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

the bookcases, as well as a

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a

frozen food. I decide to try

might be able to welcome Sinclair home with

However when I move towards the

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

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of

someone who is not my mate. “I can be on my feet

sit at

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether

up defiantly, cradling my belly.

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

when I’m doing something that relaxes

you’re that concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients and do

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over

Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have a task.

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel

this ever happened before?” I ask after

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

with Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel

sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of

at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

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

is unheard of.”

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

answers, taking a packet of butter from

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

but it doesn’t look good that the rogues

to take him

enough of a

outsiders?” I

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

glumly, beginning to cream

trouble but Dominic is the one who

is a thankless job most

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

he gets dragged through

growling, “Dominic does everything for his people,

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

this all take?”

of emergency? It could be hours, or days,-

Gabriel explains with

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

surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that I should even

a lot more boring that being in the thick

my mouth I realize how insensitive

I know battle is a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting

you care about is out risking their

the bags and

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

guard you? The men in this room

the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted to protect you