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

are books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space

the kitchen and

a freezer full of frozen

that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some

I

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

my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

not my mate. “I can be on

at the

whether or not he

notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

my baby’s well being than I do. I think

my feet when I’m

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

perfectly happy to let him take over the less fun

agrees, seeming pleased to have a

rattle off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

something like this ever happened before?” I

the fact that he’s trapped here with me

with Sinclair and

in my memory.”

thing wasn’t that uncommon.

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

that this

is unheard of.”

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

of

me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

doesn’t look good

take

providing enough

to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how

isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate that

this trouble but Dominic is

is a thankless job most times. When every thing

one notices, because he’s just doing his job.

gets dragged

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

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering

this all take?” I inquire after a

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

Gabriel explains with

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

blinks, looking surprised.

answers, seeming amazed that I

a lot more boring that being in the thick

I realize how insensitive they might

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

is out risking their

carefully closing the bags and boxes of

have no idea what an honor it is to

The men in this

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