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

I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry full

as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to

might be able

However when I move towards the pantry, my

Gabriel crosses his arms over his

my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush

not my mate. “I can be on

at the

unsure whether or not he should allow

my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could

well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides,

I’m doing something

then you can bring me

let him

Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have a

and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel

cups. “Has something like this ever happened before?” I ask

that he’s trapped here

with Sinclair and the

in my memory.” Gabriel

of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues would join

at times. Under a

idea that this is happening

is unheard of.”

for Dominic?” I inquire,

He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting it

to prevent the attack entirely

doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

to take

might thing he’s not providing enough

looks weak to outsiders?”

guarantee that’s how

beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

no one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But if something

he gets dragged

myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people,

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after a

could be hours, or days,-

is.” Gabriel explains with a

wish you were out there with them?” I

looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that I

to admit this is a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.” As

mouth I realize

a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy

care about is out

been carefully closing the bags and

goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor it

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

warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted