The Alpha’s Surrogate: A Paranormal Romance (Shifter Surrogate Agency Book 3)

by Layla Silver

  Then his mouth was on mine, kissing me like he was starved for the taste of me. I returned the kiss passionately, unable to get close enough. He was mine, and after so long of keeping my distance, I never wanted to be parted from him again.

  His right hand stroked down my jaw, down my throat, and over my sternum. Every nerve lit up in its wake, my body aching for his touch. He cupped my breast through the shirt, and I broke from the kiss with an impatient noise. It wasn’t enough. Hauling the shirt over my head, I tossed it aside. Nathan laughed and pulled me back in. He coaxed me up onto my knees this time, facing him, and laved his tongue over the sensitive tip of my breast.

  I moaned and arched into the touch. He splayed his broad hands against my back, bracing me as he moved back and forth between my breasts, licking, kissing, and suckling. Heat shot through to my core, and I whined. I buried my fingers in his messy hair and tugged him closer, reveling in the feel of him feasting on me. His mouth evoked waves of pleasure that made stars dance across my vision.

  “I want you,” I gasped.

  “Yes,” he murmured against my skin. He looked up, pressing a kiss between my breasts and ran a hand over the swell of my belly. Mischief sparkled in his green eyes. “I might have read an article or two on sex while pregnant,” he said.

  I arched an eyebrow, and he playfully ran his tongue around a nipple, making my whole body tighten with want.

  “Experts say on your knees or your side is probably best,” he continued, his hands gliding from my thighs to my hips and back, slowly stoking the heat in my core. “But I want to learn from you, Celly, what you like, like this.”

  Warmth pooled inside me. My Alpha. “Well,” I said, running my fingers along the prickly stubble at his jaw while I pretended to think it over. “I guess the only way to know is to try them both.”

  “Smart.” His eyes twinkled. “Come here.”

  He helped me get out of the shorts and my panties and let me divest him of the loose sleep pants Micah and I had gotten him in after his wounds had been tended yesterday. The rapid healing all shifters were gifted with had kicked in overnight, and his wounds were nearly gone already. That was lucky for me, because I desperately wanted him inside me.

  We shimmed around so that I could lie on my left side, Nathan spooning behind me. The heat of his body soaked into me, and I welcomed it, nestling myself against him. His left arm tucked under my head, and his fingers interlaced with mine. His right arm snaked around my waist and began exploring the naked expanse of my skin. I could feel him hard against my backside and squirmed my right hand back to stroke him.

  Nathan made a low, wanting sound and buried his face in the curve of my neck. His fingers wove patterns across my skin, light and languid. His touch skated over my breasts, brushing their curves and toying with my pearled nipples before sliding down to trace the swell of my belly. My whole body felt alive, every inch of me aching for more. I whimpered when he pressed a kiss to the back of my neck, my entire body shuddering with the intensity of it.

  He kissed his way leisurely down my shoulder, his hips starting to work against my hand as I spread the precum at his tip back along the length of his shaft.

  “Impatient?” he murmured, amused.

  My answer was to grasp his wrist and move his teasing hand down to my thighs. He chuckled in my ear, soft and pleased, and dipped his questing fingers between my legs. At the same time, he adjusted his weight, angling himself so that he could push into me from behind. I turned my face into his arm and keened as he rocked into me. I could feel my body stretch to accommodate his girth, every inch of him sending my inner walls into fresh spasms of pleasure. I thrust back, trying to drive myself harder onto his length.

  “Mmm,” he rumbled in my ear. “Easy, baby. There’s no hurry.”

  “Says you,” I gasped.

  “Well,” he nibbled at my shoulder, tucking himself in closer and delving his fingers a little more deeply between my folds just above where he was buried inside me. “In that case …” He unerringly found my clit with the pad of one finger and circled it expertly.

  I yelped, my vision fuzzing as I started to tremble. “Yes,” I gasped. “Just like that. Oh, Nathan—”

  He settled into a rhythm, and I lost any sense of coherence. Every time he thrust, my hips rocked forward into his hand, and his finger rubbed my throbbing clit. Every time he pulled out a little, I eased away from his finger. Back and forth, he worked me, my body spiraling toward a precipice as he coaxed more and more pleasure from me. I could feel myself melting under his masterful touch. His hand was covered in my slick, and it smeared across my thighs as he began to rock harder.

  With anyone else, I’d have been self-conscious. About the mess, about my belly and the pregnancy weight I’d gained. About the babbling sounds I was making as I rode his touch toward ecstasy. But not with Nathan. He was my Alpha, my mate.

  I felt his teeth graze the back of my neck as he thrust sharply, pressing down with his finger at the same instant. I came apart, shattering with a cry.

  Nathan groaned in my ear as I clenched around him, but he didn’t move. Just held me as I shook with my climax. His finger eased off my clit, and he began to rub my folds lightly, easing me down from the high.

  When I settled into my body enough to move, I twisted my head around and kissed him thoroughly. “Knees,” I gasped when the kiss broke.

  “You’re sure?” he asked, his hand moving up to rest near my ribs.

  “Now,” I demanded.

  He laughed and eased himself out of me, drawing a whine of protest. He smacked my thigh playfully. “Patience,” he chided with a mock frown.

  I growled and watched him grin as he helped me to my knees. It took a minute to get settled on my knees and elbows, my legs spread. Nathan knelt behind me, one hand on the small of my back, the other gliding up and down my thigh.

  “If it’s not okay,” he said, “you’ll tell me?” There was something in his voice that made me crane my head around to meet his eyes over my shoulder. “I don’t want to hurt you, Celly. Never again.”

  “You won’t. I know you won’t.” I reached back to brush his thigh with my fingers. I would never find another protector as fierce or as careful with me as Nathan, and the awareness of how deeply he loved me made fresh tears spring to my eyes.

  He smiled and folded over me, trailing kisses down my spine. “I love you.” His hand framing my hips, he pushed slowly inside, filling me. This angle let him go much deeper, and I buried my face in the pillow, moaning out my pleasure.

  He kept murmuring and peppering my skin with kisses as he started to move. There was a different purpose in his pace this time, and I could feel the tension radiating out of him as he approached his own climax. His heavily-muscled thighs were hard against mine as he thrust into me, driving deeper and harder. I fisted my hands in the sheets as I careened toward the peak again myself.

  “Celly.” Nathan groaned my name over and over.

  I couldn’t think, could hardly breathe—and then his hand slipped around my thigh, and his fingers slid through my folds. He just barely grazed my clit, and I broke, the world going soft and white as I plummeted into the most intense orgasm of my life.

  Muzzily, I felt his body lock up, a shout escaping as he surrendered to his own climax. I could feel the hot, pulsing rush as he spilled himself inside me, his body folding over mine as every muscle gave out.

  I drifted, sated and content, until Nathan reluctantly pushed himself upright and pulled out of me. He eased me onto my side and curled up around me again. I thought he might have adjusted the covers, but it didn’t matter. I was warm and safe and happier than I could ever remember being. His arms wrapped around me, and I slept.

  Chapter 15 - Nathan

  Breakfast consisted of bacon and eggs for me and grilled peanut butter and anchovy sandwiches for Celeste.

  “Liam has ridiculous taste in food,” she informed me, starting on her second sandwich. “And he’s starving at the stran
gest times.” She paused, a wistful look crossing her face. “I should have put details like that in the agency’s reporting system, so you could know.”

  Carrying a fresh cup of decaf over to the table for her, I leaned down and kissed her temple, trying not to wrinkle my nose at the smell of her food. “No more regrets,” I told her firmly.

  It hurt to know that I’d missed out on so many sweet, intimate details of her pregnancy, but we already had enough regrets for a lifetime. “What matters,” I said, sitting down with my own mug, “is that I can start learning about them now.”

  “Mmm,” she agreed, chewing. She made a fetching picture dressed in one of my shirts and borrowed shorts. She’d scooped her hair back in a messy bun, and she had peanut butter all over her fingers where it oozed out of her sandwich. She was everything I’d ever wanted.

  My heart rate picked up as I watched her over the rim of my mug. I wanted to wake up to this every morning. To find out what weird things our son was craving and make them for her. To be there when she needed me, no matter the hour or reason. There was only one way to get that, but was it too soon?

  No, I told myself decisively. She loved me, and she’d accepted that I loved her. Our baby was safe and healthy and due in two short months. I couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

  “Celeste,” I said, putting down my coffee. “If I built you a sewing studio here, will you move in with me?”

  She dropped her sandwich, her eyes blowing wide. “You’d build me a new studio?” she asked, incredulously.

  “You have your business,” I said. “I’d like you here with me if you’re willing, but I wouldn’t expect you to compromise your business.”

  Pushing away from the table, she came around, and I turned toward her. Celeste dropped into my lap, and I wrapped my arms around her as she leaned in and gave me a very thorough, slightly sardine-flavored kiss.

  “I absolutely want to move in,” she announced, jubilantly. She tilted her head, letting her forehead rest against mine. “I want to be here with you, always.”

  I hugged her tighter, my heart bursting.

  “Besides,” she added, coyly, leaning back to smirk at me. “I saw the nursery, and it’s beautiful. If you built me a space half as pretty as the one you set up for Liam, it'd be the best upgrade ever.”

  I laughed. “I’ll let you design it,” I promised. “Anything you want.” I kissed her again, thrilled that I could. “How about we start making a plan to get you moved in after we’ve had showers?”

  “Sounds perfect.” She beamed, then looked down at herself bemused. “I suppose I should stop stealing your clothes, even if they are comfortable.”

  “Everything I have is yours,” I told her sincerely. “This is your home, too, now. You do whatever you want in it.”

  She leaned in to kiss me again, only to pause in surprise when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock. I sighed. “Downsides of living with an Alpha,” I grumbled as she stood. “People at all hours.”

  “You’re worth it,” she shrugged, smiling sweetly at me.

  Grinning, I strode down the hallway to the front door. Pulling it open, I found all three of the Elders on the porch.

  “Nathan,” Gideon said, smiling. “You’re looking better.”

  “Never been better in my life,” I said, waving them in. “What brings you three out this early?”

  “Business,” Daniel said, heading for the office.

  “Kitchen,” I corrected him, starting back down the hall.

  They exchanged glances but followed me. Back in the kitchen, I dropped back into my seat in the dining nook. Gesturing toward the coffee maker, I said, “Gideon, you know where the mugs are. If you’re going to be a while, you may as well get some coffee.”

  “Celeste,” Phillip greeted, his surprise obvious. He and Daniel examined the room before they took up positions leaning against the wall and counter, respectively.

  Gideon helped himself to coffee and walked over to me, nudging my shoulder. “Move over,” he demanded, mock-grumpily. “Let an old man sit down.”

  I snorted but scooted over. Gideon winked at Celeste as he sat. “Is that peanut butter and sardines?” he asked. “Mary used to eat sardines with everything when she was carrying Micah. It drove me to distraction.”

  Celeste laughed and wiped her fingers on her napkin. “Nathan was very gracious to make it for me.”

  “And I’ve been very gracious to let you in and offer you coffee before my shower,” I interjected. “So, why are you here?”

  “Official business,” Daniel said, formally. “As Celeste no doubt informed you, Kurt and two of his Elders were killed during the fight two days ago.”

  I nodded.

  “As Kurt had no heir, his pack has collapsed into effective anarchy,” Daniel continued. “However, word of the incident has spread among packs in the region, and we’ve received several offers of solidarity. It seems that your decisive and powerful action has cemented our pack’s standing.”

  “More to the point,” Gideon said, rolling his eyes at the other Elders and turning to me, “we’ve decided that since the other packs are already recognizing you as full Alpha, there is no reason for us to wait until your child is born to do so. We’d like to hold the ceremony this weekend. Get it announced as soon as possible.”

  I glanced at Celeste, who nodded subtly. “This weekend it is,” I agreed. I reached for Celeste’s hand. “We’ll make it a double announcement—I need to inform the pack that I’ve taken a mate.”

  Epilogue - Celeste

  I had never been so sore, exhausted, or happy in my whole life. The midwife and her assistant bustled around the room, but I had eyes only for my son. Tiny and perfect, Liam scrunched his little face and let out a massive yawn.

  Beside me, Nathan chuckled. “I’m not sure he should be tired, considering you did all the work.” He kissed the top of my head, and I leaned into him, cuddling Liam to my chest as he dozed.

  I’d been in a meeting with the architect about the plans for my sewing studio when my water broke. Liam was a week early and impatient to be born. I’d been in labor for only four hours before he made his way into the world, red-faced and screaming. Now, finally cleaned up and ensconced in bed, I felt bone-deep tiredness settling in.

  “Maybe he’s setting an example,” I said, trying to hide my own yawn. “I think I might need a nap, too.” I looked up at my mate. “Will you stay with us?”

  Nathan smiled and helped me lie back, resettling Liam on my chest. Then he stretched out beside us, one hand resting on our son’s back.

  “Always,” he promised.

  I tucked my head into his shoulder, sleep already rising to claim my aching body. After all the waiting and struggle, our son was here. We had each other, our home, and our pack. The future stretched out in front of us, golden with promise. I couldn’t wait to see where it led next.

  THE END

  Hi lovely! Thanks so much for reading Celeste and Nathan’s story. I hope you enjoyed it. Would you like to read Gemma and Caleb’s story too? Then be sure to…

  Read book 4 of the “Shifter Surrogate Agency” Series:

  The Lion’s Surrogate

  I’m screwed.

  I just found my mate in the one place I can’t possibly pursue her: my office.

  She’s a surrogate, and I’m her doctor.

  That means she’s utterly and completely off-limits.

  She haunts my dreams and stalks my waking moments.

  Her girl-next-door curves are getting to my head, making me want her badly.

  My lion has never roared like this before.

  It’s like a beast about to mark its territory.

  I’m a professional.

  I can keep my hands to myself.

  But I can’t keep my brain from imagining that it’s my baby there in her belly.

  I must be hallucinating, because that’s not happening.

  Is it?

  Read “The Lion’ Surrogate”
now

  About the Author

  Hi there! I’m Layla Silver, and I’m so happy to see you here :) I’m a mom of three adorable kids and after all these years, still wildly in love with my awesome and hard-working husband. I LOVE to write about hot shifters, whether Wolves, Bears, or Dragons, who are looking for their mates and will do anything to protect them no matter what comes their way. When I’m not writing or spending time with my family (which is pretty rare, but I’m not complaining!), I like to be in the mountains chasing paranormal dreams.

  Check out my author page on Amazon and click “Follow” to get updates on new releases.

  Also like me on Facebook for more news and special offers.

  Books by Layla Silver

  “Shifter Surrogate Agency” Series

  What's a very hot shifter to do if he hasn't found his mate yet but can't wait to have a baby? Go to the Shifter Surrogate Agency of course, where he might just get more than he bargained for...

  Each book in the series is a standalone story with a guaranteed HEA.

  The Wolf’s Surrogate

  The Bear’s Surrogate

  The Alpha’s Surrogate

  The Lion’ Surrogate

  The Dragon’s Surrogate