Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 421 – Thanks, but No Thanks

Ella

I’m quite tired when evening approaches in the refugee camp and Cora comes to my side, placing a hand on my back and telling me that we should probably head home. I sigh, looking around, knowing that I can do more but…

“I get it, Ells,” she says, looking around with me. “But there’s only so much we can do. And you’re a queen and a mom as much as a healer now. You’ve got to find a balance.”

“Is it normal to feel guilty?” I ask my sister, who has been working to heal people for much longer than I have. ” When you prioritize yourself, and other things, even though you know you can help people who are suffering?”

“It is,” Cora says with a little sigh. ”

But you, my big-hearted sister, probably feel it more keenly than most.

“Yeah,” I say, glancing over at Hank. ” He, for instance, compartmentalizes well.”

“Don’t count Hank out,” she says softly, shaking her head. “He’s got a big heart too. Maybe just…hides it better.”

I turn my head a little, considering him, considering her point. And then my heart aches for him again as I think of how disappointed he was when Cora left him for her mate – because as much as he loved her, we know now that he never stood a chance. Cora and Roger were written in the stars.

But is there someone out there for Hank too?

I hope, quite desperately, that there is. He’s so good, and he deserves that, like the rest of us.

“Ready, Luna?” Conner asks, coming over and bringing my baby with him, who reaches for me with his little grasping hands.

“Sure am!” I say, taking my baby and cuddling him close. Cora laughs and leans in as well, fussing over Rafe and I can see thinking about her own little baby, who will be here so much sooner than she realizes. Together, we start to walk out of the tent, but as I turn I hear a little voice calling me back.

lady!” a little boy calls, and I turn and laugh to see little Benny running

wrapping him in a hug as he runs over. “How

corrects with a little frown, making me smile as he adjusts a set of glasses on his nose. Then, he peers down at Rafe. “Is

little so Benny can see him better. “What do you think

reaching out a hand to poke Rafe’s belly. I burst out laughing at this, honestly charmed. “He’s not fat, he’s a baby! They’re supposed to be chubby so that they can grow big and

going wide as they’re still fastened on Rafe. ” This one’s gonna be

laugh again, harder this time as Cora crouches down next to us. “Who

and Benny narrows his eyes at her. ” Oh,” he says. “Are you the human

replies, her eyebrows going up. “Does my reputation

her and making me laugh again, “but she told me she has a human sister,” he continues, nodding towards

I’m going to have a baby soon,” she says, her hand settling

own eyebrows going up now. Then he takes a moment to

a little with the force of it so that Cora has to reach out a hand and

Cora says, grinning at Benny, as delighted as I am. “I guess we’ll

by his side and offering her hand. “You know you’re not supposed to sneak out of bed – Dr. Hank said two more days of bed rest before you’re cleared

Benny says, crossing his arms and frowning up at Isabel. The sincere disbelief and frustration in this kid set me off laughing again and Benny turns to grin at me. He takes Isabel’s hand, though. ” I don’t feel sick at all, since the lady came yesterday!” he protests, pointing at me. “I should be allowed

mentions his mother again, but I do my best not

at him and giving me a wink. ” Maybe we’ll have Dr.

nods and consents to be led back to bed, calling his goodbyes to us over his

with Cora, sighing and watching him

at her in surprise to see a big grin on her face as she watches the little boy get tucked back

“Really?” I ask.

“So full of life, ready to question everything even though the world has delt him a tough hand. He’s

at the compliment. Because even if Cora meant it as a compliment for Benny…well, he’s just so damn cute, and vivid,

around my shoulder and turning Rafe and I towards