Accidental Surrogate, Chapter 345: Sinclair

Cora diffused the tension between Ella and me, but unfortunately, not to my benefit.

"I agree," she said, standing beside her sister, her eyes fixed on Roger's. I sighed inwardly, my wolf grumbling with discontent. Roger's warning at the meeting's start proved quite apt. Individually, they were willful; together, they were a disruptive force.

"It's too dangerous," Cora continued, shaking her head. "We don't know enough about this magic to send anyone in like this—people could be seriously hurt."

She said "people," but I knew she meant Roger and perhaps me. Cora wasn't cold; she cared about the other team members. However, as a newly mated, newly pregnant woman, her concerns were understandably narrow.

"We have to press the advantage when we can, Cora," Roger explained, his anger tempered by a desire for understanding. "Time is not on our side—" Cora opened her mouth to argue, but I interrupted.

"Enough," I snapped, glaring at her and Ella. Sit, I commanded Ella mentally. Her eyes flared at the authority in my voice, both audible and internal, but I slowly shook my head, communicating calmly that this wasn't the time to challenge me.

I understood their concern, but this wasn't the time to back down in front of my men. I held her gaze steadily, and slowly, Ella sat. Seeing her comply, Cora hesitated, then did the same.

The tightness of Ella's jaw told me this fight wasn't over, even if she'd consented to sit. As she settled, I gave her a deep nod, letting her know I would hear her—later.

Then, I turned to my men, proceeding as if nothing had happened.

"And where do we plan to strike?" Roger asked, his voice tight but focused on business. He looked at the paperwork our father provided, seemingly deciphering it using the maps on the table.

"The sewer," Dad said, pointing to underground city schematics. "The priest we lost yesterday established a significant operation there, and he likely can't function without the materials he left behind. If we want to capture him—and I propose that's our best course of action—our best chance is to start there. Best-case scenario, he's still there, gathering his supplies, which will take considerable time. Worst case, we can begin to learn his practices and scent."

"Good," I agreed, nodding. "Any opposing suggestions?" I asked, looking at my most experienced men. I deliberately avoided looking at Ella and Cora. No one spoke.

"It's decided then," I said, standing and crossing my arms. "Roger and I will pick a team and take the lead. We'll give word when we're ready."

I pointedly avoided looking at Ella and Cora as the men left the room, some briefly speaking with me before attending to their tasks. Some checked the armory, others planned the sewer approach, and still others moved to select team members—those I would join in a few minutes.

But before that

My father gathered his papers, tucking them into his wheelchair's side pocket before looking up at me with a wry smile. "See you two in a few minutes?" he asked.

"We're coming now, Dad," Roger growled, turning from the men toward us.

"No, you're not," Dad replied cheerfully, beginning to wheel away. "You boys know I miss your mother, but…" He laughed as he rolled toward the door. "Not quite as much in moments like this."

Dad waved and rolled out, followed by the last of the men. Ella closed the door and renewed her glare.

I folded my arms, glaring back, ready to resume our standoff, but Roger interrupted, quickly moving to Cora's side.

"Cora," he breathed, shaking his head, surprising me with his apology. "I'm sorry, Cora. I know you're upset—"

"Upset!" she gasped, and Ella turned to Cora, breaking my gaze. I blinked, surprised. I'd expected our standoff to last for days.

Perhaps Roger knew how to handle them better than me. As they argued, I slowly joined the group.

"Upset doesn't cover it, Roger!" Cora spat, glaring up at him and brushing away his hand. "We find out we're having a baby, and the first thing you want to do is rush off to get killed!?"

"We're not going to get killed," Roger replied, his casual tone clearly infuriating Cora.

"You don't know that!" Cora shouted. "Damn it, Roger! How am I supposed to let you walk out and put your life on the line? When we finally—"

My heart twisted as Cora relented slightly, closing the distance between them and clutching his shirt.

I turned to Ella, hoping for similar honest communication, but her eyes remained steely.

"Oh no you don't," she said, pointing at me. "Just because Cora is crying and letting Roger talk her into it doesn't mean I will."

Cora gasped, turning to Ella, "I'm not—"

"Yes you are," Ella snapped, glaring at Cora. "He's softened you up with an apology, and now you're putty in his hands."

Cora gasped again, this time betrayed rather than surprised, and moved to Ella's side. "She's right!" Cora cried. "You softened me up!"

Roger and I sighed sharply, looking at each other in frustration. He shrugged, a clear "worth a shot." I nodded, giving him credit for trying. Then, I turned to Ella and tried brutal honesty.

"Ella," I said, putting my hands in my pockets and meeting her gaze. "This is happening. There's no other way. We're not sending our men out there without us—Roger and I are each stronger than four of them combined. It's in our bloodline. It's our job. There's no other choice."

Her face softened, and I saw understanding dawn. I took a step toward her, my heart breaking at her distress. But it was the truth: we had to go. They needed us.

"Can't you," she said, her eyes darting as she thought, "can't you just delay—by a day or two—just until you get more information—"

"We will lose the opportunity," I replied, taking another step closer, reaching for her, begging her to see the truth. As I looked into my mate's face, I saw her lip tremble as she understood. Slowly, she raised her hand and took mine. In a flash, she was pressed against me, her arm around my waist, mine around her shoulders. I wanted to hold her close but didn't want to crush the baby.

"I don't want you to go," she murmured, her voice catching. "I can't lose you. We have so much…we just got safe…"

"You won't lose me," I murmured, kissing her head, meaning every word. "I promise, Ella. I promise."

"So do I," Roger said to Cora, and I watched him approach her.

But Cora surprised me by stepping back. "Oh, I don't need your promise," she said, holding up a hand. "Because I'm going with you."