Alpha's Surrogate

9. Unexpected guest.

Xavier has always had the habit of being a light sleeper. This made it tremendously difficult to sleep when he was sharing a bed with someone for the first time in two years. To make matters worse he forced himself to lay there while his wolf drove both of them insane over Kiara’s mysterious alluring scent, that seemed to call to dreams that he had forgotten about a long time ago.

Thankfully Kiara had settled down into sleep after a few hours of tossing and turning. It felt like Xavier had only just closed his eyes, though it had in fact been after a few hours of sleep, he felt Kiara moving on the bed. Throughout the night she had kept to her side of the king sized bed in order to avoid any contact with Xavier. The problem was that in her sleep she had rolled too close to the edge of the bed and was about to fall to the floor.

“s**t!” Xavier quickly reached out wrapping an arm around her waist before drawing her back into his chest.

‘What is going on with this woman that she is this clumsy in the middle of the f*****g night?’ he grumbled to Dean.

He clenched his jaw prepared for an argument as he looked down to scold her, only to find that she had buried face into the warmth of his chest. She was sleeping comfortably white stealing his sleep yet again. Xavier’s hand trembled against her back when he felt her hot breath fan across his bare chest.

“Damn it!” Xavier scrubbed a hand over his face when he felt his c**k awakening. This situation was tortuous, if it continued his member would fully awake then there would be no way for him to hide it. “That’s it, I need to get out of here.” He scurried out of bed and then from the room before he did something they might both come to regret.

“What’s going on?!” Zander’s eyes snapped open when he heard his bedroom door open followed by his twin stalking over to the bathroom to lock himself inside. “Have you lost your mind, it’s five f*****g a.m.? The last time I checked your suite had its own bathroom!” he yelled at Xavier through the door. He got his answer less than a minute later when the shower turned on and was quickly followed by Xavier’s moaning.

“I wager that waking up with morning wood for the first time in over two years is rather frustrating,” Zander cackled maniacally. The beauty had succeeded what multiple skilled prostitutes had failed.

“Shut up!” Xavier snarled from inside the shower. It only made Zander laugh harder.

****

“Why do I smell like him?” Kiara asked herself as she walked into the bathroom for her morning shower. It wouldn’t be this strong just from sharing the same bed.

“Oh my Goddess!” she rubbed her hand over her face as she looked in the mirror in shocked realization. “How could I have forgotten that I’m a rough sleeper?! There’s a very good chance that I had rolled onto his side of the bed during the night!” She threw her arms up in the air then began passing until she came to the conclusion that she might be wrong. “There’s no way right? He would have said or done something to make me miserable for taking advantage of his good will. He wouldn’t have simply vanished,” she reasoned with herself.

Once she had finished getting dressed for the day, Kiara opened the bedroom door about to leave, finding Jennifer and a beautiful woman about to knock.

“Good morning!” Jennifer greeted, giving her Luna a bright smile.

“Good morning,” Kiara was slightly puzzled by the other woman's starstruck look of awe though.

“Wow, I can’t believe it! The Luna really is young and beautiful just like you told me, Jennifer! The redhead squealed while Kiara figited uncomfortably at being the focus of her attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to introduce myself, how rude of me. I’m Lena the Gamma female and I’m at your service, Luna,” Lena bowed her head in a sign of respect.

“Please, there’s no need for such formalities with me” Kiara waved her hand as if to wave away the use of her title. “Just like Jennifer, you’re my friend. So please there is no need to bow unnecessarily and you can call me Kiara,” she assured Lena.

“Okay! I want nothing more than for us to be friends!” Lena's face gleamed with joy. Kiara chuckled to herself, only to notice the two women sharing a look.

“Is there something that I should know about?”

“It seems like you had a great night,” Jennifer grinned.

“Huh?” Kiara tilted her head giving them a confused look.

“You’re covered in the Alpha’s scent. So how was your first night with him?” Lena’s playful smirk reached all the way to her as she tried to get some juice gossip from her new friend. Kiara was shocked, what did those she-wolves think happened in that room last night?

“All we did was sleep last night!” Kiara grumbled in horror.

“You don't have to be shy. It’s completely natural,” Jennifer reassured her while Lena smirked next to her.

“I’m not,” Kiara shook her head noticing a that Jennifer was carrying. “What’s that?” Kiara asked.

“This is an outfit for you to wear today,”

“What’s it for? I’ve already gotten ready for the day,” Kiara perplexed.

“It’s the Alpha's orders. He instructed me earlier this morning to bring you a dress to wear today. Though as you can see I have a giant pregnant belly so none of my clothes will fit you. I had to find Lena as she has clothes that would,” Jennifer clarified.

“I can’t accept this dress.” It was a white tea length dress that’s simple elegance proved its exorbitant price tag.

“Please don’t refuse the dress. I’m just delighted to be able to even offer you something,” Lena persuaded, then placed the bag in Kiara’s hand.

“The Alpha must plan on showing off his new Luna to the rest of the pack today,” Jennifer teased. Kiara could do nothing but blink at the other woman for a moment. She would be introduced to the Sirius Bright Pack today!?

“Okay,” Kiara calmly accepted the dress, having realized that Xavier was the one that had really given her the outfit. She was already well aware that her wardrobe was not befitting of a Luna.

“And remember this evening we are going for your shopping,”

“I really don’t need anything,” Kiara tried to dissuade them.

“There are just so many things that you are going to need, plus you’ll be coming with us! It’s time for you to start spending your mate’s money.” Jennifer gave her a wolfish grin as she pulled a black credit card out of her pocket when Kiara gave her a confused look.

“Whose card is that?”

“Alpha Xavier’s”

“What?!” Kiara shrieked in surprise.

“Yeah, we all have our mate’s black cards. That way we can do some serious shopping!” Jennifer did a little cheer.

“Why did you ask the Alpha for his credit card on my behalf?” Kiara was terrified of what the fallout would be. Of course neither of these women knew that she wasn’t his mate or wife, therefore had no right to spend his money. She was sure he would think that she was a gold digger after his wealth.

“I didn’t have to ask the Alpha for his card. He handed it over to me so that you would have it to use,” Jennifer clarified with a slightly creased brow.

“Why would he do that?” Kiara mumbled, glancing away.

“I think it's rather obvious, he loves and cares about you. That means he wants to pamper and treat you like a princess,” Jennifer suggested as she handed over the card.

“Love?” Kiara was lost in the memory of the first time she saw Xavier. This was the first time in Kiara that she had people more than two people actually like her nevermind someone willing to spend money on her. It was even more unexpected that it was coming from Xavier, though he probably just didn’t want his surrogate look destitute.

“Kiara!” Lena nudged her shoulder.

“Hm?”

“You heard what I just told you right?” Lena asked as she sprinted out the room.

“Uhhh…” Kiara gave a hesitant nod, she hadn’t heard a single thing that the redhead had said.

“You need to go get ready, so that you can be down stairs at the dinner table in a half an hour. Everyone is waiting for you,” Jennifer quickly explained then promptly left the room. Kiara nodded to herself, she was curious as to who else she would be meeting.

She halsey went to the closet to change into the dress, then took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. This was the first time in her life that she had ever worn a neckline that was cut this deeply. She checked her phone before she was about to leave the room, hopping up onto the bed so that she could call her sister. Her phone had finished charging overnight, when she had turned it back on there had been a litany of texts that had been left by Adira.

"Kiara!!" Adira cried.

“I know, I’m so sorry! My phone died,” Kiara hurriedly explained herself before she was scolded by her big sister.

“Do you have any idea how worried I've been? I kept thinking that Alpha Xavier had killed you or worse…and that was why you weren’t answering my calls,” Adira accused.

“He hasn’t so much as laid a finger on me, Adira. I’m safe and sound. How is mom? Was she worried too seeing I didn't answer my phone?”

“I lied to mom, I told her that we had talked and you were safe. If I had told her the truth that would just have meant that two of us would have spent the night sleepless instead of one,” Adira elaborated. She had always been the only one that knew exactly how to handle their mother. Once Kiara left their house and the pack had been in upheaval. Their father had been furious over the fact that Kiara had chosen Xavier. Noah was acting like a rabid beast, venting his misery and frustration out on what remained of their pack. The solution that Kiara and Xavier had come to had generated animosity among the males of their family leaving them gravely offended. It wasn’t something that they would forget easily.

"How is everyone else in the pack doing?" Kiara inquired.

“Everything here is just like it always is. You don’t need to worry about us,” Adira chided.

“Okay, but what about Cat? Is she doing okay?”

“Cat is dining well and is safe. She is eating regularly for me. I can tell that she misses her original mommy though she doesn’t seem to think that I’m too bad of a replacement,” Adira joked with her sister. She knew that Cat could be quite particular and had no problems voicing her opinions.

“I miss all of you.” Tears began to gather in Kiara’s eyes that she hastily wiped away. She had resolved last night that she would not cry again, apparently she couldn’t stop herself.

“We miss you as well. Remember to keep your shoulders back and your head up, Kiara,” Adira advised her little sister as she let tears silently fall down her cheeks. Kiara could only nodded too afraid of her voice cracking if she spoke.

“Tell me how everyone there is treating you. No one is trying to bully you, right?” She’d been worried that once Xavier had gotten her little sister to his back that he would abuse his power by miss treating her.

“You aren’t alone in thinking that everyone here would despise me. Surprisingly, the Beta and Gamma females have been unbelievably kind and welcoming since I arrived. I haven’t encountered any bullying as of yet. Everyone that I’ve met in this pack has been friendly. I won’t lie, it seems really strange after always bearing the brunt of the pack's insults. I’m trying to acclimate myself to this new situation,” Kiara gave a half hearted chuckle.

“Then I’m elated that you got out of this pack.” After listening to Kiara’s unenthusiastic chuckle, Adira's sorrow ran deeper over her sister’s past in the Ardara Moon Pack. “You should try to move past all those bad memories now. Kiara, you know that I love you so when I say this it’s because I want you to have a good and happy life. I hope you never return. No matter what Kiara, don’t ever come back to this pack.”

“Why are you talking like this?” Adira’s comments worried her. Why would her sister never want her to come back home? It couldn’t just be because of their father.

"I am just saying."

“What is going on in the pack that you aren’t telling me? Are you in some sort of trouble?” Kiara had the sense that Adira was trying to keep something hidden from her.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine, but I need to get going right now. I’ll call you again later.”

“No, wait!” Kiara yelled into the receiver but Adira had already ended the call. “What are you hiding from me?” Kiara muttered to herself.

"Kiara, are you ready?" Jennifer knocked on the door.

“Yup!” Kiara put her phone down on the bedside table. She went to put her old worn out slippers on then realized that they didn’t match her dress. She didn’t have a clue who she would be meeting in the dining room, so instead of being embarrassed she opted to go barefoot. When she arrived at the stairs she ran into Lena.

“Kiara, wait a second. Here put these sandals on, they go with the dress.” Lena bent down to help Kiara slide them on. They looked brand new and expensive.

"How did you know my size?"

“You should discuss that with the Alpha.” Lena gave her a conspiratorial wink as she showed Kiara the package that had been delivered. “Do you like them?”

“Are you kidding? I love them.” Kiara couldn’t argue that they were something that she had always wanted but Xavier knowing her shoe size gave her the chills. He had vacated the room before she had woken up that morning then sent a lavish dress and shoes that were her size. Oh and yeah she smelled of him.

Kiara walked toward the dining room flanked by Jennifer and Lena, she couldn’t help the strange feeling of apprehension that came over her. However, as she entered the dining room she projected the outside confident facade that was needed to be a capable Luna.

The moment that the three high ranking females entered the dining room the low constant rumble of male conversation died down. This was the first time that Zander was laying eyes on the little gem that had given his brother morning wood. He glanced black at his twin, who had forgotten how to draw breath at the sight of his little surrogate’s breast in that dress. Xavier made a quick mental note that the neckline of that dress was cut perfectly for her body.

“Luna Kiara” Kiara’s attention was drawn to an older gentleman with a charming smile. He appeared to be in his sixties though he exuded confidence and the aura of a former Alpha. “ Hello, I’m Stephen Lincoln, an Elder and the grandfather to both the Alphas of the Sirius Bright Pack ,” Stephen gave her a respectful bow.

‘Thank the Goddess I didn’t come down here barefoot!’ Kiara thought to herself.She hadn’t had a clue that she would be meeting Xavier’s grandfather.

“Please take a seat next to your mate," Stephen added once he straightened up.

Kiara slowly raised her gaze to find where Xavier was sitting at the dining table. She blinked her eyes a couple of times wondering why she was having double vision. That was when she realized there was nothing wrong with their eyes, Xavier had an identical twin brother. Elder’s Stephen’s comment about the ‘Alphas’ of the pack made complete sense now.

There was a palpable sense of tense that came over the dining room, where there had once been smiling faces there were now pale faces. Stephen had made a surprise arrival five minutes before the start of breakfast. This of course had not given Xavier time to warn Kiara of his grandpa’s impending request. Compounding insult to injury, Elder Stephen had petitioned both of the Alpha twins to conceal their auras and scents.

‘It appears the grandpa has shown up with a plan in hand to test you chosen Luna,’ Zander mind-linked his twin.

The twins shared a knowing look as their muscles tightened, everything about them was identical from their build to eye color. The only hope that Kiara had of recognizing Xavier was by scent and it was masked upon the Elders solicitation.

Stephen fully intended to test this new Luna;s ability to identify her Alpha. His sharp eyes closely studied Kiara. The young woman had only met his grandson the day before, it would be difficult for her to tell the twins apart without the help of scent.

‘Why the f**k is that old wolf playing these childish games?’ Xavier despised it when his grandfather’s stunts.

‘Did you really expect anything less after Petra’s treachery?’ Zander mind-linked in return to calm him down. ‘That b***h couldn’t tell the difference between the two of us all the time and you were fated mates!’

Kiara kept her eyes focused on the twins as she continued to walk through the dining room causing the anxiety in the room to reach a fever pitch.

‘Your little game will be finished before it’s even started if she sits next to the wrong Alpha,’ Kiaden mind-linked both the Alphas.

Both of the Alphas’ muscles were clenched so tightly that they could have deflected weapons. Stephen had taken note of Kaira’s calm as she pulled out the chair next to the Alpha seated on the right side of the dinner table.

The silence that had consumed the dining room was so intense that one could have heard a hummingbird’s heartbeat. Once seated Kiara raised warm chocolate brown eyes to meet Xavier’s that had softened as they looked down at her for the first time.

"How did you recognize me?" Xavier’s low murmur reached Kiara's ears, making her heartbeat speed up.

“The same way that you discovered that I was hiding behind that wall in my packhouse,” she answered.

The couple shared a smile like only those who share a secret can then hurriedly averted their eyes. That was the first time she had seen his smile, it had only lasted a few seconds but it had turned his handsome face into something almost otherworldly in its beauty.

“You are absolutely brilliant! You recognized Xavier without the assistant of his scent or aura. My grandson has chosen the perfect she-wolf as his new mate!” Elder Stephen was ecstatic.

The room as a whole let out a huge sigh of relief, they were all still shocked over Kiara’s correct choice. Xavier gave his grandfather a small smile. However, he was not prepared to play the next game his grandfather wished to play.

Stephen was fully aware of the fact that Kiara was Sawyer’s daughter. It was causing quite a problem with the Elders before Stpehen had arrived that morning. This was what had led Stephen to putting Kiara the test during breakfast. Xavier needed to prove to the Council of Elders that the Luna he had chosen was capable of being his mate.

“Please excuse me for that little game Luna,” Stephen apologized wholeheartedly.

“There’s nothing to worry about. I found it interesting, grandpa.” Stephen had been easily won over by Kiara’s ethereal beauty and that she addressed him as grandpa so quickly. He sensed a sweet innocence about her that made it seem like she was incapable of any kind of deception. Xavier was even impressed by the change in Kiara’s confidence and behavior compared to the previous night.

“Luna Kiara, it’s a pleasure to meet a fine young lady such as yourself. I’m beyond pleased to inform you that you have received the blessing of the pack’s Council of Elders. We wholeheartedly embrace you as our Luna and this union with our Alpha,” Stephen announced to the dining room, his voice over flowing with pride.

“Thank you, I’m honored to gain the approval of the Elders. I would also like to personally thank you for your service as an Elder. I know that I will appreciate all of your future guidance and support,” Kiara acknowledged the former Alpha. Every word that she had spoken had just solidified in the minds of those in the room their Luna’s superb upbring and pose.

“Grandpa, thank you for your blessing. Let’s get breakfast underway,“ Xavier suggested then indicated that his grandfather should go first as was tradition.

“Alright, but first tell me what you’re planning to perform the marking ceremony?” Stephen’s joy at the prospective date gleamed in his eyes, yet Kiara was terrified by his words. She quickly glanced at Xavier who appeared to have been struck speechless by his grandfather’s question.

“We’ve decided that there won’t be a marking ceremony, grandpa. We’ve accepted each other as mates and partners, that’s enough for the two of us. You already know my feelings on all of that marking bullshit, I don’t put value in those types of things,” Xavier reaffirmed with a frown. Kiara noted that Xavier’s emotions shifted to an agitated state, he seemed repulsed by the mere mention of marking.

“Marking is an essential part of the process of taking a mate Xavier,” Stephen Sighed. Honestly, Stephen had anticipated this response from his grandson given his past, that was the reason why he had brought the ceremony up in public. This was the only way to ensure that it wouldn’t be swept under the rug. “If another pack were to discover that our Luna has not been marked by you, the rumors will spread faster than a wildfire. Our enemies could use that leverage to their advantage at any time against us, safeguarding their victory because you have not consolidated the bond. It’s your responsibility as the Alpha of this pack to mate and mark your Luna. Otherwise, it leaves every one of us vulnerable,” Stephan pointed out.

“Your decision in this will either bring folly or fortune to the pack, Xavier, You must choose wisely. You have to mark your Luna,” Stephen repeated. Kiara’s body had grown colder the longer the conversation had transpired. She was clutching the hem of her new dress with both hands to keep them from trembling as she stared down at her plate of untouched food.

She didn’t know how things had gotten here. They wanted her to be Marked and mated. Surprisingly, that’s not what frightened her, it was Xavier’s stoic silence over the matter.

“Okay, I will acquiesce to your request,” Xavier gave his approval with a hesitant nod. Kiara’s eyes were owl-like in their surprise, she could hear her rapid heartbeat in her ears, as she tried and failed to hide the horrified expression on her face. What the hell had Xavier just agreed to?!

“I agree to mark my Luna,” Xavier announced to the room.