Chapter Three

Search for a Surrogate

Alia ignored her phone. She needed to complete her coding for her new humanoid before her time was up. She didn’t plan on losing her place as a top programmer in her class at New York University. She’d developed a near flawless, fully functional humanoid prototype, and had already sold one to a top New York fashion designer. It was difficult to tell that her humanoid creation wasn’t human at all. The invention has placed her at the top of her class. She hoped it would help her get a fully paid scholarship for her final year.

Her phone rang again and again. Alia ignored the call as she added her name to the software.

“Miss Jones, are you going to answer that call or not?” Professor Laura Graham glared at Alia. The incessant ringing is disturbing the class. Not everyone has your concentration levels.”

“Sorry, Professor Graham,” Alia said. She checked the caller ID. Celine Dark. Alia rushed out of the class. She’d found Celine’s missing cat last Halloween. In return, the witch gave Alia odd, paying jobs. Usually, these jobs were collecting rare ingredients and delivering to Celine. She returned Celine’s call, hoping the witch wasn’t mad at her for not answering her previous seven calls.

“What took you so long?” Celine demanded.

“I had a test,” Ali lied.

“Listen,” Celine said, her mood sweetening instantly, “I have an offer for you. It pays really well.”

“I’m listening,” Alia said. “How many figures does this gig pay?”

“Six,” Celine replied. “And my client is also offering long-term financial support just in case there are any complications or, if he needs you in the future.”

Alia frowned. “What does this job entail?”

Celine sighed. “Please promise me you will consider this offer carefully.”

“You know I’m desperate for the money,” Alia reminded Celine.

“Yeah. Okay, here goes. My client is an Alpha. He needs a surrogate.” Celine paused.

“Oh, so you mean he needs to use my uterus for nine months. When’s the procedure scheduled for?” Alia asked, assuming Celine simply needed her for an artificial insemination procedure.

“The Alpha won’t be using any medical procedures to make you pregnant,” Celine said.

“What?” Alia said, shocked. “You mean he wants to…” her voice trailed off.

“He wants to conceive his baby the way nature intended,” Celine said.

“God, no. Does he know that we don’t even need to meet to make a baby?” Being a surrogate was one thing. But being a surrogate and the lover of an Alpha was a whole different story altogether. It didn’t help that she was still a virgin – not because she was saving herself for marriage. But because she’d had to find ways to survive and just never had the time for frivolous sex. Her studies were far more important.

“Will you be able to do it?” Celine asked, her voice a little impatient.

“Do you need an answer right now?” Alia asked. The thought of sleeping with a stranger filled her with dread.

“Yes, the Alpha is desperate. And to be honest, I don’t have anyone I can trust to not blackmail the Alpha or expose his identity. The future of his pack depends on him presenting an heir to the world. This is a life and death situation, Alia.”

“I’ve never done something like this. Ever,” Alia admitted. “And I really don’t want any complicating relationships. I need your assurance that after the deed is done, this Alpha will leave me alone. I don’t want him showing up unannounced on my doorstep or anything like that.”

“I understand, Alia. I can assure you that the Alpha won’t hurt you, harm you, or abuse you in any way. He is not immature. I’ve known him since he was a baby. Tell you what, I will negotiate a seven figure payment for you. I will tell the Alpha you’re a virgin.”

Seven figures. Goosebumps dotted Alia’s skin. She would never have to worry about paying her bills or, about money for food and clothes again. Surely she could spend just one evening with an Alpha so she could live a comfortable life for once.

“I’ll do it,” Alia said, goose bumps dotting her skin.

“Thank you. I’ll make it worth your while,” Celine promised. “I will send you a potion to help you conceive the first time so you don’t have to repeat the process.”

“Thank you,” Alia said. The last thing she wanted was to repeat the process if she didn’t conceive.

***

Celine’s hands trembled as she dialed Edgar’s number. She’d served the Callens for decades. She’d conjured dozens of potions to help Edgar’s Luna fall pregnant. Nothing had worked. It was almost as if the Spirit World itself was preventing the Luna from falling pregnant.

“Hello.” Edgar answered on the first ring.

“I found her. I found your surrogate,” Celine said, barely able to contain her glee.

A few moments of silence followed. “Are you sure this will work?” Edgar asked. “Do you trust this girl?”

“Yes, I do. She has nothing to lose. And yes, this plan devised by the Elders will work. They wouldn’t have asked you to hire a surrogate if there was another way for you to bring your Luna back.”

“Are you sure this girl won’t cause me trouble in the future? Or threaten to blackmail me or tell the world I hired her to conceive and carry my heir?” Edgar asked, concern evident in his tone.

“I swear on my life that the girl I’ve found for you won’t do anything to threaten you. Ever.”

“What else can you tell me about the surrogate?” Edgar asked.

“She’s a brilliant student. And she’s a virgin.”

“Ah, I suppose your price just went up then,” Edgar said. Adult virgins were a rare find in the modern day and age.

“Yes,” Celine laughed. “It did.”

***

Edgar stared at the phone long after he ended the call. He was in his New York office. Not even the view of Times Square could ease his distress. He needed to make to follow the orders of the Elders. He knew his pack had enjoyed their peaceful existence over the last few years. Life had settled into a peaceful routine for all wolves. Nobody needed to take sides, or worry about identifying their loved one’s body. Surely, having a baby with a surrogate was a small price to pay for the freedom and peace they’d enjoyed until now?

He dialed Elena’s cell phone number one more time.

“The number you have called is not available.”

She hadn’t responded to his emails or any other messages. He shook his head. Wherever she was, he hoped she was okay.

He’d resume his search for Elena once he met and impregnated his surrogate.

***