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

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

and find only a pantry

well as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try and distract

thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair

similar. However when I move

Gabriel crosses his arms over his

experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance

mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty

at

he’s unsure whether or not he should allow

notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly.

baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an

my feet when I’m doing

can bring me all of the ingredients and

let him take over the

Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have a task. “What

list, and begin opening

cups. “Has something like this ever

the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead

Sinclair and

in my memory.” Gabriel replies

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

Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues

down entire packs before, but the idea that this

is unheard of.”

to look for Dominic?” I inquire,

He answers, taking a packet of butter

me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely

but it doesn’t look good that

to take him

might thing he’s not providing enough

looks weak to outsiders?” I

can guarantee that’s

to cream the thawed butter. “I hate

all this trouble but Dominic is the one

Alpha is a thankless job most times. When

one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But

he gets dragged through the

does everything for his

recognize that.”

replies, smothering a

long will this all take?” I inquire after

be hours, or days,-

Gabriel explains with

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

blinks, looking surprised. “Of course

answers, seeming amazed that I should

this is a lot more boring

I realize

is a terrible thing, but it can’t

about is out risking

carefully closing the bags and boxes of ingredients

have no idea what

guard you? The men in this room are here

warriors in his guard – the