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

are books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a

investigate the kitchen and find only a

full of frozen food. I decide to

that I might be able

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry,

Gabriel crosses his arms over his chest.

brow at him, experiencing a

my mate. “I can be on my feet

at

rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether or not he should allow me this

my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

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

I’m

that concerned then you can bring me all

let

to have a task. “What do

and begin opening ingredients as

this ever happened before?” I

if he resents the fact that he’s trapped here

Sinclair and the

in my memory.” Gabriel

wasn’t that uncommon.

even form coalitions at times. Under a

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

is unheard of.”

look for Dominic?”

answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer

for me. “If he’s able to prevent

it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt

to take

enough of a deterrent

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the Prince

glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I

trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

“Being Alpha is a thankless

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

dragged through

does everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies,

will this all take?”

of emergency? It could be hours, or days,-

is.” Gabriel explains with a

there with them?” I ask, watching his expression

looking surprised. “Of course

that I should even

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

my mouth I realize

a terrible thing,

you care about is

closing the bags

have no idea what an honor it

men in this room are here because the

in his guard – the ones most trusted to protect you