Page 3 of The Alpha's Surrogate
“That’s up to you, Josie,” Klaus had replied quietly. “Although, there are ways for us to help you. You could…work for us. Until we deem your debt fully repaid.”
The suggestion had made her skin crawl. “Work for you? And what exactly would I be doing for you?”
She saw Garry’s lips curve into a wicked smile where he sat behind Klaus, and fear coiled up inside her. She didn’t need to be a detective to know that the two men weren’t talking about anything good or legitimate.
Klaus shrugged easily. “You would join our organization.” He stared at her with his cold, wicked eyes. “You’d go to work for us in the human world, where you’d work as a model, but that would just be a front.
“In reality, you’d be smuggling drugs for us, moving through social circles, learning secrets, and of course assassinating our enemies.”
He said the last part so casually, Josie’s blood ran cold in her body. “You’re mistaken. I’m not a warrior like my mother. I’m only a scientist. I don’t think I have the…skills you’re looking for.”
Klaus laughed. “There’s more than one way to kill a man. People can kill with the right drug too, administered the right way. Matter of fact, I find it’s less messy to do it that way.”
That was more than enough reason for Josie to take them seriously. There was a reason they’d waited until her grandfather died to come asking about a debt. She had no doubt that her grandfather would have paid them off to settle the matter quietly.
That only meant one thing. They weren’t really interested in Josie paying them off. On the contrary, they were probably counting on her inability to pay. They were hoping to press her into working for them, and she knew how well that had ended for her mother.
There was a flashing notice on the screen of her computer, just begging her to sign up. The pay for surrogacy was good, and what was more, she would earn some of the money up front.
With that, she could make a down payment to Klaus, and ask him for some time while she raised the rest of his money. All she had to do was carry a child that would not belong to her.
There was also the fact that the were-bears would probably lose interest in her if she was pregnant, just as they’d done with her mother all those years ago. No one wanted a pregnant smuggler, much less a pregnant assassin.
Josie stared at the screen for a long time, weighing her options. Then she laughed at herself. What was she hesitating for? She didn’t have a prayer of raising the money in time and on her own. She had to choose between becoming an international assassin, or becoming a surrogate. It wasn’t really much of a choice, if she was being honest.
She took a deep breath and clicked on the flashing icon. She followed the on-screen instructions, filling out her details and completing the fitness test. A few minutes later, she got an email congratulating her, and wishing her the best of luck on her surrogacy journey.
Chapter 2 - Callahan
“This is a massive first step, Alpha Callahan,” Dr. Stephanie said, shaking his hand. “Not only does it show your support of the program, it will also encourage other members of your pack when they find out their alpha is willing to go down that road.”
Callahan smiled and shrugged. “Trust me, doc. You would have seen complete participation and support from my people whether I signed up for surrogacy or not. We’re not so close-minded as you would expect.”
“Oh, it’s not that at all,” Dr. Stephanie said quickly. “It’s just, the mate bond is a key aspect of our lives as wolves, and having a mate is practically second nature. The idea of surrogacy…well, let’s just say it wasn’t accepted this easily in some other towns.”
Callahan nodded knowingly. “I know what you mean. Don’t be surprised when you start seeing wolves from surrounding packs of Starlight Valley in the months to come. We are a cautious sort, doc, but even we know what’s good for us.”
“Well, I thank you regardless,” she said. “Your support has meant everything to us. It really has.”
“Don’t mention it.” Callahan smiled and got up. So, you’ll let me know as soon as you find someone ready for insemination?”
“Definitely.” She got up as well and rounded her office desk. Together they walked out of her office. “We’ll need to do some tests, of course, to make sure she’s suitable and healthy. As soon as we do, we’ll organize a meeting between you both. I’ll keep you in the loop the whole time.”
“Excellent.” Callahan pushed the front door open and squinted against the brightness of the sun. “I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you, doc. Keep up the good work here. And remember, whatever you need, you can come to me. Alright?”
Dr. Stephanie smiled. “Of course. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you soon.”
Callahan waved and got into his sports car. He sat still for a long time, looking at the building he had just exited. Who would have thought that at the end of the day, he would end up needing surrogacy to have a child?
He’d always wanted a family. His happiest memories were growing up with his brothers and sisters and parents. For years, all he’d wanted to do was replicate that perfect family.
Things had changed, though. He no longer considered marriage at all. Whenever he had his child, he would be ready to take care of the child alone. He had been bracing himself for that task for months, and now he finally felt ready.
After what seemed like an eternity, he turned the key in the ignition and pulled slowly out of the parking lot. It was a slow day for him. He had a few errands to run, and then a long drive to Twin Moon to meet up with his friends.
He was excited to tell them all about the big decision he’d made, even though he expected some pushback from the more conservative among them. That was to be expected.
The town was nearly deserted as he drove through, just a scattering of people that he could see. That was to be expected. At this time, most folks would be in the lumber mills or working the fields.