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

games filling the bookcases, as well

the kitchen and find only a pantry full

of frozen food. I decide to

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair

when I move towards

his arms over his chest. “You’re still

a familiar rush

not my mate. “I can

sit at the

wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether

defiantly, cradling my

well being than I do. I think grumpily.

feet when I’m doing something that relaxes

that concerned then you can bring me all of

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

seeming pleased to have a task. “What do you

begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

something like this ever happened before?” I

resents the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead of

with Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel

that uncommon. Bands of

a powerful rebel leader, rogues

down entire packs before, but the idea that this is happening in this day and

is unheard of.”

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

not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter

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

it doesn’t look

take him

enough of a deterrent to keep them

weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

guarantee that’s how the Prince

isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream

Dominic is the one who pays

“Being Alpha is a thankless

because he’s just doing his job. But

he gets dragged

everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

replies, smothering

take?” I

be hours,

Gabriel explains

there with them?” I ask, watching his expression

looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I should

a lot more boring that being in the thick of it.” As the

mouth I realize how

I know battle is a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting

is out risking

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients

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

to guard you? The men in this

the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones