Accidental Surrogate

Dinner Party lla I enter the elaborate dining room at Sinclair’s side with Rafe tucked sleeping in my arms. There are no doubts or hesitations on my face and I lift my chin high as I smile slightly, letting people see me as my mate’s unbothered Queen, as someone entirely unruffled by the events of this morning.

Sinclair, walking at my side, presents a similar image: the unflappable Alpha King, his body fully capable of every violent rumor of which our guests have heard, but toned and refined by the mind of a King, a true power player.

The effect we have as a pair ripples through the room with people turning to us, many eyes going wide. Because we really do present the image of two people who should not be trifled with.

I have to admit, a little thrill goes through me at the idea of this. Because, honestly, I usually think of myself as sweet and determined, but certainly not powerful and imposing. But tonight, at Sinclair’s side? It comes to me easier than I thought it would.

Cora and Roger come into the room behind us, our personal guards following after them. Many eyes turn to my human sister, considering her alongside and her fated Alpha mate. I know Roger and Cora are baffling to many people within the wolf community who can’t understand how or why Roger would have a human woman fated to be at his side.

But one look at my stunning sister in her lavender gown? Well. Let’s just say that even without the information that she’s a demigoddess who can control the weather, I think it’s making a lot more sense to a lot of our gathered guests.

Still, as Sinclair and I approach our chairs at the head of the table, I’m aware of some frowns and whispers around the room. Even though the four of us present a strong and untied front, there are as there always are dissenters amongst our supporters. My eyes move immediately to the group of five ambassadors from Atalaxia, dressed in back and gathered at the far end of the table.

Sinclair sent word, of course, that my uncle was absolutely not invited to attend this smaller, more personal dinner, and I am pleased to see that he’s not there.

in their direction anyway, wondering what the hell else they’ve got up

My face breaks into a grin and I lean forward, giving him a

take their seats. “I’m sorry I

myself, been able to assess him. But I’m sure I’ll have more opportunity for that as the weekend passes.” “Yes,” I sigh, taking my own seat as Sinclair pulls it out for me. “I’m sure you will.” I hold my sleeping baby close to me as Cora and Roger take their own seats to my right, and then I look up at Sinclair, who is still standing. A warm smile lights my mate’s face as he lifts a glass of wine towards the waiting group of people and begins to welcome everyone formally to

different lights now father, mate, soldier, politician, and beyond – and I’m so impressed that he is able to perform each role

I glance around the table, pleased when I see everyone’s eyes focused on

when my eyes fall on the

see him looking

bit, surprised. And my shock only increases when he fails to look away, instead holding my gaze, his face expressionless as he studies me, apparently ignoring the speech and instead

more uncomfortable under his gaze. What… why on earth would he be so

back at him, my own eyes fixed, trying to figure out the mystery But then I jump a little when the room breaks into applause. I bite my lip then, a little ashamed at having missed the tail end of my mate’s speech. But – well, considering that we went over it together last night, refining all the details, I suppose I already know what

glass towards me, I beam up at him, giving my full support. His own smile deepens before he turns

words back to him, heartily joining in with