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

could possibly

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

entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find

full of frozen food.

might be able to welcome Sinclair home with

when I move towards the pantry,

Gabriel crosses his arms over his

a familiar rush of

is not my mate. “I can be on

sit at the

whether or not he

cradling my belly.

than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra five

I’m doing something that relaxes

you’re that concerned then you can bring me all

suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the

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

list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects

something like this ever happened before?” I

fact that he’s trapped here

with Sinclair and

in my memory.”

wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of

Under a

down entire packs before, but the idea that this is

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of

able to prevent the

but it doesn’t look good

take him

not providing enough of a

outsiders?” I clarify, trying to

can guarantee that’s how the Prince will spin

I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed

trouble but Dominic is the one who

Alpha is a thankless job most times. When every thing

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

dragged through

“Dominic does everything for his people, they ought

recognize that.”

agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering

will this all take?”

could be hours,

explains with

you wish you were out there with them?”

looking surprised.

that

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

mouth I realize how insensitive

is a terrible thing, but it can’t be easy babysitting me

about is

been carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients once

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

this room are

us the fiercest warriors in his guard – the ones most trusted to protect you