The prophecy states that the Chosen One will possess the ability to speak to our kind through the mind speech, as she has already done. It also states that she will have the power to heal the land. This will be the proof that she is the one foretold in the ancient texts.
The Elders do not know what form her power will take. They only know that as it grows stronger, people will be drawn to the inner light of her magic, even if they do not recognize it for what it is.
That must be how the wolf shifter knew where she was. He was able to sense her power. After all, it is how Cash and I located her. Her inner light is so strong that the moment we crossed the veil we were immediately drawn to the forest behind the estate. When we saw her in the clearing, we knew immediately that she was the one we’d been sent to guard.
I think on the land surrounding the estate. It is green and full of life whereas all else beyond it is dry and nearly barren. On our journey here I noticed several fields full of withering crops. I wonder how long it has been this way in the human kingdom?
In ours, only the past few years have been hard. Our leader—the wolf queen—has reassured us that all will be well. But rain is such a rare thing nowadays, many have begun to lose hope.
My own family is struggling to survive on the meager harvest they gathered last fall. As my gaze drifts to Ella, I understand how important is our mission as her guards. She is destined to unite our two kingdoms and bring healing to our people and to our lands.
Gently, I tug her closer to my chest. I clench my jaw as guilt moves through me. I wish I could tell her everything, but it is not my place. So much responsibility already rests on her shoulders and she does not even know it yet.
Chapter 4
Cash
We switch places during the night so Finn can take a turn going downstairs to check for any danger. I do not think anyone would dare try to attack us now, especially since two of us watch over her, but we cannot be certain.
She must be kept safe at all costs.
Soft light from a small candle in the corner of the room illuminates her features. She is the most beautiful female I have ever beheld. As if knowing I wish to study her luminous blue eyes, her eyelids flutter and open. “Where is Finn going?” she asks. I’m surprised that she can tell us apart. Even my bond brothers often have trouble doing this.
I tuck a stray tendril of hair behind her ear, the silken strands soft beneath my fingers. “We are taking turns guarding downstairs.”
She stiffens in my arms, and the acrid scent of her fear fills my nostrils. “You think someone might come after me here?
I hate that my words have caused her to be afraid, so I quickly move to reassure her. “All is well. We are just being safe. I doubt any would try to harm you with two of us here.”
She gives me a strange look. “Why me? What’s so special about me? Is it because I can communicate with your kind in my thoughts?”
I want so much to tell her everything, but I know I should wait for the rest of our bond brothers to arrive. So, for now I will give her a simple answer. “Yes.”
She lowers her gaze. A small crease of worry forms across her brow.
I reach out and gently smooth my thumb over it, as if to ease her concern. “You do not need to be afraid, Ella. Finn and I will protect you.”
She gives me a faint smile. “I trust you.”
My heart feels full. She has been through much, this female. And for her to trust us is a precious gift. One I vow I will never abuse. I press a soft kiss to her cheek, then smile at the pink flush left behind in its wake. She is precious, our Ella. “We will protect you,” I swear. “My vow.”
She nods, closes her eyes, and then goes back to sleep. It is an effect of the poultice that she is able to drift away so easily. Its ability to soothe pain also causes drowsiness. I am glad she is able to rest despite her injuries.
When Finn returns, I am loath to trade places with him again, but I do. I wish to spend as much time holding her as I can. Once she mates the prince, I will only be able to guard her from afar.
Human males are not known to share their mates like shifters often do. The Elders explained it has something to do with possession and passing their property to their heirs. They want the assurance that a child born of their female is of their seed and no others.
Whereas shifters, we prefer safety in numbers. When we choose to become part of a harem and share a female, it means that any offspring she has will be accepted by each male. They will always have protection and be well provided for.
With a heavy sigh, I carefully untangle myself from her arms and watch as my brother takes my place. It is difficult to push down my jealousy, but I somehow manage.
This is the first time I’ve ever been jealous of Finn. As far as I can remember, we’ve always shared everything. But this? This is different. I want her all to myself.
Even though my kind are known to form harems, it is not unheard of for males to experience some tension amongst each other, fighting for the attention of their female and vying to become her favorite.
During our training, the Elders tried to prepare us for the intense possessiveness we would likely experience toward the female we would guard.
