Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Chapter 76

Ella

It’s been three weeks since the ball, and though I can scarcely believe it, it seems like all the campaign drama passed with Solstice. There has been nothing but calm since the holidays, and I’m beyond thrilled that I’ve been able to relax a bit, even though part of me is waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under us.

I’ve spent my time pouring over baby books, making plans for our nursery, and brainstorming baby names – and the best past is that I’ve felt less nauseated and achy every day. In fact, yesterday marked the beginning of my second trimester – since shifter pregnancies are so short – and it seems impossible to think my baby will arrive in four short months. My stress has already eased knowing I’m leaving the most vulnerable phase of my pregnancy behind, and I don’t even mind that I’ve been seeing Sinclair less now that he’s gone back to a regular work schedule.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I miss him. I miss him much more than I should, but I’m also grateful for the space. It’s much easier to resist our attraction to each other when we’re not constantly together and taking part in int!mate rituals and r0mantic outings.

I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn. The little voice in my head mutters. If you’re going to give in eventually, why not throw in the towel now and enjoy being together in the last months before the baby comes? You do realize that in another four months you’ll never be alone again.

I’m not having this argument again. I decide. We agreed it’s better for the baby if we can co-parent without our own relationship drama getting in the way.

You mean you decided and he went along with it because he doesn’t know it’s such a stupid reason.

My conscience snipes.

It’s not stupid! I insist. I’m going to be a mother, I have to put my baby first – that’s what being a parent is all about.

You keep telling yourself that. The voice derides.

We both know you’re just a big scaredy cat.

Oh put a sock in it! I exclaim, losing my patience.

Stupid conscience.” I mutter aloud, sorting through the clothing racks in my giant closet and trying to choose an outfit for our parenting class tonight.

Uppity, annoying, impossible..”

yourself, trouble?” Sinclair’s deep voice breaks through my angry diatribe, and

find him leaning in the closet doorway, watching me intently. “Dominic,

his arms, petting me gently. “I”m sorry.” He croons,

that’s the problem. It’s not right that anyone as big as you

have a sneaking suspicion he’s smothering a smile. “It’s my fault, I’m a big hulking beast and I need to do a better job of

pull away from him, narrowing my eyes. “Are you laughing at

I can answer that

to rifle through trouser options. “Nothing fits

the gentle curve of my belly. The changes are still very slight, but my clothing has gone from being a bit tight to entirely too small. My bre-asts might not be so tender anymore,

gently. “It means the baby is

why I’m

this much at this stage you know.” My throat is

on a roller coaster, I can see exactly what’s happening, but

and it makes me want to cry all the more. He’s been working from home a lot and I can tell he feels like he’s neglecting us, but there’s also nothing to be done. He bears so much responsibility, and it’s only going to get worse if he wins the crown.

shouldn’t be giving you a

a wrap dress from the clothing rack. “Here, no buttons, no zippers.

and snuggles me until I’ve had my fill, and half an hour later we’re back

trimester, but this is the time when your h0rmones really kick

may already be experiencing some intense mood swings, as well as physical changes to things like hair growth or skin pigmentation.” She looks

all to take advantage of, as you won’t

known this was part of pregnancy, but I also hadn’t

your job to keep Mom satisfied and relaxed during these next few months. She’s going to need you to be her rock while she weathers these stormy seas, so I encourage you not to go overboard coddling her – tempting as it may be. Her wolf needs to feel

they give the same advice in

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