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

filling the bookcases,

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry full of

well as a freezer full of frozen food. I

thinking that I might be able

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry, my

arms over his

experiencing a familiar rush

is not my mate. “I can be on my

at the

if he’s unsure whether or not

up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could

my baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra five

when I’m doing something that

can bring me all of the ingredients and

slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the

to have

a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

“Has something like this ever happened before?” I ask

if he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with

Sinclair and

memory.” Gabriel

of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

at times. Under a powerful

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

is unheard of.”

it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

me. “If he’s able to prevent the

doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

take

he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to keep them

weak to outsiders?”

that’s how the Prince

argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

trouble but Dominic is

a thankless job most

just doing his job. But

gets dragged

myself growling, “Dominic does everything for

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering

all take?” I inquire

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

explains with

were out there with them?” I ask, watching his

looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I should even

lot more boring that being in

realize how insensitive

is a terrible thing, but it

is out risking their

bags and

still. “Do you have no

men in this room are here because the

his guard – the ones most trusted to protect you