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

books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a

as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to

able to welcome Sinclair home

something similar. However when I move towards

Gabriel crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed

him, experiencing a familiar rush of

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

sit at the

whether or not he should

my belly. As if he could ever care

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

when I’m doing something

concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients and do

let him take over the less fun

to have a task. “What do you

rattle off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

cups. “Has something like this ever

the fact that he’s trapped

with Sinclair and

my memory.” Gabriel

that

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel

that this is happening

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out

of butter

he’s able to

it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

to take

people might thing he’s not providing enough of

he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will spin

beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I

this trouble but Dominic is the one who

frowns. “Being Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

doing his job. But if

gets dragged through

growling, “Dominic does everything for his people, they

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire

It could be

is.” Gabriel explains with a

you wish you were out there with them?” I

looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that I should

is a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.”

I realize how insensitive they

is a terrible thing, but it can’t

you care about is out

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once I

but now he goes still. “Do you have no

you? The men in this room are here because

warriors in his guard – the