Accidental Surrogate

Ella

As soon as the Prince catches sight of Sinclair and I, his eyes flash with obvious rage. I can tell he’s surprised to see us here, though he must have known I survived the hunt. When none of his rogues returned to confirm my death, he would have immediately realized what happened. Still, I’m sure he expected Sinclair to do exactly what he just suggested, and keep me home at all costs.

Despite his fury, the Prince quickly covers his emotions and stalks toward us. I can feel Sinclair vibrating with dangerous energy, and I lean into him, letting him feel my warmth and breathe in my scent. He’s making low grumbly sounds, though not the kind he often makes when he’s kissing or scent marking me, which let me know his wolf is pleased. These are very different: sharp and vicious, hinting at barely contained aggression.

“It’s okay.” I whisper. “He can’t do anything here.”

“I’ll kill him.” Sinclair snarls under his breath. “You need to leave, before this gets ugly.”

I can tell Sinclair is no longer in control and I know his wolf is urging him to protect the baby even if it costs him the campaign. Of course, killing the Prince would get rid of the competition, but I don’t think it would comprise very good optics for a future King. I don’t understand enough about shifter society to know for sure, but my instincts are telling me that a death match on one of the most sacred days of the year is a bad idea.

“I’m not going anywhere.” I answer firmly, digging in my heels.

“Ella, I wasn’t asking.” Sinclair snaps, pinning me with his most intimidating gaze.

The fine hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I feel the sudden urge to cower before the predator towering over me, but I can’t bring a pup into the world without Sinclair, and I’m not going to risk him being thrown in jail or exiled. “You can threaten me and punish me however you like.” I remark coolly, pretending that my knees haven’t completely turned to jelly. “But I promised not to leave your side, and I meant it.”

Sinclair’s powerful arm squeezes my waist, pulling me even closer against him even though our bodies were already flush. He drops his lips to my ear. “This is not the time to test me, little human.”

I start to pull away from Sinclair, forcing him to pull me back and keep his hands

the wolves with my body. I lean my back into Sinclair’s chest, encouraging him to wrap his arms around me and rest his palms over the baby.

mind. He compliments me even as he promises to punish me for my interference, and I reach back to run my fingers through his silky hair, soothing him even though I’m making myself the target of his outrage. You’re in so much trouble, you magnificent, fearless little angel. What

creating a conniving, cruel expression. “It seems like I can’t open the newspaper these days without seeing you two staring back

us, drawn in by the magnetic pull of watching two competing alphas. “It’s amazing isn’t it? You’d think people would have gotten bored

your own good. Dominic is saying, making it very difficult for me to focus on the Prince’s response. I need to make him pay for

taste – especially among commoners.”

onlookers to hear. “But weren’t you a commoner until your father became King? It seems awfully callous to write off so many people just because they haven’t been as lucky as you. After all, that’s why you’re in this position – isn’t it?

let you get away without coming at least three times, you brilliant, impossible creature. At this point I press one of my stiletto’s onto Sinclair’s foot, needing him to shut up

containged rage. He obviously hates being shown up in public, but he’s in the same position as Sinclair, trapped by convention. “I wonder if you might release her for a dance? I’d be very curious to speak with

before I can respond. “Ella is struggling with morning sickness, too much spinning on

to lower his ear to my mouth. I’m wishing I could speak to him through the baby, the way he does with me, but I also know that the more intimate we appear for the media, the better the reports will seem. “It’s okay.” I insist. “He

He responds immediately. You’re mine, he can’t have

I’m a dumb commoner, I might be able to get information from him he wouldn’t admit to you.” I reason. “And it would look good to

in my head. I need you

to win. The baby and I need you to win, and you can’t do

is still standing behind us, impotently waiting for us to reach a decision. We pay him no mind. Instead I let Sinclair ravish me for all to see, stealing kiss after kiss from my swollen mouth and nibbling my neck before he releases me. I’ll be right here. If you need me, just send me a look, and I’ll be