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    Chapter 151-160

    1. Home
    2. Accidental Surrogate for Alpha
    3. Chapter 151-160
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    Chapter 151
    The journey to the hidden territories was swift once we reached the coast.
    We boarded a small plane and ascended into the heavens at top speed, and I swear Sinclair didn’t relax until we were cruising at 30,000 feet. I didn’t realize how tense he’d been even after we left Moon Valley, until we were out of danger and his muscles finally unwound.
    The flight took more than six hours, though I slept most of the way. When we finally landed Sinclair gently untangled our bodies, which instantly woke me. I emit a sleepy moan, looking up at him blearily. “Are we there?”
    “Yes,” He confirms, leaning over to cup my cheek. “But stay here until I can make sure it’s safe, okay?”
    Without another word, he disappears out the door with his men, descending the small staircase leading down to the tarmac. I lurch to my feet, moving to the windows to look outside. My first glimpse of the hidden territories takes my breath away; the horizon is dominated by a glittering lake, framed beneath the towering peaks of snow-capped mountains. At the center of the lake, looking as though it’s floating on the water, is an opulent city which is only visible at certain angles. The rest of the time it looks like nothing more than a ball of light.
    Eager to get out and explore, I quickly spy my mate, prowling around the area with Hugo and our guards to make sure no danger is hiding just out of sight. In the distance I can also see a line of shiny cars waiting for us, and I roll my eyes. Overprotective wolves.
    I emerge from the plane and breathe in the foreign air, my newly awakened senses assailed by strange and unfamiliar scents. I cradle my belly in my arms, feeling a wave of curiosity from my pup. Rafe may
    not know what’s going on, but he knows I’m feeling alight with interest. “Are you ready, my darling?” I ask him, “We’re going on an adventure.” He flutters in my womb, and I feel thoroughly encouraged.
    I don’t even get to the end of the platform before Sinclair turns and sees me. A wave of disapproval assails me, and then his voice sounds in my head. I told you to stay put.
    What, so you can protect me from all this fresh air and the beautiful landscapes? I sass in reply, taking the first step down the stairway. Sinclair bounds to my side in an instant, scooping me up and growling deep in his chest. “Naughty mate, you have no idea what dangers could be awaiting us.”
    “Oh, like the bath snakes you once warned me about?” I ask archly, finding it impossible not to smile at the memory.
    ‘That was a joke. This isn’t.” Sinclair grimaces. ‘We’re in unknown territory now – quite literally. Don’t ask me to take your safety for granted because I won’t do it, Ella.”
    ‘We have to feel safe somewhere, Dominic.” I reply gently, stroking his jaw. “Otherwise we’ll drive ourselves crazy with worry.”
    ‘The only place I ever feel you’re safe is when you’re in my arms.” Sinclair shares, and suddenly I understand why he’s always touching me. It’s not only for affection, but his own comfort as well.
    ‘Then what on earth were you doing leaving me alone in a plane?” I tease, nuzzling my face against his neck.
    My mate shakes his head with an indulgent purr, “how we ever thought you were human, I’ll never know.” Sinclair remarks dryly. “Only she-wolves can manage to be so insolent and so sweet at once.”
    I giggle as he carries me down the steps, belatedly realizing that we probably left the secrets of my past behind and out of reach. Of course, thoughts of my past only make me think of my sister, “When
    will Cora arrive?” 1
    “Soon.” Sinclair promises, kissing my brow. ‘They were coming from the shadow pack.” I don’t need more explanation. When we fled we took different paths for the sake of safety, and Roger, Henry and Cora had gone east while we’d gone west. It makes sense that the others had a longer journey.
    As Sinclair carries me towards the line of cars, the back door to the middle vehicle opens, and then a distinguished looking man emerges. He’s probably five or six years older than Sinclair, and thus a decade older than me, but he welcomes us with a wide smile and open arms. “Dorn!”
    “Gabriel!” Sinclair replies, flashing his fangs but showing no aggression. He puts me down only long enough to embrace the other man, then promptly tucks me under his arm. ‘This is my mate, Ella. Ella, this is King Gabriel Montclair of Vanara.”
    My eyes widen when I hear this man is royalty, but then again my mate was almost a king as well. I extend my hand to him, “Pleasure to meet you.”
    Gabriel clasps both of his hands around mine. “It’s an honor.” He replies warmly, a somber note entering his expression as he looks back and forth between us. “I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through.”
    “Why? You didn’t do it.” I quip, before I can think better of it.
    Gabriel’s tender expression cracks, and then he’s throwing his head back with laughter. “Well I see why you picked her, Dorn.” He expresses to Sinclair, even though the mood has been permanently dampened. “But I do feel for you. It’s all over the news and I can’t believe it. How one man could take out the entire Alpha council, all the betas. It’s unthinkable.”
    “Well he didn’t do it on his own, or honorably,” Sinclair grumbles. By now I’ve been caught up on all the developments regarding the Prince’s coup, and I know these wolves consider the use of poison a
    cowardly, disgraceful tactic. “Still, it is hard to fathom.” He agrees, squeezing me a bit more tightly. “But we’re here now, and we can only move forward.”
    “Damn right.” Gabriel confirms, gripping my mate’s shoulder. “Come on, we’ve got a welcome party awaiting you.”
    I dig in my heels. “But what about Cora and Henry?” I ask anxiously. “What about Roger?”
    “A couple of the cars will stay behind to collect your family once they arrive.” The King announces, surprising me. He certainly seems very clued in to our affairs. Though I suppose this should be the case, since he’s made all the arrangements.
    I’m still not convinced, and though Sinclair could easily sweep me along against my will, he turns to me and rests a hand on my tummy. “We need to get settled and find you a doctor. As soon as the others arrive we’ll meet them.”
    “Why a doctor?” I demand indignantly, feeling defiant for reasons I don’t understand.
    Of course, Sinclair doesn’t seem to have any issues understanding. He simply purrs and shifts nearer. “You haven’t been examined since your wolf woke, and we’ve been through a lot. You need a check up.”
    “But Rafe is fine.” I insist, notching my chin up.
    “He might be, but I want to know about you.” Sinclair murmurs in a firm tone. “Don’t you want to find out if you can come off bed rest?”
    I peek up at him from beneath my lashes, sulking even though he’s right – or perhaps because he is. “Yes.” I murmur sullenly.
    Sinclair rumbles out a knowing laugh, sweeping my legs back up into his arms. ‘That’s what I thought.”
    Sinclair gives me the window seat in the car so that I can stare out at my new surroundings, marveling at the incredible lands which turn everything I believed I knew about the world upside down. Sinclair has been here before, and he’s more concerned with talking logistics with the King, so he simply strokes my spine as I turn my whole body to the glass and gaze out in awe. It’s beyond surreal. Once upon a time I suppose people had to travel in order to know what the rest of the world looked like, but with modern technology I thought I’d seen photos and videos of just about every corner of our planet. Now I’m learning I was very wrong.
    “What do you think, trouble?” Sinclair asks as the Alpha’s come to a pause in their conversation.
    We’re currently speeding over a mirrored bridge which makes it feel as if we’re driving right across the surface of the lake, and the closer we get to the city, I realize why it seemed to glow: It’s a city made entirely of glass. It reminds me of the intricate ice sculptures I’ve seen at winter fairs, when artists create entire worlds out of the beautiful but impractical substance.” It’s incredible.” I breathe. “I’ve never seen anything like it… but how is it possible? I would have thought glass was too fragile for such complex structures.”
    “Ah, but it’s not glass.” King Gabriel corrects with a wry smile. “It’s a rare crystal found only on this continent – called Vanarium. It’s stronger even than diamonds, and conducts energy so that the city powers itself without any need for polluting fuels or alternative energies.”
    “Amazing.” I murmur, my heart skipping a beat as we finally enter the gates of the city. The cars wind through glittering, peaceful streets which are so clean I feel I could eat off the pavement without complaint. All the people turn and wave as we pass, and I wonder if the King’s vehicles are different enough from the common peoples to be so obvious. I’m surprised when I see some shifters in their wolf forms, who gallop alongside the car by way of greeting. They all look so happy, but I can’t help feeling as though something is missing here.
    ‘There are no forests.” I realize after a moment.
    “Not all wolves are forest dwellers.” Sinclair explains, “each pack has their own element – the Vanarans draw strength from water and prefer wide open spaces.”
    “Oh.” I deflate a little, and Sinclair gives me a squeeze. “Don’t worry, little wolf. We’ll find you some trees to frolic in.”
    “Actually, we have different biomes set up around the city for wolves who immigrate here from around the world. And at the palace we can turn your rooms into a miniature Moon Valley, if you like.”
    “Where is your palace?” I inquire with interest.
    Gabriel gives me a wide smile and points at something through the center of the front windshield. ‘There.”
    I follow the direction of his finger, and feel my jaw drop in astonishment…
    Chapter 152
    I never imagined being in exile would look like this.
    King Gabriel’s palace is the most extravagant display of luxury I’ve ever seen, and it’s not as if I’m a stranger to mansions and palaces. That thought alone is enough to send me reeling… who would have ever dreamed that poor orphan Ella would end up rubbing elbows with the most important figures in the land, or have the social capital to become a political threat?
    As we exit the cars and enter the building, I can only stare around myself in awe. The wealth here makes the wealth back on my home continent look like nothing, and the air seems to vibrate with the energy of the strange crystals which form the city. We get a brief tour of the palace, and then we’re escorted up to a sprawling suite of rooms, even more expansive than the master suite in Sinclair’s manor.
    However the size of the space isn’t what leaves me dumbstruck, it’s the feeling that we’re suddenly deep in the alpine forests of my home. The walls are all comprised of giant screens, each one displaying a live feed of some dense woodland – or so it seems. Even the ceiling displays a realistic view of the sky, a light dappled canopy which projects actual rays of sunlight down to the floor. Tucked in the farthest corner of the room is a large, round bed with sheer curtains around the edges. Blankets and pillows are waiting to be piled into a nest, and I feel as though I’m in one of my shared dreams with Sinclair.
    His arms slide around my waist, and his lips graze my ear. “Do you like it?” All of a sudden I realize that he instructed the King to have our rooms prepared this way, to give me a safe space while we’re in exile.
    I can’t help myself. I turn and climb into his arms, not satisfied with a simple hug and instead scrabbling up his huge body as if it were a tree. I wrap my arms and legs around my mate, rewarded with a low
    purr. “We’re going to find a way back home, Ella. I promise.”
    “I know.” I tell him honestly. “I trust you.”
    I realize that Gabriel has stepped outside, leaving us alone. I tilt my face up to Sinclair’s, finding his gaze already on me. It’s so intense, so heated, and I couldn’t escape it even if I wanted to. He claims my lips in a deep kiss, and only the sound of a knock on the door tears us apart.
    The doctor who enters is warm and gentle as he greets us, showing no small amount of sympathy for our plight. Still it takes quite a bit of cajoling to make me leave my mate’s arms, and only concern for my baby convinces me to leave him. The physician takes my blood pressure and vitals, and sits patiently as we explain the story of my suppressed wolf and traumatic shift. Sinclair stays by my side throughout the examination, and when they wheel in an ultrasound machine and Rafe’s tiny, three dimensional image appears on the screen, I begin to cry for no other reason than how much I love him.
    The physician then draws my blood, to the soundtrack of Sinclair’s grumpy growls, and there’s only one final set of tests to run when a guard sticks his head into the room. “Alpha, they’ve arrived.”
    Sinclair nods in acknowledgement, but I perk up with excitement. “Who’s arrived?” I inquire eagerly. “Cora and Henry and Roger?”
    ‘They’ll still be here after your check up, trouble.” Sinclair declares, massaging my nape.
    “But I want to go see them.” I insist, trying to squirm free of Sinclair’s firm hold and the doctor’s gloved fingers. “I have to make sure they’re okay.” Ever since my wolf woke up I’ve been feeling even more protective of my family than usual. Cora might trigger the strongest response, but my inner canine has also claimed Henry and Roger as part of her pack and there won’t be any dissuading her.
    Sinclair emits a warning growl, sending a shiver down my spine. His strong hands hold me in place, and I shoot him a sullen look as the doctor continues poking and prodding me. When I settle out of
    nothing more than sulky acknowledgement that I can’t out-muscle these men, Sinclair leans down to kiss my cheek. I jerk away from him, baring my fangs with an insolent snarl, and Sinclair only arches a foreboding brow before claiming my mouth instead.
    In my head I feel a wave of dominance, followed by the dark rumble of his wolf, behave, sweet mate.
    Bite me. My own wolf replies, speaking before I have a chance to consider the wisdom of these words.
    Gladly. Sinclair replies, nipping his claiming mark where my neck meets my shoulders. My wolf immediately lights up from the inside out, and the doctor gives us a quelling look. “I can’t very well perform a cardiac stress test when you’re making her heart race like that, Alpha.”
    “Don’t look at me.” Sinclair remarks, his eyes glowing. “She’s the one challenging her mate.” My little imp. He adds silently, for my benefit alone.
    Rolling his eyes, the doctor finishes his tests, gradually rising to his feet as he puts up his equipment. “Well, I think you’re safe to return to most of your normal activities, Ella.” He instructs, holding up a staying hand when I immediately jump up with excitement. “I don’t want you doing anything strenuous, especially not when you’ve been through so much, but I think waking your wolf has helped your condition. All that said, the first moment you start to feel faint, palpitations, spots in your vision or any of the other symptoms you experienced when your original doctor gave this order, you need to contact me immediately.”
    “Is there anything I can do to support her?” Sinclair asks, and I feel a silent wave of anxiety from his wolf.
    “Just continue giving her wolf what she needs. Protect her, care for her, but don’t spoil her if she’s challenging you – the challenge is a sign she needs you to make her feel as if you have everything under control.” He advises.
    ‘Thank you.” Sinclair professes, shaking his hand and escorting him out of the room.
    I’m already out of bed and readjusting my clothes when he turns back, and I quickly bound over the floor. “Let’s go!” I demand.
    Sinclair chuckles and hooks an arm around my body, slowing me down even when I grumble at the pace. Still, mere minutes later we’re in the entrance hall and my beautiful sister is running into my open arms, followed shortly by Roger and Henry. “Cora!” I exclaim, squeezing her tight. “How are you, are you okay?”
    Cora is crying into my neck, her shoulders shaking beneath my hands. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She sniffles, letting me rock her back and forth. ’This is all so crazy – one moment everything was fine and then… and then…why is this happening?”
    “I know.” I croon, turning worried eyes to my mate. He’s greeting his family with hugs and hushed words, grim expressions on their faces. But Cora is still weeping and hiccuping, waiting for me to answer her. “I’m sorry, I never wanted you to get mixed up in all of this.”
    “How long are we going to have to stay here?” She asks, reminding me so much of the little girl who used to crawl into my bed when she had a nightmare that my heart positively aches.
    “I don’t know.” I confess, kissing her hair. “But it will be okay. I’m just so glad you’re here and your safe. Was it hard getting out of the city.”
    Cora shakes her head, pulling away from me at last and wiping her eyes.” Roger came for me before the news even broke, but we weren’t sure if you got out until Dominic sent word. I was so afraid that you weren’t going to escape.”
    I’m safe.” I assure her, framing her face in my hands. “We’re both safe. That’s all that matters.”
    Even as I say the words I look back to Sinclair, who is once again shielding his feelings from me. Despite what I tell my sister, I know I’m lying. Our safety isn’t all that matters – because the millions of people we left behind are probably suffering untold terrors at this very moment. I can only imagine how heavy the burden Sinclair feels for being here when his pack remains under the Prince’s thumb. At the same time, I feel how necessary our escape was. Sinclair can’t help anyone if he’s dead, and nor can I.
    When he looks over at me, I can sense the anger, worry and fear rolling off of his body, even as he tries to shield me from it. I realize that while Sinclair might have been the one asking how to support me as a mother mere minutes ago, I have to do the same for him. My job is to support my mate in the darkest day of his career as Alpha, and though he might not want me to do so, I decide right then and there that I’m not going to give him a choice.
    Chapter 153
    Ella “Won’t you come to bed?” I inquire, leaning over Sinclair’s back and wrapping my arms around his neck. ‘You need to rest.”
    My mate is sitting at his computer drafting emails and marching orders, secret correspondences to his allies and spies across the continent. He’s been trying to figure out some way to get a message to the people of the united packs, to let them know we’re alive and will not forsake them. So far the best plan we’ve come up with are for willing rebels to post bulletins and spray paint messages throughout the various cities, as well as anti authoritarian propaganda. No one likes the idea of civilians endangering themselves in order to get the word out, but we don’t have much choice. This is a whole new world we’re living in.
    “In a while.” Sinclair murmurs, rubbing his scruffy jaw against my cheek before turning to kiss me. My wolf is reaching out to his, trying to get a sense of his emotions, but she just keeps coming up against a brick wall.” You go get some sleep, baby.” “But I want to sleep with you.” I complain, not even caring that I’m whining. I know I can’t help Sinclair unless he lets me, and I’ll stoop to any low in order to convince him.
    “I know, trouble. I’ll be there soon.” He replies, kissing me again. “I just want to finish a few things up first.”
    I begrudgingly agree, and slink off towards the sumptuous bed – my new nest – and climb inside. It doesn’t feel right without my mate, and I realize that I associate Sinclair with safety the same way he does with me. Our wolves don’t feel content unless they’re together. I decide to try to call him to me in a dream, wondering if this will make him fall asleep. Instead I fall into a fitful spell of dreams searching for my mate, only to be let down when I cannot find him time after time.
    Eventually I wake again, and as I blink my eyes open and reach for Sinclair, I realize I’m still alone in bed. I glance at the clock, seeing that it’s almost three in the morning – four hours since I went to bed. I climb out of my nest and groggily stumble towards the door. As soon as it opens I hear the distant buzz of a video, though I’m not sure what’s happening in the feed. It sounds like scenes from a war zone, and I follow the sound with growing worry.
    Sinclair is sitting on the couch with his laptop on the table before him, his attention focused entirely on the screen. I follow his gaze and see a very grainy video playing, of the Royal Army pouring through the streets of Moon Valley, forcing people out of their homes for interrogations and tests of allegiance to the former Prince… now Emperor. It doesn’t look like high quality news footage, and I slowly understand that this video has been taken in secret.
    “What’s going on?” I murmur, rubbing my eyes.
    “He’s shut down all the media outlets.” Sinclair responds, reaching out for me. I happily go to him, pouring myself into his lap and snuggling in. “He’s setting up his own state run news agency to spread his propaganda, and the people are risking their lives to get the word out.” As we watch, the shifter taking the video gets the attention of one of the soldiers, who storms over demanding to see what they’re filming. The soldier raises his fist and then the video turns to black and white static.
    My stomach pitches and rolls as I realize the implications of this development. My wolf howls with the knowledge that these are members of our own pack, suffering terrible abuses and without anyone to protect them. I can only imagine how much worse this feels for my mate, even though he’s shielding me from actually feeling it.
    “Please don’t shut me out, Dominic.” I beg, peering up at his stony face. “I know you’re hurting and I want to help. Don’t push me away.”
    Sinclair purrs, dragging his lips over my brow. “I know you want to help, sweetheart. The problem is that there isn’t anything to be done. This isn’t going to get better until I find a way to make things right, and I’m afraid that won’t happen for some time.” “You can still talk to me, let me support you.” I encourage. “I’m your mate, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
    Sinclair shakes his head with a low groan.”You’ve got enough to deal with, without me dumping my problems onto you as well.” “But your problems are my problems.” I argue. “We’re in this together.” ‘Trust me, Ella, I’m well aware of that.” I’m surprised by how harsh his tone becomes, even though it isn’t directed at me.
    “What do you mean?” I inquire anxiously, not liking the dark note in his voice.
    “I mean the only reason that you’re in this situation in the first place is my fault.” Sinclair growls. “If you’d never met me you could have had a normal life. A safe life.” “Dominic, if I’d never met you I would be back there.” I inform him sternly, pointing at the computer screen. “I would be bankrupt, heartbroken, thinking I was barren, with a trapped wolf and nothing but an abusive employer and deadbeat ex- boyfriend – and that would have been before all this chaos happened. There’s no telling what might have happened if you hadn’t gotten me out.”
    Sinclair winces, “you also wouldn’t have been kidnapped, blackmailed, attacked by rogues, or been forced to flee the only home you’ve ever known.” He counters severely, his jaw clenched with self-fury. “You wouldn’t have been in the position of having to choose between your life and our baby’s.”
    I can’t stand the way he’s blaming himself for the Prince’s crimes. “Listen to me.” I demand sitting up and refusing to continue until he looks me in the eye. Because of you I am safe and loved, I’m about to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a mother. You freed my wolf – opened my eyes to my true nature, gave me insights into my own past which I never knew existed before.” I insist. “And I’ll tell you something else. You didn’t trick me into walking away from my old life. Your wolf, as irresistible as he is,
    didn’t lure me away with promises of sunshine and rainbows. I convinced you to take me on, do you remember that? I started all this.” “And you had no idea what you were getting into.” Sinclair replies coolly, echoing a sentiment he’s made a few times before. “But I did. I was so determined to win the election that I took advantage of a desperate, innocent woman.”
    These words make me so angry that I wrench myself out of his lap and stand in front of him with my hands on my hips. “Shut up.” I hiss angrily, surprising my mate with the force of the words.
    He arches an ominous brow at me, “You might not like hearing it but “I said: Shut. Up.” I repeat fiercely, ignoring the flash of his wolf in his eyes.” I am not going to let you twist our past because you’re feeling guilty about the coup. You weren’t some ne’erdowell who saw a damsel in distress and pounced at the opportunity to take advantage. I am not your victim, and do you know how I know that? Because I have been a victim before, I know what that feels like and it isn’t this.” I state, my voice strong and sharp.
    “I went into this with my eyes wide open and maybe I didn’t know all the implications, but you protected me every step of the way.” I remind him.” You loved me and cared for me from day one, and if I’d known then what I do now, I would gladly do it all over again. I don’t want Damon in power any more than you do and I would gladly sacrifice myself if it means protecting the millions he’ll abuse in his reign.”
    Sinclair’s eyes glow as he looks up at me, an unreadable emotion in his eyes. “Are you finished?”
    I cross my arms over my chest, ‘That depends, are you going to keep being an unreasonable, block- headed, patronizing Before I can finish my list of choice words, Sinclair leans forward and presses his shoulder into my hips, gently tossing my over his shoulder. I squeak as he carts me off to the bedroom, slamming the laptop shut along the way.
    The next thing I know I’m on my back in my nest, with my powerful mate looming above me. “You will not be sacrificing yourself for anyone.” Sinclair rumbles, his voice gruff and gravelly. “Not for me, not
    your guards, not the whole kingdom.” ‘That doesn’t make sense, Dominic.” I roll my eyes, “I’m not more important than all our people combined.” “When you were kidnapped and you gave yourself up for your guards, I told you that I was going to make sure you never did anything so reckless again,” He pauses, letting the memory sink in. “but I let you off the hook because of everything we went through afterwards… but maybe that was a mistake.” He muses, hunger blazing to life in his eyes, the vibrations of his Alpha power sending shivers through my prone body. “From the sounds of it, you haven’t learned your lesson yet, mate.”
    Chapter 154
    Ella is squirming beneath my towering form, and I can sense her wolf’s conflicted feelings. She’s pleased with herself for distracting me from my brooding thoughts, while also anxious about my intentions and excited by my dominance. She’s giving off waves of defiance and desire at once, and since the mischievous little wolf hasn’t yet learned how to censor the thoughts and feelings she sends to me, I suddenly hear her sweet voice in my head. Bossy Alpha. Trying to tell us what to do, as if it’s his choice and not ours.
    Oh but it is my choice, mate. I reply, and Ella’s eyes go wide with shock, then accusation when she realizes what happened. You belong to me, and that means I get to decide whether or not you throw your precious life away for someone else.
    You shouldn’t be listening to my thoughts when you know I can’t control them. She tells me indignantly.
    If you don’t want to get in trouble for them, then you shouldn’t be thinking such naughty things. I reply, climbing onto the bed and looming over her on all fours. Besides, I think maybe you wanted me to hearthat. You haven’t been projecting all your other thoughts towards me, only that last one.
    Why would I intentionally provoke you? She huffs, and the beautiful creature beneath me tilts her head and exposes her neck to me, rubbing and writhing deeper into the thick bedding. She may not understand what she’s doing, but her instincts are driving her to put on a show for me, entice me with her would-be submission.
    Very alluring, I praise her wolf, a deep chuckle rolling through my chest like thunder. My adorable mate preens, and I can sense Ella’s confusion at her own response. But if you didn’t want to provoke me then you wouldn’t have been telling me to shut up and rolling your gorgeous eyes at me either. I lower myself between her legs, stroking her silky thigh with my free hand.
    I don’t know what you’re talking about. Her wolf insists, turning her snout up.
    Well it doesn’t really matter if you intended it or not, the end result is the same, trouble. I declare, dipping my head to nibble the lovely offering of her neck. Ella is trembling with anticipation and barely contained lust, the scent of her arousal floats up to me, reassuring me that I’m not pushing her too far after so much excitement. Granted, I was hardly gentle when I claimed her the first time after she shifted, but that was before our entire world came crashing down.
    Ella moans as my teeth nip her sensitive skin, arching her back and sliding her arms around my back. You might be a tyrant, but you certainly know how to make me feel good. She confesses. I’ll never get tired of this.
    Oh baby, you don’t even know what this is, yet. I reply, shifting off of her. I lean back against the stacked pillow of Ella’s nest, then pull her over my lap, moving so quickly that she can’t keep up. She gasps with surprise when she finds herself face down with her luscious bottom on display, then quickly tries to squirm free. “Uh-uh trouble, you’re not going anywhere.” I tell her sternly, keeping one hand on the small of her back, while the other caresses the curve of her lovely backside.
    ‘The first time we did this it was to help you break the dam on your feelings. The second time was just for fun.” I remind her, images of our delirious first night together filling my head. ”But now I’m going to give you a taste of what will happen if you ever recklessly endanger yourself again, whether you have noble reasons or not.”
    “Dominic, please don’t.” She requests, batting her long lashes at me. However at the same time her wolf growls at me in challenge, belying Ella’s sweet plea. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
    “Oh I beg to differ.” I rumble, massaging the perky globes beneath my fingers. “Your job is to protect yourself and our pup at all costs. The guards I assigned to you were more than willing to give their lives for you, and your death would only have made theirs in vain. That isn’t what anyone would have wanted.”
    “But-” She protests, wriggling in a way that sends blood straight to my cock.
    “And that’s nothing to mention the way you disobeyed me today by getting off the plane before it was safe, arguing with me about seeing the doctor, or the way you challenged me tonight.” I shake my head. “In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize I’ve been going easy on you for too long. You’ve been pushing your limits with me more and more since your wolf woke, and I haven’t been giving her what she needs, have I?” I inquire, still warming the fleshy canvas soon to suffer my itching palm’s punishment.
    Ella looks up at me with wide eyes, “I’m sorry, I promise I’ll be good!”
    However her wolf has other thoughts about this. Speak for yourself, why should we follow his rules if he’s not even going to enforce them.
    Would you shut up! Ella tells her wolf, either not realizing or not caring that I can hear this too. You’re only making things worse.
    The saucy canine shrugs with disinterest, and I know my instincts were right. Her wolf needs this as badly as my own. “Mmm, I think we might have to make this a nightly routine.” I suggest, mostly joking because I want to see her reaction. “With such a naughty wolf at the helm, you’re going to need all the correction I can provide.”
    Ella’s jaw drops, but her thighs clench together, trying to ease the ache at their center. You wouldn’t dare!
    “Mm-hmm.” I observe, slipping up her night dress and slowly pulling down her panties. When I see the pool of wetness soaking the cloth, I purr with satisfaction. “I can see how distasteful you find this idea.”
    When her own scent reaches her nose, Ella presses her hands over her blushing face. “You shouldn’t tease me! I don’t even know what’s happening to me.”
    “It’s okay baby, because I do.” I promise, raising my hand to deliver the first of many swats. ‘This is the way of wolves, it’s only natural that you crave it.”
    Ella jerks and cries out when the first spank lands, but her arousal spikes with her adrenaline as if the two are tethered. By the tenth spank she’s begging me for mercy, with the twentieth she’s lashing out and calling me names, fighting like a hellcat. By the thirtieth she slumps over my legs, crying pitifully even as the well of shared desire between us is all but overflowing.
    When it’s over I slip my hand between her legs, my fingers sinking into her wetness. I can’t help but bring my fingers to my lips and suck her sweet honey from the digits. “Such a delicious, mate.” My wolf croons, hovering at the surface of my skin. Ella moans with embarrassment but rocks her hips into my hand as my fingers return to her center. It barely takes anything to make her come, she’s already so turned on. “Good girl.” I praise her, continuing to stroke her tight sheath as she comes down from her high. ‘Think you can take some more?”
    Ella shudders and nods, and I slide my legs out from under her. I move behind her and pull her up onto her knees. I free my hard member and drive myself to the hilt in my mate with a single thrust, making her cry out with the sensation of being so deeply impaled at the same time as my hips collide with her red bottom.
    I take her fast and hard, eventually pulling her back up to my chest so that I strum her clit and sink my fangs into my mark as we both cry out in ecstasy. I spill myself into her body, as she clenches and clamps around me, tears streaming down her cheeks at the overwhelming sensations.
    Afterwards, when her tiny body is tucked against mine and my hand rests on her pregnant belly, our son rolls around in her womb, pressing his hands and feet against the wall of her uterus in ways that make her gasp and murmur with something between surprise and discomfort. I suppose he was roused by our activity, but when I reach through the bond all I sense from the pup is tranquility. He likes it when his Mommy is so euphoric and content, and he likes feeling my touch.
    I know Ella can feel it too, and as she regains the ability to speak, she turns her head over her shoulder. She grins up at me, overflowing with love and triumph. “I knew I could get you to come to bed.”
    “Oh,” I beam in return. “Is that what this was? Did you pull one over on me, trouble?” I tease, tapping her red bottom.
    Ella hisses and pulls away, her cheeks flushing crimson. “Well, not the way I planned to.” She admits sheepishly. “But it worked all the same.”
    “Such a clever, sly little mate.” I praise her, knowing that while she may not have been expecting this particular outcome, but appreciating that she’s right. If she hadn’t come to get me I would still be sitting out in the living area watching that horrible footage. I need my rest to win this war, and my beloved Ella found a way to make sure I got some sleep. My last thought before I fall asleep – is how lost I would be without her, and how fucking grateful I am that I don’t ever have to be without her again.
    Chapter 155
    When I walk into breakfast the next morning, I have to try and hide my wince as I sit down. My bottom is sore and stings when it meets the chair, but the bite of pain also sends a pulse of heat through my body, calling up the memories of what came next.
    I feel my mate’s eyes on me, and when I look up, Sinclair is watching me with a knowing smirk. He looks so wolfish in this moment that I find myself wondering how I ever thought he was anything but a ruthless predator. Is there a problem, trouble? He asks in my head.
    I don’t know what you’re talking about. I sniff, turning my nose up at him.
    This earns only a smug chuckle in reply, and I have to fight to hide my blush. “Well you two certainly found each other.” The king observes warmly. “You’d think there wasn’t anyone else in the room.”
    Feeling a spark of inspiration, I jolt, “Oh, your majesty, when did you get here?” The entire table laughs, and Sinclair slides his hand onto my thigh, sending zings of pure affection through our bond.
    “Please call me Gabriel, Ella. There are no formalities in my household.” The King replies, smiling widely. “How did you sleep last night?”
    “Very well.” I answer happily, and the steady weight of Sinclair’s hand shifts as his fingers begin to trace circles on my inner thigh.
    As we continue making small talk he slides his hands even higher, slipping right up my skirt between my legs. No one would ever know from looking at him that he’s doing anything under the table, but he can barely smother his hungry growl when he realizes I’m not wearing panties. Going commando, you bad girl?
    I didn’t intend to, but when I tried putting on my panties the fabric just irritated my… skin. It’s a struggle even to get the words out. I can feel my skin heating with excitement and embarrassment, shocked by my own daring. I can’t believe he’s touching me this way with so many people around us, when we could be discovered at any moment.
    Oh come on, Sinclair teases, circling my clit. You can do better than that.
    My heart rate is increasing, and I’m sure the others can hear it, surely Sinclair isn’t going to actually continue this teasing. If it goes on much longer everyone will be able to smell my desire. Before I can think to reply, the King speaks again, pulling our attention away from one another. “I do hope you’ll join our tour of the city today, now that you’re off bed rest.”
    “I can’t wait.” I answer honestly. I’d been jealous when he first offered to take our group around today and show us the capital, assuming that I wouldn’t be able to join. Now I can’t wait. After everything we’ve been through, we could use some normalcy – even if it’s only for a day.
    “You’ll have to take notes of your favorite things so you can tell me all about them later.” He tells me, and I blink in surprise.
    “You mean you aren’t coming?” I clarify, my wolf whining with unhappiness. He sends back a silent purr, and I lash out at the comforting sound.
    “I wish I could, sweetheart.” Sinclair frowns. “But I have too much work to do. The news last night… things are even worse than I feared.”
    “I know everything is terrible, Dominic. I was just excited to spend the day with you.” I reply, giving him my best puppy dog eyes. “When was the last time we got to be out together without the campaign looming over us, have we ever?”
    Sinclair’s wolf groans in my head. “Don’t give me that look, baby. I can’t stand it.” His hand goes still, retreating from my intimate flesh to rest on my thigh. “Every minute counts here. Every second we waste is another moment the people in the united pack suffer. Mere minutes could be the difference between life and death for too many to count.”
    “But you can’t help them if you burn out, Dominic.” I argue, recalling the wave of appreciation he’d sent to me last night just before we fell asleep. I’m fully embracing my duty to help my mate decompress and find small ways to feel in control amidst chaos.
    ‘Your mate is right, Dorn.” Gabriel echoes, “You all have been through far too much. You need to take a breather so that you can come back for your people stronger than ever.”
    Sinclair looks as though he doesn’t like this idea one bit. His face closes off, and I can feel his stubborn wolf digging in his heels. “I appreciate what you’re both saying, and I can even acknowledge that there’s some truth in it. But being able to disconnect is a privilege the Moon Valley wolves simply don’t have right now, and I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I did when they need me most.”
    “Son, you should listen to your mate.” Henry sighs. “At the rate your going you’ll run yourself into the ground before the week is out.”
    Sinclair only frowns deeper, and his hands close into fists. “I appreciate your concern but-”
    “If you appreciate our concern then listen, Dorn.” Roger interjects.
    I can feel his frustration rising, and the higher and higher it builds, the more uneasy I become. Sinclair abruptly slams one of his fists on the table before opening and closing his mouth. In the end he pushes away from the table and storms out without another word. I know he doesn’t have his wolf in control and he’s leaving to avoid lashing out, but I follow him anyway.
    “Ella let him go,” Hugo advises, “He needs to work through this alone.”
    I pause in the doorway, looking back at my father in law. “I have to.” I shrug, before stalking after my mate.
    I find him in our suite, pacing back and forth, breath heaving. I suspect he wants to shift, he came up to our forest sanctuary to try and satisfy his inner animal, so that he wouldn’ be forced to take off on a time consuming run. He looks up when I enter, “You don’t want to be around me right now, little wolf.”
    ‘Yes I do.” I reply, swaying my hips as I glide forward. “I always want to be around you.”
    ‘This isn’t a game, Ella.” Sinclair growls. “I’m this close to losing it.” He shares, holding his finger and thumb an imperceptible distance from one another.
    “So lose it.” I order. “How many times have I lost it around you?”
    “That’s different.” My mate grumbles, “you losing it isn’t a threat to me.”
    ‘You won’t hurt me.” I say confidently, moving closer even as he scowls at me. “I can feel your love for me too strongly and I’m not made of glass.”
    Sinclair huffs, “I know that, but-”
    “Lose it.” I press, putting some force behind the words now. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
    I can see it the moment he snaps, the moment his resolve gives way. He snarls and glares at me as the words are wrenched from his lips. “I’m thinking that it’s easy for Gabriel and my father and brother to sit there and tell me what to do, when they’re not the ones who are responsible for a pack in crisis. I’m thinking that you shouldn’t be worrying about me and the fact that you are means I’m failing you! I hate that I can’t spend time with you when we’re so newly mated, that I’m missing out on seeing you create a miracle.” He continues, gesturing to my midsection.
    Sinclair continues to vent, getting louder and louder with every word. “I hate everything that led us to this place. I hate having to sit by and do nothing, because war takes time. I’m thinking I should have stayed and fought, even if there was no chance of winning. I’m thinking I’m a traitor for abandoning my people.” He pauses, looking so feral I honestly feel a little afraid. “And I’m thinking that if Damon were in front of me now I would rip off his manhood, then rip off his fingers and toes one at a time. And I’d keep going that way until he was just a headless torso, but I’d keep him alive for as long as possible to maximize his suffering.”
    He throws the last words out in a fit of rage, and after he just glowers at me, heaving in ragged breaths of air. Sinclair’s heartbeat is pounding and I can feel his wolf’s erratic energy, his worry about frightening me. At the same time, I can feel the tension draining out of him like a valve just opened and sucked out all the toxic energy from his veins. He’s watching me closely, waiting for a response, and I slowly approach him. “Feel better?” I ask, knowing very well how cathartic it can be to simply shout your grievances to the heavens, even if nothing comes of it.
    Sinclair shakes his head and offers me an exasperated laugh. “Yes, you impossible thing,” He confesses, dragging one powerful hand through his hair. His entire mood transforms before my eyes, “I do, are you happy?”
    “I’m happy if you’re happy.” I murmur, sliding closer and wrapping my arms around him, “You aren’t failing me. But if you don’t give yourself a break, then you’re going to end up failing the very people you’re fighting for.” I profess, and just in case, I add. “Besides, are you really going to let your breeding mate wander around a strange city without you? Who knows what terrible things might happen to me.”
    Sinclair chuckles and claims my lips, “Alright trouble, you win – just this once.
    Chapter 156
    The Vanaran capital feels like a different planet.
    Everywhere we look crystals tower over us, carved into the most intricate forms I’ve ever seen.
    The shifters populating the city are friendly and open in their curiosity, and we frequently stop so Gabriel can chat with the locals and introduce us.
    It’s all so easy and peaceful, no lies, no secrets, just wolves living openly together in harmony.
    Watching Gabriel, I see a leader who is strong but compassionate, ruthless but open-minded.
    He’s intelligent and has as much raw power as my own mate, though he lacks Sinclair’s dangerous edge.
    I expect Gabriel would be quite deadly if pushed, but he’s much more easy going than my own brooding Alpha.
    Then again, he’s not the one exiled and preoccupied with planning a revolution.
    Still, for a moment I envision a future world where Sinclair is the King of the united packs, and Damon’s regime is a long-forgotten nightmare.
    In my heart I know this is the kind of society my mate could create as leader; Gabriel’s utopian world n.ovelebook could be our own, if only we could take back our home.
    Maybe it’s naive to think a traumatized society could recover completely and achieve this sort of easy comfort…After all it’s not like Sinclair could simply snap his fingers and undo all the suffering caused by his predecessor.
    No, if we can win this war we’ll have a monumental task ahead of us in terms of healing and rebuilding the united packs, and earning the trust of an oppressed people.
    But I believe that if anyone can achieve this goal, it’s Sinclair.
    I turn to look up at the man in question, so inspired by this vision that I want to share my hope with him.
    However when I see his face he looks a million miles away.
    His granite jaw is clenched and his gaze is hawkishly scanning our surroundings.
    He manages to smile and greet the various people we meet, but his grip on my waist never loosens, and he never loses the hardness in his eyes.
    I lean into his side as a cool breeze flutters through the square, carrying the scent of rain.
    “What good is coming out if you’re not going to actually be present?”
    I inquire, poking his muscular chest.
    The huge Alphe looks down at me with dry amusement, closing his powerful hand around my offending finger.
    “I said I would come along, I didn’t promise to forget my worries.”
    “That’s cheating.” I inform him, narrowing my eyes to a scowl.
    “Is it now?”
    Heasks, arching his brow in response to my accusation.
    “Need I remind you that you’re the one who pointed out how dangerous unfamiliar territories can be? Especially for mischievous little wolves too clever and too brave for their own good.”
    “You agreed to take a break.”
    I counter, ignoring the bait he put out for my wolf, and laying a bit of my own.
    “And if you get to break your promises then I don’t see why I should have to keep my own.”
    I know he doesn’t need more explanation.
    Before we left Gabriel’s palace Dominic made me vow to stay close to him, never go out of sight and tell him the moment I sensed anything off.
    I knew he was just being cautious — and rightly so after everything we’ve been through, but now those same promises are providing my with the perfect button to push.
    Sinclair growls, his wolf is naturally responding to my own, and in an instant I realize that the best way to get my mate out of his shell, is to do it literally.
    “Ella—”
    Sinclair warns, using my name as if it’s an admonishment.
    “We should shift.” I suggest, cutting him off.
    “Half the people here are in their wolf form.” I say, gesturing to the people custling around us.
    It’s true, it seems the Vanarans are so comfortable and secure in their secret lands that they feel no danger shifting in public, let alone in broad daylight.
    “Your wolf is too inexperienced to be around so many strangers.” Sinclair cautions, shaking his head.
    “It’s not a good idea.”
    My wolf doesn’t care for this one bit.
    Now that I’ve made shifting a possibility, she’s clawing at my skin, begging to get out.
    Yes, yes, yes! Freedom! Sinclair grips my nape, I said no, mate.
    Too late! My wolf sings defiantly, and my body shudders as the painful shift begins.
    Cursing, Sinclair shields me as I tremble, jerk and whimper through the next few minutes.
    It’s over quickly, and soon I’m sitting in front of him as my wolf, my dress in tatters on the ground.
    I wag my tail as I look up at my mate, who stands their with his arms crossed over his chest, disapproval rolling off of him in waves.
    I jump up and brace my paws on his rock-hard abs, wishing I was tall enough to lick the frown right off his face.
    Instead I swipe my tongue over his neck and nuzzle his chest with my snout, Come on, Dominic.
    Come play with me! I beg, Please, please, please.
    I am not amused by this, Ella.
    His grumpy voice sounds in my mind.
    Ignoring him, I jump down and bound around his legs, nudging him and repeating my pleading over and over.
    It’s around the time that I nip his ankles that the stoic Alpha finally caves, his massive wolf bursting free with a roar.
    My wolf is in charge, and she only wants to celebrate.
    Yay!!! She cries, pouncing on him the moment the shift is complete.
    Sinclair’s foreboding energy is tinged with humor now, and I know I’ve won.
    We wrestle and play for a moment before he pins me beneath him, plopping his heavy body down on mine so that I’m completely trapped.
    Is this what you wanted, trouble? He teases, mouthing my neck affectionately.
    No, I want to run! I whine, squirming under him but finding myself stuck.
    Hmm, I don’t know.
    I kind of like having you right here, your little paws in the air, completely at my mercy.
    He informs me huskily.
    Your mercy to do what? Suffocate me? I complain, trying to dislodge his enormous form.
    How can anyone be this heavy? Sinclair doesn’t budge one bit from my efforts, but he does release my neck and shift his weight so he can investigate my belly with his nose.
    Look at this tummy.
    He croons, ignoring my outraged question and burying his snout in the downy white fur.
    So soft, so precious.
    Despite myself, the baby sends something that feels like laughter to us both, and I melt, wanting more of this.
    I suppose now that Sinclair is out of his head and in a playful mood I shouldn’t mind that he’s lying on my like a living wolf rug.I should just let my mate enjoy himself at my own expense…at least, the human part of my brain can acknowledge this.
    My wolf on the other hand, she’s still dying to run.
    Dominic come on, let me up! She moans.
    I want to play.
    We are playing.
    He replies slyly.
    This is a game I like to call pin the naughty mate.Don’t you like it? No! I respond indignantly.
    “You two do realize we’re in the middle of the street, right?”
    Roger observes, appearing in my periphery and interrupting my outraged reply.
    Don’t look at me.
    Sinclair says to us both.She started it.
    Dominic, it’s not fair! I’ve barely ever shifted, I just want to run around a little! I say, trying to sound pitiful.
    Can’t you feel how much I need it? The black beast stares down at me with glowing eyes, and I can feel him reaching through the bond to sense my emotions.
    His sharp eyes soften then, and he swipes a few licks over my face.
    Alright trouble, but you’re going to stay with me, right? He questions, rising off of me so I can regain my feet.
    That depends.
    I hedge, feeling a rush of excitement as a new idea strikes me.
    I dance away from my mate and his brother, unsurprised when the former prowls after me with a hungry look in his eyes.
    Depends on what? Sinclair inquires, his voice dark and deep.
    On whether you can keep up! I take off before the words are even out of my mouth, and Sinclair immediately gives chase, responding to my challenge out of instinct rather than thought.
    I can’t contain a gleeful giggle as I take off through the streets, and though Sinclair catches up to me quickly, he doesn’t pounce again He runs alongside me, even when I playfully bump into his side to try and throw him off course.
    He simply nips at my heels and spurs me to run faster.
    I feel like a child again, so utterly free that I might as well be flying.
    When I reach out to sense my mate’s feelings, I find his heart and mind open for once, completely consumed by this moment.
    He’s not thinking of anything else but this moment, and pride fills me for a job well done.Maybe I can do this Luna thing after all
    Chapter 157
    As Sinclair and Ella raced away through the winding streets of the Vanaran capital, Roger found his gaze lingering on Cora. The human was staring after her sister in amazement, as if she couldn’t believe her own eyes. The wind fluttered through her black hair, carrying her now-familiar scent to the rugged wolf.
    Roger had been sticking close to Cora ever since they fled Moon Valley. When he first turned up on her doorstep telling her they had to flee the territory, she’d been too stunned to respond. He’d ended up packing a bag for her while she looked on in shocked silence, only speaking in response to direct questions. In the car he and Henry had explained the situation to her in as much depth as they could manage, but he could feel her fear as if it was his own. It called to his protective instincts, and he felt a strange affinity for this woman – like him, she was watching her younger sibling take the world by storm, and though she never expressed any dissatisfaction with her lot in life, Roger did wonder
    Moving beside her, Roger watched as the frolicking pair became no more than tiny dots in the distance, “Amazing, isn’t it?” He remarked, startling the preoccupied woman. “A month ago we didn’t even think she had a wolf – and now this.”
    Cora shook her head, “I can’t even wrap my head around it. I’ve known Ella my whole life… and she’s always been different, but I thought that was just… Ella being Ella.”
    “What do you mean?” Roger inquired curious now.
    Her mouth stretches into a wry smile. “I don’t need to tell you what it’s like growing up in someone’s shadow.” She murmured after a thoughtful beat. “And don’t get me wrong, Ella made incredible sacrifices for me, she cared for me through thick and thin. But I’d be lying if I said I never resented her for being so much better at everything, for being strong or brave enough to face the things I couldn’t.” Cora paused, clamping her eyes shut for a moment with obvious regret. “I’m not proud of it but sometimes I even blamed her for protecting me rather than letting me suffer – how’s that for ungrateful?”
    Roger shrugged. “It’s natural to want to fight your own battles.” He empathized, catching her gaze, “and just because you aren’t proud of a feeling doesn’t make it invalid.”
    Cora’s eyes widened slightly as Roger’s eyes bored into her own, and she felt a slight flutter of excitement in her tummy. When had anyone ever watched her so intently? As if they were looking straight through her to the very core of her being? Roger’s wolf perked up when he sensed a spark of interest in Cora’s chocolate eyes, and he shifted closer as she forged on. “Well either way it makes sense now.” She continued. “Why Ella always seemed to draw people to her like a magnet, why she was always the smartest, strongest and fastest even though she’s the size of a doll.”
    “I get that.” Roger nodded, looking after Sinclair and Ella one more time before turning away and encouraging Cora to do the same. “But making sense doesn’t make seeing it any less surreal.”
    “You can say that again.” Cora chuckled, wondering why she’d followed the man’s movements so naturally. “And the funny thing is that the wolf isn’t even the strangest part – it’s how different she is with Dominic.”
    “How so?” Roger asked, leading Cora towards an ice cream parlor with a firm hand on the small of her back.
    “In the best way.” Cora smiled, though it didn’t entirely reach her eyes. Roger didn’t know Ella and Cora’s full story, but he knew enough to realize there were some skeletons in their closets. He was sure he was seeing some now, some past darkness that hung over the sisters even in their happiest moments. “I always knew our lives… the way we grew up… took a toll on Ella, but she’s always kept it bottled up. She’s never trusted anyone enough to rely on them and she’s never known how to open up or be vulnerable.”
    As they stepped into the shop, Roger processed this information with dawning understanding. If there was one thing he knew about his baby brother, it’s that Sinclair would never stand for his mate keeping him at a distance or facing her troubles alone. “I knew all that, but I didn’t realize how it weighed her down… trapped her. The Ella I grew up with wasn’t playful or free-spirited. She was brave, defiant and darkly funny at times, but this Ella? The one who throws off her humanity in the street and goes running off into the sunset to play, even though the world around us is on fire?” Cora shakes her head. “No one deserves such happiness more than Ella, and I hate that I’ve never seen this side of her before now.”
    They hovered in the doorway of the parlor, and Roger studied Cora closely, trying to read between the lines of her words. “Do you feel guilty? That you weren’t able to bring out this side of her?”
    Cora huffed a sardonic laugh. “I feel guilty for a lot of things,” she confessed ominously. “But not this. She needed to find her mate in order to feel safe coming out of her shell. That’s not something I was ever going to be able to do for her.”
    “And you?” Roger asked slyly, guiding her to the service counter. “What would it take to make you come out of your shell?”
    Cora blinked at him in surprise. “What makes you think I haven’t already?”
    Roger chuckled, taking notice when Cora blushed bright pink at the sound. “A lifetime of experience.” He finally answered vaguely.
    “Well it’s not exactly easy.” Cora hedged. “I’m on the run in a country I didn’t even know existed until yesterday.”
    Roger flashed his fangs, “So? That’s not stopping your sister.”
    “My sister is drunk on love.” Cora reminded him. “Dreams she never even knew she had are coming true left and right.”
    “And your dreams?” Roger pressed, his demeanor growing more and more predatory by the moment. He wasn’t sure what it was about this human, but the more she spoke the more intriguing he found her. The more he wanted to push her buttons, just to see how she’d react.
    “What can I get you?” The teenager behind the ice cream counter was smiling at them, completely oblivious that he was interrupting a conversation Roger was finding increasingly fascinating. Cora, on the other hand, was more than happy to jump at the distraction. They ordered, and Roger followed Cora to a table out front, keeping his father and Gabriel in his periphery. The old Alpha and the King were in deep conversation, and though Roger felt he might be slacking off his pack duties, he simply couldn’t drag his wolf’s focus from the human.
    “So what do you think of all this?” Cora asked when he sat down, gesturing to the glittering city surrounding them.
    Roger chucked, “You can’t throw me off the scent that easily, Cora.” He liked the feel of her name on his tongue, and he rolled it this way and that – almost experimentally – before finally releasing the final syllable. The sound seemed to surprise Cora too, who smothered a shiver.
    “I don’t know what you mean.” Cora lied, earning a low rumble from the wolf seated across her. Her jaw dropped in outrage. “Are you growling at me?”
    “That’s what happens when people lie to me.” Roger informed her coolly, arching a brow.
    “Oh like you’re so perfect?” Cora accused, crossing her arms over her chest. “I know you were working with the Prince against your own family. You expect me to believe you never lied to further your political games.”
    “And now you’re shifting the focus onto me,” He observed. “I won’t deny the wrongs of my past, but if you expect me to talk about them then I expect your honesty in exchange.”
    Cora, thoroughly frazzled and both affronted and excited by the shifter’s behavior, pushed back from her chair. “Look I don’t know why you think you have the right to speak to me this way, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t owe you anything – least of all my honesty.”
    “No? I did save your life just a few days ago.” Roger reminded her, a spark of mischief in his dark eyes.
    “Only because Dominic asked you to.” Cora argued, “don’t pretend you would have thought about me otherwise.”
    Roger dipped his head in acknowledgement. “You may have a point.” He acceded, but as he continued his eyes flashed with his wolf “but make no mistake, little human, that’s the last time I’ll ever fail to think of you again.”
    Cora, unsure what to do or how to interpret this, turned on her heel, and fled.
    Chapter 158
    “What do you mean, you lost my sister?” I demand, baring my fangs at Roger. Sinclair is holding me by the waist, preventing me from lunging at his brother the way my wolf is currently demanding.
    Roger held his hands up in defense. “She’s probably back at the palace. We were talking and she got annoyed with me and left.”
    “Then why didn’t you follow her? She is the only human on an entire continent of wolves, and you just let her run off on her own?” I hiss, lashing out with my claws. Sinclair purrs and takes a step back, causing my hands to swipe through nothing but air. “She doesn’t know her way around or have any contacts here!”
    “You ought to give her more credit. She’s a big girl, Ella.” Roger tells me, with infuriating confidence. “She’s also known about and been working with shifters a lot longer than you have. She’s used to being the only human in the room.”
    “How dare you tell me how to feel or think about my sister. She is my sister, not yours. You don’t know the first thing about her.” I accuse, getting more annoyed by the minute. “Why I oughta–”
    “Alright trouble, why don’t we go back to the palace and make sure Cora is home safe. If she isn’t we can go out looking, and I’ll even let you beat up Roger. How does that sound?” Sinclair suggests, his lips moving against my ear.
    “I heard that.” Roger informs us, thoroughly exasperated.
    “Can I still beat him up, even if she is back at the palace?” I inquire, batting my eyelashes at my mate and ignoring the impudent wolf in front of us.
    “Hmm, I’ll think about it.” Sinclair promises, kissing my upturned lips. Besides, Cora isn’t the only one who ran off into the unknown today. I think maybe you’ve been a bad influence on her. He adds in my head, his voice more than a little sultry.
    My jaw drops at this accusation as I turn to face him. He immediately pulls me close, even as I protest. That isn’t fair! I haven’t learned to control my wolf yet.
    Sinclair’s dark chuckle rolls through my mind, don’t pretend like it was an accident, little mate. I know you too well.
    Big bully. I accuse, nibbling his pec and delivering a particularly sharp nip when his emerald eyes meet mine
    I know I’m pushing my luck, and I don’t care. After so much running, playing and flirting, we both need a release. As soon as we locate Cora I fully expect Sinclair to close us in our suite and not emerge until morning. I’m eager and ready for him already, and the knowledge that our love making will keep his mind off the war is only a bonus. Making Sinclair take a day off requires constant and continuous effort – and I’m more than happy to let my body pay the toll.
    Luckily Cora is waiting at the Palace when we return, though she won’t tell me about what happened with Roger no matter how many times I ask. Eventually Sinclair drags me away and, thanks to his ravenous wolf, I soon forget my anger with his brother. In fact, he works me over so well that I can barely remember my own name by the time we’re done. I can only lay sprawled over his chest, near comatose as he strokes my spine and whispers sweet nothings in my ear – some more scandalous than others.
    My eyelids grow heavy, and I try to push myself up, painfully aware that if I fall asleep Sinclair will probably go back to work. Sinclair’s arm locks around me, and I whine with annoyance. “Let me up, Dominic.”
    “You were projecting your thoughts again, trouble.” Sinclair informs me, encouraging me to settle. “You need your rest and you’re not going to lose it for my sake.”
    Damned bond. I think bitterly, and his growly laugh wraps around me like the coziest blanket. “Will you at least nap with me?” I request, too exhausted to argue, let alone actually move. If I were as enormous as my mate then lying on top of him might just trap him in bed, but I know that’s not the case. Instead I have to hope that I can snuggle in so completely that he won’t want to risk waking me by moving.
    Such a mischievous little wolf. Sinclair teases, nothing but praise in his deep voice. I’ll rest for a while, but I can’t promise I’ll stay for the whole nap.
    Realizing this is the best deal I can probably hope for, I surrender, falling asleep to the sound of my mate’s purrs.
    When I wake my body is sated and sore, but I’m alone in bed. I glance at the clock and realize I napped most of the afternoon. Even so, I know I’ll probably crash again in a few hours. I rub my baby bump with a sigh. “I love you, angel. But these constant naps of yours do get in the way of Mommy’s diabolical plans.”
    Oh sure, blame the pup. My wolf jokes, Never mind the Alpha who pleasures you into a coma every few hours.
    She has a point. If I didn’t know any better I might think Sinclair was using sex to exhaust me, but this is the way it’s always been with his wolf. He never seems to get enough of me, and I know he wouldn’t turn his attention from the war at all if he could help it. This is pure instinct, and I’m not complaining one bit.
    I pull on a robe and wander into the other room, where I can hear my mate talking with Hugo, Henry, Roger and Gabriel. Sinclair’s eyes lock onto me the moment I walk in the room, following my movements with total focus. I yawn and stretch as I approach, unwittingly emitting a sleepy moan, and I
    see Sinclair’s pupils expand with desire. You’re playing a dangerous game to tempt me in front of all of these wolves, sweet mate. Flaunting your delectable curves, those sexy little sounds. His wolf is clearly taking over, and I feel a rush of pride that I can affect him this way.
    I’m just stretching. My wolf mutters back honestly, as I crawl into Sinclair’s lap. He welcomes me with open arms, wrapping me in a tight embrace and kissing me hello– as if we’re the only ones in the room. I can feel his hardness digging into my bottom, which still stings from my earlier discipline – but it’s a delightful ache that sends pulses of heat straight to my core. If we’re not careful the entire room might soon know just how out of control our libidos have become since we mated. It might not surprise or bother them, but I still have enough human hang ups to try and avoid it at all costs.
    Luckily, Sinclair doesn’t seem any more interested in putting on a show than I am. How was your nap? Sinclair inquires, changing the subject.
    Lonely. I complain. I fell asleep all warm and safe and satisfied, and then I woke up cold and alone.
    Poor baby. Sinclair croons, caressing my round belly. You know I would have liked nothing more than to stay and snuggle with you.
    But more important things came up? I sniff, playing up my pitiful tone.
    Nothing is more important to me than you and Rafe. Sinclair rumbles fiercely, softening his tone as he reluctantly continues. But there were more pressing things, yes.
    I’m not sure how to respond. Of course I know that the war is more pressing than anything else, and it’s not that I’m not heartbroken or worried. I was just so pleased that I’d been able to convince Sinclair to give himself a break,
    “Sweetheart.” He says aloud, pulling my attention from my thoughts. “Refugees from the continent started arriving in Vanara today. Gabriel is working on setting up shelters, but things are escalating quickly. We’ve been discussing plans for me to travel north and meet with the other rulers here… to start trying to build alliances and pool resources.”
    “Oh.” I murmur softly, “are the other rulers here likely to be sympathetic to our cause?”
    Gabriel speaks first. “I think they will. The noble ones will want to help their fellow wolves. The selfish will fear Damon getting powerful enough to try and expand his empire here into Vanara, or at least worry about the strain of taking in a continent’s worth of refugees. I think there’s a very strong chance you’ll be able to garner the backing you require.”
    “That’s good.” I assess, yawning again. “So when do we leave?”
    Sinclair’s mouth tightens, and one by one the other men rise from the table and leave the room. I know this isn’t a good sign, but I don’t want to contemplate what it might mean. Of course, that knowledge can’t be avoided. Sinclair cups my face in his huge palm, stroking my cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Ella, it’s clear I have to go… but I’m not sure if I can take you with me.”
    Chapter 159
    “What do you mean, you might not take me with you?” I demand, barely processing Sinclair’s words. “We’re mated, where you go I go.”
    “Baby, I don’t want to be away from you.” Sinclair sighs, sending a wave of genuine regret through our bond. This isn’t the first time he’s done this – let me feel his emotions to confirm their veracity, but this is the strongest I’ve ever experienced them.
    With the help of our connection, I can sense how terribly Sinclair hates the idea of leaving me behind when he travels. It’s making his wolf positively rabid with anger, worry, and sadness. Even as the emotions are filtering in, I can already see a way to use them to my advantage. If he feels this strongly, surely it won’t be too difficult to convince him to take me with him.
    “The problem is that I have no idea what I’m walking into with a lot of these meetings.” Sinclair explains. “I’ve been to Vanara before, and know a few of the Alphas, but most of the packs I’m visiting are complete unknowns. I don’t know the territories or threats, I don’t know how rough the conditions will be or how well we’ll be received when we arrive.”
    “How much time are we talking about?” I question, needing to get a handle on the scope of this potential separation.
    “Weeks, maybe a month.” He shakes his head, and I can feel his frustration. “I’ve been trying to figure out which terrifies me more, taking you with me and putting you in danger as a result, or leaving you behind where I can’t get to you if something happens.”
    “It’s definitely safer to have me with you.” I inform my mate confidently. “You’re the one who said the only time I’m truly safe is when I’m in your arms.”
    Sinclair laughs warmly, squeezing me closer. “Why do I feel like you’re not the most objective opinion on this?”
    “Because you’re so blinded by your love for me that you assume I’m in the same boat, but don’t worry because I am completely unbiased.” I declare, shifting to straddle his lap.
    “Oh, so you aren’t blinded by your love for me?” Sinclair teases, stroking my sides.
    “It’s different.” I hedge, “I’m not exactly sure how at this moment, but there’s no doubt in my mind that it is.”
    “You do know that being adorable won’t make me change my mind, don’t you?” Sinclair asks gently, grazing his knuckles over my cheek.
    “That makes it sound as if you’ve already decided.” I murmur, my insides tangling into knots. My wolf whimpers in my head, and before I can think about whether or not I’d shared the sound with my mate, he responds in a way that guarantees he did. He begins to purr, gathering me to his chest and tucking my head under his chin.
    “I haven’t decided anything yet. I’m honestly very conflicted, Ella.” Sinclair admits. “I’m leaning towards leaving you here with Gabriel, Roger and Dad. I trust them and I trust the security here. I want you with me, I just can’t help but feeling it would be irresponsible… honestly it feels selfish, like I’m choosing my own comfort and happiness over your safety.”
    “But I want to be with you too. So if it’s selfish, let’s be selfish together.” I beg. Pushing away from him, I make my eyes wide and push my lower lip out into a dramatic pout.
    “Please don’t leave me behind, Dominic.” I continue, trailing my hands down his chest as inspiration strikes. “My wolf won’t obey anyone else, you know I’ll just get into more trouble without you… and when I do there certainly won’t be anyone to bring me back in line.
    A growl vibrates in Sinclair’s chest, so fierce the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. His hand closes over my nape a second later, applying just enough pressure to make me quiver with the instinct to submit. “I have news for you, trouble. If I do go without you, I’ll have the others keep track of all your mischief so that I can hold you accountable when I get back.”
    I fight back a shiver as his authority washes over me, so I change track. “Fine, but if you’re not here then who will give me pleasure when I wake up in the middle of the night… aching for you?”
    Sinclair laughs aloud, dragging my mouth to his. I gasp as our lips collide, and Sinclair takes the opportunity to slip his tongue inside, tangling it with my own. Only when my mouth is red and swollen, and I’ve forgotten our conversation entirely, does he release me. He keeps our eyes level, massaging my head through my thick rose gold tresses. I loll my head into his hand, and he takes the opportunity to dip his tongue into the hollow of my throat. “When that happens you’ll call me to your dreams, and tell me exactly what you need. And then I’ll happily ravish you to my heart’s content.”
    “You mean my heart’s content?” I clarify.
    “No. I meant exactly what I said.” He answers with a smirk. I laugh anddrop my head to his shoulder. “Alright, big bad wolf.” I concede, even as he continues to run his fingers through my long hair. “Just promise me you’ll think about this. We’ll both be happier together. We’ll both be less anxious. I’ll always be in your sight or reach. That’s worth a lot.”
    “I’ll think about it.” Sinclair agrees. “There are a lot of advantages, I just need to make sure it’s right.”
    “Thank you.” I exhale, so comfortable and cozy that I already feel as though I might doze off again. Maybe I’m being a wild optimist, but I truly think I’ve gotten through to my mate. I can feel how strongly
    he wants to take me with him, and I think this conversation went a long way to convincing him to trust those impulses.
    The next day I go to visit some of the refugees arriving at the port. Sinclair stayed at the Palace to plan, but Henry, Roger, Cora and I set out with a contingent of Gabriel’s royal guards. The refugees are arriving in much the same way we did, cramming into small passenger planes carrying all their earthly belongings, arriving lost and depleted at the air base outside the city. Gabriel is trying to figure out where to send them all and has thus far been relying on local Vanarans who are willing to open their homes as shelter, but I’m determined to help – to find the best solutions possible for our people.
    As we cross the Vanarium bridge spanning the crystalline waters of the lake, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of awe at our stunning surroundings. However my admiration quickly fades when our cars pull up outside a group of large white tents erected to triage the incoming shifters. As I understand it, some of the refugees are arriving injured and in need of urgent medical care, others have been separated from their families, while others still are grieving the loss of their home and loved ones.
    I try to brace myself for the harrowing experience ahead, only to become distracted by Cora’s incessant fidgeting beside me. It hasn’t escaped my notice that my sister is behaving very oddly today, she keeps shooting Roger wary looks, then pretending like he doesn’t exist if he returns the gesture. This morning she would fall silent or walk away if Roger came near us, and though my instincts aren’t sending up red flags about the interaction, I’d have to be blind to miss them.
    So when we exit the car I sidle up to my brother-in-law, “Would you like to tell me why my sister keeps taking off like a startled hare every time you glance her way?” I mutter under my breath.
    “I don’t think she’s a very big fan of mine.” He concedes.
    “Why not? What did you do?” I inquire, unable to keep a note of accusation from my voice.
    “Why do you assume I’m the one at fault?” Roger jokes, pretending to look affronted.
    “Because I know my sister and I know you.” I snort, only partly serious. The truth is that my sister is as flawed as anyone, but I’m predisposed to take her side.
    Roger shrugs. “We got to talking the other day, and I have the feeling she thought my questions were too personal.” I pause, surveying him closely. There’s an odd note in his voice, one I haven’t heard before. For the first time it strikes me that Roger’s interest in Cora might not be entirely innocent. “What kind of questions?”
    Roger laughs. “Nothing bad, I asked about her dreams and ambitions. I think she might be having a hard time with all this.” He says, gesturing around us. “Leaving her job and life in Moon Valley.”
    A stab of guilt pierces me. Some sister I’ve been. I haven’t even checked in with Cora about how she’s doing. I’ve been so preoccupied with my own life and the war that I forgot that this transition won’t have been any easier for her. I make a note to talk to her as soon as possible – about fleeing and Roger’s interest. Still there’s no time for that now. There are dozens of wolves waiting to see us, and though I’m more than a little apprehensive about the sorrows and abuses to which I’m about to bear witness, I know my people deserve to have their stories heard. I have to be strong – I have to make my mate proud and do right by the pack, no matter what.
    Chapter 160
    I’d known it wasn’t going to be easy. I was prepared to hear from grieving widows, wounded warriors, and heartbroken families. I was prepared to see their gruesome injuries and desolate faces, to hold their hands while they wept. I was not prepared for the orphans… or for the parents who lost their children.
    When we first walked into the main tent, the refugees had been too caught up in their own worlds to notice us, but that quickly changed. As soon as they realized that not only the Vanaran King, but myself, Henry and Roger were present, they were on their feet, gathering around us in eager throngs. I’m not sure why it surprises me, but they seem even more thrilled to see me than the others, and soon a pink blush is covering my cheeks as they cry out my name. “It’s Ella! It’s our Luna!” More than one wolf throws their arms around me, and despite everything these people have been through, they only express worry for me and Sinclair. “We’re so glad you’re all right. Is Alpha Dominic—”
    “He’s safe.” I promise. “He’s in the capital trying to build the war effort.” I share, raising my voice so I can be heard over the melee. “
    He would have come along to see you but he’s spending all his time planning and trying to make alliances. He’s determined to take back the continent from Damon before anyone else can be harmed … but it’s slow going.”
    Murmurs of understanding move through the crowd, and I’m ushered in to sit at the heart of the group. A hollow-eyed woman moves all the clothing and personal items from her cot so that I can sit down, ignoring my protests. Soon I’m seated in a large circle, with shifters gathered around on the floor or other cots. The people seem to want to hear the story of our escape, but I can’t allow this.
    “Dominic and I got out very early, because the Royal Army was on our doorstep. We don’t know what’s been going on at home except for the few videos people have managed to get out past the media blockade. What we need most is to hear from you, we need to know how the pack is doing, we need to know what we can do to help you feel at home here. And your stories can help us understand the situation on the ground so we can fight back where it counts.”
    The refugees exchange a few mournful glances, before they start speaking one by one. Over the next few hours I hear so many stories of tragic loss, violations and abuse, that it’s all I can do not to fall to pieces. I listen with all my attention, trying not to steal focus by making a scene and crying like a baby, no matter how badly I want to. I thank the people for sharing their experiences, giving hugs and making notes for myself so I can work with Gabriel on finding places for all these people to stay. I’m actually proud of how well I manage to keep it together, until we visit the tent where the orphans and unaccompanied children are staying. My first thought when I enter is that it’s much, much too quiet. I believe any place where children reside should be loud and messy, chaotic with the energy and playfulness of little ones.
    Instead I find a room full of pups who have aged well beyond their years in the last few days, and my heart cracks open in despair.
    There are pups ranging from infancy to young teenagers here, though the group seems to skew younger overall. However, unlike the adults, the children don’t seem to care that they have visitors, or even notice that we’re here. There are neglected toys sitting in the middle of the tent, and when I can’t get a single child to meet my gaze I simply go and sit down on the floor in front of a tower of blocks.
    Gabriel, Henry, Roger and Cora stand at the entrance and watch me with baffled expressions, but I simply begin to play with the toys, first building a tower and then grabbing a couple of dolls and staging my own small-scale production of a popular fairy tale. I’m sure I seem like I’ve lost my mind as I begin speaking in silly high pitched voices and ridiculous dialogue, but soon enough a small herd of hesitant
    pups have gathered around me. I pretend not to see them at first, then pause, “If only I had someone to play the witch.” I muse aloud, tapping my finger to my lips.
    “You could use this one.” A little voice murmurs beside me, holding out a third doll.
    “That is an excellent idea.” I agree, smothering my pleasure and pretending like this is no big deal. “But I only have two hands… do you think you could help me?”
    The little girl balks slightly. “I dunno the story.”
    “Well that’s okay.” I reason. “We can make up our own story.Sometimes that’s the best thing to do when things don’t go as planned.”
    She still looks hesitant, so I bounce one of the dolls in my hand over to her, pointing it in the direction of the offered doll. “Hmm, are you a good witch or a bad witch?” I say in the doll’s silly voice.
    The corner of the child’s mouth twitches up, and then she drops her voice to it’s lower octave and says, “I’m a bad witch of course, mwahaha.”
    I pry up each of my doll’s hands so that they’re raised in the air above it’s head. “Aaaahhhhh, it’s a witch, it’s a witch! What do we do! Somebody help!”
    Right on cue, a little boy steps up and grabs a fourth doll, “Don’t worry, I’ll save you!” Now I do grin, and little by little the other children join into our game of make believe, until they’re enjoying themselves so much that I’m able to back away and look on with the others.
    I feel tears burn in my eyes as I watch them, but instead of tears of sadness these are tears of cold fury. I’m so angry at the man who caused so many little ones such pain, that suddenly my wolf is entertaining gorey fantasies of her own. I’m so caught up in my wrathful fantasies, that I almost don’t notice a pale woman near the edge of the play area. She’s got great black circles beneath her eyes,
    and her arms are wrapped tightly around her body. She’s watching the children with an expression of such longing and heartbreak that my stomach roils. I have a terrible suspicion that I know her story, and I carefully approach beside her.
    “What’s your name?” I inquire gently.
    She was so caught up in the pups’ game that her eyes jerk to me in surprise, then drop to my round belly almost as quickly. Something inside her hardens, and she barely grits out her name, “ Isabel.”
    “I’m sorry that we’re meeting in these circumstances, Isabel.” I reply softly. “I’m Ella.”
    “I know who you are.” She answers, shooting me another sullen glance.
    I debate what to say next. First I consider sharing the story of the day I thought I’d lost Rafe, and how unimaginable the pain was… but in the end I think my own happy ending might just remind her that she wasn’t so lucky. Instead I nod towards the pups. “These little ones need more than the volunteers here can provide, more than shelter and food.” I sigh, letting my genuine concern and sadness bleed into my voice. “They need what they lost — love and nurturing, the protection of a parent.” I watch Isabel closely, seeing the way the well of grief in her eyes deepens at my words. “ I’m wondering whether you might be interested in helping here…”
    Her eyes widen, but she still watches me with a begrudging expression, as if she’s determined not to like me. “We could arrange a salary for you —”
    “I don’t need to be paid to care for orphaned pups.” She snaps, affronted by the suggestion. I shrug. “You may not want it, but there may come a time when you could use the funds. We can put it aside for a rainy day.”
    She gives me a noncommittal shrug, then looks back to the pups, her longing tinged with hope now. “Go on.” I encourage, “whether you want to think of it as a job or not, don’t let your love go to waste. You have it to give, and they need it.”
    Isabel’s lower lip trembles, and steps forward uncertainly. I can see that she wants it so badly she can taste it, and I try to nudge her forward with my nascent powers. Isabel pauses, casting a final glance over her shoulder. “I know what you’re doing, you know.”
    “Then you know there’s nothing to fear by accepting.” I reply, not the least bit bothered by her scowl. I know what it’s like to feel anger or jealousy for women with children when I didn’t have any of my own, and I can only imagine the pain one must feel to have had a child taken, and how much deeper those feelings of resentment must run.
    Still, as I watch the childless mother enter the circle of little ones, her entire demeanor transforming as she introduces herself to the pups, I feel a sense of profound rightness deep in my bones. When
    Henry wheels up beside me, there’s only one thought on my mind.
    “Dominic needs to see this. He needs to meet these people and hear their stories for himself. I’ll never do them justice.”
    “I agree.” Henry murmurs. “Though I doubt you’ ll find it easy to convince him.”
    I set my shoulders, determination pumping through my veins. “ Just watch me.”
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