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.

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

work,” she says, nodding along and

with a

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 as their hands fill, excited

and laughing. ” Go find dad, all

girls,” I say as I watch

I’ll leave you to this,” she says, gesturing towards him. “But it was very nice to meet you, your highness –

the Atalaxians even come to a party of mixed humans and wolves when they despise the idea so much?” “I sense,” Sinclair replies

come on they had to know he’s at the end of his rope and wasn’t going to just

“And it may not be done,” he sighs. I look up at Sinclair to ask why, but we’re both

“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

listening to Sinclair recap the events? He’s every bit the King’s

grateful again for my family, but

what he believes to be his rights, as you suggest, I’m not sure a man like Xander is going to be content with just going back to his room to pout.” “I have to agree,” a voice chimes in, and Roger and Sinclair part to reveal Calvin standing there behind them, his own face worried. “I came to let you know that trouble is brewing, but…I 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 down at his shoes, ashamed, “honestly, I’m sorry, but I think they