Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

**I Penelope I**

The castle feels different today-more alive, somehow. I notice it as soon as I step out of my room with Elio securely wrapped against my chest. There's a current running through the air, an energy that hasn't been present before. Servants move with purpose, their usual measured pace replaced by something bordering on haste. Guards stand straighter, more alert.

*Something's happening.*

I adjust Elio's wrap, making sure he's comfortable before setting off down the corridor. My body has begun to heal from childbirth, each step no longer sending shock waves of pain through my tender parts. The remedies Kira brought-despite my initial resistance have helped more than I care to admit.

My son sleeps peacefully against me, his warmth a constant reminder of why I need to stay alert. Each day, I've ventured a little further, mentally mapping corridors and staircases, noting which areas have heavier guard presence, which doors remain locked.

*Knowledge is power.*

And I need every advantage I can get if I'm ever going to find Malachi and get us out of here.

As I round a corner, I nearly collide with a maid carrying fresh linens. She startles, clutching the sheets to her chest.

"Sorry," I murmur, stepping aside.

Instead of continuing on her way, she glances furtively over her shoulder. "The east wing is being prepared," she whispers, her voice so low I almost miss it. "Important visitor."

Before I can ask anything else, she hurries past me, disappearing down the hallway.

*Important visitor?*

Curiosity prickles along my spine. In the time I've been held captive here, no outsiders have come to the island, at least none that I'm aware of. Whoever this is must be significant.

I change direction, heading toward the east wing.

*If someone new is arriving, they might have information about the outside world. About Malachi's pack. Maybe even about Malachi himself.*

The thought sends a surge of hope through me, though I try to temper it. Hope seems to be dangerous here. It makes you vulnerable.

I take a more circuitous route to avoid the busier corridors, Elio still sleeping soundly against my chest. The east wing, as it turns out, connects to the main entrance hall through a series of smaller antechambers. As I approach, I hear voices-many voices- echoing off the marble floors and high ceilings.

Carefully, I slip into one of the antechambers, positioning myself behind a large decorative screen that offers a view of the main hall while keeping me hidden. Elio stirs against me, and I place a gentle hand on his back, soothing him with a soft "Shh."noveldrama

The main entrance hall bustles with activity. Pack members I've rarely seen have gathered, forming something of an impromptu receiving line. Rook stands at its head, dressed more formally than usual in what appears to be traditional Northern Tribe attire-dark leather accented with silver, a ceremonial knife at his hip. Kira stands beside him, elegant in a flowing dress the color of midnight.

Whatever-whoever*-this is, it's important enough for ceremony.

The massive double doors swing open, and a gust of sea air sweeps through the hall. My heart leaps into my throat as a familiar figure strides in, flanked by guards I don't recognize.

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*Elijah.*

Malachi's brother. Here. On the island.

For a moment, pure relief washes over me. Someone from home, someone who might help us, who might know where Malachi is being held. Maybe this is a diplomatic mission. Maybe Elijah has come to negotiate our release.

But that hope shatters as I watch Rook step forward, grasping Elijah's forearm in the traditional warrior greeting reserved for trusted allies. And worse-Elijah returns the gesture, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth that I recognize all too well. The smile of someone who has exactly what they want.

"Brother," Rook says, his voice carrying easily in the high-ceilinged space. "It's been too long."

*Brother?*

Not literally, surely. But the familiar way they greet each other speaks of a relationship far beyond diplomatic courtesy.

"The security measures are as tight as ever," Elijah responds, clapping Rook on the shoulder like an old friend. "But necessary, as I've heard."

My blood runs cold. This isn't a rescue mission. This isn't Elijah coming to help us. This is something else entirely.

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I lean forward, straining to hear as their voices drop lower. Elijah is saying something about "the others" and "suspicions growing." Rook nods soberly.

"We'll discuss it all in detail," he says. "But first, I imagine you're eager to see her."

Her. Me.

Panic flutters in my chest like a trapped bird. Elijah knows I'm here. Has known all along, it seems.

Elio chooses that moment to wake, letting out a small whimper that seems magnified in the hushed antechamber. I freeze, one hand pressed gently over his tiny body, willing him to quiet.

But it's too late. Jax, who I hadn't noticed standing near one of the side entrances, turns his head sharply in my direction. Our eyes lock through the ornate screen, and I know I've been discovered.

With deliberate slowness, he makes his way toward my hiding spot, his movements casual as if he doesn't want to alert the others. When he reaches the antechamber, he pulls aside the screen, revealing me and Elio to his view alone.

"Eavesdropping, princess?" His voice is low, tinged with amusement rather than anger. "I thought you might be curious about our guest."

"Elijah,” I say, the name feeling strange on my tongue in this context. "That's Malachi's brother."

Something flashes in Jax's eyes-knowledge, secrets kept. "Among other things." He extends a hand. "Come. Family reunions should include all family members, don't you think?"