Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

** Penelope **

The weight of my mother's necklace against my chest feels both foreign and familiar as I walk the grounds, trying to make sense of everything Rook told me. Each step sends the moonfire opal bouncing gently against my sternum, like a second heartbeat reminding me of who-what-I really am.

*Daughter of the Warrior King. Rightful heir.*

The words still don't feel real. How can they, when just months ago I was a simple waitress, dreaming of going back to school? Now I'm carrying an Alpha's child, wearing a dead queen's necklace, and apparently destined to be with a mate who isn't the father of my baby.

*No. Don't think about Jax.*

The morning sun does little to warm my confused thoughts as I pace the castle halls. The walls feel like they're closing in, each gilded mirror and ornate tapestry a reminder of a heritage I never knew I had. My reflection catches in one of the mirrors-pale face, dark circles under my eyes, my mother's necklace glinting at my throat.

*I need air. Space to think.*

The French doors leading to the grounds beckon, promising escape even if only for a little while. As I step outside, the air hangs heavy and still, thick with the scent of approaching rain. Summer rain is common here, I've learned, but this feels different. The clouds on the horizon mass like an advancing army, dark and threatening.

*I should stay close to the castle.*

The smart thing would be to remain within easy reach of shelter. But my feet carry me further, each step an attempt to outdistance my churning thoughts. The grounds stretch before me, immaculately maintained paths winding through carefully manicured lawns.

My eyes drift toward his garden, and my step falters. The wrought iron gates stand in the distance, partially hidden by a row of flowering trees. Even from here, I can see exotic blooms nodding in the strengthening breeze. Something pulls at me, urging me toward that sanctuary of flowers and quiet beauty.

*No. I can't go there. Not after that dream. Not after yesterday.*

But the memory rises unbidden-Jax's hands on my skin, his breath against my neck, the way my body had betrayed me even in sleep. Heat rises to my cheeks, and I tell myself it's just the humidity that's been building all morning, making the air thick and heavy in my lungs.

The stirring of wind continues to carry the scent of rain, and above me, clouds gather and darken, their edges tinged with an ominous green that speaks of a storm approaching. Thunder rumbles in the distance, a low warning that raises the hair on my arms.

*I should turn back.*

Every instinct tells me to seek shelter, but I've wandered further than I realized. The path has taken me to the far edge of the grounds, where carefully tended gardens give way to wilder growth. The castle looks impossibly far now. The first drop hits my shoulder just as thunder cracks overhead, closer now. Within seconds, the sky opens up. Fat raindrops pelt my skin, shocking in their coldness. I turn back toward the castle, but the distance seems to have doubled through the curtain of rain.

*Stupid, stupid, stupid.*

Another crack of thunder makes me jump. Lightning splits the sky, illuminating my options. The castle is too far I'll be soaked through before I make it halfway. But Jax's garden... the gazebo I glimpsed earlier would provide shelter, and it's just ahead.

My heart pounds as I make the decision, feet already carrying me toward the iron gates. The rain makes the stone path treacherous, and I have to move carefully, one hand protective over my belly. By the time I reach the garden entrance, I'm drenched and breathing hard.

The world tilts suddenly, black spots dancing at the edges of my vision. Pregnancy dizziness-it's been happening more frequently lately. I grab for the nearest support, but my hand meets empty air.

Strong arms catch me before I can fall, pulling me against a solid chest. That familiar scent-earth and pine fills my lungs, and my heart stutters.

*Jax.*

"I've got you," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble I feel more than hear over the rain. "Let me help you."

I want to protest, to push away and prove I can manage on my own. But my legs feel like jelly, and the world won't stop spinning. His grip is firm but gentle as he guides me toward the gazebo, one arm around my waist, the other holding my elbow. "I'm fine," I insist, even as I lean into him. "Just got a little dizzy."

He makes a sound that might be amusement or frustration. "So stubborn," he says, helping me up the gazebo steps. "Even when accepting help could mean the difference between injury and safety." *Yeah, I've been told.*

The gazebo offers blessed shelter from the rain. Jax eases me onto a cushioned bench, but doesn't step away. His hands move to my shoulders, thumbs pressing into tight muscles. "Breathe," he commands softly. "Deep breaths."

I obey without thinking, my body responding to his authority before my mind can protest. Soon, the dizziness begins to recede, replaced by physical awareness-his hands on my shoulders, my back against his stomach, his breath stirring the wet hair at my temple.

"Better?" he asks, his voice pitched low.

I nod, not trusting my voice.

I should move away, put distance between us. But his touch feels... right. Natural. Like coming home after a long journey.

*No. Stop it. This isn't right.*

"You're soaked through," he says, and I hear the frown in his voice. Before I can try to stop him, he's shrugging out of his jacket and draping it over my shoulders.

"I don't need " I start to argue, but he cuts me off with a gentle squeeze of my shoulders.

"Yes, you do. You're shivering."

*Am I?* 

I hadn't noticed, but now I can feel the tremors running through my body. The jacket is warm from his body heat, and despite myself, I pull it closer.

"Thank you," I whisper, because my mother-my foster mother-raised me with manners.

His hands slide from my shoulders, but he doesn't step away. Instead, he moves to crouch in front of me, his eyes level with mine. Raindrops cling to his eyelashes, and his white shirt is nearly transparent where it clings to his chest. I force my gaze to his face, only to find him watching me in a way that makes my breath catch.

"You're wearing the necklace," he says, his fingers brushing the pendant where it rests against my collarbone. "Rook finally told you, then?"

I stiffen. "You everything? About who I am?"

A sad smile tugs at his lips. "I've always known who you are, princess. From the moment I caught your scent." His thumb traces the edge of the moonfire opal, and I swear I feel the stone pulse in response. "It's why I fought so hard against the pull at first. A true mate bond with the heir to the Northern throne... it's not something to take lightly."

"I'm not―" I shake my head, overwhelmed. "I'm just me. Penelope. The waitress who got pregnant by a stranger in a bar."

His eyes flash at the mention of Malachi, but his voice remains gentle. "You've never been 'just' anything." His hand cups my cheek, and I hate how natural it feels to lean into his touch. "You're extraordinary, Penelope. Royal blood runs in your veins."

Thunder crashes overhead, making me jump. Jax's other hand finds my knee, steadying me. The touch sends warmth spreading through my limbs, settling something restless inside me.

"The storm will pass soon," he says, though his eyes never leave my face. "Stay here until it does. Let me keep you safe."

*I don't need you to keep me safe.*

But the words die in my throat as his thumb brushes my cheekbone. Because the truth is, I do feel safe with him. Protected. Cherished, even.

And that terrifies me more than any storm.