Accidental Surrogate

Borrowed Trouble Ella I feel the poor human woman’s shoulders shake and I take a deep breath, remembering my duty to her as well. “Come on,” I say, trying to keep my voice light as I turn her and her daughters away. “I’m so sorry about this – let’s get somewhere more peaceful.” And as we begin to walk away, I leave my faith in Sinclair to settle this as he will.

But I hope to hell the Atalaxians know what’s good for them, because my mate?

He won’t hesitate to fight, if they push him to it. And if they do? I shake my head, considering how fast each of them will lose.

But I put this out of my mind, chatting lightly with the woman as we move away, asking her name. The woman introduces herself as Tempest Bowers, a journalist and the wife of an elected official of one of our eastern provinces.

Genuinely pleased to meet her, I begin to ask more questions about their lives as we move to the head table, where I know for certain that there is plenty of candy for the girls to take.

But before we can get there, someone hits my shoulder – hard as they pass, making me stumble. My ankle twists in my high heel and I lose my balance, threatening to fall, gasping and holding Rafe tight to me.

Tempest grabs my arm just in time.

“Oh my goodness,” she says, her eyes wide as she helps me regain my balance. And then both of our eyes move to follow the hateful old man my uncle, of course who hit me hard with his shoulder on his way out. He does not bother to look back and apologize.

Of course, why would he? He did it on purpose.

a hateful old creep, isn’t he?” I ask, frowning after the man, and the woman to my

certainly a piece of work,” she says, nodding along and

him?” “He’s my uncle,” I say with a grimace, making

family,” Tempest says, looking after him as he storms from the room, “who are…less pleasant too. So, I can emote with that.” I smile genuinely at her then, liking this woman very much. We finish crossing to the table where Sinclair and I had our dinner and I hand the girls as many candy bars as I can find left on the table, knowing no one will miss them. The girls begin to grin

out and laughing. ”

I say as I watch

replies, reaching out to run a finger across Rafe’s sleepy cheek. “Your own is a very handsome little guy himself.” “Oh, he flatters himself so,” I say on a happy little sigh, looking down at my kid with a smile. “And I agree, but I am biased.” Tempest glances over her shoulder, seeing Sinclair striding towards us. ” I’ll leave you to this,” she says, gesturing towards him. “But it was very nice to meet you, your highness – and thank you, very much, for your help over there. I apologize for any trouble – we really didn’t know – ” “Please,” I say, my

“Is she?” “She seems well recovered,” I say, pleased, “though I wish it hadn’t happened at all. I mean honestly, why would the Atalaxians even come to a party of mixed humans and wolves when they despise the idea so much?” “I sense,” Sinclair replies with a grimace, “that they were looking for a bit of a fight. Or, at least that Xander was.” “Really?” I ask, my eyes going

have someone to pick their fight for them. I mean, come on they had to know he’s at the end of his rope and wasn’t going to just come along for the ride.” “Clever,” I say, stepping

they knew would force you to show your cards.” “And it may not be done,” he sighs. I look up at Sinclair to ask why, but we’re both

me and I think unconsciously reaching for the baby. I smile a little, handing him over to her, pleased to see how much Rafe’s auntie loves to have him close by. “What was all that?” Roger stands solidly next to Sinclair and I turn my fond gaze to him now. He’s not as familiar with human wedding traditions as Cora and I are, but I have

events? He’s every bit

for my family, but

think you’ve already figured it out.” “Really?” I say, taking a step forward, my face falling. “Is he…do you know what he has planned?” “I don’t think he has a plan,” Calvin says, his eyes immediately on me and only on me. “But he believes himself to have been insulted. I don’t think he’s going to take it lightly. And quite frankly, I think he was egged on by some of our constituents tonight. I think…” he sighs, looking