound pitiful. "Can't you feel how much I need it?"

The black beast stares down at me with glowing eyes, sensing my emotions through the bond. His sharp eyes soften, and he swipes a few licks over my face.

"Alright, trouble, but you're going to stay with me, right?" he questions, rising so I can regain my feet.

"That depends," I hedge, feeling a rush of excitement as a new idea strikes me.

I dance away from my mate and his brother, unsurprised when Sinclair prowls after me with a hungry look in his eyes.

"Depends on what?" Sinclair inquires, his voice dark and deep.

"On whether you can keep up!" I take off before finishing my sentence, and Sinclair immediately gives chase, responding instinctively.

A gleeful giggle escapes as I run through the streets. Sinclair catches up quickly, but he doesn't pounce again. He runs alongside me, even when I playfully bump into his side. He simply nips at my heels, spurring me to run faster.

I feel like a child again, utterly free, as if I might be flying. Sensing my mate's feelings, I find his heart and mind open for once, completely consumed by this moment. He's thinking of nothing else, and pride fills me. Maybe I can do this Luna thing after all.