Accidental Surrogate

Sinclair

It doesn’t take me long to catch up with Lydia. Once I caught her scent on Ella, it was easy to track her through the fair. I leave the feast pavilion and set off into the twinkling lights, finally spotting her in front of one of the food stalls near the snow maze. She’s standing in line for mulled wine, and she looks exactly like she did the last time I saw her.

I wait for the familiar tug on my heartstrings, for our bond to trigger my wolf – to hear him chanting mine in my head the way he does with Ella. But it never comes. I don’t feel compelled to claim her, or even to approach her. If it weren’t for the fact that she’d been sniffing around Ella and my pup, I wouldn’t even consider going near her. I’m amazed to realize that – after all this time – I’m finally free of her influence. I’m finally over her, and she no longer holds any power over me.

When did that happen? I wonder. The last time I saw her was over a year ago, and though I hadn’t felt anything like affection for her, my wolf had still recognized our mate just like always. There was chemistry between us even though I’d wanted nothing to do with her. Then again, maybe the fact that I felt so much animosity for her then was evidence of lingering feelings. I can honestly say I feel nothing for her now, and that seems much more final than when I still held our past against her.

Taking a steadying breath, I approach. Lydia turns to face me when I’m still a few paces away, and she gasps in surprise. “Dominic!”

I feel my hackles raise instinctively. I don’t believe her show of surprise for one moment. She obviously knew I was here because she helped Ella in the bathroom, and my scent was all over the little human. In fact, knowing Lydia, she’d probably approached Ella in order to engineer this exact situation. I’m annoyed with myself for playing into her hands – but I also couldn’t do otherwise. A jealous female is a threat to a breeding she-wolf, especially when the title of Luna is on the line.

“What are you doing here, Lydia?” I demand coolly, not bothering to greet her.

“Oh come now, Dominic, is that any way to greet your mate?” Lydia smiles, batting her lashes.

“Don’t do that,” I growl. “We haven’t been mates for a long time now, and I know you approached Ella – what are you up to?”

“We might not be married anymore but we’ll always be mates, whether you like it or not.” She reminds me, her smile dimming but not disappearing. “And I was curious. I heard you found a new Luna and I wanted to see my replacement for myself.”

bite back, “She’s nothing to do with

Lydia sneers in return, flashing her fangs. “But she seems awfully meek for your taste. I thought you liked

or dignify your comments with a response.” I declare icily. “Where’s your new husband anyway, surely

pack. He doesn’t like to travel.” She

you’re here?” I inquire, wondering if things are sour enough between them that he doesn’t care, or if she’s sneaking around behind his back. I don’t know an Alpha alive who would allow his Luna to go visit her ex alone, even if

know and no more.” She answers

honestly tell me you were willing to go to all this trouble just to get a look at Ella.”

“I guess the damsel act works, you

hiss. “I loved you with all my heart – even after

to look offended. “How can

the back of my hand. Roger never realized it, but our bond presented itself when I was just sixteen – two years before my father named me his successor. Lydia broke my brother’s heart the very next day. I knew it then, but I was young and foolish. My wolf had been pining after my mate for so long then that I would have done anything to be with her. I couldn’t see her for the scheming social

simpers. “I wasted too many years on him hoping to become Luna. I should have listened to my wolf from the beginning. Maybe if I’d gone to you when the bond first appeared we would have had children and we could have avoided all this

counter. I wish I could tell her how easy it had been for Ella to conceive with me. That even after the damage Mike did to her ovaries, one simple insemination had done the trick when years of trying hadn’t gotten Lydia and I anywhere. I might point it out if I didn’t think it was so cruel. For all her faults, Lydia had always wanted

She frowns. “I obviously gave up on you too quickly. I blamed you for

can’t conceive with her husband. “Go home, Lydia.” I grit out. “Go back to your husband. You’re still young. It wasn’t in the

know she’s not strong enough to be your Luna.” Lydia whispers in an undertone, looking up at me from beneath her lashes. “Keep her as a plaything if you like, but don’t put her in charge. If you care about her you