Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 256 To War

Ella

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!” Cora grouses, shooting me a death glare as we gather at the Royal docks. Vanarium–hulled ships fitted with cutting edge defense and weaponry systems are moored along the wharf, their crews flitting around like hundreds of tiny ants as they prepare the vessels for departure. One, the smallest, is bound for the Altaran Islands and my mother; the others are all headed back home to face Damon.

None of us want to say goodbye.

Sinclair bundles me in his arms and nuzzles my neck, his wolf grumbling and growling as he nibbles my mating mark, repeatedly reminding me that I’m his – as if I could forget. Mine, mine, mine. He proclaims, his wandering hands moving over my round belly. We don’t leave for another half hour, but I’m already beginning to worry he won’t let me go when the time comes. Isabel is in the same boat, cuddled up with James and Sadie, trying to pretend she isn’t crying as the big Soldier soothes and pets her. She focuses her attention on her young daughter, rocking and shushing the perfectly content child – as if Sadie is the one in need of comfort instead of her mother. James doesn’t say a word, merely kissing Isabel and holding her a bit tighter.

Of course, when I say no one wants to say goodbye, I’m excluding my sister, who is still complaining about the fact I didn’t warn her Roger would be joining our journey as added security. “Seriously Ella, you had to know I wouldn’t approve!”

“I’m not listening!” I sing in reply, closing my eyes and kissing my mate. I slide my arms around his neck, and Sinclair chuckles as he claims my lips. That’s it. His wolf croons in my head. Just ignore her and let me gobble you up, little mate.

emerald fire in his eyes as he captures my nape and drags my mouth back to his. I lean into my mate, letting him support my weight as we get lost in one another. Heat pools in my belly, and

only Sinclair I’m going to miss – nor is he the only one for whom I’m worried. When all this began I didn’t know any of these people, now I feel as

cry – though today I think tears are inevitable. Anger is easier, so I direct all my pent up feelings towards the person who truly deserves them: Damon. Standing here, looking around at the somber, solemn faces of the people I love most – it’s painfully obvious how much we all have to lose, and I’d happily destroy anyone who tries to steal more from us than has already been taken. It honestly makes me want to forget finding my mother

like the iridescent sheen of snake scales in sunlight, or the glimmering luster of pearl dust. However the effect only grows stronger as I watch, and soon it appears as though my pores are emanating their own white light. I feel like I’m back on the Ether – as if my altered consciousness is bending reality to

his wonderful scent as grisly images fill my mind. I share the pictures with Sinclair through our bond, hoping to inspire him. Decapitation, disembowelment, beating him bloody with his own dumb leg… or maybe you could tie him up

He lifts my hand to his lips, holding my gaze as he bestows long, luxurious kisses over my

mood grows heavy. It’s getting close to our departure time, but I’m not ready to say goodbye, not yet. I’ll never be ready. I nod eagerly, “I’ll learn. And I’ll come to you as soon

“Whatever happened to that innocent little nanny who

sense of communal understanding that we need to finish up. I try to smile, “She was corrupted by a big bad

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