Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

**Malachi I**

The mansion stands silent, a far cry from the frantic energy of the search party mere hours ago. I've dismissed everyone, needing this time alone with Penelope. A storm of emotions rages within me-relief at having found her safe, pride in my ability to track her down, and a simmering frustration at her reckless behavior.

I watch as Penelope towels off her hair, now dressed in dry clothes. She looks small, almost fragile, and it stirs something primal and protective in me. But I can't shake the anger that lurks beneath the surface. She ran off without giving me a chance to explain, putting herself and our child at risk.

It's not the first time her impulsive nature has led us here. Hell, it's how we ended up in this situation in the first place that night in the alley, both of us giving in to a moment of reckless passion. But this feels different. More dangerous. I move to crouch in front of her, my hands resting on her knees. "Penny," I start, struggling to keep my voice gentle despite the turmoil inside me.

She cuts me off before I can continue. "Why is she here?" Her voice is small, laced with hurt that makes my chest ache.

I take a deep breath, weighing my words carefully. I've made mistakes in the past by not being fully honest with her. I won't repeat them.

"She wants to try to make our relationship work again," I say, watching her face carefully.

Surprise flashes across her features, quickly followed by a deep sadness that makes my wolf want to howl in distress. I hate seeing that look in her eyes, knowing I'm the cause of it.

"Penny, look at me," I say, cupping her face in my hands. "There's nothing there. Not anymore."

She bites her lip, uncertainty clear in her eyes. "How can you be sure?"

The question hangs between us, and I let out a slow breath, searching for the right words.

"Because tonight, when I had the choice to run back to her or to find you, I chose you," I say, my voice low and intense. "I will *always* choose you, Penelope. You're my life now, my family, my everything."

Her eyes widen, a glimmer of hope shining through the doubt. I press on, needing her to understand the depth of my commitment.

"I've come to believe that fated mates are a test," I continue, stroking my thumb along her cheekbone. "They're not a guarantee of eternal togetherness. They're a choice. And I choose you, little rabbit. Every time."

I can see the words sinking in, see the tension slowly leaving her body. Wanting to lighten the mood, to see her smile again, I lean in, pressing playful, ticklish kisses along her neck. She giggles, the sound like music to my ears, easing some of the tightness in my chest.

"I'm serious, Penny," I murmur against her skin. "You're all I want. It's why I've been trying so hard to make things work between us. To be better. For you. For us."

She wraps her arms around me, burying her face in my shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice muffled. "I'm sorry for doubting you. For running away. I just... I got so scared."

I pull back, looking into her eyes. There's still fear there, still uncertainty, but also a determination that makes my heart swell with pride.

"No more running," I say, my voice firm but not unkind. "We face things together from now on, understood?"

She nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Understood. I just... I can't wait for all of this to be over. You know, when I was young, I used to dream about going to big parties like this. Now I wish I never had to go to another one again."

I can't help but chuckle at that, the tension easing further. "Not even for the food?" I tease, remembering how her eyes had lit up at the sight of the banquet spread when we first arrived.

To my surprise, her smile falters. "I haven't really been able to enjoy it," she admits. "With all the stress..."

I freeze, a realization washing over me.

*Has she eaten at all today..?*

Guilt and concern flood through me.

*How could I have been so careless? She's carrying my child, for fuck's sake, and I didn't even make sure she was eating properly.*

Without hesitation, I stand, striding to the door. "Axel!" I call out, knowing my beta is never far. When he appears, I bark out an order. "Bring food. Lots of it. And make it quick." Turning back to Penelope, I see her watching me with a mix of surprise and fondness. "Mal, you don't have to "

"I do," I cut her off, moving back to her side. "You need to eat, Penny. Both of you do. And I... I need to do better at taking care of you."

She looks like she wants to argue, but then her stomach growls loudly. A blush creeps up her cheeks, and I can't help but smile.

"See? Even the little one agrees with me."

Penelope rolls her eyes, but there's a warmth in her expression that eases some of my guilt. "Fine, you win. But only because I'm too tired to argue."

I chuckle, pulling her into my arms. She comes willingly, melting against me in a way that makes my wolf purr with satisfaction. This is right. This is where she belongs.

As we wait for the food to arrive, I can't help but think about how close I came to losing this. To losing her. The thought sends a chill down my spine, and I tighten my arms around her.

"I was scared tonight," I admit, my voice low. "When I realized you were gone... I've never felt fear like that before. Not even in battle. Not even when my life was on the line." She pulls back slightly, looking up at me with wide eyes. "Really?"

I nod, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. "You and this baby... you're everything to me, Penny. The thought of anything happening to you... it's unbearable."

Her eyes fill with tears, and she reaches up to cup my face in her hands. "I'm sorry," she says again, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise, no more running."

I lean down, pressing my forehead against hers. "I'm holding you to that," I murmur.