Alpha Dom and His Human Surrogate by Caroline Above Story

Accidental Surrogate for Alpha by Caroline Above Story Chapter 243

Accidental Surrogate for Alpha #Chapter 243 – Alliances

Ella

I stare at Henry in utter belief, my conversation with my impossible sister immediately slipping my mind. “You found her?” I gape, instinctively reaching for Cora’s hand. Her warm palm settles in mine, squeezing tightly.

“It wasn’t easy.” Henry admits, moving further into the room. “I reached out to every surviving contact I could think of, to no effect. Then I tried the news archives from the time, since they reported on the King’s death and Reina’s departure so thoroughly. They all said the same thing – that she was devoting herself to the Goddess, but none seemed to know where she was going to serve.”

“So how did you figure it out?” Cora asks, sounding every bit as excited as I feel.

“I followed the money.” Henry explains, in a statement so vague and cliched I could scream with impatience. “I had one of Gabriel’s computer forensic specialists hack into the royal banking records back home in Moon Valley. Luckily Damon hasn’t destroyed the financial archives dating back that far.” He shares eagerly. “He discovered that Queen Reina purchased a one-way trip to the Altaran islands just before the King’s death.”

“The Altaran islands?” I ask, racking my brains to try and place this name.

“They’re a remote island chain between the hidden territories and the royal continent,” Henry tells us, “so remote that all but the largest island are completely uninhabited. And the big island is only home to one thing: the most sacred temple known to shifters. It’s considered so hallowed that they don’t even allow pilgrimages to the site, only the most devout and worthy priests and priestesses are permitted to serve there.”

I press my hand to my racing heart, “so Reina wouldn’t be going there unless she intended to devote herself as a priestess.”

“Exactly,” Henry smiles, “and the fact that she was even allowed to go indicates that her journey was Goddess-blessed.”

“So how do we get there? How long will it take to reach the islands?” I ask, my blood feeling positively electric.

us with a small frown. “You can’t fly in the third trimester and I don’t even know if there’s access from the air. Reina traveled by boat, so you will too.” He pauses meaningfully, “I have to tell you that Dominic isn’t going to like it, though. There aren’t any doctors or hospitals, no

there can’t be safer hands than the Goddess’s,” I counter, practically bouncing up and down. “How long is the journey?” I

to show a bit more hesitance about the risks when you talk to your mate. But it will take no

amazing!” I burst, giving up the pretense of calm and throwing my arms around my

I’m beyond moved when she murmurs, “I’m so happy for you,

“You know Reina, and I couldn’t ask for a better travel

objects in an

coming.” I amend, batting my lashes at

says in a strange voice. “But if I’m being honest I’m not particularly eager to renew

Henry’s mate. I don’t have any idea if my mother was in on the plot, but it’s entirely understandable why Henry would want to keep his distance.

“Besides, Dominic needs me here – as an advisor. He’s already arranged for you to have plenty of protection and company, and I think he’s worried about being short-staffed

you told him the news yet?” I ask, secretly hoping that he has so that the duty doesn’t fall

grins, reading my sly expression. “That’s up to

tightly. “Thank you

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3rd Person

the scale model of the various battle fronts spread out on the center table. He growled with barely contained frustration, quickly losing control and

to the humans of all people. It was one thing to be routed by the shifter resistance forces, but it was an insult to grievous injury to be defeated by

about the fallout, but who would have ever believed those neanderthals could mount a competent defense against his elite forces? It seemed the weak creatures had been investing in advanced weapons systems for

not united against their common enemy. Now, Damon didn’t particularly care about the death of his men – a soldier was little more than cannon-fodder after all – he had plenty more where they came from. The far greater blow was the impossibility of governance amidst the sheer chaos of the collapsing societies. He couldn’t get control of any town or city beyond Moon Valley, especially since he’d dismantled every institution and power

needed to put an end to the fighting and fast, or the continent he’d seized would be worthless by the time he finally established his rule. Moreover, he needed to do something about that bitch and Sinclair’s unborn pup in Vanara. He was thrilled to have Sinclair out of the way, but his widow was still a source of hope for

his a*sa*sin in Vanara ever since Sinclair’s death was confirmed, but the wolf seemed to be dodging his calls. Perhaps he’d discovered he enjoyed life in Vanara so much he didn’t need Damon’s favor any longer. But no matter the cause, Damon needed an ally in the hidden territories. His resources were so strained that he couldn’t afford to deal with the refugees on the coast, let alone get another spy over