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 can respond, the Prince appears in front of us. Acting on instinct, I start to pull away from Sinclair, forcing him to pull me back and keep his hands occupied holding me in place, rather than ripping the Prince to shreds. “Happy Solstice, Dominic,” The Prince greets, before turning

Sinclair, making a human barrier between the wolves with my body. I lean my back into Sinclair’s chest, encouraging him to wrap his arms around me

is muttering a steady litany of threats in my my head, using his connection with the baby to make his voice echo in my mind. He compliments me even as he promises to punish me for my interference, and I reach back to run my fingers

well, it’s hard to go incognito when you’re as famous as you two.” The Prince grins, creating a conniving, cruel

magnetic pull of watching two

difficult for me to focus on

for taste – especially among commoners.”

for our 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? Luck?” A stark murmur works through

going to put you right back over my knee and this time I’m not going to 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 before I become so aroused that the entire room can smell my desire. Of course, he only responds with a low chuckle. That might work

shown up in public, but he’s in the same position as Sinclair, trapped by convention. “I wonder if you might release

is struggling

through the baby, the way he does with me, but

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

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 the council. I doubt they want it to appear like theres a risk of

Sinclair complains in my head. I need you to be safe. I need him

and I need you to win, and you can’t do

know, Sinclair has spun me to face him. His mouth claims mine with urgent need, drawing a whimper from my lips as I open for his questing tongue. I’m sure the Prince is still standing behind us, impotently waiting for us to reach a decision. We pay him