Accidental Surrogate for Alpha-Chapter 484: A Small Gathering
Posted on February 10, 2025 · 1 mins read
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It took longer than Sinclair would have preferred to leave Roger and Cora's house that morning. Cora spent a lot of time freaking out, hugging me, and scolding me for not telling her immediately. But finally, they let us go, Cora wiping her eyes and Roger giving us a big smile; baby Jesse slept soundly in his arms.

I held Sinclair's hand the whole ride home, squeezing it, so happy and excited. We're incredibly blessed, and I'm basking in it. My mate, my baby boy, and my baby girl on the way—what more could I ask for?

Back at the palace, Sinclair walked me to our suite, though I could tell his mind was elsewhere.

"You can go," I said, balancing Rafe against my elbow. "You don't need to walk me to the door—I'm already home!"

"Indulge me, Ella," he said, smiling as he opened our door. "My instincts are kicking in—I won't want to leave your side for the next six months."

"Oh sure," I said, rolling my eyes. "Overprotective pregnancy Alpha is so different from overprotective new dad Alpha."

"It is different," he said, smirking as he leaned against the wall, watching me change Rafe's diaper. Our little baby happily babbled away. "Or at least, it feels different to me."

"Well, whatever keeps you by my side," I said, winking.

"What about you?" he asked, tilting his chin. "Are you feeling any different? I almost feel bad—you barely finished breastfeeding. You didn't even get to do any fun, non-pregnant things, like tequila shots or sushi."

"That's okay," I sighed, snapping Rafe's onesie shut and lifting him back up. He squealed and grabbed my hair. "I'll take a raincheck on those," I said, stepping close to him. "After this next one is born, you owe me two children's worth of debauchery."

"Done," he said, smirking and cupping my face. He kissed me. "Except, knowing you, you'll probably be planning baby number three."

"We'll see," I said, sighing happily. "But there is one thing I'm particularly excited about."

"What is it?" he asked, genuinely curious.

I smiled broadly and strode to the bed, Rafe giggling excitedly. "The re-establishment of the nest!" I exclaimed, throwing a hand in the air. Sinclair burst into laughter as I started arranging the blankets into a cozy circle. I wanted to climb in right then.

"This is Nest 2.0," Sinclair commented, pleased. "Are you planning innovations? Improvements?"

"Well, it's a queen's nest now," I said, sinking onto the bed with Rafe. "And it has to accommodate a prince and a growing princess," I grinned at my son. "So, I'm going to need some funds—five to ten thousand dollars?"

"For pillows?" he protested, laughing.

"Oh no," I grinned. "That's just the blanket and snack budget. Pillows are extra."

He shook his head, still laughing, but came over and took my face in his hands. "Whatever you want," he said, smiling.

"Exactly what I like to hear. Do you have to go?" I asked, a little mournful. The nest looked so cozy.

"Yes," he murmured, kissing me. "But I'll be back to help you christen the nest later." He handed me a tablet. "Order whatever you want, but please, Ella, try not to bankrupt us."

"No promises!" I sang, settling Rafe beside me as Sinclair laughed and left. "Come on, baby," I sighed, clicking through the tablet. Rafe started crawling. "Let's start by ordering matching outfits for you and Sissy… and some for baby Jesse too…"

Two Weeks Later

"Cora!" I called into our closet. "Is he ready? Let's go!"

"It's my party, Ella!" Cora called back, laughing.

"I know," I whined, Rafe, in a tuxedo, sitting calmly on my hip. He looked curiously toward the closet where Cora was dressing Jesse in his own little tuxedo. Jesse was two weeks old, the cutest baby in the world—Rafe excepted—and I couldn't wait to see him in his matching tuxedo.

"You know it's ridiculous, Ella," Cora said, emerging with her happy little boy, who was almost always smiling. I squealed; I could barely hold his little bald head up. "He's just going to barf all over it, plus he'll only wear it for an hour! He has to be naked when you present him to Mom."

"It will be the most elegant barf!" I laughed, tickling Jesse's belly. "And I don't care if he wears it for an hour or a minute, it was too cute to resist." I laughed, completely charmed by Cora and Jesse, all dressed up. Rafe babbled happily and reached for Jesse, as he always did. These little boys already had a bond; Rafe got so excited whenever Jesse entered a room.

Jesse, though I don't think he understood, smiled and laughed when he heard Rafe.

"Your guests are gathered," Roger called from the living room, raising an eyebrow. "Are you coming out, or hiding in here all night?"

"We're coming," Cora called, rolling her eyes, though I knew she wasn't exasperated. "Sorry you had to entertain guests for ten seconds alone, Roger."

"It was absolute torture," he said, approaching us with a half-drunk glass of champagne. "Why do you think I came in here? I missed my buddies."

Rafe gurgled and waved to Roger, making me smile proudly. He hadn't spoken yet, but he was getting there.

"Ohhh, you're looking very dapper," Roger said, peering at his son. "The Goddess will be very impressed, I'm sure."

"How could she not be?" Cora said, smoothing Jesse's hair. "He's perfect."

"Yes, he is," I said, laughing as Roger put an arm around Cora and we headed for the door. "And very excited for his baptism, I know."

"We all are," Cora said, grinning at me. I knew she was remembering Rafe's baptism and her own experiences.

But this time, it was my turn. I was the godmother, and I'd get a little insight into baby Jesse's future.

I couldn't wait to see what was in store for him.