Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate
⊰ 49 ⊱ A Moment of Defiance

**Penelope **

The morning sun filters through the curtains, rousing me from a fitful sleep. I blink, disoriented for a moment, before the events of last night come rushing back. Malachi's proposal, the ring glinting on my finger, the promise of a future together. A small smile tugs at my lips, but it fades as quickly as it appears.

Despite the joy of our engagement, an undercurrent of unease still runs through me. It seems that as of late, my mood swings are unpredictable, and I find myself thinking back to Malachi's harsh words from last night. *Come on. Get over it. It's done. It's over. Just be happy we're getting married.*

But when I turn to his side of the bed, finding it empty, I'm right back to lingering on negative feelings. Of course, I know I shouldn't be surprised that he's not here. He's probably been up for hours, dealing with pack business. Still, I can't help how irritable I am.

*Let's try not to be bitchy all day, yeah?*

I sigh, pushing myself up with some effort. As I waddle to the bathroom, I catch sight of myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looks tired, uncertain. Not at all like the *confident Luna* I'm supposed to be. "Come on, Penelope," I mutter to my reflection. "You can do this. It's just another day."

But even as I say the words, doubt creeps in. Can I really do this? Can I ever truly fit into this world of wolves and pack politics?

I shake off the negative thoughts, focusing instead on getting ready. Today is the festival parade, day two of the tribal celebration. I should be excited, honored to stand by Malachi's side as his Luna. Instead, I feel a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach.

As I slip on a flowing sundress, chosen to accommodate my growing bump, I can't help but feel unprepared. Malachi never really explained what to expect from this part of the festival. Will I have to make a speech? Perform some kind of ritual? The not knowing makes my palms sweat.

"There you are," Malachi's voice startles me as I exit the bathroom. He's already dressed, looking every inch the powerful Alpha in black slacks and a crisp white button-up. "We need to get going. The parade starts in an hour." "Mal," I start, my voice hesitant. "About the parade... what exactly am I supposed to do?"

He furrows his brow, a hint of confusion on his face. "Just stand beside me, greet the pack members. It's not complicated, Penny."

His dismissive tone stings, but I push down the hurt.

*He's under a lot of pressure. Be patient.*

"Right," I nod, forcing a smile. "Of course. Let's go."

The car ride to the parade route is tense, filled with an uncomfortable silence. I fidget with my engagement ring, twisting it around my finger. Last night, it felt like a symbol of our love, our commitment. Now, it feels almost like a shackle.

As we arrive, the noise and bustle of the gathering pack hit me like a physical force. Wolves in both human and wolf form mill about, their excited chatter filling the air. The scent of grilled meat and sweet treats mingles with the earthy smell of the forest. There's so many of them more than there were last night-and I feel my anxiety spike.

Malachi's hand on the small of my back steadies me as we make our way through the crowd. He's the picture of an Alpha-strong, commanding, his very presence demanding respect.

Wolves approach us, bowing to Malachi and offering congratulations. I plaster on a smile that feels brittle and false, murmuring thank yous and trying to remember the proper greetings Malachi taught me. But with each interaction, I feel more and more out of place.

*Why didn't he prepare me better for this? How am I supposed to be a Luna if I don't even know the basics?*

"You're doing great," Malachi murmurs in my ear, sensing my discomfort. But his reassurance feels hollow, like he's trying to convince himself as much as me.

In the next moment, an older wolf approaches, his beard streaked with gray. He bows low to Malachi, then turns to me with a look that makes me want to shrink into myself.

"So this is the human Luna," he says, his tone making it clear it's not a compliment. "I hope you're adjusting well to our ways, girl. It would be a shame if the Alpha's choice proved... unsuitable."

The words hit me like a slap. All the insecurities, all the doubts I've been trying to push down come rushing to the surface. Before I can stop myself, words are tumbling out of my mouth.

"I'm doing just fine, thank you," I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. "And I have a name. It's Penelope."

The old wolf's eyes widen in shock, then narrow dangerously. Malachi's hand tightens on my back, a warning I'm too wound up to heed.

"Penelope," he hisses, his voice low and angry. "What do you think you're doing?"

I turn to him, frustration bubbling up inside me. "What am I doing? I'm standing up for myself! I'm sick of being treated like I'm less than just because I'm human!"

Our voices are rising, drawing attention from the surrounding crowd. I know I should stop, should lower my voice, but I can't seem to help myself. All the pent-up emotions, all the fears and insecurities, they're pouring out of me in a torrent I can't control.

"You need to learn your place," Malachi growls, his eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't just about you anymore. It's about the pack, about our future. You can't just-"

"My place?" I interrupt, incredulous. "And where exactly is that, Malachi? Behind you? Silent and obedient like a good little human?"

A hush falls over the crowd. I've gone too far, I know it, but the words keep coming. "I thought you wanted a partner, not a puppet. Or was that just another lie?"

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I regret them. The hurt that flashes across Malachi's face makes my heart clench. But before either of us can say anything more, a smooth, cultured voice cuts through the tension. "My, my. Trouble in paradise?"

I turn to see a man approaching us, and my instincts immediately scream danger. He's tall, almost as tall as Malachi, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. There's a predatory grace to his movements that sets my teeth on edge. "Prince Tarlac," Malachi says, his voice tight. "This is a private matter."

The prince-Tarlac-smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Nothing is private when it comes to pack leadership, Malachi. You know that." His gaze turns to me, cold and assessing. "It seems your little human needs a lesson in proper behavior." Anger flares in my chest, hot and bright. All the frustration, all the hurt of the past few days, it all comes to a head in this moment. "Excuse me?" I say, stepping forward despite Malachi's attempt to hold me back. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Tarlac's eyes narrow, a dangerous glint appearing in them. "I am the prince of this territory, human. And you would do well to remember your place."

There it is again.

"My place?" I spit, beyond caring about the consequences. "My place is right here, beside my mate. And I don't need lessons from some entitled "

The crack of his hand against my cheek echoes in the sudden silence. For a moment, I'm too stunned to react. The sting spreads across my face, hot and sharp.

Gasps ripple through the crowd. I hear Malachi's growl, low and furious, but when I look at him, he's not moving. His fists are clenched at his sides, his jaw tight, but he's not doing anything.

*Why isn't he doing anything?*

Tarlac turns to Malachi, a smug smile on his face. "You'd do well to teach your mate some damn manners, Alpha," he snarls. "You're lucky I don't have her imprisoned for this insolence. I am the prince. I shouldn't have to remind you or her of that."

*Prince?*

My heart skips a beat as the realization dawns on me. He outranks Malachi. That's why Malachi isn't defending me. He can't.

Suddenly, I feel sick. Everything I thought I knew about my place here, about my relationship with Malachi, it all comes crashing down around me.

*Why did I do that? What the hell is wrong with me..?*

"Axel," Malachi says, his voice tightly controlled. "Get Penelope out of here. Now."

In an instant, Axel is at my side, along with two other wolves. They start to lead me away, but I'm too shocked to resist. I can't believe what just happened. I can't believe Malachi just stood there and let it happen.

As they usher me into a waiting limo, I feel numb. The world seems muffled, distant. I should be crying, should be screaming, but I can't seem to do anything but sit there, staring blankly at my hands in my lap.