Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 169 – Ella Hides

Ella

“Ella, why are we doing this?” Cora inquires in exasperation, her legs treading the steaming water of the palace baths.

“Because I’m avoiding Dominic and water is the only way I know to hide my scent.” I answer primly, swimming around her in circles. I’m wearing a borrowed swimsuit, and I’d even showered with Cora’s soap and worn her clothes on the way here – anything to try and disguise my scent.

I then persuaded Gabriel to show me some of the hidden passages in the Royal residence so that Sinclair couldn’t track me through the halls, and as far as I know my mate doesn’t even know these baths exist. They’re a relic from a bygone era, when it had been in fashion to bathe socially rather than in private. I wouldn’t know about them if I hadn’t asked. Luckily the King seems so amused by my schemes that he hasn’t shown any reluctance to help me, regardless of his friendship with my mate.

“This is silly,” Cora complains, rolling her big brown eyes. “He can’t make you forgive him if you’re not ready.”

I snort with laughter, rubbing my belly and sharing my amusement with my unborn pup. ‘Try telling that to an Alpha.” I retort wryly. “As far as Dominic is concerned he can declare our fight over and sex me into complacency.”

“I still don’t see why you should have to hide. I mean he might think that but it’s not like it could actually work…” She trails off, studying me closely.” Right?’

“Well not the way you mean.” I admit flushing deep pink. “It’s not like it would change my feelings or make me forget why I’m upset, but I also won’t be able to resist him.” I confess, heat pooling in my belly at the very thought. “He has this power over me, Cora. Even though I want to stay angry because I feel in my bones that I’m right, part of me still wants him to find me, because he’s my mate and it’s right that he should.” She still looks confused, so I continue, “It’s a mark of his power, proof that I don’t ever have to worry about being lost because he’ll always find me. And it’s the same with sex… I respond to his dominance on an instinctual level, and when he employs it against me… I don’t stand a chance – which I hate but also secretly love.”

he does figure out you’re here and drag you off like a caveman, you’ll

in his hands and afterwards I’ll be all sated and sleepy and he’ll start sweet talking me… and the next thing you know I’ll be cuddling up to

frowns, sharing my

don’t find a way to

of an ostrich sticking its head

coming she’ll be prepared. She’ll also probably resist her feelings all the more, which

jump a foot into the air. I don’t know how he managed to sneak up on us, when I’m as attuned to his scent as I am, but damned if he didn’t find a way. Cora and I swim to the other side

fair.” I object, wriggling and

were your terms baby, you set the challenge and I rose to it. And before you try to pretend otherwise, you should know I

tyrant. My wolf is all ready to roll over and show him her belly, to invite his own inner animal to ravish her as if she’s not every bit as upset as I am that he’s leaving – if not more so.

crossing my arms over my chest as we move through the

the rat.” From where I’m standing it looks like you’re the one making a mess of the King’s lovely parquet.” He has a point. I am the one who’s all wet, but I took a towel to the baths and he abandoned it in

his wolf is growling in my head, making sultry declarations that have my own wolf squirming with anticipation and need. Such a naughty mate, hiding from me, disguising your delectable scent… wasting the precious time we have left together

big bully and not letting me do my job as your Luna. She sasses in reply. If I’m unruly it’s only because you’re

our rooms, and sets me on the ground, closing the door behind him. He stands before me with his hands on his hips, looming so close that mere inches separate us. No, it

don’t like it any more than you do and I know how important stability is to your sense of wellbeing – especially now that you’re breeding. He shares, surprising me with this show of empathy. I