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

filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise,

the kitchen and find only a

as well as a freezer full of frozen food.

thinking that I might be able to welcome

when I move towards

crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re

my brow at him, experiencing a

“I can be on my feet for

sit at the

wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether

I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he

do. I

feet when I’m doing something that

that concerned then you can bring me all of the

perfectly happy to let him take

seeming pleased to have a task. “What

and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

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

that he’s trapped here with me

with Sinclair and

my memory.” Gabriel

thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues

times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

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

is unheard of.”

look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out

He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting

me. “If he’s able to prevent the

it doesn’t look good that the rogues

take him

not providing enough of a deterrent to keep them

looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the

beginning to cream the

this trouble but Dominic

frowns. “Being Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

just doing his job. But if

dragged

growling, “Dominic does everything

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies,

take?” I inquire after a

of emergency? It could be

Gabriel explains with a

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

blinks, looking surprised.

amazed that I

boring that

realize

terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting

you care about is

closing the bags

you have no idea what an honor it

to guard you? The men in this room are here

the fiercest warriors in his guard –