Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate
⊰ 71 ⊱ Hidden Enemy

** Malachi I**

The sound of water splashing echoes through the dimly lit dungeon, punctuated by desperate gasps for air. I stand off to the side, my face an impassive mask as I watch Axel work. The captive-Rook, he calls himself is strapped to a chair, his head forced back as water cascades over the cloth on his face. His wiry frame strains against the bonds, muscles taut beneath skin marred by old scars and fresh bruises. A jagged scar runs from his left temple to his jaw, giving his face a permanent sneer even as he struggles for breath.

Garrett and Ryker flank him, their forms tense and ready to act at a moment's notice. The acrid smell of fear and sweat hangs heavy in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of blood from Rook's split lip.

This isn't the first time we've caught an intruder in our territory, but something about this one sets my teeth on edge. The memory of finding him with Penelope's shirt clenched in his jaws makes my blood boil. The implications are clear-he was gathering her scent, likely to distribute to others. The thought of unknown threats circling my mate, my pregnant Penelope, makes my wolf howl with rage.

*I'll kill them. I'll kill them all.*

I clench my fists at my sides, forcing myself to remain still. Axel needs space to work, and my presence alone is enough to remind everyone of the seriousness of the situation. Still, as I watch Rook splutter and cough, I can't help but feel a mix of frustration and grudging respect. He's tough, this one. Hours have passed, and still, he refuses to break.

*No one is unbreakable. No one.*

Axel pauses, removing the soaked cloth from Rook's face, giving him a moment to catch his breath. I seize the opportunity, stepping forward. The dungeon falls silent, save for Rook's ragged breathing. I lean in close, my voice low and deadly calm.

"You think you're strong," I say, my eyes boring into his. "But let me assure you, your pain has only just begun. Every second you remain silent is another eternity of agony waiting for you. And when you finally break-because you *will* break- know that your suffering will pale in comparison to what I'll do to those who sent you."

I straighten up, my gaze sweeping over Axel and the others. With a sharp nod, I turn on my heel and stride out of the dungeon. Axel's footsteps follow me, and I pause in the corridor outside. "Alpha," he says, his voice low and respectful. "I'll get him talking. You have my word."

I turn to face him, taking in the determination etched on his features. "See that you do," I reply. "I want to know everything-who sent him, how many others are involved, and what exactly they're planning. The moment he cracks, I want to know."

Axel nods sharply. "Yes, Alpha. You'll be the first to know."

I watch as he disappears back into the dungeon, the heavy door closing behind him. For a moment, I stand there, the weight of the exhaustion from last night's chase pressing down on my shoulders. Then, with a deep breath, I head upstairs. As I climb the stairs from the dungeon, the coolness of the stone gives way to the warmth of the main house. Sunlight streams through the windows, a stark contrast to the darkness below. The normalcy of it all the soft carpet beneath my feet, the distant sound of activity in the kitchen-feels surreal after the intensity of the interrogation.

I make my way to our bedroom, my footsteps heavy. But as I push open the door, I'm greeted by an empty room. The bed is neatly made, untouched since probably this morning when Penelope got out of bed. *Penny.*

A wave of guilt hits me as I remember I was supposed to meet Penelope for breakfast. She's likely in the library now, as she usually is at this time of day.

"Damn it," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. I've lost track of time, caught up in the situation in the dungeon. I know I'm in trouble-Penelope's patience has limits, even with her growing understanding of my responsibilities as Alpha. I strip off my clothes, letting them fall to the floor in a heap. The fabric is stiff with dried sweat and carries the musty odor of the dungeon. I'll have them burned later-no need for that scent to linger.

The bathroom feels like a sanctuary, the large walk-in shower beckoning. I step under the spray, letting out a long sigh as the hot water hits my skin. Steam rises around me, carrying away the tension. I stand there for a long moment, head bowed, letting the water sluice over my muscles.

As I soap up, my mind wanders to Penelope.

*I'll find her after this. Explain what happened, make it up to her somehow.*

The thought of her soft smile, the forgiveness I know I'll find in her eyes, is enough to lift my spirits slightly.

I'm so lost in thought that I almost miss the soft sound of movement in the bathroom. Instantly alert, I step out of the shower, ready to shift at a moment's notice. But as I turn, water still dripping from my body, I see a familiar figure. "Penny," I breathe out, relief washing over me. "It's you."

She smiles softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Who else would it be?"

I take in the sight of her, standing there in a sunflower print sundress that hugs her curves in all the right places. Her hair falls in soft waves around her face, and there's a glow about her that takes my breath away. In this moment, I'm struck by how incredibly beautiful she is, how lucky I am to call her mine.

I move towards her, drawn like a magnet. As I get closer, I reach for a towel hanging nearby, but her hand on my arm stops me.

"You don't need that," she says softly, her eyes roaming over my body with open appreciation.

*Oh?*

I let my hand drop, a mix of surprise and desire coursing through me at her boldness. As I step closer, I notice her eyes lingering on my chest. Her hand comes up, fingers tracing where the scratch marks were just hours ago. The touch is light, almost reverent, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.

"You didn't come to bed last night," she says, her voice low and husky. There's a need in her tone that makes my wolf stir.

"I'm sorry," I murmur, my hands finding their way to her hips. I lean in close, burying my nose in her hair and inhaling deeply. Her scent-honey and lavender and something uniquely *her*-fills my senses, grounding me in a way nothing else can. "I had things to take care of. But I promise, I'll make it up to you."

My lips graze her ear as I speak, and I feel her shiver against me. I trail kisses down her neck, relishing the soft gasp that escapes her. My hands roam her back, coming to rest on the curve of her ass. I give a gentle squeeze, and she moans softly, my name falling from her lips.

The sound nearly undoes me. With careful movements, I guide her towards the bed, lowering her gently onto the soft sheets. I hover over her, drinking in the sight of her flushed cheeks and bright eyes. My hand comes to rest on her swollen belly, and I'm overwhelmed by a rush of emotion-love, protectiveness, and a fierce determination to keep her and our child safe.

"I missed you," Penelope whispers, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest.

"I missed you too, Penny," I murmur against her skin, planting a soft kiss on her belly. "So fucking much..."

I reach under her dress, my fingers finding the edge of her underwear. With a gentle tug, I slide them down her legs, her sandals clattering to the floor as she kicks them off. The scent of her arousal hits me, heady and intoxicating. I plant another kiss on her belly, then trail lower, my lips ghosting over her inner thighs.

I hover over her swollen and needy clit, and before I can even make contact, she's already moaning breathlessly.

*This is the imprinting mark...*

...

*I could get used to this.*

Slowly, achingly, I take her bud between my lips, my tongue massaging her tenderly as I make love to her sweet pussy. The taste of her makes my wolf stir, a primal hunger taking over.

"Mal..." Penelope moans lowly, the pitch of her voice rising slightly. "You're so good to me," she breathes, her hands clutching at the sheets.

It's only minutes before she's coming undone on my tongue, her legs shaking as I tear an orgasm from her, cleaning up the juices from her slit.

*I'm not done. I'm far from done, little rabbit.*

I lift slightly to look at her over the swell of her belly, taking in the sight of her sprawled out before me, eyes half-lidded with desire. "You've been a good girl, Penny," I murmur, my voice thick with praise. "Let me reward you."