Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

**I Penelope I**

As we drive into the city, I find myself lost in thought, my mind replaying the conversation from earlier on a loop. All I can think about is Malachi's confession of his feelings for me.

For so long, I've felt like a pawn in his game, a means to an end in his quest for power. But the way he looked at me in that bathroom, the raw vulnerability in his eyes as he admitted his changing perspective... it's shaken me to my core. *Could it be true? Could the hardened, ruthless Alpha King really have feelings for someone like me?*

The idea sends a thrill of excitement through my veins that's also terrifying. I'm not sure what all of this means, and I know that I can't afford to let my guard down. I haven't forgotten about the reality of our situation. No matter what Malachi says, I'm still human. I'm still an outsider to his world.

And what happens if I decide I want no part in his world? Will he abandon me and take my child away? What happens if *he* decides he doesn't *really* want me? Will he throw me away and keep me from our baby?

Still, I want so desperately to believe that this will all work out. I want to trust in the warmth of his touch, the protective strength of his embrace. I want to *know* that I'm not alone in this, that the bond growing between us is real and true. I rest my hand on my belly, feeling the flutter of life beneath my palm. This baby, *our* baby, is the tie that binds us together. So I wonder...

*Could there really be something more between us?*

The car pulls to a stop, jolting me from my racing thoughts to a place that's unfamiliar to me.

*Where are we?*

I scan the plaza that looks like a replica of LA, Rodeo Drive. Malachi exits the vehicle first, coming around to open my door with a gallant flourish that has me fighting back a smile. "Stay close," he murmurs as he helps me out, his hand warm and steady at the small of my back. "And if anyone gives you trouble, you come straight to me. Understand?"

I nod, even as a flicker of defiance sparks in my chest. After everything I've been through, I'm not some delicate flower in need of constant protection.

But I bite my tongue, recognizing the concern in Malachi's eyes for what it is. He's not trying to smother me. He's trying to keep me safe, to keep our baby safe from the dangers of his world.

So I let him guide me into the store, staying close to his side as the staff descends upon us in a flurry of activity. It's overwhelming, the way they defer to Malachi, the reference in their eyes as they take in his powerful frame and commanding presence.

Then their gazes turn to me, and I feel the weight of their scrutiny like a physical, tangible thing. I'm all too aware of my simple sundress and casual tennis shoes, the way I must seem so small and insignificant next to Malachi's towering form. *Don't be intimidated. Do not be intimidated.*

I try not to cower, ignoring their judgment. I lift my chin, meeting their eyes with a cool, level stare of my own.

As if sensing my resolve, Malachi's fingers tighten on my hip, a silent reassurance. I lean into his touch, drawing strength from the solid heat of his body.

Together, we emerge into a gown shop, the staff parting before us like the Red Sea as the scent of old perfume and something predatory fills my senses. But before we can begin the process of selecting a dress, a painfully stunning brunette makes her way towards us, her red lips curved in a poisonous smile.

"Alpha," she purrs, her gaze raking over Malachi with blatant appreciation. "What a surprise to see you here."

I bristle, a hot surge of jealousy rising in my throat.

*Who is this woman and why is she looking at him like that?*

Malachi doesn't seem too pleased to see her, his posture radiating cold disdain as he shifts defensively beside me.

"Natalia," he greets her, his voice flat and hard. "What do you want?"

The woman, Natalia, pouts, her eyes glinting with malicious amusement. "Want? Why, I was just passing by and thought I heard a familiar voice."

She cranes her neck, her eyes scanning me from head to toe over Malachi's shoulder. "Is that your little human I've heard so many rumors about?" *Rumors? Who the hell even knows about me?!*

Natalia's eyes glint with a calculating look as she shifts her gaze to meet my own, her lips curling into a subtle smirk. "So, this is the lucky lady who managed to snag our elusive Alpha. I must say, I'm surprised. I didn't think humans were really your type, Mal."

*Mal?*

My cheeks burn with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but Malachi remains calm, his posture radiating quiet dominance. "My personal life is none of your concern, Natalia," he says, his voice low and firm. "I suggest you remember your place."

A flicker of fear passes over Natalia's face before she quickly masks it with a coquettish smile. "Of course, Alpha. I meant no disrespect. I was simply reminiscing about old times. We had some good memories together, didn't we?" My stomach twists, a cold feeling washing over me.

*Memories? Just how close were they?*

Malachi's jaw clenches, his eyes hardening. "The past is the past," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Things have changed. I trust you'll keep that in mind."

Natalia's smile falters, but she quickly recovers, dipping her head in a show of deference. "Of course, Alpha. I wouldn't dream of overstepping."

Her gaze darts to me one last time, a glimmer of resentment in her eyes before she turns to leave. But as she does, a shimmering red dress catches her eyes, hanging just behind me. She reaches for it, her fingers grazing the fabric. "That dress is spoken for," I say, my voice calm and even despite the anger simmering beneath the surface.

She arches a brow, a mocking smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Is it now? Pity. It would have looked stunning on me."

*It WOULD HAVE IOOKED STUNNING ON ME.*

"Natalia." Malachi's voice cracks like a whip, and she freezes. "The dress is spoken for. Leave it."

For a moment, Natalia looks like she's going to argue. Then she takes in the cold authority of Malachi's face and thinks better of it. With a huff of annoyance, she withdraws her hand and stalks off, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor.

*That's what I thought.*

As soon as she's out of earshot, Malachi turns to me, his features softening. "I'm sorry about that, rabbit," he murmurs, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back. "Natalia can be... difficult."

*Mmm... I see.*

I lean into his touch, taking comfort in his solid presence. "It's okay," I assure him, managing a small smile. "I can handle a little cattiness."

His lips twitch, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "I have no doubt." His gaze drifts to the red dress, and he leans down to whisper in my ear, "But are you sure that's the one you want, Penny? It might be a little...snug." *No shit.*

I smirk, a mischievous glint in my eye. "I'm not an idiot," I mutter, patting his chest. "I just didn't want her to have it."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "You're going to keep me on my toes, aren't you?"

"Always," I promise, grinning up at him.

Still smiling, he takes my hand and starts leading me towards the maternity section. "Come on, troublemaker."