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

and games filling the bookcases, as well as

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

full of frozen

that I might be able

However when I move towards the

arms over his chest. “You’re still on

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty minutes. After

at the

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether

cradling my belly. As if he could ever care

I do. I think grumpily.

my feet when I’m doing something that relaxes

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

perfectly happy to let him take

agrees, seeming pleased to have a task. “What do you

and begin opening

like this ever happened before?”

that he’s trapped here with me instead

Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel replies

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

a powerful

down entire packs before, but the idea that this

is unheard of.”

look for Dominic?” I inquire,

answers, taking a packet of butter

to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

protecting the pack, but it doesn’t look good that

take

not providing enough of

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

that’s how the Prince will spin

argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

this trouble but Dominic is the one who

thankless job most times. When

just doing

he gets dragged through the

catch myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies,

long will this all take?” I inquire after a

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

Gabriel explains with

you wish you were out there with them?”

surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I should

to admit this is a lot more boring that being

mouth I realize how insensitive they

a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting

about is

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes

still. “Do you have

in this room are here because the Alpha

the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted