The Alpha's surrogate secret.

Willow’s POV.

“They will take your brother by sunrise,”

The words hit me harder than the cold floor beneath my feet.

I looked at my father who said those words, his face tight as it lingered with worry, right there I knew he wasn't joking. My dad doesn't joke.

“How much?” I asked, though my voice already shook.

“Three hundred thousand dollars,” he said quietly, “it's a war debt,”.

I gulped hard as sweat formed on my face. Though the war ended weeks ago, it had a huge impact on our pack. Most of our warriors were dead and now children are about to be sold as slaves for the repayment of the debt.

My heart was heavy as I thought about Elena, my younger sister, who has a sharp tongue but a kind and a fearful heart and my brother Maxwell, who always hides a knife under his pillow for fear of the attackers.

I stood up, the chair scraping the floor loudly,

“Is there no other way, dad? I mean for us to save the people and specifically my siblings”

My dad cleared his throat,

“There is,”

“Really what's that?” A little surge of excitement formed in my tone.

“There is a contract,” he finally stated, “An offer,”

“From who?” My chest tightened

“Alpha Silas of the Black fang pack,”

The name alone sent chills to my spine. Everyone knew Alpha Silas, a cold, ruthless and powerful Alpha. Who knew war to be his natural language.

“I won't be his mate,” I said instantly.

“No, that's not the case. It's a different offer,”

That made my stomach drop even further.

“He needs an heir. The council asked for it. His bloodline must continue before he can go into a political marriage,”

I looked at him, “So?”

“So he needs a surrogate,” he carefully stated.

“No, dad… you can't be serious” I muttered.

“You're strong, healthy and unmated, so you're the best candidate,” he said.

His eyes softened, “Are you willing?”

I laughed, sharp and broken, “Willing to carry a child for a man who won't think twice before killing me?”

“He is offering the full payment for our debt,” he sharply said, “And the full protection for your siblings,”

My breath caught.

Protection for both my siblings. The storm inside me dissipated,

“So what are the terms?”

He cleared his throat, “No emotional attachment, no physical contact outside medical procedures… you will live in his estate until the child is born. After that, you will leave,”

I heaved out, digging my nails tightly into my palms, trying to figure out what to do. But I know nothing can change this offer. It felt like it was meant for me even though I felt terrified of Alpha Silas.

“When do I get to make the final decision?” I asked, my heart beat increasing slowly.

“Until sunset,”

I didn't come out of my room instantly, I needed time and space to think deeply. I know I can't make rash decisions just because of my feelings. My family and pack lives now depend on my decision.

Every step I took only led me back to the same image, Maxwell being dragged away by the attackers, screaming my name.

Since I am the eldest, I am meant to secure their protection.

By the time it was sunset my decision had been made already.

“I will do it,” I said to my dad when I went to his room

He heaved out in excitement.

____________

The Black fang estate looked nothing like my pack.

The tall iron gates opened slowly as the car drove in. The house was massive, I could see how every sculpture around the house represented each past Alphas of the Black fang pack.

My eyes caught Alpha Silas sculpture before standing before a woman who stood at the door.

“Hi, I'm Dr Hale. Follow me,” The woman muttered.

No greetings. No kindness, just bland words.

I didn't care since this was all a deal. She led me down the corridor of the mansion till we got to a room.

My focus was just on the beautiful grotesque designs of the mansion.

“This is where the procedures will take place,” she said, as we entered the room.

The room smelled like antiseptic. Machines hummed softly.

“Alpha Silas will arrive soon,” she muttered, going to a drawer to take something.

My heart beat was increasing fast. My hands trembled, but I clenched them together to stop it.

“But before that,” she continued, pulling out a file from the drawer, “you will have to sign this contract first,”

She handed the contract to me.

NO CONTACT.

NO CLAIMS.

NO EXPECTATIONS.

I gulped hard as I looked at the contract conditions and signed.

Moments later, the door opened.

Suddenly the air changed. I didn't need to look at who came in to know it was Alpha Silas.

Nevertheless I looked at him. My breath halted for a moment.

Alpha Silas was taller than I expected, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, his expression sharp, cold and unreadable. He reeked of power.

He gazed at me like one who looks at a tool, someone useful and replaceable.

“Is this her?” he asked

“Yes,” Dr Hale replied.

“Ok, does she understand the terms?”

“Yes,” I said, before she replied. My voice shocked me, “I’m not here for anything else,”

“Good,” he said coldly, “Let's begin,”

He gazed lingered at me longer than expected.

I gulped hard and lay back on the table, I could feel my hands shaking, I had to squeeze them to prevent them from being noticed. This is just a medical insemination, nothing more, it's just biology. I told myself again and again.

Silas moved closer, his presence was overwhelming even without touching me.

“Don't speak,” he said, “We will be done soon,”

I nodded and the procedure began.

I tried hard to stay calm and focus not on crying.

I heaved out as soon as Dr Hale was done with the procedure. I was relieved though I felt a mild discomfort during the procedure.

Suddenly, Silas’s hand brushed mine. Just softly and it felt like the world exploded.

Heat surged through my veins, hot and electric. My breath hitched, my wolf screamed awake in me.

Mate.

The word slammed through my head like a curse.

Silas froze.

Slowly, he looked down at our hands

His eyes widened.

“No,” he muttered, yanking his hand away as if burned. “That’s impossible.”

My heart raced. I felt it too. The pull. The bond forming. I shaked my head, thinking all this was impossible.

He stepped back, horror clear on his face.

“This changes nothing,” he said sharply. “Nothing.”