Accidental Surrogate

Ella

Sinclair finally agreed to let the EMTs administer emergency care, though it wasn’t easy. He refused to let me out of his sight, and though he’d tried to maintain physical contact too, the EMTs eventually convinced him to let them strap him onto a gurney for transfer to the hospital. I sat beside him in the ambulance, where he was sprawled on his side, watching me with complete intensity as the EMTs worked on cutting away his clothes.

I stroked his hair as he stoically suffered through their poking and prodding, so he could feel me safe and secure beside him. At first I tried to peek over Sinclair’s broad shoulder to see the damage on his back, but he growled as soon as I broke eye contact, and I decided keeping him calm was more important than discovering the extent of his injuries.

The ambulance can’t seem to move fast enough, and I’m counting down the moments until we reach the shifter hospital. I can see how tired Sinclair is, his eyelids keep drooping, only to snap back open when he realizes he’s falling asleep. I want to help him rest, but I’m also afraid that if he falls asleep he might not wake back up.

“I’m so sorry, Dominic.” I murmur, unable to hold in my feelings any more.

“Why are you sorry?” He responds, furrowing his brow. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You’re hurt because of me.” I remind him, hiccuping and swiping at my tears with my free hand. “They wanted me – not you. Why did you do that!”

“Baby, if they could have gotten to me they gladly would have – you’re just an easier target.” He explains, sounding so steady and sure, even as the EMTs dig into his raw wounds. “And I did it because you and Rafe are a million times more important than me.”

“But that’s simply not true.” I argue miserably. “You can find another mate and have more babies –” A warning rumble vibrates in his chest, but I ignore it. “But if something happens to you then the entire pack, the entire realm would be in danger. I’m replaceable, you’re not.”

“I beg to differ.” Sinclair growls. “And if you keep talking that way you’re going to regret it, little mate.”

glances, and I can feel the corner of my own

flimsy straps you’re out of your mind, gorgeous.” He answers, sounding strong and ominous right up until he

cluck, still stroking his hair. “Are you

been if I’d lost you.”

center. I’m falling in love with this man, so of course I want to hear his affectionate endearments, of course I want him to be alright. But that doesn’t explain away

a show for the EMTs? And if he does mean it, then how could he be so cold and dismissive last night? Why did he sleep with

you thinking?” Sinclair asks, furrowing his brow as he takes in my solemn

if it’s safe for you to fall asleep.” I lie, using my thumb to smooth out

if he can.” The first EMT frowns apologetically. “Just until we know the

already told you I

The second EMT assures me. “He just has to

grinder. Once I can see his back, I understand that the entire broad surface was shredded by the glass of the windshield, and hundreds of tiny shards are still embedded in his skin. The sight is enough to send me into a fresh fit of tears, and I’m beyond angry with myself for giving into the emotion. I know me being upset will do

for x-rays, because of course I can’t go with him. They need to assess the internal damage from the blunt force of the crash, and though the logical part of Sinclair realizes that, the combination of so much danger, my upset, and all the strangers around us has his wolf in full control. In the end it takes getting every guard in the hospital to stand watch over me until he comes back from the x-ray, on threat of death if

and those of us who still have our sanity intact trying to convince him to lie down. It’s a losing battle, and in the end I end up in the bed with him, his huge body draped over me while he pretends not to feel the pain of dozens of tiny tweezers digging into his torn flesh

best to distract him, kissing his scruffy cheeks and nuzzling his neck, telling him what a powerful

time I try to graze them over his jaw. “Such

not entirely. You saved my life today, you saved the baby –

had every right,” He acknowledges, “even if it was a