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 find me

and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space

the kitchen and find only

frozen food. I decide to

I might be able to welcome

or something similar. However when I move towards the

arms over his chest. “You’re still

him, experiencing a familiar

my mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty minutes. After

at the

whether or not

notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra

when I’m doing something that relaxes

can bring me all of the ingredients and do the

let him take over the less

Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

this ever happened

that he’s trapped here with me

with Sinclair and the

my memory.” Gabriel

wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel

packs before, but the idea that this is happening in this day

is unheard of.”

bad is it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out flour

sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter from the

me. “If he’s able to prevent

but it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

to take

he’s not providing enough of a deterrent

outsiders?” I clarify,

can guarantee that’s how

isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate

trouble but Dominic is the one

is a thankless job most times.

no one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But

he gets dragged through the

everything for

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

all take?” I

It could be hours, or days,- depending how serious

explains with a

you wish you were out there with

looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I

more boring that being in the thick

I realize how

is a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting me

care about is

the bags and boxes of

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

in this

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