Accidental Surrogate

Sinclair shook his head almost as soon as the words were out of Ella’s mouth. The idea was intriguing, but it would never succeed. “That’s not how it works – we aren’t mates. My kind only gets one, and everyone already knows I found mine many years ago.” Sinclair informed her coolly.

“But… you got divorced.” Ella’s words were tremulous and hesitant, as if she was afraid to bring up the subject. She’d clearly been very busy with her research. He was about to tell her off, when his wolf roared in his head. Enough! Stop this, you know she’s right – it’s better for everyone this way.

Sinclair was taken aback, his wolf never disagreed with him – they’d always been on the same page about everything. The pup is most important, it needs its mother. His wolf continued, besides, she’s not asking you for anything – if she was just a gold-digger like Lydia, she’d be eager to move in with you.

I don’t know. Sinclair thought. It’s worth taking a second look at Ella’s background but –

No buts! His wolf interrupted. Give her what she wants.

Why are you so determined about this? Sinclair demanded, surprised by his inner canine’s insistence.

We can’t hurt Ella. His wolf proclaimed fiercely. She’ll suffer if we take the pup away.

Sinclair had to admit he didn’t want the lovely human to be in pain, but he still didn’t trust her. His wolf on the other hand was absolutely adamant, and all shifters knew better than to question their animal instincts. Intuition didn’t lie – not when it came to the supernatural.

“Fine.” He grumbled. “But only if you help with my campaign. It won’t be easy, there’s more to being a Luna than standing on my arm and looking pretty.”

Ella’s face lit up so brightly Sinclair had to fight his smile. His wolf on the other hand, actually wagged his tail like an excited puppy. What the hell is going on with me? He thought, speaking more to himself than his wolf – who was clearly losing his mind.

“What’s a Luna?” Ella asked curiously, barely able to contain her joy but trying to remain engaged in the conversation.

“It’s an Alpha’s mate.” Sinclair explained, realizing just how much he was going to have to teach her. “And for the record, this little arrangement will only last until I meet a she-wolf who might fill the role for real.”

told me werewolves only get one mate.” Ella questioned,

mate. Chosen mates are completely different. We can choose as many as we like, but the Goddess only

in weaker?”

corrected. “Not all fated mates are a good fit, and some chosen couples are much happier

mate, I won’t be allowed to see the baby anymore?” Ella asked, gnawing

after a moment. “But I want to be very clear that this agreement only lasts as long as it works. If we can’t find a way to get along well enough to convince people or if I learn that this

preparing herself to take on a great challenge. “Fine. Have your people draw up the

“As soon as

in hand. He Reached out and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting her pretty face up to his. “And Ella – the first rule of being a shifter? The

narrowed, and she was squirming again, positively overflowing with defiance. He had to give her credit, for someone who’d only just learned about the existence of werewolves, she certainly wasn’t afraid of him. In fact, she was showing much more bravery than many fully grown wolves did facing down an Alpha. Of course, there were Alphas, and then there was Sinclair– who was strong enough to bring even the most dominant pack leaders in line. Though perhaps it was simply that Ella didn’t

up at Sinclair from beneath her lashes. “Yes, sir.” She ground out, clearly hating being forced to

bottom

spine, and Sinclair’s wolf purred with pleasure. Her amber eyes were so wide he could see every glimmering shade of gold in her irises. Her dark lashes fluttered as he stared her down, and eventually she lowered her eyes and murmured,

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him feeling completely in control, but now it seemed like he’d completely turned the tables on her. She wasn’t sure when or how it had happened, but the bossy werewolf had somehow managed to get the better of her. In the moment it had seemed like he had some strange power over her, like she’d been hypnotized by his

thoughts, but the moment she stepped into the bedroom Sinclair had prepared for her, her mind went entirely blank. It was the same room she’d woken up in that

she was walking into a spa, in fact there were even servants running a hot bath in the massive whirlpool tub in the bathroom, just waiting for her to arrive. Ella could barely take in all the finery and amenities Sinclair had brought in, including a craft table and miniature fridge full of drinks and snacks. There was even a massage table set up along the far wall. “You did

why she was so surprised. “Pups

bitterly. It’s not for me, it’s for the

a small golden

to push the bell away. “I don’t feel comfortable being waited on by