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,

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only

of frozen food. I decide to try

be able to welcome

I move towards the pantry, my

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

experiencing a

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

sit at

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

I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As

well being than I do. I

feet when I’m doing

bring me

happy to let him

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

list, and begin opening ingredients

this ever happened before?” I ask

fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

with Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel

thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of

at times. Under a

that this is happening in

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I

packet of butter from the

to

pack, but it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

take him

thing he’s not providing enough of a

to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

guarantee that’s how the

isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream

this trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

a thankless

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

he gets dragged through the

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

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

long will this all take?” I inquire after

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

explains with a

were out there with them?” I ask, watching

surprised. “Of course

that I should

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

I realize how insensitive

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

about is out

carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients

but now he goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor it

men in this room are here because

– the ones most trusted to