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

books and games filling the bookcases, as

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only

as well as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide

might be able to

when I move towards the

his chest. “You’re

arch my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush

my mate. “I can

at the

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

I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my

I do. I think

feet when I’m

concerned then you can bring me

let him take over the

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as

like this ever happened

he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

with Sinclair

memory.”

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

Under a powerful rebel

before, but the idea that this is happening in

is unheard of.”

for Dominic?” I inquire,

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

to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

doesn’t look good that the

take

enough of a deterrent

to outsiders?” I

can guarantee that’s how

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

all this trouble but Dominic is the one who

is a thankless job most

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

dragged through the

does everything for his

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after a

could be hours, or days,-

explains with a

you were out there with them?” I

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

answers, seeming amazed that I should

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

mouth I realize how insensitive they might

mean I know battle is a terrible thing, but

you care about is out

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of

“Do you have no idea what

this room are here because the Alpha

fiercest warriors in his guard – the