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

possibly find me

filling the bookcases, as well as a space to

the kitchen and find only a pantry full

of frozen food. I decide to

might be able to welcome Sinclair

I move towards the pantry,

arms over his

him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to

can be on my feet for twenty

at the

if he’s unsure whether or not he should allow me

defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could ever care

baby’s well being than I do. I

when I’m

you can bring me all of the

perfectly happy to let him take over the less fun

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

like this ever

he resents the fact that he’s trapped here

with Sinclair and

memory.” Gabriel replies

this sort of thing wasn’t that

even form coalitions at times. Under a

the idea that this is happening in this

is unheard of.”

for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out flour

not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter from

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

but it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

take

people might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent

to outsiders?” I clarify,

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will

isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to

trouble but Dominic is

Alpha is a thankless job most times.

he’s just doing his

he gets dragged through

“Dominic does everything for his people, they

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

take?” I

could be hours, or days,- depending how

explains with

there with them?” I ask, watching his

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

amazed that I

to admit this is a lot more boring that being in the

mouth I realize how insensitive they

thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting me

about is out

closing the bags

have no

The men in this room are here because the

us the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted to