Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate

Ella

I ignore the soft growl that rumbles from the doorway, though Calvin glances briefly in that direction.

“No, Calvin,” I say, shaking my head softly. “We did a little bit of research this afternoon. And I’m sorry to say it if it makes you sad, but you’re not my mate.”

“What?” he breathes, confused, his eyebrows knitting together. “But – ”

“Why do you think you are?” I ask, honestly conflicted now.

And Calvin sweetly and awkwardly blushes, looking down at the carpet. ” My wolf is…pretty convinced, Ella,” he murmurs, probably fully aware that the words are enough to set Sinclair off again.

“Really?” I ask, pushing now,” Because my wolf – she says that you’re important to me, but she wasn’t sure enough to give it the name mate. And everyone else I’ve asked, Calvin…they were sure. Is your wolf absolutely positive?”

He sighs now, looking down at his hands as he perhaps consults with his wolf inside. “It’s…the strongest connection I’ve ever felt, Ella,” he murmurs. “With anyone. Is it…is it not enough? Even if my wolf feels a little bit of doubt, and can’t give you a certain yes?”

And suddenly my heart breaks for this man who I realize is…lonely. Who had an arranged marriage to a woman I’m not sure he loves, who is surrounded by a Kingdom full of people whose deepest beliefs he at least doubts, if not outright disbelieves. Calvin – he saw the bond between us and he grasped at it desperately, wanting it.

Wanting the different life I potentially offered one with love in it, and a new world full of different ideas.

My heart – it absolutely breaks for him, and down the bond I feel Sinclair’s own pity as he feels my emotions along with me.

But still I can’t love him just because he wants me to. I have a mate whom I love very, very much.

“Maybe it would be enough,” I say softly, “in a different time, a different… life. But Calvin, we asked and had it confirmed. You’re not my mate – I only have one. And it’s Dominic.”

twisted in confusion. “Who on earth would you ask about

a little bit.

Dominic says down our bond in warning. Because the Atalaxians – they don’t know anything about my divine origins right now, or at least we don’t think they do. We honestly don’t know how much Xander told him, but since they

Dominic, I reply as Calvin stares

Calvin?” I ask quietly, leaning forward and

this prince. My lips part in surprise as Calvin stares at

contacting her today, and everything she said about our bond being

was, ready to confess my devotion to you,

another low growl from the doorway, letting Calvin know that he needs to watch himself, but I ignore him, reaching out a hand between us. “Just because

between us. Until the glow forms between our hands, eventually raising sparks in the air. We both stare at

“See?” I say. “Magic.”

away and tucks it into his pocket, glancing towards the door. “I’m sorry… I

we sit close together. “Calvin, you

huffs a laugh, looking down into his lap. “I was ready to leave my wife,

For your children. And eventually, you would

raises a hand, pressing it softly to my cheek. “For what

raising the hairs on my neck. I stare at him, smiling a little, marveling at the magic that swirls in the air.

of us. Rafe lets out a little happy squeal and waves his hand, clearly choosing to respond to my emotions instead of his father’s.

should go,” Calvin murmurs, starting to

have to?” I say, sorry to see him leave. There’s so much left here we need to explore

say at once, making me grin and look

say, putting my hands up and admitting when I’ve been outvoted. “But Calvin, you always have friends here. I hope that you truly believe that. The Goddess has wrought a bond between us, though it may be a mystery why for a

little shrug. Then he looks over at Rafe, sleeping in Sinclair’s arms. “Though I hope the numbers