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 me

filling the bookcases, as well as a

the kitchen and find only

frozen food. I decide to try and distract

be able to welcome Sinclair home

However when I move towards the pantry, my

his chest. “You’re still on bed

a familiar rush

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

sit at the

unsure whether or not he should allow me

my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could

do. I

when I’m

me all of the

I suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

rattle off a list, and begin opening ingredients as

“Has something like this ever

the fact that

Sinclair and the

memory.”

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

at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have

but the idea that this is happening

is unheard of.”

bad is it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out flour

a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

for me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll get

but it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

to take

enough of a deterrent to keep

weak to outsiders?” I clarify,

can guarantee that’s how the

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the

causing all this trouble but Dominic

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

just doing his job. But if

he gets dragged through

growling, “Dominic does everything for

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies,

take?” I inquire after a

It could be hours, or

is.” Gabriel explains with a

with them?” I ask, watching his expression

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

answers, seeming amazed that

lot more boring that being in the thick of

I realize how insensitive they

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

you care about is out risking

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes of

goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor

you? The men in this room are here

warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted to