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 plan on filling me in

begins, giving me a

He had every opportunity to share this information with me – like

thought we agreed we would be a team

not to reach for me. “I just didn’t think this was

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 could have fallen to pieces because you didn’t inform

very quickly, Ella.” Sinclair excuses, “I would have told you sooner or later, but I miscalculated. I really wasn’t expecting the Prince to

know what I’m hearing

you expected, you believed and

i am sitting on the sidelines looking like an i***t-

admits. “I 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

He counters sternly. “Patronizing implies superiority. I don’t

patronizing, it is patronizing.”I correct

next to shifters we’re primitive, tiny, weak and slow. And on top

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

me for such things – or mentioned my positive attributes beyond my beauty. This isn’t even the first time Sinclair has made this Kind of speech, making me feel valued for the person I am rather than the good looks I

I don’t know how to respond to that.” I admit shyly, my voice barely

sound filling me with warmth.

to get used to compliments

things, why do you keep trying

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