Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Sinclair

When I enter the Blood Moon Tavern for the ‘have a drink with the Alpha’ town hall event, I immediately begin cursing Hugo. My beta may have talked me into this campaign event with good intentions, but I would so much rather go home to Ella. After the way we left things this evening, not to mention my conversation with Roger, my wolf is positively rabid to go climb into bed with her and finish what we started.

However, I made a pledge to my pack that I would come out to this bar and talk with the people one on one, giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts, grievances and questions with me in an informal setting. It’s the sort of event the Prince would never consider holding, and also the kind common shifters appreciate most. So I plaster a smile on my face and enter the rustic pub, greeting the assembled pack members as if there’s nothing I would rather be doing.

At first I’m completely distracted, preoccupied with thoughts of Ella, our growing pup and whether it might be possible that my brother is right. Could our feelings for each other be more than mere attraction and the connection forged by our pup? Could we be falling in love? I’m not even sure I know what love feels like – of course I imagined myself head over heels for Lydia once, but can there be true love when one partner is only in the relationship for selfish, personal gain? Can a person honestly know what it means to be in love, when it’s all one sided?

A burst of laughter and noise pulls my attention away from my thoughts, and suddenly I realize I’ve been neglecting my conversation with the pack members around me. “I know that look.” One of the men in front of me guffaws, slapping his leg. “I’d say the Alpha has his mind on things far lovelier than taxes.”

“A certain she-wolf with a swollen belly perhaps?”

Another wolf suggests, waggling his eyebrows.

I laugh apologetically, though none of the wolves Surrounding me seem upset. They all look as though they understand all too well. “I’m sorry, you’ve caught me. I have a hard time letting my mate out of my sight these days.” I confess, knowing that speaking plainly is far more likely to win me points with this demographic.

“It’s no worry.” An older man assures me, patting my back. “I remember what it was like when my wife was breeding, and it’s always worst with the first.”

“When I found out my Mary was pregnant, I actually attacked one of her colleagues when he got too close to her!” Another man shares, “luckily he didn’t hold it against me.”

I chuckle, “My wolf wanted me to go after Ella’s doctor and the nurses when we first got the news – men and women.” I relate, earning myself a fresh round of laughter. “Luckily she’s learned to climb into my arms anytime I start getting aggressive, the clever minx knows I can’t attack anyone if I’m holding her.”

even when it’s their mate. I swell with pride over their impressed looks, but settle in to listen rather than continue spending my own voice. I’m amazed that this burly group of hardened shifters

own father along, and thinking that I wouldn’t mind campaign events so

but set it down after a few sips. Though I requested the same brand of liquor as my first tumbler-full, there’s a strange metallic taste to the liquid that turns my stomach. I wonder if soap was left in the glass after being washed, or perhaps the bartender opened a new bottle, not realizing the liquor inside had turned. Unfortunately I never figure out what’s wrong with the draught, because the last thing I remember is thinking

Ella

things are often out of his hands.

who wants to curl up in a ball and cry because Sinclair cares more about the campaign than you. The little voice

I answer, beyond frustrated. Those are

She snips. Blame

pat my tummy. “I don’t blame you.” I tell my growing pup,

and kicks against my hand, as if he’s telling me he understands completely. I feel a rush of love so powerful my dour mood disappears, and I can only smile as I get through my meal, content

hasn’t come home. I decide to call him, but the line rings and rings before eventually going to voicemail. I hang up

is

Nothing.

put my phone aside and decide to take a bath. I’m worrying about

something feels off

just got caught up. Or maybe he decided to have a night out –

think he’d do that

I insist, shaking off the sting

huge whirl pool tub in Sinclairs bathroom, choosing to use his rooms instead of my own, just in case he comes home while I’m soaking. I have a sudden, silly fantasy of him walking in while I’m submerged in the hot water and bubbles. I imagine him claiming that he’s dirty after his night out and insisting that he needs to join me.

slide my own hands over my soft skin, pretending that they’re Sinclairs – knowing he’ll probably demand to wash me himself, and getting lost in the sensations. My hand lingers over my bre-asts and