Accidental Surrogate

Ella

As the Prince and I move around the dance floor, I’m only too conscious that every eye in the room is on us. Of course, none of those eyes weigh on my shoulders so heavily as Sinclairs. I’m working hard not to accidentally send him any signals that I need to be rescued, but it isn’t easy – especially after the Prince just confronted me with one of the many lies I’ve been telling.

“That’s not surprising.” I bluff. “I lived a quiet life before coming here.”

“There’s quiet and then there’s nonexistent.” The Prince mutters bleakly. “And forgive me but I find it highly suspicious that you made absolutely no impact on your prior pack. After all – one would expect a she-wolf qualified to be Luna to have a high profile.”

“Believe it or not,” I begin, deciding to tell at least one truth tonight, “but I didn’t find my strength until I met Dominic. He’s helping me recognize that my power was always there, but sometimes it takes seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes to appreciate the parts of ourselves we take for granted. So, no I didn’t have a high profile in the Bloodbane pack.”

The Prince scoffs. “I wouldn’t be so quick to admit that, Ella. Just imagine what the council would think if they knew.” His tone implies advice, but his eyes glint with an obvious threat.

“I’ll gladly tell them myself.” I counter coolly, “I’m not ashamed of my past, and I think people need leaders who can be honest about their journeys. No one starts out in this world as a force of nature; they become one after being molded and weathered by the elements. Dominic and I are examples of how even the strongest of our kind become so through resilience and strife, as well as the people with whom you surround yourself – not blind ambition.”

The Prince has been keeping his voice low, no doubt afraid of being overheard, but when I continue to speak at a volume guaranteeing others will hear our conversation, he loses his temper. “Would you keep your voice down?!”

“Why, don’t you want people to know our positions?” I counter, feeling an unfamiliar spike of adrenaline. Is this how hunters feel when they know they’re closing in? When they’ve got their target cornered. “Don’t you want them to be fully informed before the election?”

“That isn’t how things are done!” The Prince snaps, forgetting to whisper now.

“Well maybe it should be.” I answer coldly. “Why adhere to outdated traditions just because that’s the way things have always been done? Being done doesn’t mean they’re right or effective.”

see the wolves around us rear back in shock. I know I have scant seconds before Sinclair will appear and snatch me away from the Prince so he can attack, so I

mean,” I beam, mildly surprised at how little fear I truly fear. “Growling at breeding she-wolves half your size really

stopping and yanking me close enough so he can hiss in my ear, “You dumb bitch, I don’t know how you survived last night, but mark my words, I’m going to get rid of you and that brat

know I can’t give into my instincts to growl back at him. I don’t care if he’s threatening me,

might have once felt for myself has translated into primal protectiveness for my child. The problem is that it might cost us the campaign – I know how important it is for me to continue looking calm and unintimidated by the Prince. If I let the people around us see

raw power. My belly swoops and flutters when I see him, and the next thing I know, he’s extracting me from the Prince’s arms. “I’m going to take my mate back now.” He announces with a lethal grin, not waiting for the Prince to

laugh, “It’s only been a

I said.” Sinclair beams, sending a ripple of laughs around the room as he sweeps me into his arms.

and I’m swaying safely in Sinclair’s arms, does he

up at him hesitantly. “I’m not sure I should

going to throw a tantrum right here in the middle of the dance floor.” Sinclair jokes, though there’s a sharp edge in his voice that tells me he’s not merely jesting. He might have chosen the words to make me laugh, but I can tell he needs to

“He threatened me and the baby, told me to leave while I still

me closer, until I can no longer see his handsome face. Still, I can picture him glowering at everyone around us, staring daggers at anyone who sets eyes on me –like a dragon guarding its treasure. “Don’t worry, Ella.” Sinclair rumbles, his strong hands caressing my spine. “I won’t let him hurt you or the

assure him, leaning close so he can feel my solid weight in his arms. “I trust

despite everything I’ve been through. I know he wouldn’t intentionally hurt me,

sending delicious shivers down my spine. Even as I revel in his warm tone and terms of endearment, his earlier threats are still ringing in my ears,

strangely addictive about his dominance, and I’m still aching for his touch. At the time I thought the longing would pass with

an indulgent smile. “You kept me from making a terrible mistake. You helped me stay calm when