Accidental Surrogate for Alpha-Accidental Surrogate For Alpha Novel Free -Chapter 75
Posted on February 17, 2025 · 1 mins read
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As the Prince and I moved across the dance floor, I was acutely aware of every eye on us. Sinclair's gaze, however, weighed most heavily on my shoulders. I struggled not to inadvertently signal my need for rescue, a difficult task, especially after the Prince had just confronted me with one of my many lies.

"That's not surprising," I bluffed. "I lived a quiet life before coming here."

"There's quiet, and then there's nonexistent," the Prince muttered bleakly. "And forgive me, but I find it highly suspicious that you made absolutely no impact on your previous pack. After all, one would expect a she-wolf qualified to be Luna to have a high profile."

"Believe it or not," I began, deciding on at least one truth that night, "I didn't find my strength until I met Dominic. He's helped me recognize that my power was always there, but sometimes it takes seeing yourself through someone else's eyes to appreciate the parts of ourselves we take for granted. So, no, I didn't have a high profile in the Bloodbane pack."

The Prince scoffed. "I wouldn't be so quick to admit that, Ella. Just imagine what the council would think if they knew." His tone suggested advice, but his eyes glinted with an obvious threat.

"I'll gladly tell them myself," I countered coolly. "I'm not ashamed of my past, and I think people need leaders who can be honest about their journeys. No one starts out as a force of nature; they become one after being molded and weathered by life's challenges. Dominic and I are examples of how even the strongest among us achieve that through resilience, strife, and the people we surround ourselves with—not blind ambition."

The Prince had kept his voice low, no doubt fearing being overheard. But when I continued speaking loudly enough for others to hear, he lost his temper. "Would you keep your voice down?!"

"Why? Don't you want people to know our positions?" I countered, feeling an unfamiliar surge of adrenaline. Is this how hunters feel when they've cornered their target? "Don't you want them to be fully informed before the election?"

"That isn't how things are done!" the Prince snapped, forgetting to whisper.

"Well, maybe it should be," I replied coldly. "Why adhere to outdated traditions simply because that's how things have always been done? Tradition doesn't equate to right or effective."

The Prince growled, and the surrounding wolves recoiled in shock. Knowing I had scant seconds before Sinclair intervened, I offered the Prince my widest smile, hoping to reassure Sinclair I could handle this.

"See, this is exactly what I mean," I beamed, mildly surprised by my lack of fear. "Growling at breeding she-wolves half your size seems like a practice best left in the dark ages, don't you think?"

The Prince glowered, abruptly stopping and yanking me close enough to hiss in my ear, "You dumb bitch, I don't know how you survived last night, but mark my words, I'm going to get rid of you and that brat you're carrying one way or another. You should leave while you still can; if you stay, your days are numbered!"

His claws dug into my bandaged arms. I knew I couldn't afford to growl back. His threat to me was one thing, but the threat to my pup ignited a rage that threatened to consume me.

Any fear I might have felt for myself had been replaced by primal protectiveness for my child. The problem was that losing control could cost us the campaign. I needed to remain calm and unintimidated. Showing fear or anger would give the Prince the upper hand.

Luckily, Sinclair appeared before I lost control. He stepped into our path, all rugged good looks and raw power. My heart fluttered at the sight of him, and the next thing I knew, he was pulling me from the Prince's grasp. "I'm taking my mate back now," he announced with a lethal grin, not waiting for the Prince's agreement. "It's been too long."

I laughed. "It's only been a few minutes."

"I meant what I said," Sinclair beamed, prompting laughter around the room as he swept me into his arms. We spun away, leaving the Prince to fume.

Only once we were alone, swaying safely in Sinclair's arms, did he lean down to whisper, "What did he say to you?"

I glanced up hesitantly. "I'm not sure I should tell you, not here at least."

"If you don't tell me now, I'm going to throw a tantrum right here on the dance floor," Sinclair joked, though the sharpness in his voice betrayed his jest. He needed to know the truth to maintain control.

"He admitted to sending the rogues after me," I confessed, looking up at him. "He threatened me and the baby, told me to leave while I still can."

Sinclair pulled me closer, until I could no longer see his face. I imagined him glowering at everyone, guarding me like a dragon guarding its treasure. "Don't worry, Ella," Sinclair rumbled, his hands caressing my spine. "I won't let him hurt you or the baby."

"I know you won't," I assured him, leaning closer. "I trust you, Dominic."

I was amazed to realize I spoke the truth. I did trust Sinclair, despite everything. I knew he wouldn't intentionally hurt me, and I knew he would keep me safe.

"Thank you, baby," he crooned, sending shivers down my spine. Even as I reveled in his warmth, his earlier threats echoed in my ears, and I wondered if another punishment awaited.

"Am I still in trouble?" I squeaked, unsure if I hoped for a yes or a no. His dominance was strangely addictive, and I still ached for his touch. My desire hadn't faded; it had intensified, fueled by his earlier scolding.

"No, sweetheart," he answered, smiling indulgently. "You kept me from making a terrible mistake. You helped me stay calm when I was completely out of control. You don't deserve punishment; if anything, you deserve a reward."

"Oh? What kind of reward?" I asked, both hoping for and dreading a scandalous answer. I wasn't sure how much longer I could resist him, even though I knew I should.

He chuckled, sending heat through me. "That's a dangerous question, little one." I stifled a whimper as heat pooled in my core. I was sure he smelled my arousal. I leaned my forehead against his chest. "What are we doing, Dominic?" I sighed. "I'm sorry, I know I'm not making this easier—I'm just so confused."

"It's okay to be confused," he promised. "And I think you were right this afternoon. You've been through too much. You're not in any state of mind to make those kinds of decisions today—no matter what your body wants."

"But my body wants it so badly," I confessed, figuring I'd already admitted as much in our dream date.

"Mine does too," Sinclair said wryly. "If you could hear my wolf, Ella, you'd be scandalized… maybe even frightened."

"I'm not sure I could be frightened of you, not the way you mean," I breathed. "It's the strangest thing. If you were anyone else, I'd be terrified, but it's like the baby won't let me."

"He's a smart baby," Sinclair confirmed proudly. "He gets that from you."

I was tempted to argue, but the warning glint in Sinclair's eyes stopped me. "So what do we do? How do we resist this?"

"We keep at it," Sinclair decided, "until we can't any longer."

"And then?" I prompted. "When we can no longer resist?"

"We give in," Sinclair answered, lowering his forehead to mine. "And pray we can survive it."