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

and games filling the bookcases, as

I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry

as a freezer full of frozen

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

I move towards

his chest.

my brow at him, experiencing a

is not my mate. “I can be on my feet

sit at

as if he’s unsure whether or not he should

my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

I do.

feet when I’m doing

you’re that concerned then you can bring me

to let

seeming pleased to have a task.

begin opening ingredients

something like this ever

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

with Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel

of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

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

is unheard of.”

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

taking a packet of

to prevent the attack entirely

doesn’t look good that the

take him

providing enough of a deterrent to keep them

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

that’s

glumly, beginning to cream

this trouble but Dominic is the

is a thankless

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

gets dragged through the

myself growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

replies,

will this all take?” I inquire

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

is.” Gabriel explains with

you were out there with

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

that

this is a lot more boring

I realize how

I know battle is a terrible thing, but it

is out risking

bags and boxes of ingredients once

“Do you have no idea what an honor

in this room are

guard – the