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

bookcases, as well as

the kitchen and find only a pantry full of

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

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

or something similar. However when I move towards the pantry, my

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

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to

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

at

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

up defiantly, cradling my

do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra five

I’m doing something that

you’re that concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients

slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over

pleased to have

a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects bowls

cups. “Has something like this ever happened

he resents the fact that he’s

Sinclair and the

memory.” Gabriel

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

Under a

the idea that this is happening in this day

is unheard of.”

going to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out

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

for me. “If he’s able to prevent

but it doesn’t look good

take

enough

outsiders?”

Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how

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

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most

one notices, because he’s just doing his job.

he gets dragged through

does everything for his

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

this all take?” I

It could be hours,

is.” Gabriel explains

out there with them?” I

looking surprised. “Of

seeming amazed that I should even

lot more boring that being in the

I realize how insensitive they might

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

you care about is out risking their

closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once

now he goes still. “Do you have no idea

this room are here because

guard – the