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

and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only

as a freezer full of frozen food.

able

I move towards

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

arch my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to

not my mate. “I can be on my feet for

at the

unsure whether or not he should allow me this

chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As

well being than I do. I think grumpily.

my feet when I’m

bring me all of

perfectly happy to let him take over

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do

begin opening ingredients as Gabriel

“Has something like this ever

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

with Sinclair

memory.” Gabriel replies

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that

Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have tried

idea that this is happening in this day

is unheard of.”

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

answers, taking a packet of butter from

able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

pack, but it doesn’t look good that the

take him

thing he’s not providing enough of a

outsiders?” I

Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how

beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate that

trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

a thankless job most times. When every thing

notices, because he’s just doing

gets dragged through

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

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering

all take?” I inquire after a

be

explains with

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

surprised. “Of

amazed that I

this is a lot more boring that being

my mouth I realize how

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

about is out

carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once I

them, but now he goes still. “Do you have no

in this room are here because the Alpha

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