Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

**I Penelope I**

I stare at the TV screen, trying to distract myself from the events of three days ago that still sit heavy in my mind. The attack, Malachi's transformation, the way he tore out my assailant's throat... it all feels like a surreal, nightmare image

burned into the back of my eyelids.

But as I shift in the bed, my body aching and my throat tender, I know it was no dream.

*It was real, all of it. Face it.*

Malachi insisted I stay in bed today, to recover my strength after the trauma of the attack. A part of me wants to resist, to insist I'm fine and soldier on. But the larger part, the part that's still shaky and unsettled, knows he's right. I need time to process, to come to terms with this new, terrifying reality we find ourselves in.

But more than that, I need to talk to my mate. I need him to understand that hiding me away to live in fear and isolation is not a solution. It's not healthy, not for me and not for our baby.

With a sigh, I lever myself out of bed, my hand cradling the swell of my stomach. "Come on, little one," I murmur. "Let's go talk some sense into your daddy, yeah?"

I pad out into the hallway, following the low murmur of voices towards Malachi's study. The mansion is alive with activity, far more so than usual. It seems like everywhere I turn, there's a member of the pack, grim-faced and alert, patrolling the corridors or conferring in hushed tones.

It started three nights ago, not long after Malachi's howl split the air. They came pouring in, a sea of hard-eyed men and women, all fiercely loyal to their Alpha and ready for war. It was an intimidating sight, but also a reassuring one. *They'll keep our child safe. They'll fight for us.*

I pause in the doorway of the study, taking in the scene before me. Malachi's there, his hands braced on his mahogany desk, pouring over what looks like a map of the territory. Axel, his head of security and Beta, stands at his side, his face drawn and serious as he points at something on the map.

Just as the day I met him, he wears a pair of black cargo pants and a black t-shirt. Similar to Malachi's, his emerald green eyes occasionally flicker a bright blue when he's on edge.

"The border incursions are growing bolder," Axel says, his finger tracing a line along the northern edge of the territory. "Three in the last week alone. It's like they're testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses." Malachi's jaw is tight, a muscle flickering in his cheek. "Then we shore up those defenses," he grits out. "Double the patrols, fortify the boundary lines. I want every inch of our land locked down tight." "Already on it, boss," Axel nods. "I've got our best fighters on rotation, and we're working on planting some nasty surprises for any uninvited guests."

I suspect that they pick up my scent, because suddenly they're both looking up, their fazes locking onto me with laser focus. Malachi straightens immediately, his face softening as he takes me in. "Penny," he says, coming around the desk towards me. "What are you doing up, love? You should be resting."

"I'm okay," I assure him, meeting him halfway and letting him fold me into his arms. I breathe in the scent of him, letting it soothe the ragged edges of my nerves. "I just... I needed to see you. To talk to you."

Over Malachi's shoulder, I see Axel quietly gathering up the maps, tactfully making himself scarce. "I'll leave you to it," he murmurs, giving me a small nod as he slips past towards the door. "Feel better, Luna. Let us know if you need anything." *Luna.*

The title, the respect and deference in his tone, it still takes me by surprise. It's a mantle I'm not sure I'm ready to wear, a role I never asked for but must now somehow rise to meet.

"Thanks, Axel," I manage, offering him a small smile as he closes the door softly behind him. Now, it's just me and Malachi, alone in the heavy quiet of the study.

I pull back slightly, enough to look up into his face. There are new lines of strain around his eyes, a tightness to his mouth that speaks of stress and worry. It makes my heart ache, and I lift a hand to smooth my thumb over the furrow of his brow.

"Talk to me," I urge softly. "Don't shut me out, Malachi. Not now, not after everything."

He sighs, his eyes closing briefly as he leans into my touch. "I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I'm not trying to shut you out, Penny. I just... I want to protect you. I want to keep you safe."

"I know," I whisper, my throat tightening. "And I love you for that, so much. But hiding me away, keeping me locked in this...fortress, isn't living. It's not the life I want for our child."

His eyes fly open, a flash of something fierce and desperate crossing his face. "But the alternative..." He swallows hard, his hands flexing on my hips. "Penny, if something happened to you, to our baby... I couldn't survive that. I wouldn't want to."

Tears sting my eyes, my heart clenching at the rawness in his voice. "Oh, Mal..." I breathe, cupping his face in my hands, pressing my forehead to his. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm right here, and I'm not leaving you. Not ever."

A shudder runs through him, his arms banding around me like steel. "You can't promise that," he rasps, his voice rough. "Not with the threats we're facing and the war that's coming."

"You're right," I agree quietly. "I can't promise that I'll always be safe or that nothing bad will ever happen. But, I can promise that I will fight, every day, with everything I have, to come back to you."

I pull back slightly, my eyes capturing his. "But I need you to promise me something too."

He blinks, a flicker of wary anticipation crossing his features. "What is it?"

I take a deep breath, my hands sliding down to grip his forearms. "Promise me we won't stop living because we're afraid."

I glance down at my rounded belly, a fierce surge of love and protectiveness rising in my chest. "I want our baby to grow up in a world of laughter and love, not fear and hiding."

When I look up again, the look in Malachi's eyes is intense, a mix of emotions I can't quite pinpoint swirling in them. "Penelope," he says softly, "your strength never ceases to amaze me."

A small smile tugs at his lips. "I would do anything to keep you safe," he admits. "But you're right. I can't let fear rule us."

*He listened. He actually listened...*

It's not something I'm used to being heard out. Relief and gratitude wash over me, and with a smile I can hardly contain, I ask, "So you'll do it? You'll let me stand at your side instead of hiding me away?"

He takes a deep breath, his thumb stroking over my hip bone. "I'll try," he promises. "It won't be easy for me, but I'll try."

I feel a tug and warmth in my chest, and I rise on my toes to press a soft kiss to his mouth. "Thank you," I murmur against his lips. "I know it goes against your instincts. But it means everything that you're willing to try. For us and our baby." He kisses me back, sweet and tenderly. "I'll always fight for your happiness, little rabbit," he murmurs. "Even when it scares me."

I huff a laugh, burying my face in the crook of his neck. We hold each other for a long moment, breathing each other in, savoring this pocket of peace amidst the gathering storm.

Finally, I pull back, giving him a tremulous genuine smile. "So," I say, trying for a lighter tone. "Does this mean you'll take me out for some fresh air and sunshine today? Maybe a walk in the gardens or even a quick trip into town?" He lets out a rueful chuckle, shaking his head. "You don't give an inch, do you?"

I grin, unrepentant. "Nope," I pop my lips, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "Get used to it, Alpha. You mated a stubborn woman."

His gaze heats, turning molten and intent. "And I wouldn't have it any other way," he growls, swooping down to claim my mouth in a kiss that's decidedly less chaste.

I melt into him, my arms twining around his neck as I let him consume me.

*This is what I want... for the rest of my life.*