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 well as a space

and find only a

as a freezer full of frozen food. I

thinking that I might be able to

I

over his chest. “You’re still on

at him, experiencing a familiar

can be on my feet

at the

unsure whether or not he should allow

I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my

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

when I’m doing something that

you can bring me all of the ingredients and do

perfectly happy to let him take over

pleased to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin

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

the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

Sinclair and the

memory.” Gabriel

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

even form coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

idea that this is happening in

is unheard of.”

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

not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter

“If he’s able to prevent

it doesn’t look good that

to take

might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to keep

weak to outsiders?”

can guarantee that’s

argue glumly, beginning to

trouble but Dominic

“Being Alpha is a thankless

notices, because he’s just doing

gets dragged

everything for his

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

all take?” I inquire

could be hours, or

Gabriel explains with

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

looking surprised.

seeming amazed that I should

to admit this is a lot more boring that being

realize how

a terrible thing,

about is out risking

the bags and boxes of ingredients once

he goes still. “Do you have

this room are here because

his guard – the ones