Accidental Surrogate

Ella

The waiting is horrible.

I did exactly as Sinclair asked and followed the guards to the safe house, taking only a

few essentials. We left our phones and technology behind, and then I was piled into

the back of a car and hidden under a blanket just in case someone found a way to

glimpse through the black out windows. We drove for more than half an hour, making

all kinds of twists and turns. I’m sure some of it was just evasive driving to make sure

we weren’t being followed, which worries me more than I’d like to admit.

As I lay there I realized that Sinclair must have been afraid that this attack might be

used as adistraction for the Prince to make a move against me, and that possibility

seems more and more likely the more I think about it. Hadn’t the Prince been planning

a distraction just like this before the Queen died? It’s no wonder Sinclair hadn’t

wanted me to stay at the house even though it’s the most secure building in the city

next to the Royal Palace.

When we arrived at the safe house I was relieved to discover it was a veritable

fortress. It dídn’t even look like a house, In fact, when the car pulled to a stop in front

of a huge rock wall on the side of a mountain, I assumed one of the guards needed to

use the restroom or somethíng. I couldn’t have been more surprised when they all

exited the car and began pressing on the rocks, moving their hands around on the

granite until they found the right spot and pushed in. It took all four of them, each

pressing on a specific spot in perfect unison, before the mountain itself opened up.

The rock wall slid inward, even though it had looked completely solid from the outside.

One of the guards lifted ne out of the car and carried me inside, and all but the driver

entered with me. Just before the wall closed behind us, I saw the car speeding away

again. It had all happened in about 30 seconds, and when I look around I’m amazed

to discover that the interior of the mountain is as luxurious and comfortable as the

mansion. Despite being an actual cave, electricity lights the sprawling rooms, which

are fully furnished and decked out with amenities.

When I look back at the entrance I discover a keypad mounted in the rock, but no sign

of the door. A flash of claustrophobia overtakes me and I worry about how I’ll get out

again, but I take a deep breath and try to comfort myself with the knowledge that no

could possibly

filling the bookcases, as well

I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry

as a freezer full of frozen food. I

might be able to welcome

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry,

over his chest. “You’re still on

a familiar rush of annoyance

is not my mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty

at the

he’s unsure whether or not he

cradling my

my baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an

I’m doing something that relaxes

you can bring me all of the

let him take

to have a task. “What do you

begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects bowls

ever happened

fact that he’s trapped

Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel

sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues would join

form coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have tried

entire packs before, but the idea that

is unheard of.”

for

packet of butter from

for me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll get

protecting the pack, but it doesn’t look good

take him

thing he’s not providing enough of

outsiders?” I clarify, trying

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the

I argue glumly, beginning to

causing all this trouble but Dominic

is a thankless

because he’s just doing his job. But if something

gets dragged

myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people,

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering

this all take?”

could be hours,

Gabriel explains with a

with

surprised. “Of course

that

boring

my mouth I realize how insensitive they

know battle is a terrible thing, but it can’t

care about is

had been carefully closing the bags

goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor it

this room are here because the

his guard – the