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.

you eaten

has been too unsettled.”

press my hand 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 can order in some lunch.” I

ignoring the offer and just barely remembering to call me by my

I inquire, taking

are fidgeting, and she’s staring at the anxious movement rather than meeting my gaze. “I think… I think I’m having

attention loud and clear. “How

but I’m not sure I can pretend to be someone I’m not for the rest of my life… but

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

b and wrapping her slender arms around my middle. She must be clinging to me with all her might, but it feels about as powerful as a child’s grip compared to my shifter strength. “I’m sorry.” I profess, kissing her hair. “I should have realized how

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

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 our relationship is a

in this campaign – not only is she giving me an heir, but she charms everyone she meets. I need her

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

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

long have you been

today during the interview.

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, 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

staged a coup?” Ella inquires, a few notable degrees calmer as my words sink

yet. His father is bad, but he’s old fashioned enough to respect our political system. The Prince on the other