Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 92

Ella

Sinclair finally agreed to let the EMTs administer emergency care, though it wasn’t easy. He refused to let me out of his sight, and though he’d tried to maintain physical contact too, the EMTs eventually convinced him to let them strap him onto a gurney for transfer to the hospital. I sat beside him in the ambulance, where he was sprawled on his side, watching me with complete intensity as the EMTs worked on cutting away his clothes.

I stroked his hair as he stoically suffered through their poking and prodding, so he could feel me safe and secure beside him. At first I tried to peek over Sinclair’s broad shoulder to see the damage on his back, but he growled as soon as I broke eye contact, and I decided keeping him calm was more important than discovering the extent of his injuries.

The ambulance can’t seem to move fast enough, and I’m counting down the moments until we reach the shifter hospital. I can see how tired Sinclair is, his eyelids keep drooping, only to snap back open when he realizes he’s falling asleep. I want to help him rest, but I’m also afraid that if he falls asleep he might not wake back up.

“I’m so sorry, Dominic.” I murmur, unable to hold in my feelings any more.

“Why are you sorry?” He responds, furrowing his brow. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You’re hurt because of me.” I remind him, hiccuping and swiping at my tears with my free hand. “They wanted me – not you. Why did you do that!”

“Baby, if they could have gotten to me they gladly would have – you’re just an easier target.” He explains, sounding so steady and sure, even as the EMTs dig into his raw wounds. “And I did it because you and Rafe are a million times more important than me.”

“But that’s simply not true.” I argue miserably. “You can find another mate and have more babies –” A warning rumble vibrates in his chest, but I ignore it. “But if something happens to you then the entire pack, the entire realm would be in danger. I’m replaceable, you’re not.”

“I beg to differ.” Sinclair growls. “And if you keep talking that way you’re going to regret it, little mate.”

The EMTs exchange amused glances, and I can feel the corner of my own mouth twitching. “Are you really threatening me when you’re tied down?”

“If you think I can’t break out of a few flimsy straps you’re out of your mind, gorgeous.” He answers, sounding strong and ominous right up until he winces in obvious pain.

“Tsk, stubborn Alpha.” I cluck, still stroking his hair. “Are you in a lot of pain? Be honest.” I add sternly.

“Not nearly as much as I would have been if I’d lost you.” He replies, with utter confidence.

My heart swells, but there’s still a knot of pain and confusion tangled at its center. I’m falling in love with this man, so of course I want to hear his affectionate endearments, of course I want him to be alright. But that doesn’t explain away last night. Sweet nothings won’t fix what’s broken between us. I want to ask him where Lydia fits in all this so badly it hurts, but I can’t do that as long as we have an audience.

That mere thought is enough to give me pause. Does he mean any of the things he’s saying, or is he just putting on a show for the EMTs? And if he does mean it, then how could he be so cold and dismissive last night? Why did he sleep with her?

“What are you thinking?” Sinclair asks, furrowing his brow as he takes in my solemn expression.

“I’m just wondering if it’s safe for you to fall asleep.” I lie, using my thumb to smooth out the wrinkles in his forehead. “You look so tired.”

“He should stay conscious if he can.” The first EMT frowns apologetically. “Just until we know the damage.”

“Are you serious?” I demand, sitting up in horror. Of all the possible ways I expected him to explain his actions, I never dreamed of this possibility.

“I don’t have any idea what happened while I was blacked out and she claims we had sex, but I don’t know for sure.” Sinclair continues. “But the point is that I haven’t been lying to you. I didn’t intentionally have sex with her, and I don’t want anything to do with her – now more than ever.”

“Dominic! Why didn’t you tell me?” I cry, outraged that he didn’t say anything sooner. “Why did you let me keep spiraling that way?”

Sinclair catches me in his crosshairs, giving me such a searing look of incredulity that I begin curling in on myself. “Oh.” I squeak, realizing that he isn’t the only one who’s been stubborn today. “Because I wouldn’t let you?”

“I tried to tell you repeatedly.” He confirms, “You wouldn’t hear it.”

“I’m sorry.” I profess, feeling lousy even though the knot in my chest is already beginning to uncoil. “I just got so worked up.”

“I know.” Sinclair agrees. “With jealousy.”

“I didn’t say that.” I combat, snuggling into his chest. “I can’t believe Lydia did that. What in hell was she thinking? Surely she didn’t expect that kind of dirty trick to convince you to take her back?”

When Sinclair ignores my continued denial, I know the truth must be worse than I realize. “She was thinking that if she gets pregnant, I won’t need you anymore.”