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

games filling the bookcases, as well as a

investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry

as well as a freezer full of frozen

be able to welcome Sinclair home

something similar. However when I move towards the pantry,

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

at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed

who is not my mate. “I can be on my

sit at the

whether or not he should allow

I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my

do. I think grumpily. Besides,

feet when I’m

me all of the ingredients and do

perfectly happy to let him take over the less

agrees, seeming pleased to have a task. “What do you

rattle off a list, and begin opening ingredients as

ever happened before?” I ask after

he resents the fact that he’s trapped

Sinclair and

my memory.”

that

even form coalitions at times. Under a powerful

entire packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

going to look for Dominic?”

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

“If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely

it doesn’t look good that the

to take

might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to

to outsiders?”

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will spin

argue glumly, beginning to cream

trouble but Dominic is the one

frowns. “Being Alpha is a thankless job most

no one notices, because he’s just doing

gets dragged

“Dominic does everything for

recognize that.”

Gabriel replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after

It could be hours, or

Gabriel explains

wish you were out there with them?”

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

amazed that I should even

have to admit this is a lot more boring that being in

my mouth I realize how

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

you care about is out risking their

the bags and boxes of ingredients once

he goes still. “Do you have no idea what an honor it is to

to guard you? The men in this room are

his guard –