Chosen To Be The Alpha's Surrogate

** Penelope **

As the evening wears on, I can feel the pack's scrutiny bearing down on me. The sidelong glances, the whispered conversations behind raised hands-it's clear that not everyone is thrilled about the human* in their midst. I try to hold my head high, to project an air of confidence and belonging, but inside, I'm a mess of nerves and self-doubt. What am I doing here, in this glittering ballroom full of supernatural beings? How can I possibly measure up to their expectations, to the legacy of the Luna before me?

*How much longer till this is over and I can go back into hiding?*

I suspect that Malachi senses my uneasiness because he keeps me close to his side, his hand a steady presence at the small of my back. Every now and then, he leans down to murmur reassurance in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "You're doing great," he tells me, his thumb rubbing soothing circles against my spine. "Just be yourself, Penny. They'll love you as much as I do."

*Did he just say..?*

My heart flutters in my chest, and I nearly falter, a small set of tears watering my eyes. But I blink them away, telling myself I'm thinking too much, too deeply into it.

As the night wears on, I can feel my energy flagging, my smile growing more and more strained as my social battery drains.

Then, there's the nausea.

It starts as a faint queasiness in the pit of my stomach, easily dismissed as nerves or the rich food I've been nibbling on all evening. But as the minutes tick by, it grows stronger, a rolling wave of sickness that has me breaking out in a cold sweat.

*I'm gonna be sick...*

Suddenly, Malachi's hand tightens on my waist. "Are you alright?" he asks, his voice low and concerned. "You look pale."

I swallow hard, trying to force down the bile rising in my throat. "I'm fine," I manage, but even to my own ears, my voice sounds weak and thready. "Just a little tired, I think."

He doesn't look convinced, but before he can press further, a hush falls over the ballroom. I look up to see Elijah striding towards the center of the room, his silver eyes glinting with a malicious light.

"Friends, esteemed guests," he begins, his voice carrying effortlessly through the cavernous space. "I hope you're all enjoying this lovely celebration. But I fear we may have been remiss in our duties as hosts."

*What is he talking about?*

A murmur goes through the crowd, confusion and anticipation mingling in the air. Beside me, Malachi stiffens, his jaw clenching tight.

"What is he doing?" I whisper, my stomach churning.

"I don't know," Malachi grits out, his eyes never leaving his brother's face. "But whatever it is, it's not good." Cautiously, he begins moving toward his brother, further away from me.

Elijah ignores him and continues, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You see, we have a *very* special guest with us tonight. A human, carrying the heir to our illustrious pack." His gaze sides to me, cold and assessing. "But how can we be sure she's worthy of such an honor? How do we know she has the strength, the courage to stand beside our Alpha?"

The crowd shifts relentlessly, a low hum of agitation rising from their ranks. I can feel their eyes on me, hungry and appraising, like wolves scenting weakness in their prey.

Malachi growls, a low, menacing sound that rumbles through his chest. "Elijah, don't-"

But his brother ignores him, turning to face the far end of the ballroom. "Bring in the beast!"

A collective gasp goes up from the crowd as a pair of hulking, fur-clad warriors drag a massive, snarling creature into the room. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, a nightmare fusion of wolf and bear, its eyes glowing a hellish red in the dim light.

"Behold, the tribal beast," Elijah announces, his voice dripping with malice. "A creature of pure, primal savagery, bound to the will of the strong." He turns to me, a sharp and vicious smile etched onto his face. "Only the true Luna can command it. All others... well, let's just say it has a taste for human flesh."

I feel the blood drain from my face, my knees going weak with terror.

*This can't be happening. He can't possibly expect me to—*

"No." Malachi's voice cracks like a whip, his eyes blazing with fury as he comes to a stop just a few feet short from Elijah. "I won't allow this. Penelope is under *my* protection, and I will not see her subjected to your twisted game." Elijah laughs, a cold, mocking sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "Oh, come now, brother. Surely you're not afraid? If she's truly worthy of being your mate, she should have no problem handling one little beast." The crowd murmurs in agreement, their eyes gleaming with a sick sort of anticipation. I can feel their bloodlust, their eagerness to see the human girl* to shreds before their very eyes. *I'm going to die here...*

Malachi snarls, his body coiled with rage. "I am the Alpha," he grits out, his voice low and deadly. "And I say this farce ends now."

But Elijah merely smiles, a slow, cruel curve of his lips. "As you wish, brother," he says, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "But I'm afraid the beast has already caught her scent." With that, he steps aside, revealing the creature straining at its chains, its massive head swinging towards me with a predatory intent.

Elijah croons, his voice soft and mocking. "Let's see how fast you can run."

With a snap of his fingers, the beast is free, its chains falling away as it lunges forward with a roar that shakes the very foundation of the room.

I'm frozen, my feet rooted to the floor in terror as the creature barrels towards me, its jaws wide and slavering. I can hear Malachi shouting, I can feel him reaching for me, but it's too late.