Accidental Surrogate for Alpha

#Chapter 248 – To War

Ella

I’m dying.

The strength and determination it requires to stay serious in the face of Kieran’s announcement is staggering. I want nothing more than to roll on the floor laughing, but something tells me that doing so would undermine this victory.

I can feel Sinclair’s mirth through our bond, though he looks as cool and intimidating as ever. You brilliant, devious, glorious little minx! His voice sounds in my mind, full of all the laughter missing from his face.

I send him an elated giggle in return. The only thing better than getting to see how embarrassed he is by that delivery, is knowing that Damon is getting the blame. I share, my pulse racing with excitement. You notice Kieran didn’t tell him no? He asked about strategy and ‘didn’t commit’, but he never refused him… how much do you want to bet he was genuinely considering the option before getting so mercilessly insulted?

ally right out from under Damon’s nose, trouble. I have no doubt Kieran was tempted and just needed to confirm it was a safe bet… but

he was in such an odd mood today. I reflect, wishing this

to deliver a speech inspiring the other pack leaders to make their own pledges. The momentum is on our side, and Kieran was our most difficult sell – if he’s on board it’s only a matter of time for the others to join as well. We can both feel that this is the opportunity

“I admit, I have my opinions about the way you handled this, Kieran.” He begins, giving the other wolf a piercing look. “But I cannot fault the conclusion at which you have arrived. I was inclined to lend my support to this effort from the beginning, but this week has surpassed anything I could have imagined.” His gaze swings to me, “Ella, your wisdom and grace – your compassion for all those affected by Damon’s violence and greed – is an inspiration. You are living evidence of the Goddess’s wishes for our

your power first hand, has been a humbling and heartening experience. I’m certain I have never, and will never, meet another wolf of your caliber – unless perhaps it is your son.” He allows with a genial smile, nodding to my round tummy. “You have never sought to pressure or manipulate us despite the urgency of your campaign, you have only

pack leaders, many of whom are nodding in agreement. “Any wolf who would cause his people such torment is not fit to lead. Any Alpha who would risk the existence of all shifters by breaking the secrecy pact – who has overturned our way of life for the last thousand years – cannot be allowed to gain power. And any King whose avarice is so great that he cannot be content with a single empire, will turn on his allies as soon as his enemies are defeated. And when that time

one have no intention of letting him spread that nightmare any farther than he’s already managed. We must do whatever is in our power to defeat him, so I too pledge my allegiance to Dominic and Ella, and I

I are the only ones seated, and I think we’re all a little surprised by the sudden wave of support. I suppose this has been building all along and it’s just been difficult to read because of their expert poker faces, but then again, maybe today was a turning point? Maybe even the hardest of hearts cannot stand before such suffering and remain unmoved. Maybe they were waiting for Kieran to choose a side first, so that they wouldn’t be alone if they refused to help… maybe a simple and diabolical prank accomplished

observes, smiling broadly. “I thought I was going to have to make a speech. You kind of stole my thunder, Ethan.” The group laughs heartily, and Sinclair gracefully rises, buttoning his suit jacket as he raises his glass. “I must admit I’m incredibly moved by your support. I’m infinitely grateful to have your allegiance, and I vow that I will do everything in my power to honor

people. I wish that wasn’t the case. I wish that Damon was not the monster he is, that he was not such a threat. I wish that he hadn’t cost us all the lives he’s stolen and destroyed.” Sinclair’s eyes are shining now, and I send him a flood of encouragement, needing to overwhelm his guilt with support. “But I could not wish for better allies than the wolves in this room, and I promise to never take you, or your people for granted. My hope is for our refugees to leave your shores one day soon, but I assure you that even after we are gone, we will never forget the kindness and support you have shown us. We will never be

raising his own glass. “To our alliance – to ridding the world of Damon, and building the future the Goddess envisioned for us when she brought this wonderful she-wolf into the world.” He smiles, gesturing to