Accidental Surrogate

Accidental Surrogate Chapter 381-– Persistence

Sinclair

I wake up frowning, knowing immediately that something is…well, not wrong,

but certainly off. I reach out an arm, seeking Ella, but my hand passes over cold

sheets. My frown deepens as I sit up and realize that she’s not here. A glance at

Rafes bassinet makes it clear that he’s not here either.

Where the hell is my family?

I sigh, swinging my legs out of the bed, wondering how much time has passed.

As I scrub a hand down my face I consider that it can’t have been much –

there’s still no daylight peeking around the blinds. So, a few hours a most. But

why the hell hasn’t she come to bed?

I stand and head for the door, wondering what the hell trouble is getting up to

now. I smirk a little to consider it. Ella…well, it’s part of her appeal, isn’t it? She’s

always up to something. I’ll certainly never be bored by her side.

The hallway outside my room is empty but I head down it towards where I hear

a few murmuring voices. But when I turn into the room, I’m surprised because

the first person I see is my father, sitting quietly in his chair by the door, staring

into the room.

We don’t say anything to each other as I lean against the doorway by his side,

because we’re both aware that I didn’t come here seeking him. I give him a nod

and place a hand on his shoulder as my eyes turn to her – Ella, across the

room, my infant son sleeping pressed against her chest while she holds her

hands out over one of my wounded men, healing him.

“She’s going to wear herself out,” my father says quietly.

“How long has she been at it?”

“Hours,” he says, shaking his head. ” She’s been burning her candle at both

ends for days, Dominic. She’s…very dedicated, she wants to do good. But she

gives too much.”

I nod, understanding, agreeing silently. My kind mate with her big heart she

can’t stop giving, even if it means giving all of herself. But that’s where I come

of her, when she’d burn herself out taking care of

world if I let

stand for a few long moments with my father, watching her work,

the middle of

father surprises me with his

so sorry, Dominic,” he says, his voice thick with

I look down at him.

his head slowly, looking up at

almost cost you – cost us everything. I played right into the enemy’s

mate, your child -” He covers his face with his

“I

tightening

send you away

have seen it coming, that of course they would follow us back

after the first attack in the sewer that of course they were

Xander has nothing but time

get angry with him. “This was not your fault, dad

my plan

our plan!” My voice comes out louder, harsher than I

at me, more helpless than I’ve seen him…maybe

all agreed to this, dad,” I continue, working hard

Roger, Ella, Cora –

fell for it, we were all…” I sigh,

me the moment I realized that Xander

that he was going after

almost cost ourselves everything.

opens his mouth to protest, to continue, but his

his head,

ask, and I look up from my

worry as she absently

fuzz of

to figure out what to say, but then

to add to her

under her eyes that

explanation, and focuses her eyes

been through this already?” she

you.” I nod, agreeing with her, looking down at

“Let an

give us a tired smile. ” It gives us something to dwell

long days. But you two -” he shifts his eyes to Rafe now, dozing

worry about. You should get that

bed.”

agrees, a little guilty, starting to unstrap the baby carrier.

him, Dominic? I wouldn’t have kept him out

got up

and she looks up at me with surprise. “You’re

on.” I step forward and hold out a

head and backing up a step.

– there

men who I need

closing the distance between us

voice so that just she can

a rumble in my chest.