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

—

“(

light from the 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, I get the sense that

closer, a little embarrassed. Honestly, it never occurred

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

to him, and start to say that words that the priestess taught us as part of the ceremony.

across the smooth surface of the silver pool.

show him your light, and in doing so, let you see him and bring him into the spirit of your grace,” Roger continues, his own resonant voice sending shivers down my spine. The light coming off the pool brightens – slower this time, though, as if

itself, beaming brilliantly down on us from above. Hey, mom, I say quietly

Because she is here, now, with us – ready

around. 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 me, letting me take the baby and unwrap his swaddling blanket. Then, when he’s

moments pass. My heart fills to see Rafe looking up into the sky, to see the light surrounding him as it falls from the moon above and reflects upwards from the mirrored surface of

us to bring him here to dedicate him to you. We do so in their name.”

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

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

peering into the white light of the moon, likewise trying to make it

baby out, my arms trembling a little, and watch the

air. Instead, it’s…felt as much as it

– older, but still young.- running across a battlefield, fear on his face but courage in every line of his limbs as he pushes himself

–

the girl’s head as well. She smiles up at him with such love in her eyes and then the door to the room bursts open, his family spilling

–

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

–