Accidental Surrogate

Sinclair

I decide to work from home for the rest of the day.

I’m so amazed by everything that’s happening, and overwhelmed by how much our lives have changed in the last 48 hours. Two days ago I was grieving the relationship I believed was impossible, wishing against all logic that Ella could be a wolf. Now all our dreams have come true, yet I feel reluctant to trust these changes. It’s all too wonderful, even if mysterious forces have clearly been at work – pulling the strings of our lives from far away.

I hate the idea that someone has been watching and manipulating us from afar – even if it is the Goddess. Still, the Goddess isn’t what frightens me most. The thing that frightens me most is knowing that someone out there knows the truth about Ella, they know secrets she and I have yet to uncover, and might use them against us. True, it seems that bringing us together was for our benefit, but the picture is never clear until it’s complete. Shifters in this city know exactly how vulnerable Ella is right now, and we can’t wake her wolf for another three and a half months, at least.

Around seven I realize that I’m not going to get any more work done this evening. Instead I head upstairs to my bedroom, expecting to find my sweet mate resting before dinner. Instead, I walk in to find Ella out of bed and pacing, overflowing with anxious energy. The second thing I notice is that every pillow, blanket and cushion in the linen closet has been piled onto the bed, and the canopy curtains drawn closed.

Ella stops in her tracks when she sees me, wringing her hands. “Baby, what is it?” I ask, crossing over to her. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not right. I’ve been trying to fix it but I can’t… it’s not right.”

I pull her into my arms, purring softly as she tucks her head against my chest and breathes in my scent. “What’s not right. How can I help?”

“The bed.” She huffs, gesturing to it sullenly. “It’s not cozy enough. Your pillows are terrible, and none of the blankets are soft enough.”

state? These instincts are as powerful as all the cravings and mood swings, and they’re also further proof

I

furrowing in confusion, “but that

it’s a little more literal with wolves, Ella. These are just more of your maternal instincts coming out.” I explain. “It’s probably made worse by the bed rest, you’re stuck in this room with nowhere to go, it’s only natural that you want to make yourself as cozy a spot to welcome the pup

giant and everything is wrong.” She complains, unbuttoning my shirt so she can nuzzle her face against

instincts urging me to settle her. I deposit

them back if they don’t fit the indescribable qualifications she’s seeking. I have no idea what’s going on in her mind, but I know enough to realize this isn’t a matter of logic. Her inner wolf is pushing her to satisfy a powerful

offering me a satisfied smile that makes me want to

for a moment, obviously contemplating this. She narrows her eyes, “As long as

I accidentally knock one of the overstuffed poufs out of position, and a kittenish growl rises

a while I simply kiss Ella, elated that I’m finally able to be with her so freely. Every other time we’ve gotten

daydreaming about what it will be like when your wolf finally emerges completely.” I share a little while later. “It was distracting me all day long.” I admit, stroking her spine as she nibbles my ear. “You’ve shown such ferocity already, and you have so much love to give – you’ll truly be the perfect queen.” I exalt, loving the shy blush that colors her

a sultry giggle, squirming against me in a way that tells me she’s getting excited just talking about this. Still, she sighs, a familiar look of hesitance on her lovely features. “Don’t, we don’t know what the future holds yet. And I’ll be happy even if it’s just the three of

get her hopes up. I know only too well how hard it is to let yourself

I’ve never had that bond. Rafe is the first person in my life who I’ll experience that with.” Ella confides, “it’s part of why

your genes.” I tease, sliding my hand down over her luscious behind. “They’re damned good