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

and games filling the bookcases, as well as a

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

frozen food.

I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

However when I move towards

his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed

is not my mate. “I can

sit at

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

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

my baby’s well being than I do. I think

my feet when I’m doing something

me all of

I suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him

have a task. “What

off a list, and begin opening ingredients

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

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

with Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel

thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues would

Under a powerful rebel

entire packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

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

to

it doesn’t look

to take

people might thing he’s not providing enough of a

he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

that’s how the Prince will

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

Dominic is the one who pays

is a thankless

just doing his job. But if something goes

dragged through the

growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

take?”

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

Gabriel explains

with them?” I ask, watching his expression

looking surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that I

have to admit this is a lot more boring

my mouth I realize how

thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting me

care about is out risking their

bags and boxes of ingredients once I

still. “Do you have no idea what

this room are

the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones