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 find

filling the bookcases, as well

kitchen and find only a pantry

as well as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try and

might be able to welcome

However when I

arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

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

sit at

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether or

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

well being than I do. I

feet when I’m doing something that relaxes

concerned then you can bring me all of

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let

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

and begin

this ever happened before?” I

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

with Sinclair and the

memory.”

thing wasn’t that uncommon.

form coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel

down entire packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

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

taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

the pack, but it doesn’t look

take

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

to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

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

glumly, beginning to

all this trouble but Dominic is the one who

a thankless job most times. When

just doing his job.

he gets dragged

myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people,

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering

all take?”

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

Gabriel explains

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of

amazed that I should

more boring that being in the

mouth I realize how insensitive they might

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

you care about is

bags and boxes of ingredients

you have no idea what an

The men in this room are here because the

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