Once Justin shut the closet door, he pointed to the back of the closet where he'd opened a wall panel. The secret passage was well hidden behind his gigantic royal wardrobe.

Justin's voice was barely above a whisper when he spoke. "Be as quiet as possible when you're walking and don't say a word. Sound travels easily down here. Tyler, you take point. Lucas, bring up the rear. I don't want anyone to die tonight."

Tyler nodded, reluctantly giving my hand to Justin.

Justin tugged me close, forcing me to release Lucas's hand. Sliding my arms around Justin's middle, I huddled into his chest. Bunching close together, I liked that I could still feel Lucas's warmth at my back. Our soft footsteps were the only sound as Tyler led us down a slender pathway toward a circular stone staircase leading downward.

When we started down the stairs, the strong aroma of lemon pledge mixed with copper filled the surrounding air. Suddenly, the forgotten memory of me as a little girl came to the forefront of my mind. I had been crying on a cold hard floor and struggling to breathe. The air had been thick with smoke. Someone had chained me up, and the lack of oxygen was killing me.

The walls seemed to close in on me as I did my best not to freak out in Justin's arms. This place was way too familiar.

What is it, Gorgeous? Lucas asked in our minds.

I think I've been here before. I whispered in my mind. When I was little, I was chained up, and I'm pretty sure I was dying in a fire.

Tyler abruptly stopped, forcing us to hold our positions. His jaw clenched, and his eyes were fully aglow when they landed on Justin.

I remember that fire when we we're little. You told me you didn't know what happened, but the Moon Guardians were always set on killing off Ember's family. I knew they didn't just disappear. You told us you knew nothing about it, but your father had no problem taking the throne when her father left. What the fuck are you leading us into, Castor? Tyler sneered as a low growl moved through him.

Nothing! And since we're going there, Noble, what about your family? We all know the Fire Clan was the first to attack the Sun Clan, and don't forget that the Earth Clan had no problem jumping in on the fight. Justin accused angrily as his muscles flexed around me.

Lucas's livid gaze landed on Justin, telling me Lucas had to be part the Earth Clan. His lip curled as he glared green bullets at Justin. We've always been under the assumption that the Moon Clan was keeping the peace. What the fuck has your family been doing?

Justin's fingers dug into my side as he glanced between them, eyes wide and gold. I don't know. I've only been to the dungeon once, and it was full of criminals, but you know we have to penalize lawbreakers. It keeps the chaos at bay.

The fearful childhood memory that overwhelmed me had somehow evaporated during their outburst. Tyler and Lucas were furious, and their faces were twisted in rage, conveying that they were about to kill Justin.

My breathing sped up as my heart began to pound a hole in my chest. What the hell had I missed? I needed them to calm down, so we could get the fuck out of this prison before I had a panic attack.

Pushing away from Justin, his gaze snapped to mine. He slowly released me as I moved toward Tyler. The disgusted look on Tyler's face told me he wanted to rip Justin to pieces. Sliding my hands over Tyler's cheeks, I did my best to send calming energy into him. When Tyler's eyes finally connected with mine, they were soft and all the anger had drained from his expression.

I smoothed my thumbs back and forth over Tyler's cheekbones. We can talk about this later. We have to go, or we may never get out of here, and I don't want to be here anymore. Justin has never done anything to me. He cares about me just as much as you do. He's your bestfriend. You know Justin would never hurt me. I don't know the facts about what happened all those years ago, but he's not the one to blame.

Tyler lowered his forehead to mine as he inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. When his blazing blue eyes opened, I could see the control behind them. You're right. I'm sorry, Shortie. Let's get out of here.

Moving away from Tyler, I glanced at Lucas, who looked confused. I grabbed the front of Lucas's hoodie and pulled him into me as his hands landed on my hips. Calm down. Justin cares about me just as much as you do. We'll talk more about it later, okay? Then, you can tell me stories about your life, and maybe you'll be able to talk me into singing a song.

Lucas nodded as a sexy grin spread over his lips. Promise?

I promise. Grinning, I twisted around, and my gaze landed on Justin. He was looking at me like I'd just walked on water. What?

Justin's lips tipped up at the corners while he set down his duffle bag. He took a step in my direction, backing me into the stone wall. I searched his eyes, wondering what he was doing. His palms found my cheeks as he hovered his lips just above mine, searching my face. You're extraordinary.

Justin's sweet cinnamon aroma invaded my space, and my skin burned under his touch. I wanted him to kiss me more than anything. You are too, my Prince.

Justin's golden eyes danced between mine as he grinned. He lowered his head, gently pressing his soft lips to mine, and sparks of elation rocketed through me. I moaned against his lips as I yanked him closer, causing him to shuffle forward and pin me against the wall.

Leaning his hard body into me, his lips parted, sucking mine softly. My mouth opened, and his tongue slipped over mine as I encouraged him to roam further. One of his hands snaked its way under the hem of my shirt, landing on my bare skin, massaging my lower back.

Justin opened his mouth wider, deepening our kiss. His tongue tenderly caressed mine as he explored every part of my mouth. I never knew a kiss could feel like this. It fed the hungry unknown void within me that was starving and eager. He was a drug that I could stay lost in forever.

We need to go. Lucas said in our heads, pulling us both from our special moment.

Justin reluctantly tore his mouth away. We were both panting like we'd forgotten to breathe. His eyes wrinkled with a smile, and I couldn't help but smile back. Our first kiss had been phenomenal.

That's when I realized Tyler and Lucas witnessed the whole thing. Guilt punched me in the gut. What the hell was wrong with me?

Justin's smile stayed plastered to his face as he looped his arm around me. He grabbed his bag before we started down the staircase.

Fuck. That was hot, Shortie. Tyler joked as we followed him. I think that was Justin's first kiss.

Shut the fuck up. Justin's smile morphed into a scowl.

Yeah, how was it, Bro? I bet you're glad you waited. Lucas shook Justin's shoulder. I wish I waited for her.

I said, shut your fucking mouths. Justin's gaze caught with mine before he sent me a bashful grin.

Was that really your first kiss? I asked.

I'm not attracted to humans. Justin tugged me closer as we came to the bottom of the staircase. And, honestly, I've never been attracted anyone. Except you.

Everything inside me melted. Justin had never been with another girl. Ever.

Tyler stuck his head into the dim hallway, checking for anyone nearby. Coast is clear. And for real, Dude, you're making it fucking hard to compete with you. She's never gonna want us if you keep talking like that and sending her fucking roses like the perfect boyfriend.

Yeah, no shit, right? Lucas chuckled through our link as we started down the hallway. I mean, I was with her fucking nightmare of a cousin, Bro. Tone it down. We don't stand a fucking chance with your love serenades and shit.

I smiled at their banter as we stealthily moved through the shadows toward a lonely wooden door. Leave him alone. I like his serenades, and he sent me black roses. I loved them. Plus, we all have our shit, right? I was with someone for two years, so I'm not perfect either.

Yeah, you are. They all said in unison, catching me off guard.

What? Stop it. No, I'm not, and just to make myself clear, I want all of you more than you know. I don't need to think about it. Justin's right. We can't fight destiny, and I'll never be able to leave any of you.

Thank the fucking Gods. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. Lucas breathed heavily behind me. I hadn't realized he was afraid I would reject him.

I'm sorry, Lucas. I never meant to make you worry. You know you're important to me. I care about all of you. It's weird, and it's not gonna be easy for us, but I can't deny that something about it feels right. You guys are all perfect for me in different ways. Well, except Tyler, the Horn Dog that I caught getting it on with Faith a few hours ago. I laughed mockingly through our connection. Lucas and Justin smiled.

Come on. I said, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm such a moronic dick, but it won't ever happen again. I can promise you that, Shortie. You're the only girl I want to be with for the rest of my existence. Tyler examined the darkness beyond as he slowly opened the door, waving us forward. It's clear so far. Let's go.

You're a dick because your fucking brain lives in your pants. Justin laughed in my mind, tugging me forward.

Yeah, no shit, right? Lucas joked through our link, and Tyler didn't argue.

As we followed Tyler through the wooden exit, I glanced around at the vast grassy hill that looked completely different from the mountain town I lived in. My head felt like it was swimming through an oily fog as we ran into the grass. After we were about twenty feet away, the terrain pixelated and flickered in and out. I clamped my eyes shut at the onslaught of overwhelming vertigo. When I opened them, we were in a dense forest of pine trees.

"What the fuck was that? Did we just run through a warp or something?" I whispered as my entire body was seemingly sucked into a massive tornado of spinning energy. I could barely see straight, but I registered that we were definitely closer to home, and the biggest migraine I'd ever experienced was about to take me out of commission.

Don't talk outloud yet. Justin kept guiding me forward as Lucas's hand landed on my back, urging me continue.

My head. I can't. I feel like I'm gonna throw up. I ripped myself away from Justin and wobbled on my shaky legs. Holding onto the trunk of a tree, my breaths heaved in and out.

She gets terrible migraines because no one ever taught her how to balance the energy transfer. Lucas said in my head.

Her father should've taught her that during her first shift, but I guess he was probably missing when it was time. Tyler rubbed my back.

I don't think she's ever shifted. Lucas mumbled in my mind.

Her dumbass human mother put her on some kind of medication. If anything, it only made her situation worse. Justin said in my head.

I'm gonna carry you, Gorgeous. I'm sorry, but we need to move. We're out in the open here. Before I could protest, Lucas lifted me into his arms, cradling me like a baby as my head continued spinning.

I might throw up on you. I barely got the words through our connection as I squeezed my eyes shut against the sudden bouncing.

Do what you gotta do. Lucas said as he ran with me in his arms.

Fuck. It's the guards. Get down. Justin instructed as Lucas crouched with me.

How many you got? Tyler asked as my head continued to pound. I have four over here.

Three on my side. Justin said angrily. No. Don't you fucking do it. No one dies.

I fisted Lucas's sweatshirt when my head began throbbing like it was about to implode. Fucking migraines. When would this shit stop?

Then give me another option. Tyler demanded.

"There you are. I've been searching for you. Tell me where you are, my little Sun Guardian." A scratchy voice from somewhere far away whispered.

Someone's calling for me. I think it's the Whistler again. I curled into Lucas's chest, and his arms tightened around me.

Fuckers! Can't we get a fucking break? Back up slowly. There's too many guards. Justin yelled in our minds. We need to reassess. We can't get to the truck from here without someone getting hurt. Marlena's cottage is only a twenty mile run from here. She'll be able to help.

But won't your guards follow us? Tyler snapped as Lucas started running with me in his arms. Keeping my eyes closed, I did my best to hold back the need to vomit.

No, they hate Marlena, and they don't know that I know about her. Justin said in our heads. I'll take Ember. You two cover our tracks and don't leave anything behind.

"Ember, I see you." The Whistler's scratchy voice whispered. "Come to me, my child."

He knows my name. My eyes snapped open. The pain from the migraine hit me harder, and for some reason, I wanted to walk toward the asshole Whistler. He sees me. He's calling my name, and I don't know why, but I wanna go.

Fuck. He's close by. Lucas crushed me into his chest as he ran faster. Fight him, Gorgeous. Force him out of your head.

Hold on, Angel. I wish I had more time to explain, but I'm about to shift into an animal that's gonna scare the shit out of you. I know you don't like dogs, but I'm not a dog. I'm a wolf, okay? Justin rubbed my arm as we slowed down. Don't be afraid of me. I'll never hurt you. Help her get on my back once I shift.

Justin's proclamation shocked me until the truth dawned on me. Were you guys those huge wolves outside my window last night?

I knew this wasn't the time, but damn, I needed to focus on something other than my deep need to run toward the Whistler.

Bro, I told you she saw us last night. That's why she was freaking out. Lucas pressed his lips to the top of my head. I started jerking and convulsing as the Whistler tried to get inside my thoughts. Thank goodness Lucas held me in place. That was us, Gorgeous. When you thought about stabbing one of us with a kitchen knife, we went around to the other side. By the way, that was hilarious. We were just protecting you. We had to chase off three shifters last night. Your mating call is powerful as fuck, and it's only getting worse.

That's what the King said in his head. I remembered through our link.

The guys growled in response.

"I have something special for you. Come get it, my little Sun Guardian." The Whistler's scratchy words made me start fighting against Lucas.

I have to go! I screamed in my mind as I did my best to get away, but Lucas's hold was like cement around me. Let me go! He has something for me!

Fight him! Tyler yelled in my head as we kept moving. He's gonna force you to bond with someone, Shortie. And that means someone wants to rape you over and over. He doesn't have shit for you! Don't let him brainwash you. You're a Guardian. You're stronger than any of his bullshit spells. He ain't got shit on my girl.

Hearing that, I stopped fighting Lucas to get free. It was hard to sit still, but the thought of anyone taking advantage of me pissed me the fuck off.

I'm a virgin, you know. I said through our link.

All three of them slowed their pace and stopped, looking at me.

What? I asked through our connection.

We knew that already, Shortie. We're just surprised you told us. But since we're telling secrets, Justin's a virgin too, so you two can have the first dance. Tyler released a tiny chuckle.

Dude, will you please shut the fuck up? Justin growled in our minds as he walked ahead of us in the trees.

Justin's vulnerability was sexy as hell. Even though our situation was weird, it made me feel better to know Justin was a virgin too. I mean, it was surprising since every girl wanted him, but losing my virginity to Justin actually excited me.

What's the problem? He's got a point, Bro. It's only fair. Then, we're all on the same playing field. Lucas began backing away from Justin.

Before I could ask him why we were backing up, the Whistler called to me again, and the power behind it was stronger than before. Something inside me desperately wanted to go to him as I fought the need to punch Lucas in the face and run.

Movement behind a tree caught my attention, and my gaze landed on Justin's profile. He was stripping in front of us. I could see his shirtless chest in the moonlight and holy shit... he was flawless. Justin removed his shoes, socks, and pants before shoving them in his bag.

The air hitched in my throat. What was he doing? He spun away, slipping off his boxer briefs and tossed them in his bag.

Tyler glanced around the woods and nodded. Now or never, Dude.

Justin leaned his head to the side with a low growl and suddenly burst into a gigantic wolf. Since I was deathly afraid of anything from the canine family, I curled more into Lucas as I stared at Justin's wolf. He was much taller than Tyler. Actually, Justin easily cleared at least eight feet. His light brown fur coat, long snout, and sharp teeth scared the crap out of me.

When Justin shook his massive head like a dog, his fur gracefully swayed back and forth. I sighed in amazement. He was beautiful.

Are you afraid? Justin asked in my head as he walked on all fours toward me.

"No," I whispered as I stuck out my hand.

Justin nuzzled my hand. Lucas helped me stand as I smoothed my hand over Justin's soft fur. He let out a low guttural groan as he knelt for me, and I smiled.

Both Lucas and Tyler helped me mount Justin's back before he stood. And, holy hell, sitting up this high was not only freaky but wildly exhilarating.

Stay low and grab my fur. Hold on tight, Angel. We have a lot of land to cover. Justin instructed, and I did as he said.

He's a fucking fast one, Gorgeous. He runs like he rides. Just don't fall off, and you'll be fine. Lucas said in my mind as he squeezed my leg.

Wait. You guys are staying? I asked as the Whistler started calling for me again. I'm not sure how I did it, but I flicked his summoning words away like a tick. I don't want to leave you guys here. Come with us.

We can't, but we'll be right behind you, Shortie. Tyler smiled, and I grinned back. Be careful, okay?

We will. My grin widened into a smile.

No killing! Justin roared in our heads.