Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 212 - Rafe's Anger

Ella

I loop my arms around Sinclair's neck as he carries me through the palace gates, trying to steady myself even as my concerns for his injuries grow irrepressible. "Dominic no, you'll hurt yourself." I object, sweeping my eyes over his muscular body. He's naked as the day he was born, and his abdomen is swollen with black and blue bruises. His feet are bleeding, and numerous smaller bruises and cuts dot his powerful form.

He doesn't seem the least bit bothered, though I suspect he's using the last stores of his power to stave off the pain. "Hush now, I've been waiting weeks to hold you, you think I'm going to let some sore ribs stop me?" Sinclair quips, brushing his lips over my forehead.

I try to help as best I can, novelxo sitting upright in his arms and using his strong shoulders to support my weight. I'm in the perfect position to explore the curve of his neck, and my inner wolf won't let me pass up the opportunity. I nuzzle his sweat-stained skin, kissing and nibbling his throat - letting him feel how elated I am to have him home, and just how badly I missed him.

Sinclair emits an appreciative purr, turning his lips to my ear. "Do you want to tell me what mischief you’ve been making to make Philippe and Gabriel so grumpy?"

"Nothing." I reply innocently, giving him my best puppy dog eyes. "They're just mean, ill-tempered men.”

Sinclair grins wolfishly, and my heart skips a beat. "Now why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Because she's the most ungovernable she-wolf I've ever met." Gabriel snorts from beside us, also smiling. "Honestly, you'd think I was nothing but a nobody omega for all the consideration she gives my orders."

"I might give them more - if you were half the wolf my mate is." I challenge, feeling thoroughly emboldened with Sinclair's arms around me.

speak to the man who has shown us

come after you when you were out there alone and clearly in need of help - yes." I reply stubbornly, scowling when the King

wanted was for you to be out there looking for me with a bomber on the loose." Sinclair remarks, affectionate but somber as he looks to his old friend. "I know why you felt compelled to come

I was the only one who even believed you were alive!" I

pressing soft kisses to

rest, Ella." Gabriel adds pointedly, and Sinclair stiffens, looking down

say more. Luckily the perfect distraction awaits us as we enter the palace

Vanarans bow and smile, but the refugees drop to their knees with tears in their eyes, looking as though their prayers have been answered - which they probably have. Sinclair nods to each and every one of them with such respect, compassion and dedication, signaling that he sees and appreciates them, even if he doesn't have the freedom to stop at this moment.

Sinclair settles on the sofa with me in his lap, at last able to greet our pup properly. He runs his hands over my belly, his eyes drinking in every inch of my changed body. Just look at you. He marvels, his gaze lingering on my ever-enlarging breasts and the sudden protrusion

believe how big you've gotten. I wish I could keep you safe

Rafe doesn't respond, except to send a pulse of sullen energy through our bond - a request for my affection instead of Sinclair's. I add my touch and my voice, thinking I might understand the problem," Come on angel, you were so excited to feel your Daddy again."

left, little one. Please believe me when I say

father left - giving him the cold shoulder as punishment. He got angry with me for the first time too. I reveal to Sinclair through our bond. He's getting big enough to feel more complex things now, and he hates it

love and affection the same way he does to me when I'm cross, forcing the tiny tot to understand that no matter how far away he goes, he'll always come back. novëxo Of course, for now he can only hold me. Why did

I wanted to protect him so I tried to shield him from my feelings. But I cut

you knew