“Observe?” Lamba rebuked Jason.
“Silence, you imbecile!” Jason retaliated with a deadly stare. He determined to maintain his distance from the young woman. This approach allowed him to sustain a strictly professional connection with her, while she remained oblivious to the fact that she had nearly ensnared him in a trap.
“Are you well, Talia?” Another knock resounded on the door, accompanied by Lena’s apprehensive voice. Her sister had been confined in a room, isolated with one of the most perilous Alphas.
While standing silently on the stairs, she detected movement emanating from one of the apartments and hurried to knock on the door. What were those disturbances? Did he do any harm upon Talia? The possibility instilled fear in her.
What was the reason for the prolonged delay in opening the door? Upon observing the gradual opening of the room’s door, she exhaled in relief. Talia stood there entirely unharmed. You startled me! Lena embraced her gently while watching Jason, who was gazing at the two sisters.
“He did not engage in any inappropriate behaviour, did he?” She spoke softly into her sister’s ear.
Talia was silent for several seconds. Was it appropriate for her to disclose the kiss to her sister? She was uncertain how to react after being kissed by a stranger – an opponent, no less. She was incredulous at the recent events that had transpired. Talia sought to alleviate Lena’s concerns, as she had left her alone in the room with him.
“No, he did not,” she reassured her, distancing herself from Lena, hoping that Jason had not overheard her falsehood.
“What is the reason for your scent resembling his?” Lena asked. Talia was filled with terror. How could she elucidate their unforeseen near proximity moments prior? She had entirely overlooked that she would carry his scent. Lena observed that her question placed her sister in an uncomfortable situation. Talia refrained from speaking as she had no desire to deceive.
“Disregard it,” Lena stated, dismissing her own inquiry. She easily read Talia’s look and comprehended the situation. However, as long as her sister remained unharmed and did not require aid, she chose to disregard the altercation between Jason and Talia, which she had anticipated.
Talia glanced at Jason, aware of the imposing Alpha positioned behind her, although he maintained a respectful distance. “Would you be willing to serve as my surrogate?” He asked.
“I anticipate your final decision.” His hands were concealed in his trousers pockets, and she noted that his face had reverted to an expressionless state. She perceived him as a different man than the one who had just kissed her. He seemed equally aloof as he had done previously with her family.
“What?” Is it a surrogate? Lena cast her sister a surprised look. However, Talia maintained her composure.
Talia affirmed, “Yes,” while grasping Lena’s hand in response to Jason. Despite her astonishment at the recent revelation, the older sister preserved her composure. Despite Talia’s youth, Lena was assured in her ability to make independent decisions. Jason internally smirked. The result of their protracted conversation favoured Jason, which delighted him.
“However,” Talia paused before advancing a step towards him.
Jason derided. What is it, and why does it matter? There must be no ‘But.’ There is no reverting now. Talia perceived his frown, however he remained patient for her to proceed.
“I can never disclose to my parents that I am a surrogate,” she whispered nervously, biting her lip. Jason’s attention was captivated by her delicately nibbling the tender skin of her lips. “Although our pack is smaller than the Sothis Star Pack, my father’s image holds greater value to him than his own life.”
He will be significantly affronted if he learns that I have consented to serve as your surrogate. Talia expressed her ultimate concerns, stating, “I am indifferent to the consequences that may arise from the revelation of the truth, yet I cannot bear the thought that my decision will affect my mother and sister.”
She observed Lena’s apprehension towards their mother when surrogacy was mentioned. One other concern troubled Lena. Should everyone become aware that Talia has consented to serve as a surrogate, it would result in her shame. She had only conversed about her parents with Jason, although she concealed the potential complications for her personal life from him.
After diverting his avaricious sight from her lips, Jason perceived and comprehended the exchanged glances between the sisters. Similar to him and Lucas, they possessed a robust fraternal connection.
“Then I shall inform them of our impending marriage,” he remarked, having identified the solution to their dilemma. He would permit no obstacles to impede his progress, if she agreed to be his surrogate.
“Will you marry me?” Talia was astonished.
“No,” he corrected, “but I can easily deceive to protect your reputation before your parents and pack.” Talia was taken aback by his reply. Was he undertaking this for her benefit? Enabling her to preserve her dignity. However, what is the rationale? Jason discerned her emotions despite her lack of explicit inquiry.
