Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Chapter 17 – Preparation

Some of my confidence has waned on the ride home. Sinclair has been so mysterious about this scent marking business, and I don’t like the way he keeps looking at me – as if I’m some prey to be devoured.

There’s still so much I don’t understand about this word, like how carrying his child can make me smell more like a wolf myself, or how someone can leave a mark which must be sensed and smelled, rather than seen with the naked eye. Not for the first time, I’m jealous of shifters’ heightened abilities. The more time that passes, the more enchanted I am by the idea of transforming, of letting out one’s inner animal and being truly wild and free. I don’t know why I like the idea so much – it’s not like I have an inner animal to release, so I’m not actually missing out.

“You look nervous.” Sinclair observes, resting one proprietary hand on my knee as the car speeds along. Of course, his touch only makes me more antsy.

“You can fix that.” I suggest, “it doesn’t have to be a surprise.”

“True, but it’s much more fun this way.” He smirks.

“Fun for you maybe.” I mutter mutinously. “Besides, if you want your scent to be strongest tomorrow, shouldn’t we wait?”

“And deprive myself of the opportunity to do it a second time?” He arches a brow, “why on earth would I do that?”

“I…” I don’t know what to make of this. If he were anyone else I’d think he was flirting with me, but that’s not possible. Wolves and humans don’t mix. Maybe he simply enjoys teasing me, like a cat toying with a mouse. He certainly enjoys making me squirm. I realize this must be the reason, and suddenly I find myself feeling very indignant. I don’t like the idea of being some plaything to the hungry predator. I narrow my eyes at him. “Maybe I won’t let you.” I decide.

The hand on my knee tightens, but not enough to hurt. “What was rule number one, little human?”

“That I should be as relaxed and happy through my pregnancy, so you shouldn’t be making me nervous.” I reason, knowing full well he expects me to confirm that he – as Alpha – is in charge.

“You forget I have a link straight to our pup, I know when you’re stressed, and when you’re just making mischief.” Sinclair rumbles. “But if you want more justification for doing it often, it’s to avoid scenes like what just happened. If people can’t see your shoulder and also smell me on you very powerfully, they can be fooled into thinking I have marked you. We can give the mating ceremony excuse to those who ask, but it would be better to avoid the questions altogether.”

while later, Sinclair is standing in front of me in my room, looking so powerful

all of them?” I

it’s better if we’re

with wide eyes as he strips down to his boxer-briefs, taking in the sight of his muscular body and feeling my jaw go slack. I’ve never seen anyone so rugged

them off for you?” He asks, arching a brow

that he’s already seen me in my bra and panties. Taking a deep breath, I carefully lift my dress

_________________

to toe in makeup, jewelry and heels, it seems hard to believe Sinclair was rubbing his mostly naked body all

explained every step of the process, making sure I understood why it was so important to impart his scent on every inch of my body. This second time, however, was completely different. There were no explanations, no soothing caresses for my fra zzled nerves. He

finally at the campaign dinner I’ve been preparing for non-stop over the last 48 hours. Sinclair quizzed me in the car on the way over, testing my knowledge of shifter society and nodding with

jaw from dropping to the floor. “I’ve

if my campaign is successful.”

down?” I ask as we climb the marble stairs, mostly trying to distract

“Alpha Dominic, over here!”

Dominic, who’s

“He’s getting old and is no longer the strongest among us. The alpha council voted to force

my best

Sinclair intimates, ducking his head low enough that his lips brush the shell of my ear. “You’re doing brilliantly by the

However next to Sinclair, the blatant stares and avid attention doesn’t bother me. I feel confident by his side, even

left the reporters behind and are crossing the ballroom to a pair of thrones at the end of a great hall. The throngs of people part to let us pass, and I have to admit – I do feel

in the attention we’re drawing when we stop in front of the King and Queen. They’re both incredibly impressive. The king’s hair is streaked with gray,

“Alpha Dominic,” The king greets Sinclair