Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

Ella

I peek up at Sinclair from beneath my lashes, trying to gauge his frustration level. It’s obvious he’s displeased that I defied him, but I can tell he’s also glad to be home after what was certainly a very long day. Moreover, I think my words to his father helped assuage some of his guilt, and he’s feeling more affectionate towards me than he might have a few minutes ago.

“I have to say that I missed you?” I profess, sliding my arms around his neck. “And you’re the most handsome man in the whole world?”

Sinclair flashes his fangs, emitting a dark chuckle and swinging my legs up into his arms “Flirting with me isn’t going to get you out of this, Sweetheart.” He ducks his head and steals a k!ss before mounting the stairs up to his room, “though it’s very cute to watch you try.”

“Who said I was just flirting?” I object, leaning my head against his chest, “I really did miss you.”

Sinclair doesn’t pause as he carts me up to the fifth floor, never breaking a sweat or getting short of breath. The way he acts you’d think I’m as light as a feather – though with his supernatural strength it probably feels that way. “I missed you too.” He finally replies, pushing through the bedroom door. “I hate being so far from home when these things strike.”

“You must have had a really rough afternoon.” I observe, studying his drawn features and fatigued demeanor.

Sinclair drops onto the sofa, keeping me in his lap,

“Rough is an understatement.” He sighs, sounding as though the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Of course, this isn’t far from the truth. I snuggle closer to him, wishing there was something I could do to ease the monumental burdens he’s shouldering. A contented rumble vibrates in his chest, and Sinclair smiles down at me. “It’s getting better by the minute though.”

I tilt my face up to his, silently asking for a k!ss.

He arches a brow and for a moment I’m afraid he’ll reject my affection, but I needn’t have worried.

Sinclair lowers his lips to mine, and my heart begins to race. The moment our lips touch electricity zings through my body, setting my nerve endings alight. It’s every bit as thrilling and all-consuming as the first time, and I quickly find myself getting carried away in the experience.

Unfortunately it ends much to0 soon. Sinclair pulls back, leaning his forehead against mine and purring, “You can’t distract me with k!sses either, little one”

He grimaces, and I know I’m not going to like what he says next. “Besides, k!ssing is a gateway drug.

We’ve got to try to stop.” His arms tightened around me as he spoke, as if his body didn’t agree with his words – or maybe it was his wolf.

Adopting an innocent expression, I reply. “I have no idea what you mean. A gateway to what?”

is longer than the first, because just like he said, it’s getting harder and harder to stop the longer we continue. My blood heats to a sultry simmer, and wetness pools at my center as Sinclair’s lips, teeth and tongue go to work, making me forget that anything exists outside of this moment. “Goddess,

sting punctures my elated mood, bringing me crashing back down to earth. It’s a crushing reminder that I’m not enough for him – that l’ll never be enough no matter what I do. Seeing the hurt painted over my face, Sinclair winces.

keep my voice steady. “And

looking miserable. “I didn’t mean that I want you to be anything other than what you already are – just that

arms, and move to the cushion beside him. “It’s

his lap. He

this now I’m sure I’ll start crying, not to mention I’m still so turned on that I’m finding it difficult to

flair, and his

arousal, but a moment later he’s cursing and rising

going to go take a shower. You should try to get

the bathroom, feeling strangely dismayed. Apparently flirting and k!sses can’t get me out of trouble, but acting

the statement, the little voice in the back of my mind doesn’t sound pleased

feeling. Then why in the Goddess’s name am

3rd Person

in the hallowed halls of the royal

hadn’t conducted an autopsy yet, but the coroner had immediately declared suspicious circumstances upon seeing the Princess’s body. Apparently there was some sort of rash on her skin,

the Princess – on his property – was an unforgivable offense. He couldn’t believe that anyone would dare to do something so brazen, and his rage was spiraling out of control. As soon as he figured out who was responsible for this crime, he

and forth in his head, positively rabid in grief and fury. She hadn’t been his fated mate, but he’d claimed her all the same. And though he certainly had other lovers, the Princess

the first place. But none of the others responded so perfectly as his wife. It truly was like she was made for him – she cried when he wanted her to cry, screamed

him for mercy the last time they were together, a shaft of light abruptly reflected in the window. The door was opening behind him, and a woman’s silhouette appeared

a moment for him to recognize Lydia, but once he

my guards I wasn’t to

have my ways.” Lydia shrugged,

you want?” The

replied, taking on a gentle tone that didn’t suit her in the least. “I know

to

would appreciate me

know who killed