Accidental Surrogate

#Chapter 421 – Thanks, but No Thanks

Ella

I’m quite tired when evening approaches in the refugee camp and Cora comes to my side, placing a hand on my back and telling me that we should probably head home. I sigh, looking around, knowing that I can do more but…

“I get it, Ells,” she says, looking around with me. “But there’s only so much we can do. And you’re a queen and a mom as much as a healer now. You’ve got to find a balance.”

“Is it normal to feel guilty?” I ask my sister, who has been working to heal people for much longer than I have. ” When you prioritize yourself, and other things, even though you know you can help people who are suffering?”

“It is,” Cora says with a little sigh. ”

But you, my big-hearted sister, probably feel it more keenly than most.

“Yeah,” I say, glancing over at Hank. ” He, for instance, compartmentalizes well.”

“Don’t count Hank out,” she says softly, shaking her head. “He’s got a big heart too. Maybe just…hides it better.”

I turn my head a little, considering him, considering her point. And then my heart aches for him again as I think of how disappointed he was when Cora left him for her mate – because as much as he loved her, we know now that he never stood a chance. Cora and Roger were written in the stars.

But is there someone out there for Hank too?

I hope, quite desperately, that there is. He’s so good, and he deserves that, like the rest of us.

“Ready, Luna?” Conner asks, coming over and bringing my baby with him, who reaches for me with his little grasping hands.

“Sure am!” I say, taking my baby and cuddling him close. Cora laughs and leans in as well, fussing over Rafe and I can see thinking about her own little baby, who will be here so much sooner than she realizes. Together, we start to walk out of the tent, but as I turn I hear a little voice calling me back.

turn and laugh to see little Benny running

I say, falling to one knee and wrapping him in a hug as he runs over. “How are you feeling,

me smile as he adjusts a set of glasses on his

Rafe a little so Benny can see him better. “What

fat,” Benny murmurs, reaching out a hand to poke Rafe’s belly. I burst out laughing at this, honestly charmed. “He’s not fat, he’s a baby! They’re supposed to be chubby so that they can grow big

Benny says, his eyes going wide as they’re still fastened on Rafe. ”

next to us. “Who are you?” Benny

sister and Benny narrows his eyes at her. ” Oh,” he says. “Are you the human

she replies, her eyebrows going up.

her and making me laugh again, “but she told me she has a human sister,” he continues, nodding towards me. “So,

says, giving a little shrug. “But I’m going to have a baby soon,” she says, her hand settling on her stomach,

now. Then he takes a moment to think before speaking

force of it so that Cora

grinning at Benny, as delighted as I am. “I guess we’ll just have

sneak out of bed – Dr. Hank said two more days of bed rest before you’re cleared to go to

frowning up at Isabel. The sincere disbelief and frustration in this kid set me off laughing again and Benny turns to grin at me. He takes Isabel’s hand, though. ” I don’t feel sick at all, since the lady came yesterday!” he protests, pointing at me. “I should be allowed to go and find my

a little as he mentions his mother again, but I do my best not to let it show

Isabel says, grinning down at him and giving me a wink. ” Maybe we’ll have Dr. Hank come and look at you again, see

back to bed, calling his goodbyes to

stand up with Cora,

and I look over at her in surprise to see a big grin on her

“Really?” I ask.

of life, ready to question everything even though the world has delt him

face at the compliment. Because even if Cora meant it as a compliment for Benny…well, he’s just so damn cute, and vivid, and determined that I can’t help but be pleased with the idea that I am anything like him.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay