Accidental Surrogate

#Chapter 176 — Hypnosis

Ella

“I don't want to wake up .” I complain, still snuggled beneath the covers of my dream bed with Sinclair.

“I know, but the sooner we do and get back to work, the sooner we can be reunited.” Sinclair replies, sounding every bit as reluctant as I feel.

“Meet me again tonight?” I request, wondering how I'll ever force myself to untangle my limbs from his.

True to his promise, my mate had freed me of my guilt and helped me forgive myself, just not in the way I expected. I got to give him plenty of pleasure, but unleashing all of his Alpha power was like experiencing his wolf on steroids. He was so wild and feral, practically rabid with lust, and my wolf responded like a complete wanton. I imagine it’s what being in heat will feel like after the baby comes, and the entire night passed in a blurry haze. My body is sore and aching from my mate's dominant treatment, but my heart is light and my conscience is clear.

“wild horses couldn’t stop me.” Sinclair promises, still bathing me in the glow of his astounding magic.

“We'll of course not.” I joke, “your wolf is the size of a bloody horse already and he’s got built in knives on his fingers and toes.”

Sinclair laughs, petting my hip. “Fine, an army of vampires couldn’t stop me.” He amends.

I pause, “wait, are vampires real too?”

“No.” Sinclair smiles, without judgment. He pauses then, seeming to be listening for something. “I think I’m waking up. Be good today, little mate. No skipped meals or forgotten naps.”

“I'll be good as long as you stay safe.” I agree, thinking I might cry and then feeling ridiculous for being so emotional over such a short time apart.

came from a place of vulnerability, so he doesn’t chastise me. no.vel.ebook Instead he waits for me to look up at him again, “and please talk to Gabriel about investigating

in reluctant confirmation, “I'll make some

pouring all his love through our bond, and then

I scarf down my breakfast and throw myself into making arrangements for the summit, before visiting the orphans and departing for the refugee arrivals camp. When I arrive, I’m surprised to discover that my sister is already present, anxiously looking on as the Vanaran doctors treat injured shifters. She’s so consumed in the events in the medical tent that she doesn’t even notice me approaching

me.” She breathes,

bone, placing the injured arm into a strange machine, which automatically projects a light image of the woman's skeleton, like a portable x-ray which requires no radiation. As we watch, the machine carefully bends and shifts the limb until the bones are lined up properly, and the shifter only emits a low hiss, making me think it must be a relatively pain-free

feeling

a lot

know how humans are with people they don't know or understand.no.vel.ebook If they found out about wolves we'd have a witch

the power. Yes, humans would be afraid and all the bigots in the world would probably demonize them

one.” I remind her. “Yes, we might have strength and technology on our side, but I think it's a mistake to forget how much damage humans

find a gulf between us. Our relationship didn’t change when we found out I'm a shifter, but in this discussion we’re suddenly separated by our identities. “On our side?” She repeats, her brow furrowing. “You mean your side. Have you forgotten, sister, that I’m one

replaying my words in my mind and realizing how cold they

a wolf for less than a month. I thought your allegiance was stronger than that.” Cora remarks, “You’re so concerned for all these displaced shifters, for your pack.. have you even thought about how this war is affecting the humans on the continent? They’re suffering the same violence and instability, but unlike us, they

have anywhere to run, there is

The shame I so recently banished comes back to strike at me full

sorry.” I choke, “You’re right. I’ve gotten so caught up in my own life these last couple of weeks... in trying to figure out

now, it's you.” Cora appeases begrudgingly. “And I’m probably just taking out my

to think about the humans too, Sinclair might already be monitoring the situation or planning things, but if he isn’t, I'll make sure we start.” I decide, thinking aloud. Almost as an afterthought, I add, “Frustration