Realizing I was alone in the truck, I looked up to see Justin. He was faced away from me, leaning against the front grill. Tyler and Lucas must've gone inside.

I let my eyes roam over Justin's toned shoulders. Guilt for his situation hit me. Justin deserved someone who cared more about him than I did. He was such a kind soul, and I didn't deserve his love. He was too good for me.

He had a tough life with his dad. I knew what it was like growing up with strict parents, having to do everything they demanded. I'd done the same thing for my mother. Or... what in the hell was she? I knew she wasn't my mom, but somehow she still was. Either way, I'd done everything she ever wanted. At first, I'd thought I was doing the right thing by making her proud, but after Dad disappeared, that all changed. I had lost all desire to please her any longer.

Did Justin feel the same? He'd been next in line to become King of the Guardians, and he'd abandoned his blood right for me. Was Justin rethinking his decision?

If he was, I couldn't blame him. He'd been through so much for me. And how had I thanked him? By running straight to the Whistler. I knew Justin was still suffering from that guilt when I was the one to blame. It was my fault. I'd been tricked. The Whistler had somehow made himself sound like Tyler to lure me out. And I'd fallen for it. Hook, line, and sinker.

Are you okay, my prince? I asked in his mind.

Justin's shoulders tensed as the back of his spiky head bobbed up and down. Yeah. Are you?

I never told you how sorry I am for running to the Whistler. I don't know how he did it, but he made his voice sound like Tyler's. I never meant to hurt you. Can you forgive me for being so stupid? I asked through our connection.

Always, Angel. You have no reason to apologize. Whistler's can do some crazy shit. But for the Whistler to sound like Tyler, he had to know Tyler's energy, which means he was around Tyler in the past. Justin turned toward me, resting his forearms on the truck's hood, and fuck, the way he looked at me made all my doubts fly out the window. His eyes were bright gold as he analyzed my face through the glass with an intense focus. It's been a long day. Are you ready to go inside? I'd like to talk to Tyler about this. We might know the assholes that are doing this.

I nodded once and crawled out of the truck.

Justin walked in my direction, frowning. "I'm sorry for everything, Angel. I should've prepared you better for Gideon and all the whacked out shit you're gonna have to deal with."

"It's fine and stop apologizing. I don't blame any of you for this. The only person I blame is my father. He knew what would happen to me, but he never prepared me." My hand reached out to take his.

Justin grabbed my hand and flipped it over. I opened my palm as he ran one finger over the deep lines. "You see this?"

I took a step toward him, feeling the intense energy between us. "What?"

"This is your lifeline." Justin's finger trailed the mainline running through the middle of my palm before tracing the smaller lines connected to it. "You have a hard life ahead of you with some monumental decisions to make. You could die or worse, Angel."

"Wait. How do you know all that?" I shook my head, trying to understand.

"I have the same lines as you." The corners of Justin's lips lifted as he flipped his palm over, showing me his.

I studied his lifeline and compared our palms. Every crevice was identical as I traced my finger over each path. "How?"

Justin's golden eyes snapped to mine. "We travel this life together, and if we make the right decisions we'll be together for centuries."

My eyes widened. "Centuries?"

Justin gave me an adorable grin just before he looked away. "I'm happy you found me. I thought I was gonna have to live those centuries alone. Before you came back, I was miserable."

Closing the space between us, I grabbed the fabric at his chest and tugged him into me. "You don't have to be miserable anymore. You're mine and I'm yours. That will never change no matter what Realm I end up in."

"If I've learned one thing in my short life, it's that we can't choose fate, Angel. We have to trust that the Gods are on our side and they want us to win." Justin's face was dead serious as his golden eyes flicked between mine. His cinnamon scent swirled around me, taking my thoughts elsewhere. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"

Unable to focus on anything other than his intoxicating aroma and his sweet golden gaze, I nodded as I studied his chiseled jaw. "Okay."

Justin's lips grew into a slight grin. "What?"

My hands took on a life of their own as they smoothed up his firm chest. "You're so good to me."

Justin's eyes fluttered closed as my hands ran up his neck and jaw. Grasping his cheeks, I stood on my tiptoes and leaned in. Justin's eyebrows rose in surprise when my lips caressed over his. Sparks of hunger and relief exploded within me.

Justin moaned and slid his arms around my waist, securing me to him. His lips moved against mine before they parted and he dipped his tongue inside. I entangled my arms around his neck, drowning in my desire for him.

Justin had a piece of my heart. Yeah, we barely knew each other, but our soul connection went so much deeper than we both knew. Without Justin's unwavering stability, I wouldn't be here. He would never abandon me like so many others had. I could depend on him, and I needed to do the same for him.

Our kiss was urgent as he backed me up to the truck. His hands trembled at my waist before one began wandering up my side. I clawed at his neck and shoulders, molding myself to him, reveling in his perfection. He kissed me back just as hungrily, devouring my mouth. He wanted me just as much as I wanted him.

His wandering hand slipped under my shirt, barely touching the skin at my ribs. Knowing he wouldn't go any further, I continued kissing him deeply while I grasped his hand and moved it up to my breast.

Justin pulled his head back as his eyes widened with shock and satisfaction. He grinned before he squeezed my breast over the thin fabric of my bra, kneading his thumb over my nipple. My head fell back with a moan of appreciation.

"Fuck. My angel loves when I play with her nipples." Justin chuckled lightly as his lips fell to the side of my neck, kissing and suckling. He lifted my bra, massaging my naked breast, sending shivers all over my body. I wanted him so fucking bad.

My panties grew wet as I urged his lips back to mine, eating him alive. Everything about Justin was purely good and so damn seductive. He was my sensitive, gorgeous protector that waited on me hand and foot. And I would do the same for him. We were perfect together. Justin was truly my match.

"Damn." Someone whistled in surprise. "I think we need to move this scene to a bedroom so we can get some better positions on film. Viewers like variety."

Justin froze in place and glanced over his shoulder. He released an irritated growl as he swiftly removed his hand from my shirt. Keeping me behind him, Justin spun to face whoever was watching us. I hurried to straighten out my clothes before taking Justin's hand in mine, clinging to his side.

"What's wrong, Prince? Don't like being documented?" The asshole asked with a laugh.

That's when I realized that Mason held a camera, recording us. He was watching us through the viewfinder. What the hell? His identical shifter girlfriends stood by his side giggling and whispering, but I saw the truth. They all had looks of envy as their eyes roamed over Justin.

What were their names again? Shit. I couldn't remember. I settled on naming them according to their dyed hairstreaks—Pink, Red, and Purple.

"I didn't mean for you to stop." Mason's tone overflowed with sarcasm. "You two are the stars. Just get back to pretending we're not here."

Rage burst through me as I started in Mason's direction. "Were you fucking recording us? You sick pervert."

Justin's arm looped around my waist, holding me back. "He's fucking with us. Mase does this shit all the time."

"It's not funny!" I fought to get free from Justin before I gave up and gestured toward the camera. "Delete it, now!"

Mason's eyes lifted from the viewfinder to meet mine, and they were full on glowing green as he analyzed me.

I gasped. I'd totally forgotten about his eyes glowing earlier.

The surrounding energy shifted as I let the enormity of the situation sink in. Mason was one of my fated mates. My lip curled in disgust. This sick prick with three girl toys would never be one of my mates. He literally wanted these snarky shifters on the side after he mated. I wanted to gag. Gross.

Justin's hold loosened around my waist as he analyzed my face. "What the fuck is going on?"

Could Justin see my eyes glowing green? I knew Mason could as he gazed intently at me.

Fuck. That little shit's hands have been all over my woman. How could she let him touch her like that? Fated mates, my ass. Mason said in his head as he grinned faintly at some stupid remark Purple made about my ugly face. I know Lucas and Tyler have a thing for her too. I wonder if she lets them all take turns with her? His face started turning an odd shade of red as his eyes narrowed on Justin. She belongs to me. Not him. She's mine. I'll fucking kill them all if they challenge me.

"Angel? What is it?" Justin's fingers dug into my waist as he whispered in my ear.

"Nothing." I broke off eye contact with Mason. Glancing at Justin, his face drained of all color as he stared into my eyes that were probably switching from green to gold.

"Fuck." Justin said barely above a whisper. "I didn't see it earlier, but I do now."

Shutting my eyes, I shook my head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

There was no way in hell that Mason was one of my mates. He didn't deserve me. I didn't do asshole, and he seemed to be the most egotistical asshole of them all.

"I don't wanna be out here with them. Can we go inside?" I pleaded.

Justin studied my face and nodded, tugging me forward. "Delete that shit, Mase. She's not into it."

"Aw... where are you two going? It was just getting good. I need some nudity to sell this thing." Mason smirked as we passed him.

Unable to stop myself, I veered to the side, accidentally elbowing Purple out of the way. Mason's smirk didn't falter as I got right in his face. "You make me sick. If you ever touch them, I'll end you. Do you hear me?"

Mason's dark eyebrows lifted, mockingly. "Touch who? My girls? Or your boys?"

Unable to rein in my anger, my fist shot forward, successfully punching him the stomach.

Mason tensed with a grunt as his eyes filled with shock. The triplets gasped in outrage, calling me every name in the book. Mason's surprised expression disappeared almost immediately before he burst out laughing.

"You think this is funny?" I snarled. "Laugh all you want, but if you lay one finger on Justin, Lucas, or Tyler, you will regret it. Got me?"

Mason's smile faltered before he whipped his shaggy hair out of his eyes and sent me a fake smile. I wanted to slap that look off his face.

Before I could punch Mason again, Justin yanked me back. Justin's face said it all as he ushered me toward the house. He was just as worried as me.

"Don't worry, Princess! I forgive you, but this isn't over. We're gonna have some fun tonight." Mason hollered at my back.

I didn't respond and refused to look back. I never wanted to see him again.

"Don't tell them, please?" I grimaced at Justin. "I can't deal right now."

Justin licked his bottom lip before biting down in contemplation. "I have to tell them, but I won't do it now, okay?"

My gaze fell to the welcome mat. "Thanks."

Walking inside the house, some unfamiliar rock music played on the stereo as I looked around. The house had been transformed into party central. The lightbulbs gleamed blue and orange in every room. Gigantic bowls overflowing with thick rivers of dry ice were strategically placed throughout the house, creating that trancelike smoke effect.

In the kitchen there were two kegs. One was tapped and ready to go. Several kinds of liquor and mixers sat untouched on the table. They'd prepared the house for a blowout, but no one was here yet.

"This is Mason in a nutshell. King of the party." Justin scoffed as he led me to the fridge and stared inside. "Are you hungry?"

Shrugging, I perched myself on the counter. "Kind of. I guess. What time is it?"

"Seven, and you need to eat. You haven't eaten all day." Tyler waltzed in, dressed to impress. He'd taken a shower, and he smelled amazing. His cocky grin was back along with his black hat, facing backward.

Inspecting him, I smiled. "Well, don't you look all snazzy?"

Tyler's mouth curled into a mischievous grin as he planted his hands on either side of me, leaning in. His minty breath skimmed over my lips as he spoke. "Just for you, Shortie."

My eyes flicked between his before he closed the tiny distance. His lips barely grazed mine before he pulled back. "You still mad at me?"

Fuck. I'd totally forgotten about Tyler's escapades with Faith, Jenny, and every other girl at school. Something stabbed inside my heart. Sighing at the onslaught of turmoil happening inside me, I rubbed my face and pushed him back. "Yeah... I am. I just can't right now, okay?"

Tyler's smile fell as he nodded, watching me closely. I hopped off the counter, but he didn't say anything while I joined Justin in front of the microwave.

"What did you decide on?" I hugged Justin from behind and peeked around him to look inside the microwave.

"Potpies, okay?" Justin leaned into me, rubbing his hands over mine.

One whiff of the food made my mouth water. "Yeah."

"People should be here in a couple hours." Lucas said as he walked into the kitchen. He was freshly washed and his faux hawk was a little long, but still screamed badass.

Releasing Justin slowly, I turned to face Lucas. "I'm sorry to say this, but I wanna leave before the party starts."

Lucas and Tyler glanced at one another before Lucas cleared his throat. "Don't worry. We won't leave your side tonight. I thought you'd be happier. It'll be nice to have some fun for once."

"I'm not really in the mood to party." I scratched my cheek, trying not to be overly pushy.

"Don't worry, Gorgeous. Mase told me he's only having a few people over." Lucas filled a red plastic cup with beer.

Justin scoffed as he turned and looped his arm around my neck. "Really, dude? And you believe that? When has Mason ever had only a few people over?"

Lucas glanced to the side as he sipped his beer. "Never."

Tyler backhanded Lucas in the chest. "You always let him do this shit, and then who cleans up the mess?"

Lucas's eyebrows pinched in irritation. "So what! He's my brother. He has my back, and I have his. Why are we even discussing this shit? She's cloaked. We had a shit day. Let's have a good time. Mason knows we need to keep the party small tonight. He's not gonna over do it."

"Mason better watch his shit, or I'm gonna beat his ass." Justin mumbled under his breath.

I glanced at Justin, but he turned to check the food in the microwave. Tyler and Lucas didn't seem to hear Justin before I spoke up. "I know he's your brother, Lucas, but he creeps me out. Can't we stay somewhere else?"

Lucas swallowed and licked the beer foam from his lip as he stared at me in confusion. Suddenly, his nostrils flared as his expression grew cold. "Fuck it, then. Let's just go stay with Gideon for the rest of our lives. Would that make you happy, Ember?"

My jaw fell open at his cruel remark. Who was this? Lucas never talked to me like that. It was strange how much control these guys had over my emotions because just his angry expression made my heart drop.

The microwave beeped behind me, and Justin pulled the food out, but I could only stare at Lucas while he just stared back coldly. He was trying to hurt me, and it worked, but I didn't want to argue.

"It's ready," Justin nudged my arm, trying to hand me a plate.

My gaze fell from Lucas before I shook my head. "No, thanks."

"But you haven't eaten all day, Shortie." Tyler frowned. "You need some decent nourishment."

"I can't." I walked out of the kitchen toward the stairs.

"Dude! What the fuck crawled up your ass?" Tyler whisper-shouted. "That was dick as fuck. She didn't deserve that."

"It's been a long fucking day." Lucas snapped. "I thought she wanted normal, and now all the sudden she doesn't. I haven't seen Mase in months. Fucking sue me for wanting to spend one night with him!"

"You just made things right with her, and you already ruined it. Like father like son, huh?" Tyler said.

"Fuck you! Keep your mouth shut about that shit." Lucas replied.

"Or what?" Tyler sneered.

Footsteps pounded and squeaked across the kitchen tile as grunts and growls echoed behind me before something shattered. Shit. They were brawling. I probably should've stopped the fight, but I didn't have the energy.

"Angel?" Justin stood at the bottom of the stairs with our food, completely oblivious to the wrestling in the kitchen. If he wasn't worried, neither was I.

I glanced back. "Yeah?"

"What are you doing?" Justin's words were soft.

"Going to sleep." I didn't give him time to ask another question as I walked away.

"Hold up," Justin ran up the stairs as he contemplated his next question. "You wanna sleep with me? I'm tired as hell."

Considering his offer, I shrugged as a wave of anticipation rushed over me. I liked the idea of sleeping next to my Justin.

"Come on," Justin sent me a half grin as he led me into his room.

My jaw fell open when I walked inside the room. Someone had recently spray painted the beige walls with black symbols. They were similar to the ones I had all over my body when I came back from Purgatory.

"What's all this?" I sat on the bed, and Justin's signature smell surrounded me.

Handing me one potpie, Justin sat next to me. "They're supposed to help me sleep. I haven't slept well since I left home."

"Will they help me sleep too?" I noticed my hunger coming back, and I took a big bite of my food.

Justin sent me a dimpled grin as he ate. "I hope so. I've been a mess, so they haven't worked great for me."

"Maybe you're just missing the secret ingredient." I shrugged.

"Maybe. I just wish I knew what that secret is." Justin chuckled nervously.

We finished our food and I took Justin's empty plate before setting them to the side.

I kicked off my shoes and scooted up to the pillow, getting comfortable.

Justin's eyes smoldered gold as he watched me curiously.