Accidental Surrogate

Ella

“Hello Ella, I’m Leon.” I’m staring skeptically at the strange man, not trusting this one bit. He doesn’t bat an eye and only continues as if i’m not watching him like a wary rabbit preparing to bolt.”

King Gabriel tells me you’re in the market for a hypno-therapist.”

I don’t respond, still sizing him up. I’ve never liked doctors and with good reason, but after learning that the OBGYN who prompted me to go to the s.perm bank turned out to be a fraud, I find myself even more suspicious of anyone in the field than usual. Frankly, the idea of laying back and closing my eyes while some stranger delves into my deepest, darkest memories makes me feel sick to my stomach. If my mate were here it might be different, he would provide me with the sense of safety I need to let my guard down, but he isn’t here and my wolf is very on edge. A low growl slips out of my mouth, and I feel my l!ps curling back to bare my fangs.

Leon shoots a nervous glance at Gabriel, who seems entirely unphased. He gestures for the therapist to continue, so Leon forges on, “I understand that hypnosis can seem very daunting.” Leon acknowledges, “we’re searching understand that hypnosis can seem very daunting.” Leon acknowledges, “we’re searching for things your mind has hidden from you for your own protectiòn, but I assure you that I’ve been doing this for a very long time and you’re in good hands. I will help you through every step of the process, and I’ll be able to pull you out of the dream state if it becomes overwhelming. You can have someone stay with you through the process if you like, but you need to make sure it’s someone with whom you are comfortable sharing these memories.”

“Like you?” I scoff, knowing I’m being unnecessarily rude but not caring. “A random man off the street who has done nothing to earn my trust but expects me to lay myself emotionally bare at your whim?”

Gabriel opens his mouth to speak, but Leon holds up a staying hand to the King. “It’s okay, she’s exactly right. Normally we would be doing this as part of a much broader therapy regimen where we would have the space and time to form a bond of trust. I would be concerned if you didn’t feel anxious about this, Ella, but I also know that time is a luxury we don’t have.”

“How about I go get Cora? I’m sure she’d be happy to stay with you.” Gabriel suggests, intentionally making his voice low and soothing.

“I want Dominic.” I answer sharply, my arms wrapped defensively around my body.

Gabriel sighs, “I know, but he isn’t here, Ella. You’re going to have to pick someone else.”

My l!p quivers dangerously, and for a second I’m furious with Sinclair for leaving me to do this alone. A moment later I’m kicking myself for being so selfish, and tears well in my eyes. I blink them away, hating my weakness. We could just attack him. My wolf suggests slyly. He doesn’t look so tough, I bet we could take him. There can’t be hypnosis without a hypnotist.

point. I answer, truly liking her idea and marveling at my own bl00dl.ust. I never contemplated attacking anyone before all this started, and now I’m practically salivating at the idea of pouncing on the unsuspecting therapist. Of course, a moment later I imagine having to tell Sinclair that I bit the hypnotist Gabriel generously vetted for us, and I

I can still feel her violent inclinations pulsing through my bl00d, sparking

think he can sense the direction of my thoughts, but I

I can’t have my mate,

I leave you alone here, are you going

of him before King Nosey gets back, and then there wouldn’t be anything to tattle

my nose up. “Why don’t you

send a guard.” The King chooses wisely, giving

a seat, Ella.” Leon advises, seeming entirely unfazed by my aggression. Then again, I suppose he’s used to

hand on my belly and the other clasped in Henry’s large hand. “Don’t worry, Ella.

reply, squeezing his hand. “Will you wake me if you

mate might not let me lash out

being ridiculous.” Gabriel mutters under his

pregnant!” I remind him,

I’m disabled.”‘ Henry adds, in an equally offended tone that has me smothering

of those conditions excuse you from being irrational.” Gabriel declares. “Leon is here

lot of anxiety about this process, and that’s okay.” He announces inanely. “Ella, I’m going to tell you how this works so you know what to expect. First I’m going to give you a very small injection of a drug called Ether. It’s going to help you relax and open your mind, breaking down the barriers of thought that often lock certain memories or sensations away from your consciousness. It’s completely safe –