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

kitchen and

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

be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

However when I move towards

arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

experiencing a familiar rush

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

at

unsure whether or not he should allow me this

my

I do.

when I’m doing something that relaxes

can bring me

let him take over

agrees, seeming pleased to have a

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

this ever happened before?” I ask after

fact that he’s trapped here with

with Sinclair

in my memory.”

that uncommon. Bands of rogues

times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have

before, but the idea that this

is unheard of.”

it going to look for Dominic?” I

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

me. “If he’s able to

doesn’t look good

take

he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to keep

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the Prince

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

Dominic is the

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

notices, because he’s just doing

he gets dragged through

catch myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people,

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

will this all take?” I inquire after a

emergency? It could be

is.” Gabriel explains with a

wish you were out there with

looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I

is a lot more boring that

my mouth I realize how insensitive they might

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

about is out

bags and boxes

“Do you have no idea what an

men in this room are here because the

his guard – the