Accidental Surrogate

Ella

Once Sinclair returned and I was allowed off of bed rest, I finally got the opportunity to visit Hugo’s widow Aileen. At least, I thought I would have the chance – instead I was turned away from her door and told in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t accepting visitors. I’ve been back every day since, but this morning is the first time she’s allowed me inside.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I ask her gently, knowing better than to offer her empty apologies and condolences. “Anything at all?”

“You already are,” She answers wryly, looking up at me from her bed. “You know you, Dominic and Henry are the only ones who have come to see me? Not just to tell me how amazing Hugo was or say how much they pity me, but to find out how I’m doing because you truly care. And of the three of you, you’re the only one who hasn’t gotten the message to leave me alone.”

I shrug, not feeling the least bit sorry. “Sometimes we want to be left alone precisely when we shouldn’t be.” I frown, thinking about the other wolves in the palace – our fellow countrymen. “And don’t take the others’ absence personally. Everyone is caught up in their own worries with the war, and no one likes to be reminded of how quickly it can all be taken away… your grief makes it impossible to avoid.”

Aileen snorts, “you don’t beat around the bush, do you?”

“Would you rather I did? That I diminish the gravity of your loss for the sake of politeness?” I ask, hoping that I’m not miscalculating. My prayer is that a bit of reverse psychology will help Aileen come back to herself for the sake of her pup – who has been spending a great deal of time in the nursery since his mother disappeared into her grief.

“I still have my boy.” Aileen answers firmly, reminding herself of the very fact I came to press upon her

“And how is Davey doing?” I inquire pointedly, though I already know the answer. Sinclair and Henry have been spending any time they can with the poor pup – not that this amounts to much. The horrible reality is that none of us have the bandwidth to give the bereaved the attention they deserve, but the same is true of all the refugees. Doing our jobs as leaders means neglecting them in the present, so that we can ensure they have a future.

Aileen’s gaze drops to her lap, an expression of profound shame overtaking her features. “He’s devastated of course – he thought his father hung the moon. He’s the only thing keeping me going… if he wasn’t here I think…”

“Is he here?” I question gently, looking around the empty room.

confesses, tears welling in her eyes. “I kept our bond open, but only just. I didn’t want him to see

see that you’re hurting just as badly

Aileen argues, “and

I insist, rising to my feet. “Come with

hesitates, glancing towards a mirror on the far wall. She certainly looks more than a little worse for wear, with great dark circles under her eyes and dirty, lank

Isabel and Henry are waiting for us – another scheme I concocted in hopes Aileen might take comfort from people who have been through this and know how she feels. Of course, we haven’t even set foot in the

the familiar space, crashing into his mother’s arms with tears streaming down his cheeks.” Mommy where have

break. When it does happen, she shatters before our very eyes, crashing to her knees and dragging the pup into her lap. “I’m sorry.” She moans, rocking him

b-been sad too!” Davey complained, sniffling, “I k-kept trying to c- come see

continues sobbing apologies to her son, and then Isabel and Henry come forward to

on his handsome face as he takes in the scene. “You finally got

correct, running my hands over my baby bump and

minutes. Still, I wish we could stay longer – I wish we could do more for all of our people. As

fact, I do.” Sinclair reveals, kissing my hair. “Roger

in my tracks. ‘That’s

walking. ‘The bastard is dead, but he told Damon the assassination was successful before he

be an advantage to us?” I inquire, my wolf howling with vengeful joy to know our enemy

relieved that you’ll be leaving Vanara soon.” Sinclair declares, surprising me. “Damon knows you’re here and he believes I’m out of the

clicks at once, “So we may be more at risk?” I muse aloud, probing our

Sinclair teases, his voice barely more than a growl. “But yes, I believe we made the right decision –