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.

eaten lunch?” I question,

been too unsettled.” Ella

to 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

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

going on?” I inquire, taking a seat

at the anxious movement rather than meeting my gaze. “I think… I think

loud and clear. “How

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 she doesn’t want me to see how upset she is. “I don’t want to fail you, I can’t

I should have foreseen this problem. Ella is honest and good-hearted, of course a life of deceit would bother her. I suppose when we made the agreement I didn’t realize how much integrity she has, but I know now. Ella flinches when I take her shoulders in my hands, and I have to forcibly turn her body to face me again. “Come here,” I say again, but this time it’s not an order. It’s an invitation, one I have to force

clinging to me with all her might, but it feels about as powerful as a child’s grip compared

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

longer has its smell? What happens if someone connects her to 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 asking her to pose as my Luna hurting the pup? What will it think when it gets old enough to understand

way to make it work. Ella has already proven to be my biggest asset in this campaign – not only is she giving me an heir, but she charms everyone she meets.

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

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

you been

from the beginning.” She confesses, “but it really hit me today during the interview. I just thought about doing this for the rest of my life and it

legs and petting her sides. “The first, and most important thing I need you to understand is that shifter society doesn’t work like human society does. 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,

he already staged a coup?” Ella

he doesn’t have the power yet.” I clarify, “He doesn’t have an army – yet. His father is bad, but he’s old fashioned enough to respect our political system. The