Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Chapter 103 – Flirtation

Trigger warning – mention of sexual abuse (not explicit)

Ella

I peek up at Sinclair from beneath my lashes, trying to gauge his frustration level. It’s obvious he’s displeased that I defied him, but I can tell he’s also glad to be home after what was certainly a very long day. Moreover, I think my words to his father helped assuage some of his guilt, and he’s feeling more affectionate towards me than he might have a few minutes ago.

“I have to say that I missed you?” I profess, sliding my arms around his neck. “And you’re the most handsome man in the whole world?”

Sinclair flashes his fangs, emitting a dark chuckle and swinging my legs up into his arms. “Flirting with me isn’t going to get you out of this, sweetheart.” He ducks his head and steals a kiss before mounting the stairs up to his room, “though it’s very cute to watch you try.”

“Who said I was just flirting?” I object, leaning my head against his chest, “I really did miss you.”

Sinclair doesn’t pause as he carts me up to the fifth floor, never breaking a sweat or getting short of breath. The way he acts you’d think I’m as light as a feather – though with his supernatural strength it probably feels that way. “I missed you too.” He finally replies, pushing through the bedroom door. “I hate being so far from home when these things strike.”

“You must have had a really rough afternoon.” I observe, studying his drawn features and fatigued demeanor.

Sinclair drops onto the sofa, keeping me in his lap, “Rough is an understatement.” He sighs, sounding as though the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Of course, this isn’t far from the truth. I snuggle closer to him, wishing there was something I could do to ease the monumental burdens he’s shouldering. A contented rumble vibrates in his chest, and Sinclair smiles down at me. “It’s getting better by the minute though.”

I tilt my face up to his, silently asking for a kiss. He arches a brow and for a moment I’m afraid he’ll reject my affection, but I needn’t have worried. Sinclair lowers his lips to mine, and my heart begins to race. The moment our lips touch electricity zings through my body, setting my nerve endings alight. It’s every bit as thrilling and all-consuming as the first time, and I quickly find myself getting carried away in the experience. Unfortunately it ends much too soon. Sinclair pulls back, leaning his forehead against mine and purring, “You can’t distract me with kisses either, little one.”

He grimaces, and I know I’m not going to like what he says next. “Besides, kissing is a gateway drug. We’ve got to try to stop.” His arms tightened around me as he spoke, as if his body didn’t agree with his words – or maybe it was his wolf.

Adopting an innocent expression, I reply. “I have no idea what you mean. A gateway to what?”

we continue. My blood heats to a sultry simmer, and wetness pools at my center as Sinclair’s lips, teeth and tongue go to work, making me forget that anything exists outside of this moment. “Goddess, why couldn’t you just be a wolf?” He

bringing me crashing back down to earth. It’s a crushing reminder that I’m not enough for him – that I’ll never be enough no matter what I do. Seeing the hurt painted over my face, Sinclair winces. “Oh Ella, I’m sorry,

did.” I murmur, trying to keep my voice steady. “And you’re right –

didn’t mean that I want you to be anything other than what you already are – just that it would mean we could

his arms, and move to the cushion

he wants to pull me back into his lap. He stops himself when I stiffen, seeming to realize I need some space at the moment.

so turned on that I’m finding it difficult to sit still.

and rising to his feet, “I’m going to go take

watch him retreat into the bathroom, feeling strangely dismayed. Apparently flirting and kisses can’t get me out of trouble, but acting like a wounded butterfly

statement, the little voice in the back of my mind doesn’t sound pleased

why in the

_________________

3rd Person

of the royal palace, the Prince sat

of his wife’s death had been a blow, but the true outrage had come when he learned the medical examiner’s analysis. They hadn’t conducted an autopsy yet, but the coroner had immediately

property – was an unforgivable offense. He couldn’t believe that anyone would dare to do something so brazen, and his rage was spiraling out of control. As soon as he

back and forth in his head, positively rabid in grief and fury. She hadn’t been his

the others responded so perfectly as his wife. It truly was like she was made for him –

growing hard just thinking about the way she’d begged him for mercy the last time they were together, a shaft

did, he growled, “How did you get in here? I told my

my ways.” Lydia shrugged, striding

you want?”

gentle tone that didn’t suit her in the least. “I know what

you to be