Accidental Surrogate For The Alpha

Alpha Asher waved away my concerns, assuring me that no secrets were lurking in the shadows. He had laid bare everything, from the past to the present, leaving me with no reason to ask further.

As Beatrice was already six, she was set to begin her first training session.

Alpha Asher and I had carefully arranged everything, entrusting the elders with this important task.

Before she stepped into this new chapter, the healer needed to assess her health to ensure she was ready and free from any complications.

Alpha Asher was buried in his responsibilities this week, so I took Beatrice to the infirmary by myself.

As we walked, Beatrice suddenly blurted out, “Dad won’t let me cut my hair. I think short hair is cool, but long hair feels uncomfortable.”

Since last week, Beatrice had been under Alpha Asher’s care, freeing me to fully attend to my responsibilities as Luna of Moon Valley.

Even though I desperately wanted to cater to my daughter’s wishes, I knew Alpha Asher would be livid.

Since I didn’t want to upset her, I offered a soft reassurance, “As your mother, it truly doesn’t bother me. While we’re here in the infirmary, I need you to play along, okay? We just want to ensure you’re prepared for your training.”

Beatrice didn’t hesitate to agree. I guided her to the infirmary, where the healer, thorough in his examination, stressed the need for precision. He informed us that the results would take three days to a week to be finalized.

Afterward, I took Beatrice to a nearby salon, where she eagerly transformed her hair into the chic short style she had always wanted.

When we returned to the pack mansion, I anticipated Alpha Asher would be thrilled by Beatrice’s new look. However, that hope instantly shattered as soon as he looked at her. His face darkened, and a storm of fury ignited in his gaze.

In a voice that echoed like thunder, he roared, “Vienna, who gave you the authority to cut Beatrice's hair?!”

Beatrice, frightened by his wrath, instinctively hid behind me, peering out nervously at Alpha Asher’s furious glare.

It left me speechless. I knew how heavy Alpha Asher's responsibilities weighed on him. Yet, this reaction felt like a storm brewing out of nowhere.

I took a deep breath and explained, “Beatrice mentioned that long hair was uncomfortable, so I allowed her to cut it. She prefers it short. It’s not your hair, so why are you so upset?”

Still just a child, Beatrice had never experienced her father's fury before. Overwhelmed, she burst into tears, reaching out for me.

My heart ached for her as I pulled her into my embrace, cradling her gently against me while I whispered soft words of comfort.

As I held her tight, I turned to Alpha Asher, my eyes filled with concern, ready to inquire about the reason behind his unexpected outburst.

Yet, instead of explaining, he shot me a piercing look and demanded, “Now you remember you’re her mother? Have you ever truly cared for her all these years?”

My eyes narrowed at him, a storm of emotions brewing inside. During my pregnancy, we had made an agreement that I would continue fulfilling my duties as Luna. Now, he accused me of negligence, casting doubt on my role as Beatrice’s mother.

It felt like he was throwing my past commitment back in my face, which stung more than I cared to admit.

Alpha Asher quickly recognized his overreaction and softened his tone, regret washing over him. “That’s not what I meant. I’ve been swamped with my Alpha duties and I took it out on both of you. I’m truly sorry.”

“Come here, Beatrice. Daddy’s sorry. Let me hug my little princess.”

Still trembling and with tears glistening in her eyes, Beatrice clung tightly to me. Ignoring Alpha Asher’s outstretched arms, I led Beatrice to her room, where she wrapped herself around me, her small voice shaky as she pleaded for me to stay with her for the night.

Assuming she needed reassurance, I grabbed a soft pillow and nestled beside her in her cozy little sanctuary.

After spinning two enchanting bedtime tales, I noticed she still lay wide awake, her big eyes shimmering in the dim light.

“Mom,” Beatrice said, her voice barely a whisper, “Dad said I have another mommy apart from you.”

That left me bewildered, prompting a flurry of questions in my mind. I needed clarification, but before I could respond, Beatrice continued, “One night, when Dad visited me in my room, I pretended to be asleep and heard him whisper that I looked exactly like his mate, my other mommy. So does it mean Dad has a new mate?”

I slowly shook my head, forcing a reassuring smile even as a storm of emotions raged within me.

“Sweetheart, I am your father's only mate. I am your one and only mommy, so it’s simply impossible for you to have another mother. You might have just misunderstood,” I explained gently, my voice soft but firm, trying to ease the confusion in her eyes.