Ella

“Are you ready?” Sinclair asks, standing behind me in the mirror. I have to stop myself from staring at him.

He’s dressed down from his standard suit, but somehow he looks even more gorgeous and intimidating than usual. In sleek black slacks and a simple white dress shirt, rolled up to his elbows and unbuttoned to his sternum, he looks powerful and laid back at once.

“That depends, what do you think?” I reply, extending my arms to show him my dress and get his opinion. I’m wearing a sleek velvet dress in ink bottle green. When the dressmaker suggested velvet I was skeptical, but now that I see the finished product I can fully appreciate her vision. It’s simple but sophisticated, not to mention incredibly cozy.

“Hmm,” Sinclair replies, striding nearer. “I think you’re missing something.”

“Like what?” I ask, turning back to the mirror to study my reflection. My makeup and hair are done, I found matching heels despite the infinite challenges of matching uncommon dress colors, and I”ll wrap myself in my new coat (courtesy of Sinclair) before we leave.

“Like this.” He beams, pulling out a thin black jewelry box.

I look down at it in surprise. “For me?”

“And just who else do you think I would be buying jewelry for?” He teases.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “For all| know you have a girlfriend on the side.”

“Ella.” Sinclair’s impossibly deep voice sounds even richer than usual. “There isn’t anyone else.”

For some reason, this statement makes me feel more uncertain. It’s not like we’re in a relationship or have discussed not dating during the pregnancy to avoid scrutiny. It makes sense that he wouldn’t risk the campaign by seeing someone else when he’s supposed to be happily mated, but he’s expressly told me that everything will be different when he finds his second chance mate. It seems strange that he should make such a firm assurance in this int!mate way, it feels as though he’s blurring the line of our arrangement. The little voice in my head might not mind this, but my heart knows better, it isn’t safe.

all these feelings, and he narrows his eyes at me. “What’s going on in that

| reply simply, nodding towards

Can I see it?”

but we don’t have time.” He sighs, flipping open the smooth black lid. Inside the box is a stunning silver necklace, dotted with

with my hand. “Sinclair, this

you can.” He insists, turning my body back towards the mirror. I don’t know why, but I’m holding my breath as he drapes the necklace over my collar and secures it at my nape. My fingers immediately flutter over the opulent jewels. I can guarantee

I answer honestly. “But

his brow.

one.” I reply, trying to tone down the sarcasm at the last minute. He’s been so sweet and generous, I don’t mean to take out my

gentle but brooking no argument. I don’t really want to obey, I find Sinclair’s penetrating gaze far too observant at the best of times, and sometimes I want to be

chuckles, seeing my

might not be a she-wolf, but you are carrying my heir, and you are my date for the festival.” He slides his strong arms around my wa!st from behind,

from stone. In my heels my head actually reaches his shoulder, and though I look very small and delicate beside him, the fine

as though Sinclair

upset if I tell you how stunning you

beneath my lashes, “I don’t know, why don’t you try and find

word. He purrs a laugh at the feeling of my body

shiver again, feeling heat pool between my legs and praying that his senses aren’t strong enough to pick up on such an intimate thing. I’m beginning to think he likes getting me all hot and

me either, and suddenly a devious idea sparks in my mind. I lean back into his embrace, squirming slightly as if l’m

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