Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate
⊰ 91 ⊱ Shattered Reality

**I Penelope I**

I wander the halls of Rook's fortress for what feels like the hundredth time today. The cool marble floors beneath my bare feet have become familiar, each turn and corridor slowly etching itself into my memory. I'm not sure whether to feel relieved or disheartened by this growing familiarity. On one hand, it's nice not to feel completely lost anymore. On the other, it feels like accepting my captivity, like I'm settling into this.

*Why did this have to happen now? When will my life just be normal?*

...

*Will it ever be?*

My hand rests on my swollen belly as I walk, the other holding the half-empty bottle of water I've been sipping on for the past hour. As I round a corner near what I've come to recognize as Rook's office, voices drift through the partially open door. I slow my pace, curiosity getting the better of me.

"This isn't right, Alpha," a man's voice says, frustration evident in his tone. Despite the emotion, there's a clear note of respect. It reminds me of how Axel speaks to Malachi. *Oh, Mal... I miss you.*

The thought of him sends a pang through my heart.

"I understand your frustration, Jax," Rook's voice responds, "but this is a delicate situation."

"With all due respect, Alpha, she's my mate. I have the right to at least meet her."

My heart skips a beat.

*My mate?*

...

*No. Malachi is my mate. He's the father of my child. He's... he's everything.*

In my shock, the water bottle I've been carrying slips from my grasp, hitting the floor with a loud thud that seems to echo through the hallway. And the voices in the office abruptly stop.

I stand frozen, my heart pounding in my chest, as the door swings open fully. Rook emerges first, there's a mix of surprise and concern written on his face. But it's the man behind him that catches my attention.

He's tall, with broad shoulders and dark hair that falls in waves around a face that seems carved from marble. His eyes that captivate me a deep, stormy blue that seems to pierce right through me. Our gazes lock, and for a moment, the world seems to stand still. There's a pull, an undeniable connection that terrifies me.

*No. This can't be happening.*

I snap out of it quickly, stumbling backward. I vaguely hear Rook call out to me, but I don't stop. I turn on my heel and walk as fast as I can, my heart racing. "Penelope, wait!" Rook's voice follows me, but I don't slow down.

*I can't face this. I can't face him.*

A hand on my arm stops me, and I turn around to face Rook. There's a sad look on his face, apologetic. "Penelope, I'm sorry. I was going to tell you-"

"You were telling the truth," I cut him off, my voice bitter. "The other day. When you said Malachi isn't my true mate. You knew, didn't you? You knew all along." Rook opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, another voice cuts through the tension.

"Penelope."

My breath catches in my throat at the sound.

*It's him-Jax...*

I turn slowly, unable to stop myself from meeting his gaze again. There's a softness in his eyes, a warmth that calls to something deep inside me.

"Can we talk?" he asks, his voice low and intense, more a demand than a question.

I want to refuse. I want to run back to my room and hide from all of this. But something keeps me rooted to the spot. "I... I don't think that's a good idea," I manage to say.

"It wasn't a request," Jax says, his eyes flashing with a hint of yellow. He takes a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "You're my mate. We *need* to talk."

I look to Rook, hoping he'll intervene, but he seems conflicted. I may not know much, I know all about the unspoken rule among werewolves. When it comes to mates, not even an Alpha can interfere.

*Walk away. Do something, anything!*

...

*I can't. I can't move.*

After what feels like an eternity, a shaky breath leaves my lips and I nod. "Okay," I whisper. "Just for a few minutes."

Rook hesitates, clearly reluctant to leave us alone. But a challenging look from Jax has him backing away. "I'll be in my office if you need me," he says before disappearing down the hallway.

*No. Don't leave us alone. Please...*

But he's gone before I can stop him.

Jax doesn't lead me anywhere; instead, he crowds me against the wall, his arms bracketing me on either side. His scent envelops me-rich earth and pine, with an undercurrent of something wild. It's intoxicating, and I hate myself for noticing. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited for you?" Jax's voice is rough with emotion. "How many nights I've dreamed of my mate, only to wake up alone?"

I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. "I... I'm sorry, but I have a mate. Malachi. He's the father of my child."

Jax's jaw clenches, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Malachi is not your true mate. I am. You're carrying his child, but *you* belong with me."

"I don't *belong* to anyone," I snap, anger flaring through my fear. "I make my own choices."

A smile tugs at Jax's lips, more predatory than amused. "Feisty. I like that." His eyes soften slightly as they drop to my swollen belly. "I know this is complicated. You're pregnant with another man's child. But I want you, Penelope. Whatever's left, whatever you can give me. I'll raise that child as my own if that's what it takes."

I shake my head, tears pricking at my eyes. "No. No, that's not possible. What Malachi and I have... it's real."

"I'm not doubting that," Jax says, his voice gentler now but still firm. "But can you honestly tell me you don't feel anything right now? That there isn't a pull between us?"

I want to deny it. I want to tell him he's wrong, that I feel nothing. But I can't. Because as much as I try to fight it, there is *something* there.

Guilt washes over me, so strong it nearly makes my heart stop. I think of Malachi, of how betrayed he would feel if he could see me now.

No. This is just like Malachi with Julia. He rejected her. He resisted this. I can too.

"It doesn't matter," I say, trying to inject strength into my voice. "I love Malachi. He's my choice, mate bond or not. I won't betray him."

Jax's eyes flash again, and for a moment, I think he might argue. But then he takes a deep breath, visibly reining himself in. "I understand this is a lot to process," he says, his voice strained. "I've waited this long for you. I can be patient a little longer."

He steps back, giving me space, but his eyes never leave mine. "But make no mistake, Penelope. You're my mate. My true mate. That bond between us? It'll only grow stronger. And I intend to claim what's rightfully mine."

The possessiveness in his voice sends a shiver down my spine-fear, yes, but also something else I don't want to examine too closely.

"I need to go," I say, already backing away. "I... I need some air."

Jax nods, not moving to stop me. "Take the time you need. But don't take too long. A wolf can only be patient for so long when his mate is so close."

I hesitate on my feet, stopping for a heartbeat.

*What is that supposed to mean..?*

...

*Just go. Walk.*

I shake my head and continue my way down the hall. As I hurry back to my room, his words echo in my head. The pull I feel towards Jax terrifies me, but not as much as the guilt that's eating me up inside. *I love Malachi. I do.*

...

*But if that's true, why do I feel this connection to Jax?*

As I close my bedroom door behind me, leaning against it and sliding to the floor, I let the tears come. I cry for Malachi, for the life we had that now seems so far away. I cry for our unborn child, who deserves a stable, loving family. And, to my surprise, I cry for Jax-this man I've just met who's now irrevocably tied to my fate.

But most of all, I cry for myself. For the impossible choice that lies before me, and the knowledge that no matter what I decide, someone will end up hurt.