As I sing, Kai joins in. His voice smooth and velvety in my head as the words flow through my mind while I hear his bird song aloud as well.
The sky grows dark, and clouds begin roiling overhead as the wind picks up. Lightning arcs across the sky. Booming thunder rumbles above us a moment before the sky opens up, and thick droplets of rain begin pelting the ground.
I quickly gather my basket full of vegetables. All the guys shift forms, and together we race toward my tower. The heavy rain drenches me by the time we step inside. My guards follow close behind me as we ascend the stairs back to my room.
When we reach the top, I realize that my dress is completely soaked through. The fabric is so threadbare it leaves nothing to the imagination. Normally, I would not care, but I notice several pairs of eyes staring at me with strange expressions I cannot quite discern.
Someone places a towel over my shoulders, and I look back to find Finn standing behind me. His light brown hair slightly disheveled and wet from the rain, hangs down over his brow. His warm green eyes meet mine in concern. “You should change out of these wet things, Ella, so we can redress your wounds.”
I move back behind the screen. When I start to lift my dress off, the wet fabric clings to my injuries, and a small whimper of pain escapes me.
To my shock, everyone rushes to see what’s wrong. Partially undressed, I gape at them, embarrassed.
Finn’s words set me at ease, though. “It’s all right, Ella. We only want to help you. Please,” he says. “Let us take care of you.”
Nervous, I tuck a stray tendril of hair behind my ear. “I know. Just... allow me to change into my nightshift first, all right?”
“As you wish.”
Without another word, they all leave again.
It’s so strange being here with so many people, especially men. Before I met them, I’d never spent as much time in the company of any man save my father when I was still a child.
When I finish changing, I come back out, and they motion for me to lie on my stomach on the bed. Cautiously, they lift my nightshift, careful to cover my backside with the blanket so as not to expose me.
Warm hands travel over my back as they cleanse and tend to my wounds. They’re so gentle with me. The poultice is like a soothing balm over my injuries, taking away all my discomfort. I close my eyes as they carefully apply the wrap around my torso.
When finished, they lie down beside me. It’s cold in here from the many holes in the walls and the rafters, but as they press in around me, I sigh in contentment at their soothing warmth. I inhale their masculine scents—a strange mixture of chocolate and cinnamon. It’s wonderful, and I close my eyes, reveling in the sensation of being cared for and protected.
When have I ever felt so loved and safe?
Strong arms drape across my waist as I lie on my side and tug me closer. I realize it’s Finn, and I snuggle into his chest. “Thank you, Finn.”
Cash settles behind me, holding me close as well.
Finn’s green eyes meet mine with a curious look. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Tell us apart so easily?”
I reach across and brush the hair back from his brow. “Your eyes,” I tell him. “Yours are a bit more serious. While Cash’s,” I turn to him and touch his face, “look more mischievous.”
Nyx lies down by my feet and Kai near my head. His blue gaze holds mine as he gently runs his fingers through my hair and sings softly to me. He really does have a lovely, deep voice. Smooth and rich like velvet.
I open my eyes to find Devon staring down at us. Something flickers across his face, but it’s gone so quickly I’m uncertain what it is. I do feel bad for him, however. He didn’t sleep with us last night, and I don’t want him to feel left out.
I lift my arm to him, and he takes my hand. “Lie down with us.”
His ordinarily stern expression softens, and he lies on the other side of Finn. I reach my hand out to take his, and he entwines our fingers as I close my eyes and allow myself to drift away, surrounded by my guards.
Awareness slowly trickles back into my mind. I nestle deeper into Finn’s embrace, and Cash tightens his arm around me from behind. It feels so good to be held. I lift my head, and Finn’s green eyes meet mine. He gives me a sleepy smile then tenderly kisses my forehead. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes.” I reach up and trace my finger across the beautiful line of his jaw. “I like this,” I whisper. “Being here with all of you. I feel... close to you all even though we just met. I know you say it’s the bond, but it... it feels like something more.”
Kai runs his fingers gently through my hair in a soothing gesture. “With time, the bond will only strengthen.”
I take his hand, threading my fingers through his as I meet his blue eyes. “Will it always be this way between us?” I ask. “This closeness like we have now?”
His gaze flicks to Finn’s for a moment before he answers. Sadness flits briefly across his expression. “The bond will remain, and we will always be your guards. But this”—he gestures to each of the others—“we... cannot always remain with you like this.”
His answer troubles me. “Why not?”
Finn touches my cheek, his green eyes staring at me like I’m a rare and precious treasure. “We will remain at your side and we will always protect you, Ella. But you are to marry the prince. He is human. He will not tolerate
