Surrogate For Alpha Dom

Cora

I’m a little out of breath when I finally catch up with Roger and Rafe, having had to work hard to keep up with his long wolf stride.

“Rude,” I say when I finally come to a stop next to them. “You couldn’t have waited for me?”

“I’m being rude?” Roger says, raising his eyebrows at me in disbelief. “Cora, you’ve been nothing but unpleasant since the moment we stepped into the forest –”

–

I open my mouth with a little squeak of protest but Roger just rolls his eyes and ignores me, going on anyway. “This is supposed to be a sacred experience for Rafe and for us and you’ve done nothing but moan and complain. So yeah, forgive me if I wanted to get away for a moment and concentrate on the magic of this place

“Oh whatever,” I mumble, reaching out my arms so that he can hand me the baby.

“No

from you

way,” Roger retorts, holding the baby closer to his chest and turning a little away from me. “You don’t get to hold the baby now that we’re at the pool

“Yes I do!” I cry, “the priestess gave him to me!”

“I’m his godparent just as much as you are

—

“(

pool, and Roger and I turn to it, surprised, both of our mouths falling open. I don’t know how I know it but…well, somehow,

murmur to the pool, taking a step closer, a little embarrassed. Honestly, it never occurred to me that my behavior

united anew at being…well, a little freaked out, suddenly. We’re both very aware that there’s magic in the world, but sometimes when you’re confronted with it so blatantly it can

take a deep breath, then, nodding to him, and start to say that words

I begin, letting my voice ring out across the smooth surface of the silver pool. “We bring to you, tonight, this

doing so, let you see him and bring him into the spirit of your grace,” Roger continues, his own resonant

by the sight of the full moon itself, beaming brilliantly down on us

is here, now, with us – ready to meet

I know that he can’t really see anything – his vision hasn’t developed well enough yet – but he’s certainly curious. I put my hands out for him and this time Roger does hand him to

as the moments pass. My heart fills to see Rafe looking up into the sky, to see the light surrounding him as it falls from the

parents, Ella and Dominic, have asked us

at Roger, and at the moonlight. It’s a beautiful moment, introducing the child to the world and to all the magic within it. I open my mouth to say something, to tell Roger that I’m sorry, and that I’m glad I’m here with him

Roger brings a quick hand to my waist, steadying me.

peering into the white light of the moon, likewise trying

I keep holding the baby out, my arms trembling a little, and watch

it’s…felt as much as it is seen, communicated to our hearts and minds as much as our eyes.

little girl who has fallen to the ground, helping her up and brushing the tears from her face. Then, I see him again – older, but still young.- running across a battlefield, fear on his face but courage in every line of his limbs as he pushes himself to do what is right. We’re passed that quite quickly, though, and I see him again with that girl

–

to place on the girl’s head as well. She smiles up

–

their children – and a light–haired boy I don’t know, just about Rafe’s age- and more children, so many more and

–