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

the bookcases, as well

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only

as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair

However when I

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

him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be

“I can be on my feet for

sit at the

he’s unsure whether or not he

cradling my belly. As if he could

being than I do. I think

feet when I’m doing something that

bring me all of the ingredients

I suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the

seeming pleased to have a task.

a list, and begin opening

cups. “Has something like this ever happened before?” I

fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel replies

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

a powerful rebel leader, rogues have tried

down entire packs before, but the idea that this is happening in this day and

is unheard of.”

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

taking a packet of butter

able to prevent the

but it doesn’t

take

might thing he’s not providing enough of a

he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

can guarantee that’s how the Prince

I argue glumly, beginning to cream

but Dominic is the one who pays the

“Being Alpha is a thankless

no one notices, because he’s just doing his job.

he gets dragged through the

everything for his people, they

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

will this all take?”

of emergency? It could be hours, or days,- depending how

is.” Gabriel explains

wish you were out there with them?” I

surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I should even

to admit this is a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.” As

my mouth I realize how

is a terrible thing, but

care about is

been carefully closing the bags

goes still. “Do you have no idea

men in this room

his guard – the ones most