The Alpha's Forbidden Surrogate

Shadows Of The Pack

The liquid tasted of crushed berries, ozone, and a faint, electric iron tang that made Nora’s throat burn with a strange, pleasurable warmth.

The moment the last drop hit her tongue, the glowing gold mist inside the silver bowl dissolved into the air. A sudden, powerful surge of energy pulsed outward from her heart, rushing through her veins like liquid fire. Nora gasped, stumbling backward. Her head swam, and her vision flickered with faint trails of gold light.

Before her knees could hit the polished hardwood floor, a massive pair of arms caught her.

Dominic scooped her up against his chest as if she weighed nothing at all. Instinctively, Nora buried her face into the side of his neck, her fingers clutching tightly at the lapel of his suit. His scent cedar wood, storm clouds, and pure male dominance flooded her senses, calming the violent storm raging in her blood.

Dominic froze, his body rigid as stone as she clung to him. His heartbeat thundered beneath her cheek—hard, fast, and wildly uneven.

You are bound, Dominic grunted, his voice tight with forced control.

He carried her out of the study and down the grand staircase. Nora kept her face hidden against his neck, dimly aware of the collective gasp that echoed through the marble foyer. Servants stopped in their tracks, and armed guards lowered their heads in shock. Never in the three years since the m******e had anyone seen Alpha Dominic hold a woman—let alone a fragile human.

At the top of the grand staircase stood a woman in an elegant, body-hugging crimson gown. Her ice-blonde hair was styled in flawless waves, and her piercing blue eyes narrowed into sharp slits as she watched Dominic carry Nora.

This was Lady Evelyn the daughter of the Pack Elder and the woman who had spent years positioning herself to become the next Luna Queen.

Dominic? Evelyn’s voice cut through the silence like a silver blade. What is the meaning of this? Why are you carrying that human filth through the inner sanctum?"

Dominic didn't pause his step. He didn't even look at her. She is under my personal protection, Evelyn. Step aside.

Protection? Evelyn stepped directly into his path, her nostrils flaring as she caught the unmistakable scent of the binding ritual hanging in the air. Her face twisted into a mask of pure fury. You performed the Crimson Binding on her? A nameless, pathetic human street-rat? Dominic, you are the Alpha Prime! The Pack Council will never accept an heir born from dirty human blood!"

A low, guttural growl vibrated from deep inside Dominic’s chest a sound so primal and monstrous that the heavy glass sconces along the walls vibrated. Evelyn flinched, taking an involuntary step back, her face turning pale.

The Council does not rule this pack. I do, Dominic growled, his golden eyes blazing behind his obsidian mask. Touch her, speak to her, or look at her with malice again, Evelyn... and I will strip your father of his seat and banish your family to the outer borders.

Evelyn gasped, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her dress. You would ruin us for a surrogate?

Dominic brushed past her without another word, carrying Nora down the long east wing corridor toward the grandest suite in the mansion.

He pushed open double mahogany doors and carried her into a lavish bedroom featuring a king-sized canopy bed, a crackling fireplace, and velvet drapes overlooking the dark forest. He laid Nora down gently onto the plush duvet.

Nora looked up at him, her hazel eyes heavy with sleep as the binding magic worked its way through her body. Why did you defend me? she whispered, her voice barely a breath. I'm just a contract to you.

Dominic stood over her, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. For a long moment, the silence between them was deafening.

Rest, Nora, he said softly, using her real name for the very first time. "Tomorrow... your new life begins.

Before she could answer, the darkness swept over her, and Nora surrendered to a deep, dreamless sleep.