Accidental Surrogate

#Chapter 218 – Chasing Butterflies

Ella

I haven’t been to the nursery since the news of Sinclair’s supposed death broke, and when I walk in I’m greeted with a chorus of excited cries from the children. I kneel down and open my arms to the pups, making sure to kiss every cheek and nose I can reach. “Ella where have you been?!” One of the older girls demands hotly, crossing her arms over her chest, “It’s been ages and ages!”

“Miss Izzy said you were sick.” Someone else interjects before I can answer. “You can borrow my stuffy if you want, she always makes me feel better.”

They’re all clamoring for answers at once, and all I can do is offer hugs and apologies for my absence. “Oh thank you! I know, I’ve been gone too long – but I didn’t want to stay away. That mean doctor ordered me to stay in bed. I promise I’m better now, and it’s a good thing because I’ve missed you all so much.”

More questions rain down, but then Isabel’s firm but loving voice sounds from somewhere above us. “Alright pups, let’s not overwhelm our Princess. Give her some space to breathe.” I look up to find Sadie strapped to a front­facing carrier on her chest, and though Isabel is trying to look stern, the infant is grinning and giggling as she bounces in her cloth seat. Of course, none of us take kindly to the matron’s suggestion, and I simply bare my fangs and hug the little ones closer, laughing when their immature growls join my own defensive noises.

Isabel throws her hands up in exasperation, “suit yourselves then.” She retreats, but keeps an ever-watchful eye on us as we continue to catch up.

“Is it true that the Alpha is back?” A little boy asks softly, his eager breath fluttering against my neck.

“A course he is!” Another small voice chastises him, just a tiny bit smug for being in the know. “Everyone saw him carrying her through the halls.” A number of the girls titter excitedly, but the first pup only huffs at their antics.

“Well I dunno!” He complains, sounding thoroughly affronted as he cuddles a bit closer to my side. “The other day everyone was saying he was deads.”

‘We did have a scare.” I explain carefully, “but we were wrong. Alpha Dominic is alive and he’s home now.”

I regret the words almost as soon as I’ve said them, because a number of the pups look suddenly hopeful. I can practically see the thoughts racing through their minds – wondering if we were wrong about Sinclair, then maybe we were wrong about their parents too. “How come you were wrong?” The boy in my arms inquires, confirming my suspicions.

transparent when the/re this young, “but that’s only because he’s my mate. The King and the other Alphas don’t have the same connection with him, so they didn’t have reason to hope.” It’s not the full story, but it’s the best I can

no doubt reflecting on their own experiences with broken bonds. My heart aches for them, even as one of the girls nods glumly. “It’s like when we lost our

still out there somewhere, fighting to get back to us. Thankfully I was right.” At this point I’m sitting on the floor with half a dozen pups in my lap, and another six gathered around me in a circle. However I also notice a few unfamiliar pups skirting warily around the edges of our group – as if unable to keep themselves away. “Now tell me what you’ve all been up to while

my shoulder laughs. ‘They’re scared cuz they heard

them how nice I am? That I’m so

children laugh and I see a small boy lurking closer, encouraged by the happy sounds. “Hello there.” I say,

and extend my

‘They’re not bwothers

dozens of brothers and sisters to love, who understood exactly how I felt – how lonely and sad I could get when I thought about my Mommy and Daddy.” Some of

they said you’re a pwincess.” There’s a note of accusation in his voice, and I wonder just how recently he’s joined the nursery

didn’t know I was a Princess until very recently.” I explain. “In fact, I didn’t even know I was a wolf because I was

my lap. He goes very still when my hands first make contact, but after a moment he melts against

to princesses.” Another new face has joined us, a clever little girl

things happen to everyone.” I relate sadly, offering her my other arm. She slips into my embrace, and I kiss her hair. “There now, you see? I’m not so bad.” I croon.

The boys murmurs, nuzzling his head

I answer honestly, breathing in his pure scent just as

tummy kicked me.” The girl

my baby,” I chuckle warmly, guiding her

baby.” The pup greets, patting my stomach and looking up

their benefit I add, “Now that Alpha Dominic is back, he’s going to make Damon pay for everything he’s done. One day we’ll all be