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 as a

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a

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

I might be able to

when I move towards

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

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty

sit at

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

cradling my belly. As if he could

baby’s well being than I do. I

feet when I’m doing something that relaxes

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

let

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

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel

ever happened

the fact that he’s trapped here with me

with Sinclair and the

my memory.” Gabriel replies

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon.

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

idea that this is happening in this

is unheard of.”

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

of butter from the freezer

able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll

protecting the pack, but it doesn’t look good that

to take

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

outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how

I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate that

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

Alpha is a thankless job most times. When every

he’s just doing his job. But if something goes

gets dragged

everything for

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

long will this all take?” I inquire after

It could be hours, or days,- depending how

explains with a

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that

is a lot more boring that being

my mouth I realize

I know battle is a terrible thing,

is out

had been carefully closing the bags

you have no idea

you? The men in this room are here because the Alpha

in his guard – the ones most