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.”

exchange amused glances, and I can feel the corner of my

of a few flimsy straps you’re out of your mind, gorgeous.”

“Are you in a

been if I’d lost you.” He replies, with utter

I want to hear his affectionate endearments, of course I want him to be alright. But that doesn’t explain away last

saying, or is he just putting on a show for the EMTs? And if he does mean it, then how could he be so cold and dismissive last night?

Sinclair asks, furrowing his brow as he takes

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

first EMT frowns apologetically. “Just

a grimace. “I already told you I

me. “He just has to hold

arrive at the hospital it’s more of the same: Sinclair being impossibly stubborn and overprotective, even though I’m perfectly fine and he’s the one who looks like he’s been put through a meat 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

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

end up caught in another disagreement, with him insisting the doctors and nurses can tend to his back while he’s sitting up so he can keep me in his lap, 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,

do my best to distract him, kissing his scruffy cheeks and nuzzling his neck, telling him what

next time I try to graze them over

argue, “At least, not entirely. You saved my life today, you saved the baby – again. And after I was such a

acknowledges, “even if it