Chapter 174— Ella Apologizes

After my snack, I met with the chefs to discuss the summit menus, then requested dinner be sent to my room. I felt too pensive and tired to be social that night.

I was still reeling from realizing how poorly I’d handled my troubles with Sinclair. I both dreaded and eagerly anticipated making amends. I knew I wouldn't feel better until I did, but the prospect was daunting. I was too much of a coward to call him, and I didn't know his whereabouts anyway. So I decided to wait for our dream-shared space, where I could feel his touch and let my wolf take over if needed. I knew Sinclair probably wouldn't be asleep for hours, but it had been a long, emotionally draining day.

Despite wanting to postpone our meeting, I showered quickly and climbed into bed.

It smelled of Sinclair, and that comforting scent lulled me to sleep.

When I arrived in the dream forest, I had time to kill, which I spent contemplating what to say to Sinclair when he appeared.

The more I thought about my mistakes, the worse I felt, and soon I was fighting back tears.

When my mate finally materialized in the distance, a sharp pang shot through my chest. I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I knelt at the foot of the bed, hands resting on my belly, staring at my lap. I vividly pictured his handsome face—rugged lines and bronze skin glowing in the moonlight, his blazing wolf eyes piercing the darkness.

"Hello, trouble." Sinclair's deep voice enveloped me like a warm embrace. I saw his black-clad legs before me.

Strong fingers lifted my chin, tilting my face upward. He scrutinized my features with intense focus, his voice husky.

"What, no smile?" he asked, his thumb tracing my lower lip, fingers caressing my cheek and hair. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you weren't happy to see me."

I felt his wolf probing our bond, tempting my inner animal to the surface.

"What is it, little wolf? Talk to me."

"I owe you an apology," I admitted, wide-eyed, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"Already?" he inquired, a smirk playing on his lips. "I've only been gone a day; how much mischief could you possibly have made? Other than skipping lunch, of course." My jaw dropped, and in my surprise and outrage, my shyness lessened.

"He actually told you?! That rat!" Sinclair chuckled, stroking my hair.

"You missed our bedtime call, so I checked with Roger. He explained you'd had a long day and probably went to bed early."

Guilt stabbed me anew.

"I forgot," I mumbled, burying my face in my hands. "I'm sorry; I wasn't thinking. I just didn't get a chance to nap, and I was sleepy, and the bed smelled like you, and—"

"Ella," Sinclair pulled my hands away, his brow furrowed with concern. "Baby, it's okay."

"No, it's not," I insisted, furious with myself. "I keep letting you down. You're always there for me, and every time you need me, I mess it up."

His deep growl warned me to stop, but I couldn't.

My voice thickened. "I've been a horrible brat. You have the world on your plate, and you were still thinking of me—figuring out how to best use my talents, looking out for the pack, keeping us safe. All I did was give you a hard time for being stressed and then ran away when things got tough!"

I paced, the huge Alpha patiently waiting, watching me with the bearing of a wolf about to pounce, hands clenched at his sides, glowering.

"When we started, I gave you so much grief about communicating, but when you tried, I refused to listen because I didn't like what you were saying. I wasted our time together, whined, and complained—and even now, I can tell you're about to comfort me and tell me I'm wrong, and I won't have it, Dominic!" I commanded, pointing sharply. "I deserve your anger; I deserve to be held accountable, and I'm not going to let you smooth this over because I'm pregnant or new to being a wolf! Yell at me, or walk out on me, call me a spoiled hypocrite—anything!"

I panted, near tears, emotions swirling. I was prepared for the worst; I even welcomed it—anything to ease my guilt.

Sinclair crossed his arms, his expression dark and ominous.

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't speak, but then he rumbled, "Get on the bed, Ella."

I blinked, startled by his blunt command.

"Why?"

He arched a menacing brow, making me scramble onto the blankets.

Kneeling before him, he stepped closer. I didn't need our bond to feel his disapproval; it radiated from him in waves.

"Who is in charge here, mate?"

I shuddered at the dominance in his voice.

He unleashed his alpha power, and for the first time, I felt its full force.

I confronted the reality of his immense power, the reason other wolves bowed to him. I'd always known he was strong and fierce, clever and kind, but I hadn't realized the extent of his raw power, or the control he exerted to keep it in check.

A moment ago, I might have challenged him, but now I could only submit.

"You are," I answered meekly.

He nodded, showing no mercy.

"And who decides how I feel? Who gets to choose whether or not I'm angry?"

"You do?" I squeaked, my wolf desperate to escape the onslaught of his power. She was cowering, but Sinclair didn't relent. His jaw twitched dangerously.

"And who gets to tell me how to deal with my mate?"

"Well, technically your wo—no one!"

My defiant response was cut short by another wave of power, disproving my assumption I felt it all.

"That's right, little wolf," Sinclair affirmed, finally ungripping his arms to grasp my nape. "On all counts."

He growled, and I shivered in his hands. "You may be feeling guilty, and if you ask me nicely, I can help you work through those feelings. But you do not get to tell me how to feel about you or our relationship."

"I'm sorry," I sniffled. "This was supposed to be an apology; I just got upset realizing I missed our call."

"You don't say?" Sinclair intoned sardonically, his thumb stroking my neck. "Now, would you like to try your apology again?"

I nodded, amazed at how steadier I felt under his control.

"I'm sorry that I didn't talk to you, especially after making such a big deal about communication. I'm sorry that I ran away, that I've been self-involved and unsupportive. I'm sorry for lashing out when I knew your heart was in the right place."

"And?" Sinclair prompted ominously.

"And I'm sorry that I lost my temper and yelled at you and tried to tell you how to feel and how to treat me."

"And?" He repeated, radiating strength.

I searched my mind, sensing my confusion, his wolf's voice sounded in my head: Food and rest, sweet mate.

"I'm sorry I didn't take care of myself today," I added, feeling a huge weight lift.

"Good girl," Sinclair praised, my wolf preening happily. "Now, I'm going to tell you some things you won't like, but you're just going to have to deal with it." He released his power, and surprisingly, I missed it.

"You haven't let me down, Ella. And I'm not angry. We're in an unimaginable situation, and despite what you think, you've supported, comforted, and inspired me in a hundred ways since we arrived, and that's not up for debate." I nodded, understanding he needed my acceptance without complaint.

Sinclair sent a rush of genuine emotion through the bond, reassuring me of his sincerity.

"Now, if you don't mind, today was the longest fucking day of my life, and I haven't even gotten to kiss you yet."

Feeling braver, I peeked at him from beneath my lashes.

"And if I do mind?"

Sinclair chuckled, flashing his fangs as he leaned in. The moment before his mouth met mine and heat exploded through me, I heard his sensual purr.

"Too damn bad."