Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Ella

As the Prince and I move around the dance floor, I’m only too conscious that every eye in the room is on us.

Of course, none of those eyes weigh on my shoulders so heavily as Sinclairs. I’m working hard not to accidentally send him any signals that I need to be rescued, but it isn’t easy – especially after the Prince just confronted me with one of the many lies I’ve been telling.

“That’s not surprising.” I bluff. I lived a quiet life before coming here.”

“There’s quiet and then there’s nonexistent.” The Prince mutters bleakly. “And forgive me but I find it highly suspicious that you made absolutely no impact on your prior pack. After all – one would expect a she-wolf qualified to be Luna to have a high profile.”

“Believe it or not,” I begin, deciding to tell at least one truth tonight, “but I didn’t find my strength until I met Dominic. He’s helping me recognize that my power was always there, but sometimes it takes seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes to appreciate the parts of ourselves we take for granted. So, no I didn’t have a high profile in the Bloodbane pack.”

The Prince scoffs. “I wouldn’t be so quick to admit that, Ella. Just imagine what the council would think if they knew.” His tone implies advice, but his eyes glint with an obvious threat.

I”ll gladly tell them myself.” I counter coolly, “I’m not ashamed of my past, and I think people need leaders who can be honest about their journeys. No one starts out in this world as a force of nature; they become one after being molded and weathered by the elements.

Dominic and I are examples of how even the strongest of our kind become so through resilience and strife, as well as the people with whom you surround yourself – not blind ambition.”

The Prince has been keeping his voice low, no doubt afraid of being overheard, but when I continue to speak at a volume guaranteeing others will hear our conversation, he loses his temper.” Would you keep your voice down?!”

“Why, don’t you want people to know our posițions?”

I counter, feeling an unfamiliar spike of adrenaline. Is this how hunters feel when they know they’re closing in?

When they’ve got their target cornered. “Don’t you want them to be fully informed before the election?”

The Prince snaps, forgetting to whisper

to outdated traditions just because that’s

I have scant seconds before Sinclair will appear and snatch me away from

surprised at how little fear I truly fear. “Growling at breeding she-wolves half your size really seems like a practice that should have been left in the dark ages, don’t you

me close enough so he can hiss in my ear, “You dumb b***h, l don’t know how you survived last night, but mark my words, I’m going to get rid of you and that brat you’re growing one way or another. You should leave while you still can, if

instincts to growl back at him. I don’t care if he’s threatening me, but the idea that he’s threatening my pup makes me want to rant and rage – to destroy him no matter the

important it is for me to continue

I want to. He suddenly steps into our path, all rugged good looks and raw power. My belly swoops and flutters when I see him, and

laugh, “lt’s only been a

of laughs around the room as he sweeps me into his arms. We spin away on the dance floor, leaving the Prince to stew

l’m swaying safely in Sinclair’s arms, does

hesitantly. “I’m not sure I should tell you,

don’t tell me now I’m going to throw a tantrum right here in the

tells me he’s not merely jesting. He might have chosen the words to make me laugh, but I can tell he needs to know the truth if he’s going to

him. “He threatened me and the baby, told me to leave while I

until I can no longer see his handsome face. Still, I can picture him glowering at everyone around us, staring daggers at anyone who sets eyes on me -like a dragon guarding its treasure. “Don’t worry, Ella.” Sinclair rumbles, his strong hands caressing my spine. “I won’t let him húrt you

him, leaning close so he can feel my solid weight in his arms. “I trust

been through. I know he wouldn’t

I revel in his warm tone and terms of endearment, his earlier threats are still ringing in my ears, and I have to wonder whether I have another punishment ahead of

strangely addictive about his dominance, and l’m still aching for his touch. At the time I thought the longing would pass with time, but

me from making a terrible mistake. You helped me stay calm when I was completely out of control. You don’t deserve

hoping he’ll give me a scandalous

not sure how much longer I can resist him,