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.”

my presence?” I snap, riled despite myself. “Your

daughter,” Xander corrects, not bothering to be vicious with his words or to look at

two steps forward, interposing myself between myself and Rafe so that Xander forced to look at me. When he bends to try to

voice as cold as ice. ” You will look

eyes finally meeting mine, flinty and dark. “I am Atalaxian

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

gift touches him, as he feels it begin to work,

merely seek. And I see…all of it, inside of

what country you call home. I can see it within you – the cancer is taking hold, spreading throughout. Even if you had gotten Rafe away from us, you wouldn’t have lived long enough to enjoy

step from me. “You

away from him and returning to Sinclair’s side, taking my child back into my arms.

cursed

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

Sinclair and I. “My property –

sigh and turn my eyes to Sinclair’s guards and nod. Instantly, they come forward and grab Xander by the arms, dragging him away. He makes a fuss, drawing some gazes, but he’s removed from the room quickly enough that the

then, letting my shoulders slump for a moment as I turn towards Sinclair, resting my head against his chest. “Are you all right?” he

am,” I say, nodding and taking a deep breath. Then I look up at him. ” I’m sorry – did I…I don’t

Queen,” he says, running his knuckles