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

-” Sinclair begins, giving me

know then he wasn’t ever going to tell me, though I shouldn’t be surprised. He had every opportunity to share this information with me – like when he gave

I thought we agreed we would be a team from

are,” He insists, looking as though it’s taking great restraint not to reach for

think l should know that 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

or later, but I miscalculated. I really wasn’t expecting the Prince to make an appearance tonight, let alone bring it up. I thought he was smarter

I’m hearing

thought, you expected, you believed

decisions and i am sitting on the sidelines looking like an

not used to consulting anyone else on this sort of thing. Change doesn’t happen

counters sternly. “Patronizing implies superiority. I

doesn’t seem patronizing, it is patronizing.”I correct

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 all that you’re the wealthiest, most powerful

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

think anyone has ever complimented me this way. Cora might, but she’s as good as my sister – she has to love me. But I’m certain no other man has ever praised me for such things – or mentioned my positive attributes beyond my beauty. This

know how to respond to that.” I admit shyly, my

the sound filling me

am, Ella – and you’re going to have to get used to compliments because

trying to shield

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255