Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Ella

Sinclair finally agreed to let the EMTs administer emergency care, though it wasn’t easy. He refused to let me out of his sight, and though he’d tried to maintain physical contact too, the EMTs eventually convinced him to let them strap him onto a gurney for transfer to the hospital. I sat beside him in the ambulance, where he was sprawled on his side, watching me with complete intensity as the EMTs worked on cutting away his clothes.

I stroked his hair as he stoically suffered through their poking and prodding, so he could feel me safe and secure beside him. At first I tried to peek over Sinclair’s broad shoulder to see the damage on his back, but he growled as soon as I broke eye contact, and I decided keeping him calm was more important than discovering the extent of his injuries.

The ambulance can’t seem to move fast enough, and I’m counting down the moments until we reach the shifter hospital. I can see how tired Sinclair is, his eyelids keep drooping, only to snap back open when he realizes he’s falling asleep. I want to help him rest, but I’m also afraid that if he falls asleep he might not wake back up.

“I’m so sorry, Dominic.” I murmnur, unable to hold in my feelings any more.

“Why are you sorry?” He responds, furrowing his brow. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You’re hurt because of me.” I remind him, hiccuping and swiping at my tears with my free hand. “They wanted me – not you. Why did you do that!”

“Baby, if they could have gotten to me they gladly would have you’re just an easier target.” He explains, sounding so steady and sure, even as the EMTs dig into his raw wounds. “And I did it because you and Rafe are a million times more important than me.”

“But that’s simply not true.” I argue miserably.

You can find another mate and have more babies -“A warning rumble vibrates in his chest, but I ignore it. “But if something happens to you then the entire pack, the entire realm would be in danger. I’m replaceable, you’re not.”

“I beg to differ.” Sinclair grOwls. “And if you keep talking that way you’re going to regret it, little mate. “

The EMTs exchange amused glances, and I can feel the corner of my own mouth twitching. “Are you really threatening me when you’re tied down?”

I can’t break out of a few flimsy straps you’re out of your mind, gorgeous.” He answers, sounding strong and ominous right up until he

still stroking his hair. “Are you in a lot of pain? Be honest.” I

as much as I would have been if I’d lost you.” He replies, with

and confusion tangled at its center. I’m falling in love with this man, so of course I want to hear his affectionate endearments, of course I want him to be alright.

I want to ask him where Lydia fits in all

mere thought is enough to give

just putting on a show for the EMTs? And if he does mean it, then

his brow as he takes in my solemn

lie, using my thumb to smooth out the wrinkles in

can.” The first EMT

at me, though it looks more like a grimace. “I already told you I wasn’t

there.” The

to hold on a

I can see his back, I understand that the entire broad surface was shredded by the glass of the windshield, and hundreds of tiny shards are

all the strangers around

sitting up so he can keep me in his lap, and those of us who still have our sanity intact trying to convince him to lie down. It’s a losing battle, and in the end I end up in the bed with him, his huge body draped over me while he pretends not to feel the pain of dozens of tiny tweezers digging into his

do my best to distract him, kissing his scruffy cheeks and nuzzling his neck, telling him what a powerful protector he is and guiding his hand to my

Sinclair chuckles, catching my lips in his the next time I try

not pandering.” I argue, “At least, not

today, you saved the baby – again.

acknowledges, “even