Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Chapter 24 – Cold Feet

Sinclair

I’m sitting in my office, speaking with my cabinet, when Ella’s delicious scent fills my nose. I’ve been thinking about her on and off all morning, wondering how she took the news of the interview, and hating that I hadn’t been able to tell her about it in person. Normally I wouldn’t do such a thing, but I’d needed to check in with my guards about their investigation into the intruder, and she’d been sleeping so sweetly that I couldn’t bear to wake her.

I can sense how close she is now, and wonder if something went wrong. I’m already on my feet when I hear my assistant encouraging her to stay, “No, he’ll want to see you, just wait one moment.”

“I’m sorry, it’s really not urgent,” Ella is protesting. “I should have known he’d be busy.”

She’s retreating, her delicate footsteps receding, and I push through the door before she can get away. “And just where do you think you’re going?”

Ella freezes in place, her little body winding tight as a spring. When she turns, she’s staring at the floor, “I’m sorry.” She says again, “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

I glance at the wolves over my shoulder, “Leave us.”

Ella gnaws on her plump lower lip as my cabinet members file past her out of the office, shifting restlessly on her feet. I can tell something is bothering her, but I also can’t help but think how lovely she looks in the cream-colored dress hugging her curves. “Come here, little one.” I command, not moving from the doorway.

This gets her attention, and indignation flashes in her golden eyes as her gaze snaps to mine. I can tell she wants to disobey, but I arch my brow in challenge and she slowly crosses the distance between us. I drag my knuckles over the high plane of her cheekbone when she’s finally in front of me, enjoying the way her defiance becomes muddled with uncertainty once more. “How did the interview go?”

“Good – I think.” She qualifies, unconsciously leaning her cheek into my hand. My wolf perks up at her obvious response to my touch, and I beckon her inside.

anything, have you eaten lunch?”

stomach has been too unsettled.”

her flat belly, feeling the pup’s heartbeat and prodding the me ntal link. The babe seems perfectly content, but it worries me that Ella hasn’t eaten. “We can order in some lunch.” I suggest, resisting

to talk to you.” She answers, ignoring the offer and just barely remembering to call me by my

what’s going on?” I inquire, taking a seat

and she’s staring at the anxious movement rather

gets my attention loud

it’s wrong.” Ella chokes out, positively trembling. “It’s fraud. I… I don’t know if I can take the pressure.” Her cheeks are flushing with color and she sounds as though she might cry. “I know I said I could do it, but I’m not sure I can pretend to be someone I’m not for the rest of my life… but I don’t want to lose the baby.” Now she really is crying, and I’m on my feet in an instant. Ella turns her back on me, shoulders shaking, as if

I know now. Ella flinches when I take her shoulders in my

and wrapping her slender arms around my middle. She must be clinging to me with all her might, but it feels about as

do it!” She insists defiantly, clearly beside herself with the competing needs to prove herself, keep her baby, and do

Ella Reina, orphaned human and disgraced nanny? Am I really willing to put her through all this? She doesn’t even know about the true dangers she faces, and already the stress is becoming too much. Is

in this campaign – not only is she giving me an heir, but she

I suggest. Moving to the couch. “What worries you the most

don’t want to hurt anyone.” Ella whispers, tears clinging to her dark lashes. “I don’t want to trick honest, hardworking shifters. I don’t want my life to

been

guess a little bit from the beginning.” She confesses, “but it really hit me today during the interview. I just thought

We are a ruthless species, and we do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of our packs.” I explain. “I know it feels like a giant fraud, but you have to remember that my campaign is the only thing standing between a lot of innocent people and a tyrant. If the Prince takes the throne, he will wipe out the Alpha council and all his political competition in order to stay in power

he’s that bad, why hasn’t he already staged a coup?” Ella inquires, a

doesn’t have the power yet.” I clarify, “He doesn’t have an army – yet. His father is bad, but he’s old