Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 162 - Approaching Sinclair

Ella

When we return to the palace I go straight upstairs to the office Sinclair has been using as his war room. Of course, there was a war room in his mansion back home too, but that one had been for the campaign, this one is only too literal.

When I walk into the tense space, I find my mate standing over a large diorama of the continent,a to-scale model of the territories, terrain and cities of our homeland. Tiny figures are scattered throughout the lifelike reproduction, forming armies, groups of civilians, rogues and refugees. A group of warriors surround the table supporting the miniature world, listening as Hugo delivers the evenings brief.

"Our spies report that despite their alliances during the campaign, Damon's armies have now turned against rogue forces in the neutral territories.

Apparently his conquest of the united packs is complete enough that he's able to turn his attention to other threats, and he's not hesitating to do just that." Hugo explains. "Any resistance in the packs has gone underground because of his severe crackdown, and more and more shifters are attempting to escape. These are mostly those who have reason to fear the Prince due to their politics or status in the pack, but others flee for no other reason than the loss of their homes and loved ones. The people recognize that any future under Damon's rule is bound to be bleak, so they're leaving instead."

"I can't believe he’s done so much in so little time.” One of the warriors pipes up. I recognize the man as Sinclair's third now that Gabriel is gone, but I can’t quite recall his name. Philip? Phelan? Phineas?

'To your point, Philippe, Damon has moved very quickly. He hasn't just gone after the Alpha council and their betas, he's been taking out the elders in each pack as well, plus any wolves that might be strong enough to make a claim for Alpha. He's eliminated any and all competition, created a power vacuum everywhere but on the throne. It’s nothing new in terms of authoritarianism, but it's damned effective."

"Do we know if any of the elders have survived?" Sinclair inquires, his handsome face twisted into a grimace.

"If they have then they're in hiding or attempting to escape." Hugo sighs." Essentially anyone who might have helped us has gone radio silent out of fear of detection, and rightly so."

if we can dredge up some alliances in Vanara, we’re likely going to be going in blind when we

the door, eyes searching. I realize he was so focused on the

in my head, and I

across from us, blowing our scents down the hall rather than allowing them to

I could go climb into his arms. We just got

know his fierce gaze is ordering the men in front of me to move so I might pass. I slip between them and try not to blush under the scrutiny of so many wolfish eyes, melting into Sinclairs side as he tucks me under his arm. I feel calmer at once,

kiss me senseless, does the meeting continue. I'm a bit surprised that my overprotective mate is allowing me to be part of such a stressful and disturbing briefing, but I'm also grateful. I need to know what's going on for my own peace of mind and so that I can support

would be lying if I said the details I learned didn't weigh on me terribly, but soon enough Sinclair is leading me back to our forest suite, and it’s all I can do to hold my tongue until we’re alone. I have so

urgency that frightens and delights me. Goddess I

if you went gallivanting around Vanara and left

as well as our bond. Careful little wolf, He warns. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were trying to manipulate me. I arch into him, my blood heating

would never dream of it. I answer, earning an indulgent

afternoon nap, now those things are the farthest things from my mind. All I can think about now is joining with

than I do. He strips off my clothes right there in the entrance of our rooms, then lifts me into his arms and guides my legs around his waist, before pressing my bare back into the door. He's still fully clothed, but when I reach for the

back into me over and over again. His feral need is contagious, and soon I'm as wild as he is,

erotic. Breathing heavily, Sinclair pulls me from the wall and carries me to my nest, dropping tender kisses to my hair. "Sorry

with a sated smile. “I love it when you get carried