Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 470- Friendship Across Boundaries

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.”

his face twisted in confusion. “Who on earth would you

smiling a little bit. ” She’s not precisely on earth

know how much Xander told him, but since they didn’t bring it my or Cora’s

I reply as Calvin

leaning forward and

assume is a new bond between myself and this prince. My lips part in surprise as Calvin stares at me in confusion, feeling it too, and then I feel almost

today, and everything she said about

he says, leaning back against the couch’s arm. “Now I’m just… embarrassed. Here I was, ready to confess my devotion to

ignore him, reaching out a hand between us. “Just because it’s not romantic doesn’t mean it’s not important,” I say

well, hovering his hand above mine until we feel that pulse between us. Until the glow forms between our hands, eventually raising sparks in the air.

“See?” I say. “Magic.”

and tucks it into his pocket, glancing towards the door. “I’m sorry… I realize what I did was selfish, and

across the couch now so that we sit close together. “Calvin, you have nothing to be

his lap. “I was ready to

And eventually, you would

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

burns between us, humming through me and raising the hairs on my neck. I stare at him, smiling a little, marveling at the magic that swirls in the air. But before I can get truly lost in it, someone clears their

a little happy squeal and waves his hand, clearly choosing

should go,” Calvin murmurs,

him leave. There’s so much left here we need to explore

once, making me grin and look between

friends here. I hope that you truly believe that. The Goddess has wrought a bond between us, though it may be a mystery

you’ll always have a friend in Atalaxia, though I may be the only one,” he says with a little shrug. Then he looks over at Rafe, sleeping in Sinclair’s arms. “Though I hope the numbers grow as

put a hand on his shoulder, feeling the little pulse pass through me like a zap