Page 1 of The Billionaire Alpha Surrogate

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Lucy

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Ashley asked.

“Yeah. You know that I’ve loved Leo for practically my entire life. I’ve always dreamed of our mating ceremony. Then, I write my books and become a famous author while taking care of our bear cubs,” Lucy said, excitedly.

A look of pain flashed across her face. Lucy thought that it was because she had similar goals but had never managed to find the right man for her.

“You’ll find the right man for you,” Lucy promised.

“Maybe,” she muttered. Then, she brightened. “This is about you. A toast, to my best friend.”

They left the club soon after. Lucy wasn’t able to sleep at all that night. She was so excited. Finally, the sun came up, and the warm rays radiated through the windows.

Ashley and Lucy’s mother, Sophia, helped her get ready for the ceremony. Ashely curled Lucy’s dark brown hair and piled it high on her head. She would arrange the coronet of flowers after Lucy had slipped on the traditional tunic worn at every mating ceremony.

Lucy put on some eyeliner, eye shadow, and lip gloss. She never was a person who used a lot of make-up. Sophia gave Lucy a manicure.

The day passed so slowly. It seemed like an eternity before it was time to put on the tunic and go to the ceremonial hall. She noticed that Ashley seemed to get increasingly depressed as the day passed.

“Hey, girl. Are you okay?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, I’m good. I think I’m just really tired. I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night,” Ashley replied. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to rain on your parade.”

Lucy hugged her. “You are great. I’m glad you’re with me, sleepy or not. You have been my best friend since we were in diapers, and you are more like my sister than anything.”

Ashley smiled at her and nodded. “I love you, too.”

Finally, it was time for the mating ceremony to start.

“Are you ready?” Lucy’s father, Matthew, asked.

“You know I am, Daddy. I’ve only loved Leo forever.” Lucy grinned.

The music started. Most of the members of their Thunder Claw Bear Shifter Clan were there. They stood as she walked by them. Her eyes were focused on the tall dark-haired man waiting for her at the altar.

Elder James began the ceremony.

“Friends and family. We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Leo Kahn and Lucy Sawyers in this mating ceremony.”

Lucy heard Ashly swallow a sob behind her and smiled. She always got emotional at mating ceremonies, too. Leo glanced behind Lucy at Ashly and grimaced.

“Leo Kahn, do you take Lucy Sawyers to be your mate, to live together as one, to love and comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sadness and joy, to have and to hold, forsaking all others from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?”

Ashley let out another sob. Everyone was silent, waiting for Leo’s response. He stood very still for a long minute and said, “I can’t.”

Everyone in the room gasped, and Lucy felt as though she was going to pass out.

“I’m sorry?” the elder said.

“I can’t. Lucy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you this, so I didn’t. Ashley and I have been seeing each other for a couple of months, and we fell in love. I’m so very sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I would be destroying three lives if I went through this mating ceremony with you.”

Lucy’s heart and soul shattered into a million pieces. Leo kissed Lucy on the cheek and held his hand out to Ashley.

“I’m so sorry,” Ashley whispered, and the two of them walked out of the ceremonial hall.

Lucy wanted to melt into the floor. Her mother and father rushed up to her and held her close to them.

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