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

filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry

full of frozen food. I

that I might be able to welcome Sinclair

or something similar. However when I

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

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

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

at the

he’s unsure whether

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

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

feet when I’m doing something that

then you can bring me all of the ingredients and

perfectly happy to let

to have a task. “What do you

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects bowls

this ever happened before?” I ask

the fact that he’s trapped here

with Sinclair and the

in my memory.” Gabriel

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

Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

the idea that this is happening in this day and

is unheard of.”

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

a packet of butter from the freezer and

for me. “If he’s able to

but it doesn’t look

to take

he’s not providing enough

he looks weak to outsiders?” I

Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the Prince

argue glumly, beginning to

trouble but Dominic is the one

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most

notices, because he’s just doing his job. But if

dragged through

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

recognize that.”

replies,

will this all take?” I inquire after

could be hours, or

explains with

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

surprised.

that I should even

a lot more boring that

my mouth I realize how insensitive

thing, but it can’t

is

closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once

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

this room

the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted