Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 125

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 a distraction 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 didn’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 something. 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 me 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 one could possibly find me here.

There are books and games filling the bookcases, as well as a space to exercise, but little other entertainment. I investigate the kitchen and find only a pantry full of canned goods, as well as a freezer full of frozen food. I decide to try and distract myself by baking, thinking that I might be able to welcome Sinclair home with some homemade cookies or something similar. However when I move towards the pantry, my head guard Gabriel crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re still on bed rest, Luna.”

I arch my brow at him, experiencing a familiar rush of annoyance to be bossed around by someone who is not my mate. “I can be on my feet for twenty minutes. After that, I’ll sit at the counter.”

He rumbles wordlessly, as if he’s unsure whether or not he should allow me this work around. I notch my chin up defiantly, cradling my belly. As if he could ever care more about my baby’s well being than I do. I think grumpily. Besides, an extra five minutes on my feet when I’m doing something that relaxes me.

“If you’re that concerned then you can bring me all of the ingredients and do the clean up.” I suggest slyly, perfectly happy to let him take over the less fun job.

“Alright.” Gabriel agrees, seeming pleased to have a task. “What do you need?”

I rattle off a list, and begin opening ingredients as Gabriel collects bowls and measuring cups. “Has something like this ever happened before?” I ask after a moment, wondering if he resents the fact that he’s trapped here with me instead of out fighting with Sinclair and the enforcers.

“Not in my memory.” Gabriel replies grimly. “Centuries ago this sort of thing wasn’t that uncommon. Bands of rogues would join up and even form coalitions at times. Under a powerful rebel leader, rogues have tried to take down entire packs before, but the idea that this is happening in this day and age is unheard of.”

“How bad is it going to look for Dominic?” I inquire, measuring out flour and sugar.

“I’m not sure.” He answers, taking a packet of butter from the freezer and setting it in the microwave for me. “If he’s able to prevent the attack entirely he’ll get celebrated for protecting the pack, but it doesn’t look good that the rogues felt emboldened enough to take him on.”

“Like people might thing he’s not providing enough of a deterrent to keep them out, that he looks weak to outsiders?” I clarify, trying to understand.

“Exactly.” Gabriel confirms. “I can guarantee that’s how the Prince will spin this.”

“That isn’t fair.” I argue glumly, beginning to cream the thawed butter. “I hate that he keeps causing all this trouble but Dominic is the one who pays the price.”

Gabriel frowns. “Being Alpha is a thankless job most times. When everything goes right no one notices, because he’s just doing his job. But if something goes wrong then he gets dragged through the mud.”

I catch myself growling, “Dominic does everything for his people, they ought to recognize that.”

“I agree.” Gabriel replies, smothering a smile.