"How?" I stepped toward the mirror as I analyzed the golden glow emanating from my eyes.

"When we were young, Tyler and Lucas became my best friends because we could see the glow of each other's eyes. We knew it was important. Usually, at least from the stories we've heard, Guardian females reflect the glow of their fated mates, but Tyler and Lucas don't reflect my color like yours do. It's actually a good thing because I'm not attracted to guys, and neither are they, so we just kept it to ourselves and became best friends." Justin spun me toward him, curling a loose strand of hair around my ear. "Angel, you have no idea how happy we were when we saw your eyes that first day."

"So... you and me are mates?" I bit my lip.

"Fated mates." Justin's lips tugged up into a small grin as he slightly nodded. "Are you disappointed?"

My fingers dug into the fabric of his sweatshirt as my gaze fell, searching the ornate rug under our feet. "No. Of course not. I'm just so young. I mean, I believe in soulmates because my dad always told me everyone had a soulmate. I used to think he was talking about my mom, but after everything I've learned, I'm pretty sure he was talking about someone else."

"You're not wrong, Angel. Your father's the Sun Guardian, and from what I've been told, he was deeply in love with your mother, and she's not human." Justin grabbed my bag from the counter as hope bloomed inside me. I had a different mother out there and my dad was possibly being held captive in the place from my dreams.

"Wait, so my dad's alive? In my dream... they were about to do something bad to the Sun Guardian." My heart hammered in my chest as I swallowed over the rising lump in my throat. "How did I not know who he really was?"

Justin slid one arm around my shoulders and tugged me into him. "I'm not sure what's going on, but we're gonna get your dad back. Tyler's dad has to be with them too. And now that you know the Whistler is part of their group, we may be able to find out where they are. The Timeweaver is here to help and my father has a Stitcher on the way. We're gonna figure this out, and we won't leave you alone again."

Swallowing back the rock in my throat, I nodded as millions of questions came to the surface. "Then, why did Missy say my dad killed himself? And why does my human mother act like she's my birth mother? None of this makes any sense."

"Guardians can do some amazing things. I know for a fact, that like me, your father has the power of compulsion. Human minds are easy to control." Justin opened the door as I chewed on his words.

My dad controlled people's minds? Could he control mine? Could Justin? There was no telling what other abilities the Guardians had.

Lucas was leaning against the opposite wall when the door fully opened, and his eyes instantly lit to a green glow when he saw me. He gave me a huge smile, and I couldn't help but grin at him.

Tyler stepped into view as I inched out of the washroom. His eyes illuminated into their bright blue as I mentally prepared myself to meet Justin's father and the Timeweaver.

"You good?" Justin whispered in my ear as he pulled me tighter to him.

I nodded. "Are my eyes still gold?"

"No. They're blue, Shortie," Tyler answered as he followed us toward Justin's room.

"Blue?" My voice was a little too loud, causing it to echo off the stone walls of the main room.

"Remember what I said? Your eyes glow the same as ours like a reflection. It's how fated mates work." Justin whispered as he opened the door to his room.

What the fuck? They were all my mates? Even Tyler? I mean, I knew we all had a crazy connection, and that they were somehow linked to me, but the notion was still straight-up insanity.

Moving away from Justin, I turned to face them, seeking Lucas. His eyes were fully alight when I stalked toward him. Surprised by my behavior, he backed up a step. "What's up, Gorgeous?"

"Are my eyes glowing?" My words were fast.

"Yeah." Lucas frowned as he studied me.

"What color?" I demanded.

"Green." Lucas blinked, confused.

"What the fuck?" I breathed as I covered my face and sat down on a black sofa. "So, just to get this straight, I'm supposed to be with all of you? For life? Or am I supposed to pick one?"

"It's up to you, Shortie. You're it for us and we don't mind sharing, but the bond isn't solidified yet, so if you want all of us, two of us, just one, or even none, that's your choice." Tyler sat next to me. His hand landed on my leg, gently rubbing my thigh.

"And none of you get a choice?" My hands fell away from my face as I looked at each of them.

They all shook their heads as their eyes dimmed with sadness like I was going to deny all of them.

Justin sat on my other side, studying me as he intertwined our fingers. "We get a choice, but we'd be going against fate and we'd be miserable knowing you exist. You're our mate and we're yours. We need you, Angel. Our soul connection is too deep to reject, and it goes way beyond this realm."

Justin didn't take his eyes off mine. He was trying to make a point, and I got it. We were all soulmates even before this life. At least, that's what he believed.

"I want to believe that, but this is all so new to me. If what you're saying is true, then that means I have three mates." I said.

"So far," Lucas whispered.

"What does that mean?" My eyes widened.

"Don't scare her. We don't know anything about that yet." Justin threw a glare at his friend.

"She deserves the truth. The prophecy doesn't give us solid facts about how this works." Lucas sat on the coffee table in front of me as his legs straddled mine. His legs closed around mine while his warm hands gripped my knees, which helped clear my thoughts.

Tyler carefully slid his palm up my leg and over my wrist. I flipped my hand over and let him lace his fingers through mine. Tyler released a shaky breath of relief and leaned into me as I inhaled his refreshing minty soap scent.

I was still mad at him, but there was way too much going on for me to hold a grudge. We'd talk later, but he deserved to know I cared for him even after all that happened.

"What's this prophecy thing?" I asked.

"Why the Prophecy of the Bringer, my child." An old woman said from behind us.

We all twisted, and I was totally blown away. This gigantic lady was ancient as hell, and she had to be at least seven feet tall. Her wrinkled skin was barely hanging on her bones, and she had a considerably large headwrap that matched her black and silver dress. Even though her multilayered dress covered most of her body, every bit of her bare skin was inked with tribal designs. And when I say every bit, even her face was tattooed.

"There you guys are. I found you a pretty dress, Ember. You're gonna like it." Candice walked into the room and her eyes bulged out of their sockets when she noticed the Timeweaver towering over us. The old woman spun to look at Candice and I could literally feel something horrible rolling off her. "Oh, Timeweaver, I... uh... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I'll come back later."

Candice backed out of the room like the old tattooed giant was going to strike her dead on the spot. I didn't care who this old witch was, and I didn't know what she'd just done, but she had no right treating sweet, innocent girls like that.

Anger pulsed through me so fast that I stood and whirled on the Timeweaver. "Why'd you do that?"

She blinked as if she had no idea what I was talking about. "What in the nine realms did I do, child?"

"You scared her on purpose, didn't you?" My hands balled into fists as I furrowed my brow. "You might be someone special, but you have no right treating Candice like that. She's a sweetheart."

"It's alright, Ember." Justin grabbed my elbow, but I pulled it out of his grip.

"Why are you defending her? I know she just did something mean to your little sister. She has no right treating her like that." I yelled, and I didn't care who heard.

"Prince, her tongue lashes with disrespect. If she is truly the Bringer, she must learn how we do things if she plans to survive." The old witch dared to fold her arms and cock her head to the side like I was an ugly insect she wanted to squish under her boot.

I heaved out an angry sigh. "Oh, wow, lady. You're a fucking psychic alright. What else you got because I've heard that shit my whole life. Bring it!"

I had no idea what came over me, but this old bat rubbed me the wrong way. I knew she wasn't to blame for all the crazy shit that I'd been through in the last two days, but damn, she wasn't winning any awards by treating Candice badly.

"Please give me some time alone with the girl." Her dark brown eyes swept over the guys.

Tyler and Lucas stood while Justin cleared his throat. "Forgive us, Timeweaver, but we told her we wouldn't leave her alone. She's been through a lot."

The Timeweaver's thin lips lifted, causing the creases in her cheeks to deepen. I think she was trying to smile, but I could see the contradicting irritation in her eyes. "She's safe with me."

The guys grumbled as I glanced at Justin. Would I be okay with her? She made me fly off the handle, and she'd only been here for less than a minute. Something about her didn't feel right, but I couldn't put my finger on precisely what it was.

Justin contemplated as he examined my face before he lowered his head to whisper in my ear. "What do you want us to do?"

Crossing my arms, I shrugged and whispered. "I don't know her. You make the call."

Justin glanced over his shoulder to the guys and nodded. "Tyler stays."

Content with Justin's decision, I swallowed and nodded. I trusted Justin, and I knew Tyler would take care of me.

"Very well, but with his presence, I won't be able to get a pure vision." One of the Timeweaver's eyebrows raised as she tapped her foot.

"Everyone out except the Timeweaver and the girl." A deep voice bellowed from Justin's doorway.

My head whipped to the side to find the source of the command. A handsome, muscular middle-aged man waltzed into Justin's room. His shoulder-length hair was light brown and well-groomed. It was strange, but from the golden robes draped over his body, I knew he was of high authority.

"Father, I promised Ember we wouldn't leave her again." Justin's arm snaked around my waist. His palm slipped under the hem of my shirt as he gripped my hip, yanking me into him. His thumb caressed over my bare skin, sending shivers down my spine.

This was the King, and Justin was making sure I stayed calm.

Knowing I needed to make a good impression on Justin's father, I tensed as I stuck out my hand. Honestly, I was scared to death of what was about to happen.

"It's very nice to meet you, Sir. I'm Ember. I'm sorry for all the problems I've caused tonight." My hand trembled as I waited. Justin's fingers dug into my hip, reminding me he wasn't going anywhere.

"Good to meet you too, my dear." To my surprise, the King smiled just like Justin, making him even more handsome. The King's thick, capable hands lifted as he stepped forward, enveloping my hand between his.

When his skin connected with mine, nothing horrible happened, and I was able to keep my eyes open as something unwelcome wormed its way into me. A sense of discomfort spread over me as I stared into his gentle eyes. Where was the vertigo or the feeling of an upcoming migraine? From somewhere far away, words trickled in as I realized it was the King's thoughts entering my mind.

Now, I see why Malik hid her all this time. Such an attractive, delicate girl left to fend for herself would never make it alone in the fourth realm. How in the nine realms has she survived so long? It's unfortunate she didn't remain hidden among the humans. Her mating call is only strengthening. Thank the Gods I sent for them. They'll be here soon and they'll take care of the claiming, and this will all be over. I may be damning myself to the ninth realm, but what other choice do I have?

"Who'll be here soon? And what's the claiming?" I barely got the question out before Justin growled angrily and whipped me behind him.

Tyler and Lucas were suddenly at my sides, encompassing me. All three of them were glaring and growling under their breath. They were furious.

Tyler's arm wrapped around my shoulder, tugging me closer. Lucas wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me as close as possible. Their sudden protectiveness made me question what I'd missed.

Fear prickled down the back of my neck as I held onto Justin's back and slowly peeked around him.

The King's eyes were filled with anger before he found his composure as a firm resolve came over him. "I have to admit, it's quite peculiar that she can read my thoughts. It makes me curious about what other talents she may have. However, I must make the best decision for our family, and with her reading my thoughts, I cannot permit her to live here with us. She's too much of a risk, Son. I don't want a war."

I flinched as Justin released a loud guttural growl before he spoke harsher than I'd ever heard. "You're lying, Father. You know she's not a threat. What have you done? She knows nothing about the realms. She doesn't even know what or who she is. We need to wait for the Stitcher and—"

"Son, the Stitcher doesn't believe the Bringer exists, and he refused to come. In all honesty, I'm not quite sure who she is myself. I'm handing her over to the shifter clans of the fifth realm. Without a family to guard her, they'll keep her safe until she's secured a bond. She'll be taking leave within the hour. Use your time wisely and let her discover what she can from the Timeweaver before she goes." The powerful energy behind the King's voice nearly sucked all the air out of the room.

The King was handing me over to who? The shifter clans? Shit. Whoever they were, did not sound good. And what kind of bond was he talking about?

Fuck this! It didn't matter. I needed to get the fuck away from this crap show and get the hell out of dodge, but how was I going to do that? I didn't have a car or any money of my own, but I obviously had powers. Maybe I could start figuring out what they were so I could manipulate humans to help me, but first, I needed to leave this place.

Justin shook his head as he stepped back into me, crushing me against Tyler and Lucas, but I only held tighter to Justin. They were protecting me, and I wanted and needed their protection.

Justin's hot body went rigid as stone under my fingertips. "No."

The King laughed sarcastically. "Excuse me?"

"I said, no!" Justin roared, and his words were just as powerful as his father's, possibly even more so. Everyone in the room came to attention. "I'm leaving with her, and I won't be returning. How dare you do this. I'm your son!"

Justin's mother, Dresella, rushed in, stopping next to her husband with tears in her eyes. "Please don't leave, my love. She'll be protected in the fifth. We've already agreed that you'll bond with River of the Water Guardians. She's a beautiful girl. You'll see. She's going to make an incredible queen and you'll be quite happy."

At the thought of Justin mating with another girl, rage burst through me. He was mine.

Justin was the one that laughed this time. "You're kidding yourselves! You can't decide fate. You both know that. I've only ever done what you asked of me, and the first time I've ever asked you to stand by me, you abandon me at the first opportunity. And to think, I trusted you. Our time together is done."

Justin spun to face me, cupping my cheeks as he spoke into my head. Go with Tyler and Lucas to the truck. We're leaving.

But... where? I asked in my head as I searched his angry golden eyes.

It doesn't matter, Gorgeous. We can't stay here. Lucas said to us in our minds as he grabbed my bag. Somehow we were all speaking to each other on the same link.

My palm fisted in the cloth at Justin's chest. But I don't want to mess up your lives. I'll find my dad myself. Just take me back to my Aunt's house.

We can't, Shortie. They'll look for you there. Too many know about you now. They won't stop until they have you. They say they don't believe, but they will once they feel your energy. The King's lying. He knows who you are. He just knows what comes next and he's scared shitless. Tyler squeezed my shoulder.

Justin's golden gaze burned into mine. Ember, without you, we don't have a life. And once you understand what's going on, you'll realize you don't either. We need each other to survive this. We can't let them tear us apart. This is just the beginning and we have to stand strong in our convictions, Angel. We are the future of the Guardians, and you're the true Queen.

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