Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate
⊰ 68 ⊱ A Mother's Worry

**I Malachi I**

The silence in the car is deafening. Penelope hasn't said a word since we left Jackson's estate, and I can practically feel the tension radiating off her. I want to put my arm around her, to pull her close and assure her that everything will be alright, but I know better. She needs time to process, and I need time to figure out how to navigate this situation.

As we pull up to the mansion, I notice Penelope's hand resting protectively over her swollen belly. It's a gesture I've seen countless times, but tonight it feels different. More defensive. Like she's shielding our son from the decision looming over

us.

I step out first, offering my hand to help her from the car. She takes it, her grip firm despite the weariness in her eyes. We make our way up the stairs in silence, my hand at the small of her back, guiding her gently. *What's bothering you, little rabbit?*

Once in our bedroom, as she settles in, the silence becomes too much. "Penny," I say, my voice low and steady. "Talk to me. What's on your mind?"

She turns to face me, her hazel eyes swimming with a mix of emotions I can't quite read. "Is this... normal?" she asks, gesturing vaguely. "Arranging marriages for children who aren't even born yet?"

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "It's not uncommon," I admit, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "Especially among the more powerful packs. It's seen as a way to secure alliances and strengthen bloodlines." "But what about love?" Penelope presses, unable to keep the frustration from her voice. "What about choice?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Love can grow, Penny. Look at us. We weren't fated mates, but what we have... it's real. It's strong."

"That's different," she argues and begins pacing the room. "We *chose* each other. We had the chance to fall in love. This... this is taking that choice away before they even have a chance."

I watch her move, her agitation clear in every step. Part of me wants to go to her, to wrap her in my arms and soothe away her worries. But I know that's not what she needs right now. She needs answers, reassurance.

"It's not a decision to be made lightly," I say, my voice calm despite my own worry. "But the benefits to the pack... to our son's future... they can't be ignored."

Penelope stops pacing, her arms wrapping around her belly as if to shield our child from my words. "So that's it? You're considering it?"

I stand, moving towards her slowly. "I'm considering all our options, Penny. As Alpha, as a future father, I have to think about what's best for everyone."

"Even if it means sacrificing our son's happiness?" The words come out sharp, cutting through the air between us.

I nearly flinch, the accusation in her tone hitting me like a physical blow. "That's not fair, Penny. You know I want our son to be happy. But I also have to think about his safety, his future. A strong alliance could protect him in ways we might not be able to."

I see tears gathering in her eyes, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to pull her into my arms. But I know we need to finish this conversation, no matter how difficult it might be.

"I just... I can't imagine making that kind of decision for him," Penelope says, her voice barely above a whisper. "He should have the chance to find his own path, his own love."

I move closer, cupping her face gently in my hands. "Hey," I say softly, "nothing's decided yet. We have time to think about this, to weigh all the pros and cons. I promise you, I won't make any decisions about our son's future without talking it through with you first."

She leans into my touch, and I can feel some of the tension leave her body. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "I know you're just trying to do what's best. It's just... all of this is so new to me still. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in all these pack politics and traditions."

I pull her close, planting a kiss on top of her head, inhaling her scent. It calms my wolf, grounds me in a way nothing else can. "I know, little rabbit. And I'm sorry for not explaining things better. We'll figure this out together, okay? You and me." She nods against my chest, and for a moment, we just stand there, holding each other. I wish we could stay like this, shut out the world and all its complications. But reality has a way of intruding, even in our most private moments. As if on cue, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I ignore it, but Penelope pulls away slightly. "You should get that," she says, a sad smile on her face. "It's probably important."

*Just one day... For one day, I wish we weren't interrupted.*

I sigh softly, kissing her forehead, my lips lingering for a moment. "I'm sorry, love. I have to get back to work. You should get some rest."

She nods, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes. It kills me to leave her like this, but the responsibilities of an Alpha never cease. I give her one last kiss, pouring all my love and reassurance into it, before reluctantly pulling away. As I head out, I pause at the door, looking back at her. She's already moving towards the closet, no doubt to change into something more comfortable. The sight of her, belly swollen with our child, hits me anew. The fierce need to protect them both, to ensure their happiness and safety, wars with the duties and expectations of my position.

With a heavy sigh, I force myself to leave, my mind already racing with the tasks ahead. There are calls to make, strategies to plan, a pack to lead. But even as I immerse myself in the work of an Alpha, part of me remains acutely aware of Penelope, alone in our room, grappling with the realities of the world she's chosen to be a part of.

I make my way down the corridor, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway as my thoughts linger on today's events. Jackson's proposal, Penelope's concerns, the future of our pack and our son-it all swirls in my mind, a complex puzzle with no easy solution.

As I approach my office, I'm already mentally preparing for the mountain of work waiting for me. Reports to review, calls to make, decisions that can't wait until morning. It's the life I've chosen, the role I've embraced, but tonight it feels particularly daunting.

I'm reaching for the door handle when a voice calls out behind me.

"Alpha!"

I turn to see Axel striding towards me, the look on his face immediately putting me on edge.

"What is it?" I ask, my voice low and controlled despite the sudden spike of adrenaline coursing through me.

Axel comes to a stop before me, his eyes darting around quickly before meeting mine. "We have a problem."