Accidental Surrogate

Of all the things I expected to hear when I met my long–lost mother for the first time, it certainly wasn’t, “You’re too late.”

I stop dead in my tracks, glancing nervously at Cora, Roger and Philippe. We’re barely out of the transport boats, and my bare feet are sinking into the dense black sand covering the beach. It slips between my toes, and I absentmindedly squidge them this way and that, enjoying the sensations while my brain tries to catch up.

“We’re too late?” I finally repeat as our little party remains frozen at the edge of the waves, wondering if we might be sent back the way we came.

“You should have been here months ago.” One of the priests announces grimly.

I recognize the man from my dreams, and suddenly my heart stops beating. His face is so familiar, and yet I doubt I’d be able to pick him out of a lineup. He’s at once entirely unremarkable, yet impossible to forget. Cora leans into me, sensing my tension if not my malfunctioning heart. “I didn’t even know this place existed until last week!” I say by way of explanation, my voice hoarse and wary. “I would have come sooner if I knew I was supposed to.”

The three figures exchange dubious glances, and though my wolf refuses to take her attention off the priests, my other senses are completely distracted by my investigation of my mother. She smells familiar, but when I reach towards her with my thoughts, I come up against a blank wall. She’s shutting me out. My heart sinks, and a new voice pulls my attention from Reina’s beautiful face.

The second priest – also from my nightmares – grumbles, “Very well then, you’d better come in.” We begin to move forward, but Reina stops us with a raised palm. “Just Ella.” She orders, her voice soft and yet inarguable. “The rest of you will have to return to your ship.”

“We’re not leaving her.” Cora objects, her hand wrapping tightly around my arm as if she fears they might attempt to take me by force.

“You’ll have to.” The first priest responds dryly. “This is sacred land. Only those blessed by the Goddess are permitted to enter, you risk grave misfortune by setting foot in her temple without invitation.”

“Then we’ll risk it.” Roger bites back, stepping forward with utter authority. “We stay with Ella.” Reina arches one blonde brow as she considers my mate’s brother. After some contemplation, she concedes, “As you wish.” One graceful palm is outstretched, welcoming our small group onto the island. “But no more, the rest of your crew will have to stay aboard.”

in shock, trying to wrap my head around this turn of events. They seem both entirely unsurprised and thoroughly underwhelmed by my arrival. Granted, I wasn’t expecting fanfare or even a welcome banner, but I did assume we’d be received with

looked at

feel a tugging at my elbow and realize Cora is trying to pull me forward. Meanwhile I’m standing here gaping like a fish, too stunned to move. “Come on, honey.” Cora encourages softly, “let’s get you off your

be generous hosts. They usher us into the temple and set us up in front of a blazing fire. A few novice priestesses carry in

with every moment that passes. No one says a word. Reina and the priests seem perfectly content to wait until

don’t know?” Reina inquires, setting down

I’m only confused.” I explain, “You seem to be expecting us, yet you tell us we’re too late.” I look to

“We’re all very happy you’re here, Ella.

my fault.” I counter, crossing my arms over my chest, “You left me helpless, defenseless, with no possible tools or advantages

The first priest concedes, bowing

least tell me your names?” I inquire, feeling far more bold than I did a few minutes ago, “I keep calling you one and two in

me something akin

this, or

also saved your life.” Pollux points out, his

not have been broken enough to need saving if you’d protected me?” I demand harshly, trying and failing to get to my

babe.” Cora murmurs in my ear. “You’re

shoulder, before extending a hand to Roger with a pleading expression. He helps me to my feet, and I begin to pace. “All this time I’ve been asking myself why I was being punished, why I was being tested.” I turn my focus to Riena, “I’ve waited 30 years to find out where I came from, and now I finally find you and it’s like..” I trail off, pulling out my phone so I can play the recording of Sinclair’s purrs. If this is confusing for Reina and the Priests, they give no hint. Instead they wait until my breathing has gone from heaving gasps to steady exhales, and I summon my remaining patient. “I just want answers. I just want to know who I am and what I’m supposed to do in

wraps herself around me, making soft shushing sounds. “You belong