Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Ella

My face falls into stern, cold lines as I see my uncle step forward. He was invited to this party, of course, as part of the delegation – but honestly, after our stern message to the Atalaxians about how he was not welcome, I’m surprised that he was willing to attend.

I look up at Sinclair and follow his hard gaze towards his security team, which nods to him, assuring him that they fully vetted Xander, ensuring that he held no weapons or means of hurting us.

And considering that my mate is a weapon himself and could tear this man to pieces as easily as breathing, I suppose that there’s nothing to worry about either way. Still, I tighten my arms around my child and feel Sinclair bristle behind me, his hackles rising.

Inside me, my wolf has her teeth fully bared, snapping, eager to sink her teeth into this terrible man.

I don’t bother to calm her. Her rage is justified.

Perhaps sensing the effect he has on us, Xander smiles a little smugly and steps forward just one step, giving us a deep bow.

“Your highnesses,” he says, his voice clear and precise. “I come to offer you my congratulations on your ascension to the throne and the naming of your heir. It is…quite an accomplishment.”

“Not without its obstacles, of course,” Sinclair says, a bit through his teeth. ” But yes, it is a wonderful day – though one darkened by your presence. I’ll ask you to leave now, Xander. You are not welcome here, despite the protection of the Atalaxian government. If you refuse, I’ll have you removed.”

“I’ll go,” he says, straightening, his eyes going immediately to Rafe in my arms. “I merely wanted a chance to see the child I arranged to bring into the world. He is…as handsome a specimen as I hoped he would be.”

no desire to see me, or acknowledge my presence?” I snap,

bothering to be vicious with his words or to look at me, his eyes still on

take two steps forward, interposing myself between myself and Rafe so that Xander forced to look at me. When he bends to try to look around me I shift my weight so

cold as ice. ” You will look at me,

queen,” he hisses, his eyes finally meeting mine, flinty and dark. “I am

access my gift. I don’t close my eyes to do it this time, instead allowing the lavender calmness to radiate from me, to reach out towards him. I can see it, the lavender tint that the air around us takes, but I’m not

he feels it begin

And I

I say, quietly and calmly. “No matter who your Queen is, or what country you call home. I can see it within you – the cancer is taking hold, spreading throughout. Even if you had gotten

taking a frightened step from me.

him and returning to Sinclair’s side, taking my

cursed me –

“Now go away. We have celebrations to attend. I’ll tell Sarah and Jessica you

looks between Sinclair and I. “My property – “he growls. “You will

grab Xander by the arms, dragging

as I turn towards Sinclair, resting my head against his chest. “Are you all right?” he murmurs, running a comforting

I say, nodding and taking a deep breath. Then I look up at him. ” I’m sorry – did I…I don’t want to cause an international incident. I hope I did

perfectly, Queen,” he says, running his knuckles down my cheek. “Do you need