Accidental Surrogate

Sinclair

I stare at my father, not comprehending his words. “What do you mean she left?”

“Well you took off and your brother came along and started whispering in her ear about Lydia and picking arguments with me.” Dad explains pointedly. “I wasn’t surprised when Ella walked away – the poor thing clearly doesn’t like conflict. I thought maybe she’d just gone back to the restroom, but she hasn’t come back and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her since.”

“Damnit.” I swear, dragging a hand through my hair and looking around. I don’t see the guards I specially assigned to her, and I can only hope that they’re with her – not searching for her too.

“What were you thinking, running off that way?” My father scolds.

“I had to make sure Lydia wasn’t a threat to her or the pup.” I grit out, wondering just how much damage my impulsivity has done. Between leaving Ella alone, publicly arguing with Lydia and now preparing to walk out before the feast has truly kicked off, it’s entirely possible that I’ve hurt my campaign – not to mention the mother of my pup.

“I understand that but you must know how that looked to Ella.” My father sighs. “And Roger didn’t help.”

“What did he say to her?” I demand, more harshly than I intended.

“About what you’d expect.” Dad grimaces. “That Lydia came back to try to mend bridges and you would dump Ella in a heartbeat to get back together with your fated mate.”

A low growl tears through my chest, and I’ve half a mind to go track down my treacherous brother and make him eat his words. However my wolf won’t allow that. He’s demanding we see to Ella first – her welfare is more important than punishing Roger.

I make my excuses to the King and Queen, using Ella’s illness as an excuse. No one could fault me for caring for my breeding mate rather than furthering my campaign, and Dad and I return to the limo without much objection. The driver confirms he took Ella home a little while ago, but I won’t relax until I can talk with her.

When I get home, my rooms are empty, and I know it’s a bad sign if Ella is sleeping in her own bed. She only ever does this if she’s unhappy with me or – Goddess forbid, in need of privacy to relieve our sexual tension. Still, after the night we’ve had I doubt there’s much danger of the latter, so I make my way to her rooms without hesitation.

covers but wide awake. She sits up when I

you left, did you?” I inquire, coming to sit on the edge

She shrugs. “I wasn’t sure you’d notice I was gone.” She winces almost as soon as the words are out of her mouth. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that

apologize.” I admonish, “not

petty.” She whispers, flushing

allowed to be petty every now and then.” I tease, brushing the hair back from her face. “it’s the least I can offer when you’re giving me

amazing how different she and Lydia can seem even when wearing the same expression. Lydia had adopted this look to try and manipulate me, but Ella’s shyness is entirely genuine. “You asked me if I wanted to

hand around the back of her neck, massaging her tense muscles with

knowing she was in the wrong, but attempting to push

I reply. “My father was really worried about you, and so

She frowns, looking truly guilt-stricken. “I’m

did you want?” I press, encouraging her to

to get out of there.” Ella murmurs, leaning her head against

You weren’t angry at me? Trying to punish me for leaving you alone?” I suggest, trailing

“I just felt overwhelmed, you were gone and Roger and your Dad were arguing, I didn’t know

anything to do with the things Roger said to

time Roger sought her out. I hadn’t cared for her acceptance of his warnings then, and I certainly don’t now, given everything that’s

what?” I probe,

it truly doesn’t bother her but she understands he was out of line, or maybe she cares more than she’s letting on. Is it terrible of me to hope for the latter? To hope she’s

you – he was trying to be hurtful.” I clarify, wishing I hadn’t been so thoughtless as to leave her

hurt.” Ella suggests, using a tone I