Accidental Surrogate

Arrival of Old Friends Ella Cora comes early the day that the festivities begin – if they can be called that.

Because while the atmosphere is supposed to be festive, I know that simmering beneath it is a great deal of political tension that my mate is hoping goes just precisely right.

I throw my arms around my sister the moment I open the door to my bedroom, letting her in. “Thank you thank you thank you!” I cry out, the words all mushing together as one.

“Whoa!” Cora says, catching me and laughing, giving me a hug in return. ” It’s fine, Ella – honestly, where else would I be on a day like this?” “I don’t know, sleeping?” I say, looking at her with wide eyes. “Its 4 am!” “True,” she says, giving a little shrug and grinning at me. But then she slips a hand to her belly. “Not like I wasn’t up anyway, though.” “What?” I gasp, tugging her into the room. Cora is about two full months pregnant now, which isn’t much according to a human pregnancy, but if this is a wolf pregnancy? Then she’s probably just getting into her second trimester.

But…is this her second trimester? With a hybrid baby… She laughs at me, watching me try to do the math in my head as I stare down at her belly, which is juuuust barely starting to swell.

Which is so, so cute “Yeah,” she says, giving a little shrug. “The morning sickness is starting to hit hard. I got away with it in my first trimester but,” she sighs. “It mostly hits at night for me too. So, I was already up.” “Poor sister,” I murmur, looking up into her face and meaning every word of it. I reach for her then, wanting to put a hand on her cheek, but she laughs and pushes it away, which makes me laugh as well. Cora isn’t one for coddling or pity.

“What can I get you?” I ask, the smile returning to my face. “I’ve heard ginger tea does good things?” “Distraction,” she says, nodding firmly. “That will be the best.” “Well distraction I’ve got,” I say, grabbing her hand and leading her towards my gigantic closet.

She gasps a little when she steps inside because even though it’s 4 am? It’s already chaos – clothes and supplies everywhere. Even a little cart with coffee, tea, and breakfast snacks.

“Oh, hey, Cora,” Sinclair says, turning and grinning at her as he stands at the mirror, tying his tie for the fourth time. He wants to get it absolutely, perfectly correct. “Thanks for coming early. We’ve got a long day. Did Roger come too?” “No,” she sighs, sitting down in the poufy arm chair next to Rafe’s littleplay pen, smiling down at him and patting his head to say hello. “He is lazy, and wanted more sleep. He says he’ll be here at the more reasonable hour of seven.” “That’s too late,” Sinclair murmurs, shaking his head and reaching for his phone.

him here by six…” “Good luck,” Cora murmurs, accepting the little

much less to do on mornings like this. Just throw on

go!” “Oh, come on, Ella,” Cora laughs, sipping at her tea, grinning when she detects that I’ve given her something with ginger in it anyway. “Like it’s so hard for you to get gorgeous.” “She has a point!” Sinclair calls

got appointments, Cora – hair, nails, the works. It’s going to be a lot.” “I’m kind of looking forward to it,” she says, giving me a smile. “I haven’t been pampered like this in a long time. Plus, the outfits you’ve picked out for me for this weekend…” she whistles, impressed. “They’re stunning.” “Well, you’re the bride,” I say, turning and giving

eyes will be on you, my Queen,” Sinclair says, coming my side and tugging me close, pressing a kiss to my cheek. I smile when I note that his tie is indeed perfect. “Or,” Sinclair continues, considering and turning to the baby. “On Rafe.” “He is very cute,” I say, likewise turning my eyes to the baby, who burbles in the

with parents’ eyes. I’m sure people will be much more focused on the two of you.” “Not when they see his outfits,” I say, bursting into a smile. And I dash over to the little dresser where we keep Rafe’s things,

door. “Ready?” “As we’ll ever be!” I sigh, turning to give Cora a wink. “Let’s get started.” “Gabriel!” I laugh, throwing my arms around the King of Vanara as soon as he mounts

his arms and giving

see you again, healthy and happy.” “And the baby!” I say, laughing and pulling away, reaching to take Rafe from Cora’s arms in a hurry so my son can meet the King who was so kind to me during such a large part of my pregnancy. Cora smiles, handing

pleasure at the edges. “Well,” he says, reaching for

sigh, reaching to take the baby back

arms,” I murmur, hefting Rafe up. Everyone laughs at my joke, because they can see it’s plainly true Rafe is a big baby for his nearly- four-month

adorable, so I forgive

so good. And frankly, I want him here by my side through all of this. Not everyone in this room is our friend, and I can’t bear the thought of leaving him alone even with any of the nannies who we’ve hired even though I’ve gotten very close with several of them. I started out as a nanny, after all they’re