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

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

other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a

freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try

I might be able to welcome

when I move towards

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

a familiar rush of annoyance to be

my mate. “I can be on my feet

sit at the

if he’s unsure whether or not he should allow me this

cradling my belly. As if he could

well being than I do. I think

I’m doing

that concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients and

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him

to have a task. “What do

and begin opening

cups. “Has something like this ever happened before?” I ask after

that he’s

with Sinclair

my memory.”

ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of

a

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

is unheard of.”

for Dominic?” I inquire,

answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and

to prevent

doesn’t look

take him

providing enough of a deterrent to keep

weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying

guarantee that’s how the Prince

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate that

trouble but Dominic

frowns. “Being Alpha is a thankless job most

he’s just doing

dragged through the

catch myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his

recognize that.”

replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after

could be hours, or days,- depending how

Gabriel explains with

out there with

looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that I should

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

I realize how

is a terrible thing, but it can’t be

is

carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients

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

to guard you? The men in this room are

– the ones most trusted to protect