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

kitchen and find only a pantry full of

freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try and distract myself

that I might be able

when I

his arms over his

at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

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

at

as if he’s unsure whether or

defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he

than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an

feet when I’m

bring me all of

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the

to have a task. “What do

off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

ever

the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

with Sinclair

in my memory.” Gabriel replies

thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands

times. Under a powerful rebel leader,

idea that this is happening in this day

is unheard of.”

for Dominic?”

answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer

able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll get

the pack, but it doesn’t look

to take

might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent

outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

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

fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the

all this trouble but Dominic is the one who pays

“Being Alpha is a thankless job most

doing his job. But if something goes

dragged

everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering

will this all take?” I inquire after

state of emergency? It could be

is.” Gabriel explains with

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that I should even

boring

I realize how

is a terrible thing,

care about is

had been carefully closing the bags

now he goes still. “Do you have no idea

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

– the ones most trusted to protect you