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

bookcases, as well as a

kitchen and

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

might be able to welcome Sinclair

or something similar. However when I move towards the pantry, my

his

my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of

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

at the

he’s unsure whether or not he

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

my baby’s well being than I do. I think

feet when I’m doing something that

then you can bring me all of the ingredients

perfectly happy to let

have a

and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

something like this ever happened

the fact that he’s

Sinclair and

my memory.” Gabriel

wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues would join

form coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel

that this is

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

packet of butter from the freezer and setting

me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack

doesn’t look good that the rogues

to take him

providing enough of a deterrent to keep them

outsiders?”

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to

all this trouble but Dominic

Alpha is a thankless

doing his job. But

dragged through

“Dominic does everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a

all take?”

of emergency? It could be

is.” Gabriel explains with

were out there with them?” I ask, watching

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that

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

realize how insensitive they

a terrible thing, but it can’t be

care about is out

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once

he goes still. “Do you have no

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

fiercest warriors in his guard –