Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate
⊰ 86 ⊱ Thawed Hearts

**I Penelope I**

The walls of my room feel like they're closing in on me. I've been cooped up here for days, not because I'm forced to, but because I haven't had the energy or desire to venture out. The maid relayed Rook's message to me on that first night: I'm free to explore the castle grounds as long as I don't leave them. But until now, I haven't taken him up on that offer.

Today, though, I need to move. My body needs exercise, even if it's just a simple walk. With a deep breath, I push myself off the bed and make my way to the door. *No guard?*

For a moment, I wonder if maybe I'm not really a prisoner after all. But I quickly shake that thought away. I may have some freedom of movement, but I'm still here against my will, away from Malachi, away from the father of my child. That makes me a prisoner.

As I step into the hallway, the enormity of the castle hits me anew. The corridors stretch out in every direction. I choose a direction at random and start walking, my footsteps echoing in the quiet space.

It doesn't take long before I encounter other pack members. They're everywhere, their eyes following me as I pass. Some look at me with open suspicion, others with barely concealed hostility. A few even growl lowly as I walk by, the sound making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. But none of them say anything or try to stop me.

*Thankfully.*

The atmosphere here is different from Malachi's pack. Everyone seems harder, more stern. Even the maids I pass have a soldier-like demeanor. It's intimidating, to say the least. I find myself hunching my shoulders, trying to make myself as small and unobtrusive as possible.

I try to memorize the paths I'm taking, hoping to create a mental map of the castle. But after a while, I have to admit I'm hopelessly lost. The corridors all look the same, and I've taken so many turns I'm not sure I could find my way back to my room if I tried.

Just as I'm starting to feel a bit panicked, I come across a set of large, ornate doors. The library, if I had to guess. I decide to step inside, thinking I can catch my breath, maybe pick up a book, and then figure out how to get back to my room. It couldn't hurt, right? Rook said I can go anywhere... as long as I don't leave the grounds.

As I push open the heavy doors, I'm struck by the sheer size of the place. Shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, packed with books of all sizes and colors. The lighting is dim and warm, making it cozy despite the room's vastness.

I make my way through the stacks, running my fingers along the spines of books as I pass. At the far end of the room, I spot a reading area that looks incredibly inviting. Plush armchairs, soft throw blankets, the kind of place you could lose yourself in for hours.

But as I approach, I realize I'm not alone. *Rook.*

He's there, lounging on one of the couches with his head propped up on the armrest. He's reading, his face relaxed in a way I've never seen before. From where I stand, he looks... normal. Human, almost. Not the all-powerful Alpha who radiates dominance, but just a man enjoying a good book.

I'm about to turn and leave, not wanting to disturb him, when his voice stops me.

"Penelope," he says, not looking up from his book. "I was wondering when you'd venture out of your room."

My heart skips a beat.

*Of course he sensed me, heard me coming. He's so strong, and I'm... well, not.*

"I-I'm sorry," I stammer, taking a step back. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

He closes his book then, sitting up and turning to look at me. There's a softness in his eyes that's almost painful to see. "You don't have to apologize," he says gently. "You didn't disturb me at all." *He seems... nice today.*

I stand there, not sure what to say or do. His eyes scan over me, and a small frown crosses his face. "You look a bit winded," he says. "Please, sit down."

His tone is so kind, so different from the way he spoke to me on the plane, that I find myself moving towards one of the chairs before I can think better of it. As I settle into the soft cushions, Rook leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "So, tell me something about yourself," he says, catching me off guard. "I want to get to know you, Penelope."

*Get to know me? You just kidnapped me and now you want to get to know me?*

At first, I'm reluctant. What could I possibly say to this man who's turned my life upside down? But as the silence stretches between us, I find myself speaking.

"I... I used to be a waitress," I say, the words feeling strange on my tongue. It seems like a lifetime ago now. "Before I met Malachi, I mean."

Rook nods, encouraging me to continue. "What was that like?" he asks, genuine curiosity in his voice.

And somehow, I find myself opening up. "It was... different. I lived in this tiny apartment, barely big enough to turn around in. But it was mine, you know?"

"I can imagine," Rook says softly. "Did you enjoy being a waitress?"

I shrug. "It had its moments. The customers could be a pain, but I made some good friends there. And it was helping me save up for school."

"Oh?" Rook leans forward, interested. "What did you want to study?"

"Psychology," I admit. "I've always been fascinated by how people think and behave."

As I talk, I find myself relaxing, the words coming more easily. To my surprise, Rook is an attentive listener, asking thoughtful questions and even laughing at my jokes. "You know," he says with a grin, "I have a confession to make. I have a bit of a sweet tooth."

I can't help but chuckle. "The big, bad Alpha has a weakness for chocolate? Who would've thought?"

Rook laughs too, a warm, genuine sound. "Oh, that's not even my most embarrassing secret. Want to hear about the time I tried to teach myself to play the guitar?" "Oh, this I've got to hear," I say, leaning in.

"Let's just say it involved a broken string, a very angry roommate, and me swearing off musical instruments for life," he says, shaking his head ruefully. Before I know it, we're both laughing, the tension between us easing in a way I never would have thought possible. It's... nice. Comfortable, even.

"I'm happy to have met you, Penelope," Rook says suddenly, his voice soft and sincere. "I know the circumstances aren't ideal, but... I'm glad you're here."

I'm surprised to find that I'm smiling. "I... I think I'm happy to have met you too, Rook," I admit, the words feeling strange but not untrue.

His face lights up at my words, and for a moment, I can see the brother he claims to be. It's a glimpse of what could be, if things were different.

"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" he asks, a hint of nervousness in his voice that I find oddly endearing.

I hesitate for a moment, thinking of Malachi, of the life I've been taken from. Of what he must be going through and feeling right now. *Would I be betraying him? If I said yes?*

But then I look at Rook, at the hope in his eyes, and I find myself nodding.

"Yes," I say. "I'd like that."