Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 215 – New Beta

Sinclair

Morning comes much too soon. My body is sore and aching, but I’m much calmer now that I’ve let off some steam with my mate. The last thing I want to do is leave our suite and deal with the fallout of last week’s drama, but there is much to be done before the summit.

I begin with a visit to the families of the men I lost in the bombing, starting with Aileen. I give her my oath to find the men responsible for the attack, knowing my words are an empty comfort in the face of a life without her mate. These visits nearly break me, as I’ve yet to truly begin grieving myself. In fact I don’t even make it five minutes before regretting my orders for Ella to stay in bed and rest. She is the only thing that could possibly calm my wolf right now, and I dearly want to return to her side. I still hope to steal some time alone with her this afternoon – a final reprieve before the entire continent descends on us – but that will only be possible if I finish my to-do list.

Next I go to the airfield, needing to see the situation for myself. I’m astounded to see how large the refugee camp has grown in my absence, even with the families Gabriel has housed in the city. Though each of the shifters I meet is grappling with profound personal loss, they’re no less thrilled to see me alive and well. Their warmth and relief is a welcome balm, and I carry it with me into my meetings with the King’s security services.

The enforcers assure me that everything is ready for the summit, and that security will be the strictest the capital has ever seen, but that’s where the good news ends. So far, there are no leads on the bomber, and when I explain my miraculous survival to the assembled wolves, they can only exchange befuddled looks and remark that the Goddess must have been looking out for me. I don’t understand it myself, and even though Ella has proved just how present divine forces are in our lives, it’s beyond surreal to think that the Goddess might have saved me. Even so, I’m much more concerned with discovering Damon’s allies in Vanara, but I don’t find the answers I’m seeking in the security offices.

I leave, brooding as I check another task off my list. By the time I reach the palace library I don’t have any more clarity about who might have carried out the attack, and I’m at a loss for what to do. Thankfully Roger is already there waiting for me, and he greets me with an uncharacteristic hug. I return it enthusiastically, wondering when we last showed each other such affection – if ever.

“I don’t know what to make of it.” I tell him, quickly bringing him up to speed on the situation. “Obviously Damon orchestrated it, but how? Who is he working with? Is it one of the alphas here? Are there counter forces working against us right under our very nose? Did he somehow figure out a way to send people to Vanara?” i

Roger frowns, his mouth twisting into a grimace. I wait for him to speak, but I can sense his reluctance. “What?”

“Well,” he winces, “it could be one of the refugees.”

I take a step back, stunned he could suggest such a thing. “I refuse to believe that.” I argue, shaking my head. “You’ve been to the camp – you’ve seen what they’ve been through. No one there would help Damon.”

refugee – but someone impersonating one.” Roger amends, holding his hands up defensively. “And I don’t necessarily think that’s the case, I’m simply saying that there’s only one way off the continent

meeting point, he would just kill all of the refugees.”

Roger agrees. “Or maybe he’d use the opportunity to send spies or

a growl, hating this possibility but appreciating that he’s thinking strategically. ‘You need to be very careful who you say that in front of.” I warn gruffly. “That is the kind of idea that can spread panic and turn the locals against our

like it any more than you do. I’m just trying

you to keep thinking that way if we’re going to

vows, though his frown only deepens. “The real question is going to be how we investigate this without letting

your number one priority,” I reply,

as if he’s unsure he heard me correctly.” What did you

try to appoint a replacement for Hugo so soon after his death,” I confess, feeling a stab of guilt for even suggesting this when his loss is so fresh. “And I know it’s a

interest in being Alpha the moment I thought you were dead.” He shares grimly, his voice like gravel. “It was the closest I’d ever come to leading, and it’s the closest I ever want to be. My personal glory isn’t worth losing you – nothing is. You have no idea how desperately I prayed to have you

am back, and I need someone I can trust by my side.” I take him by the shoulders,

uncertainly. “Betas are supposed to balance their Alphas, not

confirm with a grin. “Do you think

of an ass do you plan

you up for it, or

dramatically, “And leave Ella without a guard? What

thinking of all the soldiers I already have to replace. “At this rate my men are dropping like flies. I don’t think I

strength. “I won’t let you down, Dominic. I’m