Accidental Surrogate

Ella

For a moment I don’t know how to answer the strange woman. Am I ready to begin learning how to be a queen? Is anyone ever? That’s the kind of job that takes a lifetime of preparation, and I still don’t even recognize half the words these people are using.

“Am I supposed to know what a beta is?” I whisper to Aileen, watching Sinclair stride out the door with an unreadable expression on his face.

“A beta is like a second in command.” She smiles warmly, coming forward and taking both of my hands in hers. Now that we’re alone, she looks me over with an approving nod. “Well you are a stunning little thing, I have to say. When Sinclair explained the situation to us I wasn’t sure what to think, but now that I see you it makes a bit more sense. Any man would be lucky to have your genes passed down to their pups.”

I bristle at this statement. I don’t mind the compliment, but after what happened with Mike, I’m not overly fond of people commenting on my looks. I’ve already had one man reduce all of my value to physical beauty, so I’m definitely not crazy about an entire society of werewolves looking at me through the same lens. Luckily if we pull this off, they’ll all believe I’m a shifter, but I suspect there will still be some questions. I’ll have to talk to Sinclair about giving me a good backstory.

“But being a beta is more than just a job, isn’t it?” I say, pushing past the awkwardness of the abrupt subject change. “It’s something you’re born into?”

Aileen seems to notice my discomfort, and takes her hands away. “Well yes, all wolves are born as alphas, betas or omegas.”

“And what do those things actually mean?” I press, not understanding.

“You can think about it like a class system, though it’s more complicated than that. Every wolf is born into their role, and there isn’t any way of changing it. Alphas are the strongest both physically and in personality. That’s why they lead our packs, they are the only ones dominant enough to rule a lot of very powerful beings.” Aileen shares.

“But not all Alpha’s rule, do they?” I wonder aloud.

“No, only the strongest of the strong actually take control.” She clarifies patiently.

“So Sinclair?” Why does his name feel so electric on my tongue, why does the mere thought of him send a shiver down my spine?

“Is the most powerful of the pack leaders. That’s why he’s campaigning to be king.” Aileen reveals.

“But why is it a campaign?” I inquire. “If it just comes down to brute strength.”

now. Now we don’t just want a ruler who can beat the competition into the ground, we want

admit. He was certainly ruthless when it came to our dealings. Then again,

looks as though she’s reading my mind. “Don’t let Dominic fool you.” She advises. “He’s had a rough go of it with his mate. Trust me, once you

be the one to get past those things.” I murmur

so sure.” She muses. “You’re giving him a pup – after all

“Now betas are born mediators. They aren’t so bossy as Alphas, so they don’t butt heads with the leader vying for control. They’re

“And omegas?” I ask.

They’re smaller and

I probe,

lip twitches, “All wolves are stronger, faster and have sharper senses than humans, no matter their rank. We’re different species, even the weakest wolf will be stronger than you.” She pauses thoughtfully. “I wonder how Dominic will

do you mean?”

that you’ll be so vulnerable

head around the fact that magical creatures are real. “But how do shifters even exist?” I burst out. “I mean, do we have

us separate from humans.”

new information. “The

creatures.” Aileen informs me, as if this should be common

I ask, holding my hands

are more distant from the divine. You don’t know about her, because you can’t feel her magic and influence. We can.” Aileen states

somehow. I never believed such a thing was possible. I never even believed in a god – how could I? My life hasn’t known manly blessings. It’s hard to believe in a higher power when all you know is suffering. While I’m lost in my thoughts, a young boy comes running through the door and Aileen catches him in a hug even

child resembles her so clearly I know he must be her son. “You should know better than to

shining off her face, and I have to wonder whether it’s the first time they’ve seen each other that day, but when she speaks, it becomes clear that this is not the case.

missed you.” The boy grins up at his mother, and my heart melts in my chest. What must it be like to

soon. I press my hand to my belly with excitement. I can’t wait

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