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

games filling the bookcases, as well as a

the kitchen and find

frozen food.

might be able to welcome Sinclair

when I

his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

him, experiencing a

mate. “I can be on my feet for

sit at the

whether or not he should allow me this

up defiantly, cradling my belly. As

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

when I’m doing something that

you can bring me all of the ingredients

perfectly happy to let him take over the

pleased to have a

begin

ever happened before?” I ask

fact that he’s trapped

with Sinclair

memory.”

thing wasn’t that uncommon.

coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have

down entire packs before, but the idea that

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?”

packet of butter from

me. “If he’s able to

protecting the pack, but it doesn’t look

take

not providing enough

weak to outsiders?”

that’s how the Prince will spin

argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

trouble but Dominic is the one

Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

doing his job.

he gets dragged through the

catch myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people, they

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after

It could be

is.” Gabriel explains with

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that I

boring that being in the thick of

mouth I realize how insensitive they might

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

care about is out risking their

had been carefully closing the bags and

have no idea what an honor it is to

you? The men in this room are here because the

guard – the ones most trusted to