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

are books and games filling the bookcases, as well

and find

well as a freezer full of frozen food.

that I might be able to welcome

I move towards the pantry,

his chest. “You’re still

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be

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

at

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

chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if

than I do. I think

when I’m doing something

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

to let him

pleased to have a

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

something like this ever happened before?”

fact that he’s trapped here

with Sinclair and

my memory.”

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon.

a powerful rebel leader, rogues have tried

down entire packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring

packet of butter from the freezer and

to prevent the attack entirely he’ll get

doesn’t look good

to take him

providing enough of a deterrent to keep

to outsiders?” I

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how

I argue glumly, beginning to cream

all this trouble but Dominic is the one

a thankless job most times.

notices, because he’s just doing his job.

dragged

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

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

will this all take?” I inquire after a

It could be hours, or days,- depending how

is.” Gabriel explains with

with them?” I ask, watching his expression

surprised. “Of course

amazed that I should

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

mouth I realize how insensitive they

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

care about is out

been carefully closing the bags and boxes

“Do you have no idea what an honor it

in this room are here because

us the fiercest warriors in his guard – the