Accidental Surrogate

Ella

“How are you feeling?” Sinclair asks, standing in the doorway of my bedroom. The wild hunt is tonight, and I know he’s not merely asking about my morning sickness or fatigue.

“Nervous.” I confess. “Do you think…” I trail off, blushing and unsure if I can actually speak the question I need to ask.

“What is it Ella?” He inquires, coming forward with an encouraging smile.

“Do you think I could see your wolf before we go tonight, just so that I’ll recognize it when I see you?” I whisper, barely loud enough to hear myself, but knowing Sinclair’s wolf ears will be more than capable of picking up on the sound. And so I won’t be scared. I add silently in my head.

“Of course.” He chuckles, “That’s a great idea. I should have thought of it myself.”

His powerful hands move to the buttons on his shirt, and I find myself taking a step back. “What are you doing?”

“You wanted to see my wolf, I don’t want to ruin this shirt.” He shrugs. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Right.” I breathe, “Right, of course.”

He continues stripping off his clothes, and I work hard to avert my gaze. So far I’ve been very successful in avoiding temptation by not looking at his body in these vulnerable moments, and I’m not about to change that now – on the day when it’s more important than ever that we practice self control.

“Does it hurt, shifting?” I ask, staring at my fidgeting fingers.

first time.” Sinclair shares, “The first time is almost unbearable, it takes hours and hours, but once you’ve gotten it over with it happens fast as lightning, too quickly for you to feel the pain of your

ghastly.” I feel suddenly lightheaded, “How old

make the change when they go through puberty.” Sinclair informs me, pulling

thinking of my baby – my son – eventually suffering through this sort of grisly shift, and I don’t like it one bit. “What was yours like, was anyone with you?”

got me through it, just like I’ll do for our son.”

sigh, feeling relieved to know Sinclair will help guide our child through the process. I can imagine Henry was a very gentle and supportive presence for Sinclair, and I know he’ll be the same. “I suppose… I probably wouldn’t be allowed

first time he’s ever been unclothed when I’m not, and I’m amazed at how much stronger I feel with my own body covered. I never realized until now how vulnerable it is to be undressed and exposed when others are not, but Sinclair doesn’t seem

“Yes, sorry.” I flush.

murmurs, “and don’t get close to me until after I’ve shifted, you don’t want to

my eyes on him, watching with horrified fascination as he ensures he’s not near anything breakable, then disappears. There’s a loud crack and the air seems to go blurry, I

wide as saucers, and I feel my jaw going slack. “That’s not a wolf that’s a bear!” I blurt out, saying the

than any natural wolf and probably almost as tall as I am – gives me an affronted look, as if I’ve

quickly amend, still trying to reconcile the fact that the beast in front of me is actually the man who spends every night wrapped

on the rug and waiting patiently for me to recover from

you.” I point out, my head filled with images

I’m amazed that anyone could manage to be so suggestive without speaking a word, or even possessing human features. “I…

but then again his silly side always surprises me. Suddenly it seems positively hilarious that Dominic Sinclair is sitting in front of me with the squirmy energy of a puppy, and I realize that he’s holding himself back from approaching

I touch you?” I

It takes a minute for me to find the courage to move my leadened feet, but I manage. I slowly cross the