Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

**I Penelope **

The nausea hits me like a freight train, sending me scrambling for the bathroom before I've even fully woken up. I barely make it to the toilet before my stomach heaves, emptying its meager contents in a series of painful retches. *I thought I was done with this...*

As I slump against the cool porcelain, trying to catch my breath, I can't help but feel a twinge of worry. Morning sickness is supposed to be a first-trimester thing, isn't it? But here I am, well into my third trimester, hugging the toilet like it's my new best friend.

A soft knock at the door breaks through my misery. "Luna? Are you alright?"

It's Mara, one of the maids who's been assigned to look after me. I've grown fond of her over the past few weeks, appreciating her quiet efficiency and gentle humor.

"I'm fine," I call back, wincing at the rasp in my voice. "Just a bit of morning sickness."

The door creaks open, and Mara's concerned face appears. "Oh, Luna," she says sympathetically, immediately moving to wet a washcloth. "I thought you were past this stage."

I accept the cool cloth gratefully, pressing it to my forehead. "So did I," I mutter. "Apparently, this little one has other ideas."

Mara helps me to my feet, her supernatural strength making it look effortless despite my growing baby bump. "Perhaps we should call the doctor," she suggests, worry creasing her brow.

I shake my head, not wanting to cause a fuss. "It's probably nothing," I assure her, though I'm not entirely convinced myself. "Maybe something I ate didn't agree with me."

She doesn't look convinced, but doesn't push the issue. Instead, she helps me back to bed, propping me up with pillows before bustling off to fetch some ginger tea and dry toast.

As I nibble on the toast, trying to settle my rebellious stomach, Mara busies herself around the room. There's a nervous energy to her movements, and I can't help but wonder what's on her mind.

"Is everything okay, Mara?" I ask, setting aside the half-eaten toast. "You seem... jumpy."

She pauses in her dusting, a blush creeping up her neck. "Oh, it's nothing, Luna," she says, but I can hear the excitement thrumming beneath her casual tone. "I'm just thinking about the festival, that's all." My curiosity piques. "Festival? What festival?"

Mara's eyes widen in surprise. "The Alpha hasn't told you?" When I shake my head, she continues, her words tumbling out in a rush of enthusiasm. "It's the Lunar Revel, one of our most important tribal celebrations. There are feasts and dances and competitions, but the highlight is the Great Hunt."

"The Great Hunt?" I echo, intrigued despite myself.

Mara nods eagerly. "It's a mate-hunting event. Unmated wolves enter the forest, and for three days and nights, they compete for mating opportunities. It's said that bonds formed during the Hunt are blessed."

A strange mix of emotions swirls in my chest at her words. Curiosity, certainly this glimpse into werewolf culture is fascinating. But there's also a twinge of something else. Longing? Jealousy?

"Can I... participate?" I ask hesitantly, immediately feeling foolish. Of course I can't. I'm already mated, already pregnant. And human, to boot.

But Mara's smile is kind, with no trace of mockery. "Of course you can, Luna," she says. "Though I doubt you'll need to do much hunting. The Alpha will find you first, I'm sure of it."

Her words send a shiver of excitement down my spine, images of Malachi chasing me through moonlit woods flashing through my mind. But they also bring a sobering thought.

"What about... Julia?" I ask, hating how small my voice sounds. "The previous Luna. Did she participate in these Hunts?"

Mara's smile falters, and I immediately regret asking. But she answers anyway, her voice soft and careful. "She did, once," she says. "It was how she and the Alpha first bonded. They were... quite the pair."

The words hit me like a physical blow, confirming every insecurity that's been gnawing at me since Elijah's visit.

*How can I ever compete with that kind of history, that kind of destined connection?*

Mara must see the distress on my face, because she quickly adds, "But that was a long time ago, Luna. The Alpha chose you. That means more than any Hunt or prophecy."

I force a smile, not wanting to burden her with my worries. "Of course," I say, though the words taste hollow. "Thank you for telling me about the festival, Mara. It sounds wonderful."

She beams, clearly relieved to see me smiling. "Oh, it is! You'll love it, I'm sure. Now, can I get you anything else? More tea, perhaps?"

I shake my head, suddenly craving solitude. "No, thank you. I think I'll just rest for a bit longer."

Mara nods, gathering up the breakfast tray. "Of course, Luna. Call if you need anything."

As soon as the door closes behind her, I let the smile drop from my face. My hand drifts to my swollen belly, a habit I've developed when I'm feeling unsure or afraid.

"What do you think, little one?" I murmur. "Think your mama can compete with destiny?"

The baby kicks in response, a gentle flutter beneath my palm. I choose to take it as encouragement, though the doubt still lingers.

With a sigh, I reach for my phone. I need a distraction, something to pull me out of this spiral of insecurity and fear. My finger hovers over Darnell's number, a pang of guilt hitting me as I realize how long it's been since I've spoken to my old friend.

*Since I left everything behind...*

The thought brings a fresh wave of homesickness, of longing for the simplicity of my old life. But I push it aside, hitting the call button before I can talk myself out of it.

The phone rings once, twice, three times. Just as I'm about to give up, thinking he won't answer, Darnell's gruff voice comes through the speaker. "Penelope?" He sounds shocked, almost disbelieving. "Is that really you?"

The familiar voice brings tears to my eyes. "Hey, Nell," I manage, my voice thick with emotion.

"Jesus, kid, where have you been?" Darnell demands, concern and relief warring in his tone. "You just up and disappeared on us. We've been worried sick!"

Guilt twists in my gut. In the whirlwind of everything that's happened, I'd neglected to properly explain my sudden absence to the people who cared about me. "I'm so sorry, Nell," I say, meaning every word. "Things have been... complicated." "Complicated?" He echoes incredulously. "That's one hell of an understatement. Are you okay? Do you need help?"

"No, no, I'm fine," I assure him quickly. "Better than fine, actually. I... I found the baby's father."

There's a long pause on the other end of the line. When Darnell speaks again, his voice is carefully neutral. "You found him? How did that happen?"

I bite my lip, realizing how much I want to tell him, how much I need my old friend's advice. But this isn't a conversation I want to have over the phone. "It's a long story, Nell," I say finally. "Actually, I was wondering... could we meet up? In person? I could really use a friend right now."

There's another pause, shorter this time. "Of course, kiddo," Darnell says, his voice softening. "Name the time and place. I'll be there."

Relief washes over me, bringing fresh tears to my eyes. "Thank you," I whisper. "How about that little café near the diner? Tomorrow at noon?"

"I'll see you there," he promises. "And Pen? I'm glad you called."

As I hang up, I feel a sense of reassurance. I may be in a new world now, with new challenges and responsibilities, but I'm not alone.