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Claire looked at her son, skeptical yet amused. “Is that what you think you’re going to get out of it? A fated mate?”
Gabriel stood and walked in front of a giant painting he had hanging across the room from his desk. He didn’t want to get irritated with his mother. He knew her skepticism was coming from a good place. Still, he needed to take a moment to find a way to explain why this was the answer.
He stared at the oil painting of a simple rainforest scene. It was dark green with hues of blue. But some of the flowers … popped in such a way against the cool colors that it demanded attention. It was captivatingly beautiful. But then his eye began to explore the rest and see the faint but specific details. Each time he examined it, he found something new.
It was why he loved art. It held different meanings, depending on who was looking upon it.
He turned, ready to continue explaining his choice. “It’s not just about a fated mate. If that happens, great. If not, then I’d still be getting an heir. Someone to pass things on to and raise to take care of this place. And I’d be giving you a grandchild.” He smirked, knowing that would pull at his mother’s heartstrings.
She gave him a look, and he knew he was right.
“You, of all people, should know how important that would be.”
She nodded. “I do. I really do, and it’s not that I don’t trust your judgment, Gabriel. I just want you to do whatyouknow is best. Not just because of some expectations. I don’t want to see you scammed or miserable.”
“Like I said, it’s a legit surrogacy agency. It was specifically made to help alphas in this situation. And the turn-out rate for success is five-star all around. I’m not taking this lightly, but I’m thirty-two and ready. It’s time. I’m not finding what I want from this pride for a mate. And I don’t have the time or the patience to find a human and have to explain all of this to her. Then wonder if it was too much for her to handle.”
“Wait, so you’re saying they match you with a human?”
“Not all of the time, but usually.”
“Huh.”
“What? I’ve never known you to be one to frown on that sort of thing.”
“No, no. I’m not, dear. I was just surprised. What if they can’t guarantee you’ll have a shifter as a child like you would with another shifter?”
“Valid concern, but I already asked. Apparently, the shifter gene usually comes from the male, especially if they are the alpha.”
“How do you know that?”
Gabriel rolled his eyes, pretending he understood the science behind it. “Tech, Mom, it’s obvious,” was all he could say.
He knew she was pretty sure he didn’t have a clue either, but she dropped it with a sigh. “So, who are these shifters you talked to that found their mate this way?”
Gabriel shrugged. “Some of the other alphas in the other packs and prides.”
Claire flicked her loose silver hair off of her shoulder as she waited for Gabriel to continue.
“I’m not giving you any names, Mom.”
“Not even one?”
“No. You’ll just have to trust me. I know that all you’re wondering is who you may know who has gone through this.”
Claire smirked. “Maybe. I’m just curious now. No harm in that.”
Gabriel loosened up a bit as he walked to his chair and reseated himself. He knew he had become defensive, so he tried to switch the mood to a lighter tone.
As alpha, Gabriel had learned as much as he could from his father while he had been around. But his mother had taught him a lot as well. His charismatic demeanor, for one thing. But also on that list was what she was doing right now … handling uncomfortable situations.
He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a finely aged scotch with two tumblers. He poured a shot in each before sliding one to his mother. “Tell me, what is your real hesitation with this?” Gabriel asked. He took a sip and waited for Claire’s rational answer.
She swirled her glass and then looked up at him. “I just don’t know if it is such a good idea to match up with a complete stranger just to have a baby. What if you end up hating each other or your parenting styles don’t match? Or better yet, what if she gets jealous when you do find your actual mate?”
Gabriel couldn’t lie. He had thought about those things as well, but that was something he was willing to deal with when it happened. “I told you, I’m not just jumping into this. I’ve talked to the agency, and there are things in place to prevent those types of things from happening.”
“Like a contract?” Claire asked, finally sipping her drink.
