Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Chapter 50

Ella

The rest of the evening passes without further drama, but as far as I’m concerned, the night has been a wash. The procession through the city’s old quarter would have been magical at any other time- with the traditions, music and palpable gaiety of all those around us. If l’d been able to focus on anything other than my thoughts, I’m fairly certain I would have fallen in love with the occasion, but I wasn’t able to give the events the attention they deserved.

I’m exhausted by the time we’re finally free to leave, thinking that I’ll certainly need an extra-long nap tomorrow even as I climb into the back of the limo. I’m distracted and grumpy, and when Sinclair slides into the car next to me, I vacate my seat, choosing the one facing him instead.

Sinclair arches a brow, but doesn’t move to stop me.

“You’re angry with me.” He assesses simply, eyeing my crossed arms and stiff shoulders.

“What was that all about, Dominic?” I inquire, trying not to get too carried away in my temper.

“What, with the Prince?” He clarifies, as if the answer isn’t completely obvious.

“How did he know I haven’t been marked?” I demand,

“And how long have you been aware he knew?”

“You know it would be a lot easier to talk if you were over here.” Sinclair coaxes, patting the seat beside him.

“I’m fine right here.” I insist. I know how Sinclair works – he gets me within arms reach and the next thing I know I’m being soothed into complacency by his soothing car3sses, cozy warmth and gentle purrs. But I’ll be damned if l’m going to let him lull me into calming down. I have every right to be upset.

He sighs. “The prince came to speak with me last night at the bonfire. I don’t know how he found out you haven’t been marked, but he made it clear he planned on using that information against us. So l told him the same story we told Roger.”

didn’t tell me?” I clarify. “Why, because you didn’t find the right time? Or because you didn’t

giving me a beseeching

wasn’t ever going to tell me, though I shouldn’t be surprised. He had every

would be a team from now on?

reach for me. “I just didn’t

I might have to publicly defend our relationship?” I question sharply,” that I might be asked questions about this? What if a reporter had asked me about the mark already knowing your answer, our entire plan

excuses, “I would have told you sooner or later, but I miscalculated. I really wasn’t expecting the Prince to make an appearance tonight, let alone

I’m hearing here?”

expected, you

i am sitting on the sidelines

told you this wouldn’t come easily for me. I’m trying, but I’m not used to consulting anyone else on this sort of thing. Change doesn’t happen overnight.” He frowns. “That’s not a copout, it’s

He counters sternly. “Patronizing implies superiority. I don’t think I’m better than you

patronizing, it is patronizing.”I correct

course you do!” I burst out. “You’re supematural – the bias is in the name! I’m just a human and next to shifters we’re primitive, tiny, weak and slow. And on top

of those things have any inherent value beyond staying alive and controlling the world around you. There’s no integrity in being fast or rich, and our society didn’t earn any of it. It was handed to us by the Goddess. Yes, we’re more advanced, but not due to our own virtue.” Sinclair continues, still pinning me with his intense stare. “But you, you had to earn everything all on your own. You started from nothing and used your brains and ingenuity to succeed, you had the mental strength to overcome all the trials you faced, and you came out of all that

beauty. This isn’t even the first time Sinclair has made this Kind of speech, making me feel valued for the person

know how to respond to that.” I admit shyly, my voice barely above a

filling me with

and you’re going to have to get used to compliments because I have no

think these things, why do you keep trying to shield me then?” L inquire, much

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