THE ALPHA'S FORBIDDEN SURROGATE

The black SUV wound its way up the jagged mountain road, its tires kicking up loose gravel that clattered against the undercarriage. Outside, a dense, unnatural fog rolled through the towering pine trees, clinging to the dark earth like a living shroud.Nora sat in the back, her fingers clutching the edges of her cheap denim jacket. She looked out the tinted window at the passing forest. They had crossed the border line an hour ago. She was deep inside the Bloodhound Territory now a wild, lawless realm where human laws did not apply and Alpha strength was the only authority.The vehicle ground to a halt before massive iron gates forged in the shape of howling beasts. Beyond them sat the Blackwood Estate: a gargantuan Gothic fortress built of dark stone, spiked turrets, and glowing stained-glass windows that cut through the misty night like burning eyes."Out, the driver growled, opening her door.Nora stepped onto the cobblestone driveway. The moment her feet touched the ground, an o

The liquid tasted of crushed berries, ozone, and a faint, electric iron tang that made Nora’s throat burn with a strange, pleasurable warmth.The moment the last drop hit her tongue, the glowing gold mist inside the silver bowl dissolved into the air. A sudden, powerful surge of energy pulsed outward from her heart, rushing through her veins like liquid fire. Nora gasped, stumbling backward. Her head swam, and her vision flickered with faint trails of gold light.Before her knees could hit the polished hardwood floor, a massive pair of arms caught her.Dominic scooped her up against his chest as if she weighed nothing at all. Instinctively, Nora buried her face into the side of his neck, her fingers clutching tightly at the lapel of his suit. His scent cedar wood, storm clouds, and pure male dominance—flooded her senses, calming the violent storm raging in her blood.Dominic froze, his body rigid as stone as she clung to him. His heartbeat thundered beneath her cheek hard, fast, and w

The afternoon sun bled through the tall arched windows of the east wing, casting long, crimson shadows across the polished wooden floorboards.Nora sat on the cushioned window seat, her knees pulled tight against her chest. True to Dominic’s word, a royal physician named Dr. Silas—a soft-spoken elder wolf with gentle hands and kind, silver-streaked hair—had arrived at noon. He had drawn a vial of her blood, performed a brief magic-infused examination, and declared that the crimson binding had taken root flawlessly. Her body was ready.Now, the quiet of the estate felt heavy, almost suffocating.Unable to stay trapped inside her room any longer, Nora slipped off the window seat and opened her door. The long, carpeted hallway was deserted save for two silent guards stationed at the far end who merely bowed their heads as she stepped out.Guided by a quiet curiosity—and the persistent, subtle hum of Dominic’s scent lingering in the building—Nora walked down the grand corridor. She passed

Three weeks passed in a blur of quiet tension and heightened security. Following the rogue attack, the Blackwood Estate had transformed into an impenetrable fortress. Armed guards clad in tactical black armor patrolled the perimeter day and night, and double guards stood outside Nora’s bedroom door.Yet, the greatest shift was not outside it was inside Nora’s own body.Nora stood in the center of the lavish bathroom attached to her private suite. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass window, casting delicate patterns of sapphire and rose onto the cold marble floor. On the vanity counter sat three separate white test strips alongside an ornate crystal vial holding a glowing potion prepared by Dr. Silas.Nora took a slow, deep breath, her hands trembling as she looked down at the counter.On all three commercial test strips, two bright, unyielding pink lines had formed. Beside them, the liquid in the crystal vial—which turned deep crimson in the presence of Alpha offspring—was glo

Morning light spilled across the master suite, warming the high canopy bed. Nora lay tucked against Dominic’s massive chest, listening to the steady, rhythmic thump of his heart. For the first time since entering the Blackwood Estate, a sense of profound peace rested in her soul. His obsidian mask lay discarded on the nightstand, leaving his scarred, striking face bare to the sunlight.Dominic stirred, his golden eyes opening slowly. The moment his gaze found Nora, his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against his heat. He pressed a warm, lingering kiss to her forehead, his thumb gently caressing her stomach.I have to attend the Pack Council meeting downtown, Dominic growled softly, his voice thick with sleep. "They are demanding an update on border security. I will return before dusk.Nora smiled, leaning up to kiss his jawline right along the edge of his silvery scar. "I'll be waiting.I’ve doubled the guards at your door, he added, his tone sharpening into Alpha au