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

books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a

full of frozen food. I

thinking that I might be able to

something similar. However when I

his arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed rest,

brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed

not my mate. “I can be on my feet

sit at the

as if he’s unsure whether or not he should

my belly. As if

being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides,

my feet when I’m

you’re that concerned then you can bring me all of

I suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over

pleased to have a task. “What do you

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as

this ever happened before?” I ask

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

Sinclair and the

memory.”

that uncommon. Bands of

Under a powerful rebel

idea that this is happening in this

is unheard of.”

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

of butter

able to prevent

pack, but it doesn’t look good that the

to take him

providing enough of a deterrent

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify,

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s

beginning to cream the thawed

but Dominic is the

is a thankless job most times.

he’s just doing his

dragged through

does everything for his

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies,

all take?” I inquire

be hours, or days,- depending how

Gabriel explains with

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

surprised.

answers, seeming amazed that I

boring that being in the thick

I realize

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

care about is out

had been carefully closing the bags and boxes of

still. “Do you have no idea

guard you? The men in this room are

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