Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 161 Approaching Sinclair

Ella

When we return to the palace I go straight upstairs to the office Sinclair has been using as his war room. Of course, there was a war room in his mansion back home too, but that one had been for the campaign, this one is only too literal.

When I walk into the tense space, I find my mate standing over a large diorama of the continent,a to-scale model of the territories, terrain and cities of our homeland. Tiny figures are scattered throughout the lifelike reproduction, forming armies, groups of civilians, rogues and refugees. A group of warriors surround the table supporting the miniature world, listening as Hugo delivers the evenings brief.

“Our spies report that despite their alliances during the campaign, Damon's armies have now turned against rogue forces in the neutral territories. Apparently his conquest of the united packs is complete enough that he's able to turn his attention to other threats, and he’s not hesitating to do just that.” Hugo explains. “

Any resistance in the packs has gone underground because of his severe crackdown, and more and more shifters are attempting to escape. These are mostly those who have reason to fear the Prince due to their politics or status in the pack, but others flee for no other reason than the loss of their homes and loved ones. The people recognize that any future under Damon’s rule is bound to be bleak, so they're leaving instead.”

“I can’t believe he’s done so much in so little time.” One of the warriors pipes up. I recognize the man as Sinclair’s third now that Gabriel is gone, but I can't quite recall his name. Philip? Phelan? Phineas?

“To your point, Philippe, Damon has moved very quickly. He hasn’t just gone after the Alpha council and their betas, he’s been taking out the elders in each pack as well, plus any wolves that might be strong enough to make a claim for Alpha. He’s eliminated any and all competition, created a power vacuum everywhere but on the throne. It’s nothing new in terms of authoritarianism, but it’s damned effective.”

“Do we know if any of the elders have survived?” Sinclair inquires, his handsome face twisted into a grimace.

“If they have then they’re in hiding or attempting to escape.”

who might have helped us has gone radio silent out of fear of detection,

if we can dredge up some alliances in Vanara, we’re likely

was so focused on the task at hand that he

completely blocked from view. There’s also a fan directly across from us, blowing our

I know his fierce gaze is ordering the men in front of me to move so I might pass. I slip between them and try

such a stressful and disturbing

back to our forest suite, and it’s all I can do to hold my tongue until we’re alone. I have so much to tell him about my visit with the refugees, and I can't wait to take him

with an urgency that

how furious he’d be if you went gallivanting around Vanara and left me here all by my

through physical exertion, as well as our bond. Careful little wolf, He warns. If I didn’t know any better I'd think you were trying

would never dream of it. I answer, earning an

afternoon nap, now those things are the farthest things from my mind. All I can think about now is joining with my mate, letting our two bodies become one and disappearing into the rapture of

but I can tell he needs this even more badly than I do. He strips off my clothes right there in the entrance of our rooms, then lifts me into his arms and guides my legs around

cock and driving himself deep. He takes

hips up to meet him as he closes his teeth around my mark. I cry out when he sinks his fangs in, cresting a

heavily, Sinclair pulls me from the wall and carries me to my nest, dropping tender kisses to my hair. “Sorry about that trouble. I think I

smile. “I love it when

stroking my hair as he lies back onto the