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

books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

kitchen and find only a

of frozen food. I

be able to welcome Sinclair

I move towards the pantry, my

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

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

mate. “I can be on my feet for

at

whether or not he should allow me

chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As

baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides,

I’m doing

concerned then you can bring me all of

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let

Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have

list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects bowls

“Has something like this ever

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

Sinclair

in my memory.” Gabriel

thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of

at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

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

is unheard of.”

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

a packet of butter from the freezer

me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack

it doesn’t look good

to take

enough of a deterrent

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

that’s

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

this trouble but Dominic is the one who

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most

he’s just doing his job.

dragged through

myself growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

replies,

will this all take?” I inquire after a

could be hours, or days,- depending how serious

is.” Gabriel explains with a

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

looking surprised. “Of

answers, seeming amazed that I should even

boring that

realize how insensitive

mean I know battle is a terrible thing, but it

is out risking

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once

you have no idea what

men in this room are here

– the ones most trusted to