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 me

bookcases,

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry full

full of frozen food. I decide to try and distract myself

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home

or something similar. However when I

Gabriel crosses his arms over his

a familiar rush of annoyance to

is not my mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty

at the

if he’s unsure whether or not

up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could

baby’s well being than I do.

feet when I’m

bring me all of the ingredients and do

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

pleased to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin opening

ever happened before?” I ask

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

Sinclair and the

my memory.” Gabriel replies

sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

a powerful

before, but the idea that this is happening in

is unheard of.”

is it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out flour and

He answers, taking a packet of butter from the

he’s able to

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

to take

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

weak to outsiders?” I clarify,

that’s how the Prince will

to

causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most times.

just doing his job. But

gets dragged through

growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

long will this all take?”

It could be hours, or

Gabriel explains with

there with them?”

surprised. “Of course

seeming amazed that I should

admit this is a lot more boring that being in the thick of

mouth I realize how insensitive they

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

you care about is out risking

closing the bags and boxes of

you have no idea what an

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

fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted