Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Chapter 104 – Three Little Words

Ella

“Ella, I love you, but you’re driving me crazy.” My sister’s voice floats through my phone, sounding more exasperated than irritated. After his shower, Sinclair went to his office, and I promptly called my sister for advice.

“What do you mean?” I inquire hesitantly, I’ve just finished explaining

“I mean,” She sighs heavily, “Who are you, and what have you done with my sister? You’ve always known exactly what you wanted and done whatever was necessary to make it happen. You are a strong, independent woman – not some bratty, indecisive, emotional basket-case who’s too caught up in a man to know her own heart.” She groans.

I wish I could argue with her assessment of my behavior, but I know she’s right. However, before I can acknowledge as much, she continues, “It’s like: you like Sinclair, you don’t like Sinclair. You want to be with him one moment, and the next you’re trying to foist him off on another woman – just make up your mind! I swear, I don’t even recognize you anymore!”

“Can’t you see that’s the problem! I don’t even recognize myself anymore.” I exclaim, rubbing my sore neck. “My entire life has been turned upside down –”

“I know! Because that’s all you ever talk about anymore.” She bursts, interrupting me. “Do you have any idea when you last asked me about my life? That you showed interest in anything other than your own problems?”

Her words sting, and I realize she’s right. I have been so wrapped up in my own drama that I’ve been neglecting my sister. I hate to think it, but the truth is I don’t have any idea what’s going on with her. “I’m sorry, Cora. What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing, but it would be nice to know you care!” She snaps, sounding more than a little petulant.

And she had the nerve to call us bratty! The little voice in my head observes.

in order to save an entire fucking species from civil war.

that!” Cora argues,

to!” I growl. “I had to be the strong one

let me fall apart!” Cora counters defensively, “maybe if you had, I would have learned to stand on my own rather than relying

and I clench my eyes shut. “You know what I went through in order to protect you.” I finally say, my voice hoarse. “Do you really wish that I hadn’t? Was I supposed to stand by and let my

Cora’s voice is small when she speaks again. “You know that isn’t what I meant… but I have to live with the guilt of knowing you were hurt because of me. And sometimes I just

I had.” I share, even as a wave of sorrow swells inside me to learn how she struggles with guilt. “Why haven’t you ever said this

been willing to talk about it.” Cora scoffs. “I suppose that’s one thing I can thank Dominic for. Trust a bossy

wryly. “I think maybe that’s why this is all so hard for me. I feel so… raw.

fault that you never learned how to handle feelings Ella, but you also have to take responsibility for learning now that

pointedly. “It’s not like this isn’t

goddess, I think belatedly. I’m in love. I admitted that I was falling for Sinclair a while ago, but this is the first time I’ve been able to acknowledge that I passed the point

you call your relationship with that little weasel love, I will come over there and smack you right in that beautiful face

started out that way.”

you something. Did you ever feel even a fraction

I’ve been in such deep denial about Sinclair that I haven’t even considered comparing my feelings for the men. As soon as I think back on the relationship, I see the truth glaring back

you believed you were in love with him for all those years?” She presses. “Why do you think you let him

the first idea what

grace not to say “I told you so.” The fact is that Cora tried to warn me about Mike more than once over the years, but I was too stubborn to listen to

too.” I chuckle, shaking