I was left to sit in my own chair while the guys shared the couch and a couple more leather chairs like the one I sat in. I couldn't meet the Shadow Keeper's eyes, but I felt his shadows nearby. Even without my vamp senses, he still smelled so intoxicating.

I couldn't meet Casbian's eyes either because his emotions still felt like they were choking me. And Alaric...well I couldn't dare look him in the eye. He cause me- Casbian so such pain. Why did he run away when he had brothers that loved him? I knew Casbian and Clent were blood brothers, but Alaric wasn't. That still didn't matter. Why run?

I could say it's none of my business, but that's a lie. Their pain was my pain now and I would do anything to take it away.

"So, um..." Marcus started. He seemed to be at a loss for where to start.

The Shadow Keeper took over. "Let's go over the facts first. So-"

"Wait," I intervened. Everyone looked at me, eyebrows raised. "What's your name?" I asked him, tired of referring to him by his species name.

He blinked at me before the ghost of a smile crossed his face, "Kelen," he said simply, his voice held an ancient tone about it. He had lived more than a hundred years, that's for sure. "You're June, correct?" I nodded, my head too clouded to form words. The way he said my name...it sound like the feel of velvet on his tongue. I squirmed in my seat under their intense stares and someone, I'm pretty sure it was Marcus, growled.

Kelen cleared his throat, looking a little disoriented. "As I was," he cleared his throat again, trying to regain composer, "saying, we need to take it back to day one. So how did you find Alaric, June?"

"I found him after he fell down the stairs, thinking no one was in my house so he could rest and eat." My eyes drifted towards him on their own accord. He looked like a kicked puppy, his eyes begging me to keep contact. I quickly looked away, feeling the sting of guilt.

"So how did you know he was your...Beloved as vampires say."

"Through touch," I paused taking a second to think about it, "It was different for all of you. It was your smell Kelen. Clent's blood. Marcus's eyes. And Casbian...I'm not quite sure yet. I think my anger blinded me to even think we were a pair too. It just feels like my feelings toward and around you are magnified." They all seemed to go off into their own little worlds, mean while I puzzled over how this was possible. "Wait, how is this even possible?"

Clent, Marcus, and Kelen shared a look, their eyes holding a secret conversation. I thought back to what I had overheard earlier:

"And if he's right....no, that's not what I'm...she's different...are you sure?"

"The prophecy....sacrifice....not a coincidence."

Marcus was the one to speak, having come to a decision.

"We don't know exactly, but we have a guess." I narrowed my eyes in suspision, wanting to call bs, but I knew they wouldn't crack. I instead focused my attention back on Kelen.

"What was that needle in your pocket and where is my family?"

"Your vampire was...out of control and you kept trying to bite anyone who got close. I gave you something to temporarily supress the vampire DNA, just long enough to explain to you what was happening. Your father, Jackson, is in critical condition and since we have more resources here, we decided it was best if you all stayed with us. This blizzards is the the worst we've seen in years."

I sighed in relief knowing he was being taken care of.

"That needle you saw was to allow you to once again transition between your vampire DNA." I nodded, though I felt a little put off by the admission. I don't care for needles and since there are no doctors around anymore, I figured I didn't have to really deal with them anymore. Apparently I was wrong.

"And Julian?"

"Resting," he reassure me. A huge weight felt like it had been lifted from my shoulders. I could finally breath easy. I let my head lull back, my eyes closing. I thought of Another Land with it's golden water. Every night there were stars and the moon smiled down upon those to took the time to admire it. We take the sun and moon for granted I feel. For without them it would be cold and dark and lonely.

When I opened my eyes back up there was no sky of stars, just a light grey ceiling. "Where are we?" I asked, continuing to stare up.

"This here is our fortified warehouse. There's no windows though and the exits are monitored at all time. Nothing gets in or out without our knowledge," Clent informed me and I'm sure no one missed the warning in his voice.

"So basically a fortified dungeon?"

"Think of it how you want."

"I will," I shot back, letting my eyes finally meet his. I couldn't help the urge to challenge him. It thrilled me, like pouring gasoline on fire.

The flames in his eyes shot up and I think I truly had. "So you like to play with fire huh? Is my Flamour looking to get burnt?" A grin stretched his lips and a wave of heat caressed my body in warning. My breathing became heavy.

"Don't get too desperate, I've seen bigger fires. I could put yours out with my tears," I taunted.

"I highly doubt that but since we're talking about big things-"

"That's enough you too," Kelen said lazily while Marcus's booming laughter rolled over me. Casbian's shoulders shook with laughter and he slapped his brother's shoulder repeatedly in his hysteria. Clent growled.

Hearing them let loose, had me chucking softly and smiling to myself, but something was missing. My shy boy was nowhere in sight. I didn't panic because I knew he was probably not far away. While the other guys continued laughing and arguing, Kelen walked to the door, looking back at me over his shoulder. And when he walked away, I followed.