Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Chapter 78 – Ella Eavesdrops

Sinclair

A week after our pup started moving, my brother appears on my doorstep, claiming to bring news of the Prince. I’m amazed to discover that I’m not angry to see him for the first time in years. In fact, as strange as it seems, I’m actually thankful for his presence. I’m still not sure whether he’s truly my ally, but my wolf is urging me to trust him, and he’s rarely wrong. Besides, any intelligence – even false intelligence – is still new information, and I can sniff out a lie better than anyone.

“How’s Ella?” He asks, pulling off his coat.

“She’s perfect.” I boast, unable to help myself. I can feel myself beaming, but I can’t seem to turn off my smile muscles. “She’s napping right now, and we’re going back to the doctor tomorrow because her blood pressure is still a bit elevated… but otherwise she’s absolutely wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother for my pup.”

“I meant… after the attack.” Roger clarifies, looking slightly baffled by my effusiveness.

“Oh,” I pause, laughing softly. “Sorry, it’s easy to get caught up. She’s still a bit shaken, but her nightmares are happening less frequently now.”

“You’re really in love, huh?” Roger inquires, looking surprised.

I scoff, “Did you really doubt that?” I don’t pause to consider this idea. As far as Roger knows we fell in love and chose to start a family together. He shouldn’t have any reason to think this is all a lie, and I don’t like the idea that he might be onto our scheme.

“I mean, you haven’t marked her, I figured you were only with her for political reasons.” He shrugs.

“The politics are just a bonus.” I rumble, and I’m mildly amazed to realize this isn’t a lie. At some point the advantages of faking a relationship with Ella shifted, and after more than two months together, I’m discovering that I enjoy her company far more than I enjoy winning the campaign. Winning the campaign is important and necessary yes, but it’s always been a duty, not a personal ambition that gives me pleasure.

“Anyway, what of the Prince?” I ask, ushering Roger into my office.

Roger sighs. “I think there’s something about being shown up by a she-wolf infuriates him

to kill her twice.” I remark coldly, “I’m not sure how much worse things could

to punish her, drag it out and

step away just to breathe. I count to ten inside my head, resisting the urge to shift and trying to block out the furious howls roaring through my head. “Do you know what he’s planning? Why is he taking so long

get her away from you. That’s part of why things have been quiet this last month – he’s been plotting.” Roger

I think desperately. This is all my fault,

wolf snarls, Forget the politics. She and

unlike the Prince, he has an entire army at his back. Besides, even if he doesn’t – I won’t be considered a suitable candidate anymore and the Alpha council might call

insists. And it’s the pup. We have to

clenched fists shaking with rage as my

lure her out on her own so he can take her. Right now your guards are keeping his spies at a distance, but he’s planning a campaign event for the Lunas. He thinks if he can guarantee a women-only event then you won’t be around to protect her.” Roger shares, watching me

going to happen?” I demand, trying to recall if I’ve seen any

a couple of weeks.” Roger explains, “He’s planning another rogue attack for the same day, just to be

to pause Roger. He glances in the direction of the soft footsteps tiptoeing towards my door. Ella’s scent comes fluttering through the

in case Ella’s human hearing needs the volume.

can always call for another election, don’t forget that’s how we ended up in this

I’ll have the army at my disposal.” I counter, rising to my feet and

door in order to hear better. I catch her slender wrists

I rumble ominously. “It looks like one very naughty little

works through her predicament – processing her shock, fear, confusion and then outrage once she realizes our previous words were solely for her benefit. “You rat!”

I beg to differ.” I reply, scooping her up into my arms. “I think you got exactly what

return to my chair, settling the defiant bundle in my lap. Ella huffs, glaring at me with all the ferocity and indignance she possesses. “Well from the sounds of it I should have been part of this conversation