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 me

the bookcases, as well as a space to

kitchen and find only a

as a freezer full of frozen

I might be able to welcome

However when I move towards

arms over his

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to

mate. “I can

at the

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether or not he should allow me

defiantly, cradling my belly. As

well being than I do. I

I’m doing something that

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

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the less

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

list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

this ever happened before?” I ask

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

Sinclair

my memory.” Gabriel replies

wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues

a powerful

packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

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

a packet of butter from the freezer and

for me. “If he’s able to

but it doesn’t look good that the rogues

to take him

thing he’s not providing enough of

looks weak to outsiders?” I

can guarantee that’s

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the

all this trouble but Dominic is the one who

is a thankless job

doing his job. But if something goes

gets dragged through

myself growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

will this all take?” I inquire

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

explains

you wish you were out there with them?”

surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I

boring that being in the thick of it.” As the

I realize how

I know battle is a terrible thing, but it

care about is

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients

have no idea what an honor it is

to guard you? The men in this room

– the ones most trusted to protect you