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.”

the corner of my own

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

still stroking his hair. “Are you in a lot

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

hear his affectionate endearments, of course I want him to be alright. But

he just putting on a show for the EMTs? And if he does mean

Sinclair asks, furrowing his brow as he takes in

asleep.” I lie, using my thumb to smooth

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

a grimace. “I already told you I wasn’t taking my eyes off you, that includes for

there.” The second EMT assures me. “He just has to hold on a

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.

unfortunate crescendo when they try and take him 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

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, his huge body draped over me while he pretends not to feel the pain of dozens of tiny tweezers digging into his torn flesh to extract all the

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

lips in his the next time I try to graze them over

today, you saved

He acknowledges, “even if it was