Accidental Surrogate

Bringing Aid Ella Our first night in the palace is so strange for me.

My two boys are sleeping soundly on either side of me – Sinclair sprawled out over our supersized bed (it’s much bigger than a King – I don’t even know if they have a name for it anymore; we had to make a custom order) and Rafe’s bassinet is pulled up close on my other side.

I look first at my mate and then at my little baby, smiling at each of them, marveling at how much they already resemble each other with their dark hair and their wide-set eyes, each framed with dark lashes.

My smile deepens as I look between them.

I mean, Sinclair is of course lacking Rafe’s pudgy cheeks, but the resemblance is still uncanny.

It’s very, veryclear who this baby’s daddy is.

“Rude of you, little baby,” I whisper, rolling over on my side and peeking into the bassinet, “to not bother looking like me at all.” He sighs a little in his sleep and wiggles, getting more comfortable.

It’s so cute that I think my heart might burst at the sight of it.

But the sight of my super-cute little baby can only do so much to distract me from all of the thoughts racing through my mind right now.

I roll onto my back and stare at the distant ceiling, turning them over one-by-one.

Half of them pertain to the wedding, which I really am excited about.

And I do think it’s a good idea – half of the trouble of bringing this nation together is suggesting to humans and wolves alike that this nation respects both kinds of persons – and that we’re allequal.

A marriage between them – especially as publicized as Sinclair thinks it should be will go far with both populations in suggesting that the Royal family, at least, truly embraces this idea.

I wrinkle my nose and laugh a little at the thought of myself as part of aroyal family- I’m nowhere near fancy enough for such a title – but then I sigh again, distracted.

Because Sinclair’s other point is still valid – I know, in my heart, that I want to help our citizens, helpeveryone.

healing power that I could use in our nation’s hospitals to actually physically help people… But is that what I really want to do? Is that the best use of my gifts? Then, quite suddenly, I remember someone who might be able

as I can, I turn over and slide open the drawer by my bedside table, pulling out the cellphone that I haven’t had for weeks since we’ve been

pull up a familiar name in my contacts and send off a

bad about neglecting my friendship, especially after I asked her to stay here instead of going home –

considering how good and kind she is if not a bit sharp-edged at times, I think,

started on a plan, I finally drift off

the next morning, he groans as he rolls over to turn it off, and then he flops back in his

in surprise when his

the alarm, I gasped and rolled away,

see that I

“What?” Sinclair asks, groggy.

“Nothing,” I murmur,

sleep.” Ignoring him, I eagerly click

We’ve all been so worried! Please come and see me – I want to hug you myself and assure myself

Center – come by any time after 8, someone will

hear a snarl behind me and feel

then shriek in shock as Sinclair pulls me, laughing, across the bed to

in my ear, pretending to be angry.” Mymate? Neglectingme in the morning?” “Ohh, poor big scary Alpha,” I tease, turning in his arms so that

and snuggle, or else you can’t start your day?” “Damn right I can’t,” he growls, baring his teeth at me – an act that would probably make some men quail but which only makes me laugh.” We’re going to have to introduce some discipline in this house – you haveduties, little Queen -” “Ohhhh, little Queen,” I say, pressing myself tighter against him

this

you,” he murmurs, dropping his head to drag kisses along my neck and down across his shoulder, the tickly stubble

really,” I sigh,” rolling one shoulder back so that Sinclair can continue his path down across my collar

what?” “Bad girl,” he offers, glaring up

up your phone first thing

me jealous of whoever it is you’re talking to.” And

in his silky black hair and letting my head tilt