Seeing them in their finest made this somehow real, and for once, they felt like princes. I fingered the ruby necklace with a shimmering rose pendant sitting above my cleavage. This pendant alone might have bought a new house and paid off our debts.

  “Why is there a red rose on your coat of arms?”

  “Dad once told me,” Leven began, “our mother’s grandma grafted the first plant with magic.”

  Ash had told me about their family’s rose. But something was missing. And I’d never seen this flower that was on their coat of arms. “How did your great-grandma get the snow rose to begin with?”

  “The sorcerer had added her blood to the soil to feed the first snow rose, which is why it can resist the coldest winter nights. While the flower grew on our family’s property, everyone in the household would always be blessed with luck, so every generation since continued growing the thorny flower and it was added to our coat of arms.”

  “So magic you say” I asked.

  He nodded. “A rose she’d received from a witch in Tritonia.”

  “Whoa, back up!” My pulse spiked. “Tritonia? You mean from a voodoo witch? Every tale I’ve heard from that place involving magic always comes with death.” So how would a beautiful rose bring a family luck if it had emerged from darkness?

  Talin shrugged. “Even in the darkest of places, there are people who won’t blindly follow the majority.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” The magic might explain why the roses die once their parents and sister had passed? They must have been linked to the family lineage… and right then I couldn’t ignore the notion that maybe the roses hadn’t revived since because they’d known what fate awaited the princes. I shivered, hating that I’d had that thought.

  I glanced out the window as a family of deer froze in the distance, staring our way. Alert and watchful over their little ones.

  Saving the princes pressed on my chest, yet as I sat in the carriage with them, I couldn’t deny we’d formed a bond. It felt as if we’d known each other for so long, but now a desperation clung to my ribs, reminding me I might lose them.

  “So how do you think today will go?” I fidgeted with the ribbon tied around my waist, pretending to sit at peace, but my pulse raced. Should I bow or curtsey? Do I wait to be addressed before speaking or never meet the cousin’s eyes until called upon?

  “What do I need to know about being in a court?” Dread clenched my gut.

  Leven sat across from me, his legs spread on either side of mine, and he leaned forward. “It’s easy.” He took my hand in his. “They’ll know you’re human and won’t expect you to know our customs. Be polite, answer when they ask you a question, and stay close to Raze and Talin. They’ll keep you safe.”

  His thumb caressed the back of my hand, pushing away my primal urge to run in the opposite direction.

  Talin’s gaze fell to his feet. “As soon as this is sorted, I’ll put this mess to an end and do what I’ve been putting off too long.”

  “I wish you could convince our priestess in Terra to change. She’s maniacal and inflicts punishment without a trial.” Like the family who’d been accused of bartering for magic spells with someone from Darkwoods. A week later, the whole family had vanished, and I bet the priestess had played a hand in their banishing.

  Leven reclined, my hand falling into my lap. “I doubt she’d listen. Most in power are stubborn as mules.”

  I burst out laughing. “Shit yeah. I mean”—I straightened my back, lifting my chin and putting on my best serious voice—“why yes, I agree most heartedly, fine gentleman.” I supposed I’d better practice to see if I could blend in, no matter what Leven had said. I had a feeling they were biased after everything we’d been through so far. Plus, they weren’t like anyone in power I’d met before.

  Leven chuckled. “Is that your royal impersonation?”

  I slouched. “It sucks, right?”

  “I prefer you as you are,” Ash said.

  “You’re such a sweet-talker. All of you are.” My voice caught in my throat, and I admired the way they smiled at me, as if everything in the world was perfect. And part of me wished so desperately that it would turn out that way for all of us. “If I had to choose between the four of you, I’m not sure I ever could pick just one.”

  “Who said you had to select just one?” Leven shuffled to the edge of his seat, his hands on my knees, and a trickle of warmth raced up my thighs. It suddenly got hot in the carriage.

  “What do you mean? Do bear shifters have more than one mate?”

  “Doesn’t everyone?” Leven asked, his expression deadly serious.

  My mouth must have fallen open. “Are you teasing me?” Because I wouldn’t have put it past any of the men to make me believe something and then make a joke of it. “Ha, you’re so funny, thinking I’m gullible.”

  “You don’t get it, Bee,” Ash said, his hand on my lap. “We’ve met so many people, and you’re the first who’s genuine. But it’s more than that. You’re honest, and you’re risking your life for us. Who does that for just anyone these days?”

  At first, I sat there, swallowed by an inferno. I shouldn’t have been attracted to any of the princes, yet I was drawn to each one. But all I was doing was setting myself up to fail. “I have a few friends back home who would do that for me.”

  Leven patted my leg and sat back. “Hold on to them. If they’re anything like you, you’re lucky.”

  Someone tapped the carriage from outside and we came to a halt. I looked outside the window to a forest. “Are we there?”

  “This is where Ash and I get off,” Leven said.

  “Already?” My breaths came in wheezing pants. I wasn’t ready to tackle meeting other bear shifters or pretend to be a caretaker. What if I panicked? What if someone detected I did magic?

  Leven inclined toward me, his hands on my cheeks, and drew me to him. “I promise to do everything in my power to protect you. Just like my brothers mean the world to me, you have wiggled yourself into my heart.” His mouth pressed to mine, and my brain sloshed from his sudden movement, but I held on to his arms, returning the kiss. Soft, passionate, and unyielding.

  He stole my breath, and I drew him closer, unable to get close enough. Like with Ash, the unease in my gut unraveled, filling me with warmth and a readiness to take over the world.

  Leven pulled back and licked his lips. “I’ll see you soon, Bee.”

  “Be careful.” My voice was breathless, yet there was a tightness in my chest at the fact that he was leaving.

  He lifted my hand to his mouth. “I’d do anything for you.” He hopped out of the carriage.

  “Everyone’s so sentimental today,” Talin said, sitting back, arms folded across his stomach, watching with amusement. Was he jealous or truly put off by how sweet his brothers were to me?

  Ash shifted between us and made his way out. He took my hand and kneeled on one leg in front of me. “If anything happens to you, I’ll tear the White Peak forest apart to find and make the person who harmed you suffer.”

  His words had me grinning, and when he kissed me, my body lit on fire. I remembered our time in the library, an experience that would remain with me for eternity. Now, tingles and desire claimed me, and swirls of emotions made me gasp. When he stepped back, I missed him already.

  “Won’t be long until we see each other again.” He left the carriage and closed the door behind him. I was left with an inferno inside from their kisses.

  Each one made me crave them as if we were going on a first date. But these were four brothers. Surely, they didn’t want to be with the same girl? Or was Leven kissing me a reassurance to keep his bear side under control? Yes, that had to be the reason. Then why had he stared at me as if he’d been ready to rip off my dress and devour me? And Leven’s words about not needing to select just one partner twirled in my head. Except I suspected he’d been teasing me.

  I exchanged a glance with Talin who hadn’t stopped looking my way with a strange expression I couldn’t quite read.

  When the carriage took off again, I stared out at Leven and Ash, who were sending us off with smiles. I collapsed back into the seat, Talin moving next to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders, holding me against his side.

  “They truly care for you. We all do.”

  I chewed on my lower lip, emotions tugging me in a dozen different directions. And letting my emotions about the princes blossom into anything but this simple attraction was insanity. I didn’t belong in their world, and I had Dad to look after. My life, my friends. If we survived, they would return to ruling their realm, and Talin would find a bear shifter wife, probably followed by each of the brothers shortly thereafter.

  This small stint was a job. And I had to remind myself not to fall head over heels for men who were out of my league. Once I got us untangled from one another, I’d hightail it out of White Peak and never come back. But as I curled in on myself and stared out at the passing landscape, I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave them yet—or if I ever would be.

  Chapter 19

  The next time the carriage stopped, we were still in the woods, and my skin prickled. Talin opened the door and climbed out before offering me his hand to help me disembark. In the distance, there was a huge set of oversized iron gates with curls along the top and a stone wall stretching outward. Beyond the entrance lay a winding road leading to a massive manor house.

  Raze jumped down from the carriage and stared out in the same direction.

  “Why are we stopping?” Talin asked.

  “Figured we should brush up on a kiss with Bee just in case the changed came. Might help us control ourselves while in the manor,” Raze explained. “I already feel the change deep in my chest.”

  Talin’s face paled, and he nodded, balling his fists.

  They both exchanged knowing glances, then looked my way. “I can feel it too,” I said.

  “Okay, I’m first,” Raze said and he’d already taken me into his arms. “Where shall we go for some privacy?” He winked.

  I laughed, slapping his shoulder. “You’re so funny. We’re only kissing. When I was with Ash and we kissed, that drove the dark side away at first, and I’m hoping that will suffice here.” Goddess, please let that work.

  “You sure that’s all?” Raze teased. “There are blankets in the carriage to keep you comfortable.”

  “Raze,” Talin growled. “Maybe you ought to get out of the way and let me show you how it’s done if you’re struggling.”

  “Ha.” Raze stuck his palm out to Talin. “I’ve got this.” He brought me closer, and my hands snapped forward, plastered to this chest.

  His breath washed over my face, and my heart raced. Raze had me tripping over myself. He drove me crazy with his flirtatious manner. Tingles swirled in my gut, and when his lips met mine, a snap of energy zipped down my body. His hands pressed into my back, squeezing us together. His mouth devoured mine. Sparks flew through me, and my world faded. I focused on his solid arms folded around me, the electrifying intimacy he made me feel.

  My thoughts soared through the heavens, lost beneath Raze’s touch, adoring how he sucked on my tongue, how his fingers crawled up my back and cradled my head. My hands stretched up and tangled around his thick neck, and his passion deepened, as did his hands against my ass, forcing me against his hardness. I softened, loving how his body reacted.

  His lips sailed across my cheek and my ears, nibbling on my neck. “You may have just ruined me for anyone else.”

  His words had me trembling because no one had ever said anything remotely close to that to me, and I didn’t want to move or lose this moment.

  When he pulled back, I stumbled, still drifting on a cloud. At how sharp my magic felt within me. Raze caught me with an arm.

  “I’ve never felt this clearheaded.” He kissed my hand and turned to Talin. “Now try beating that.”

  His brother rubbed his hands. “Step aside.”

  I admired how competitive they were, especially when the object of their desire was me. I still struggled with the whole idea of two men kissing me one after the other, but they didn’t seem to have an issue with it.

  Talin took me behind the carriage and away from Raze. “I believe in giving a lady privacy.”

  Raze laughed. “Don’t take too long.”

  Talin stepped up behind me, his hands caressing my arms.

  I shivered at his softness. “You know, we’re just meant to kiss.” Trees surrounded us, and I hoped no one hid in the woods, watching us.

  He slid my hair back and let his lips fall to my neckline. “If you were anyone else, maybe. But since first meeting you, I haven’t been able to get your scent out of my head, and I’ve been dreaming of tasting you. I can smell your sexual hunger.” His hand slid across my chest, dipping down the front of my dress. “Do you want me to stop?”

  When I tried to respond, a moan fell free.

  He laughed in my ear, and my legs wobbled. “Thought so.”

  I gulped for air because his forcefulness had me squeezing my thighs together for additional tingles. He had me riled up.

  His hand groped my breast, his fingers pinching a nipple so hard, I mewled with pleasure. With his other hand on my jawline, he twisted my head toward him and his mouth clasped mine. That same sizzling power jolted down my body, worming around my core.

  “Did you feel that?” he whispered.

  “Yes.” I reached up and pulled him back down. I wasn’t finished yet.

  I’d fallen under his spell and enjoyed the rough play. His dominance had me soaking wet. Our tongues tangled, and I lost myself to Talin.

  “You can open your eyes now.” His hand released my breast and he turned me by the shoulders to face him. “You’re so delicate and gorgeous. I hope to get to taste you for real one day.”

  I gasped, still catching my breath because if I readied to explode into an orgasm each time the princes kissed me, I didn’t think I’d have time for anything else.

  “Shall we go?” His fingers intertwined with mine and we strolled to the front of the carriage.

  With a hand, he helped me up at the front to sit next to Raze, then he squeezed in beside me.

  “Where did all of you learn to kiss?”

  Talin smirked and picked up the reins, while Raze placed an arm around my shoulders, holding me close and kissing the side of my head.

  None of us exchanged a word as we traveled onward, the road bumpy, and the whole time I concentrated on enveloping us in a white bubble. Fizzing and popping energy crackled across my arms, and I pictured a shield protecting us. I clenched my fists and steadied my energy, keeping us safe. Untouched. Unaffected. We are safe. We won’t change.

  “Me either.” Talin drove the horses through the open gates and down the long cobblestone path, flanked by pines, cloaked in snow.

  My nerves stirred as we approached a huge manor house made of red stone. More like an enormous treasure box with dozens of windows and a pointy roof.

  One guard stood outside, wearing a long, black coat, hands stiff by his sides. What if he killed me? Was it even legal in their world to bring humans onto royal grounds? And where would I run? But if that were the case, surely the princes wouldn’t have brought me here.

  Raze climbed down from the carriage and offered me his hand. “My lady.”

  I half-laughed, half-choked, and whispered, “I don’t think I can do this.”

  “All you need to do is smile and leave the rest with us. Be yourself. Remember, you’re Talin’s personal caretaker. And I promise, nothing will happen to you.” His smile tugged on my heart.

  I swallowed past my dried throat. Talin looked my way with a raised brow. So much depended on this, and rather than fall into a puddle of panic, I accepted Raze’s hand and stepped down.

  A chilly breeze fluttered through my hair, and I joined Raze. We strolled behind Talin, who headed into the house past the solid metal doors.

  Gazes followed us, and I glanced over to a guard who sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling my way. Yep. This would be fun. And I couldn’t stop shaking, feeling like such a fake. I was terrible at pretending to be someone else. At school, I’d once gotten booed off the stage at eleven years old because I hadn’t been able to remember my lines.

  Summoning my strength, I lifted my chin and strode into a carpeted room with paintings in golden frames everywhere. In the center of the first room a marble statue of a bear on hind legs towered over us.

  Raze nudged me and pointed his chin to the carving, then pointed to himself. He mouthed the words, “I’m bigger than that.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh as we entered a room with velvet-covered seats fanned out in front of a grand fireplace. The fire crackled and spat embers into the metal guard. A carved mantel displayed a scene of bears in battle. Too vicious for my liking. Cream curtains framed the oversized windows. Sunlight pouring in bathed the elaborately carved display cabinets filled with various figurines of bears in various poses. Bronze candelabras stood tall against the walls every few feet, the white candles unlit.

  “Welcome. Welcome,” came a man’s voice from behind us.

  We turned in unison.

  An older man with graying hair and his middle as round as a barrel rushed toward us. He was buttoning up a black and golden jacket around himself. When he glanced up, I saw he only sported one eye, the other covered by a patch. Healed claw marks, which I assumed were from his initiation as a child, crossed that missing eye.

  “Your Majesty, Talin?” His voice rose, and he halted in the doorway, his expression fell, and his mouth hung open. “How are you feeling?” He half-bowed in front of Talin, yet his gaze bounced from Talin to Raze. He approached Talin and embraced him.

  “Why would you assume he wasn’t well?” Raze asked.

  “Rumors had said you were gravely ill.”

  “And yet as your prince, the Medved house hasn’t paid me a visit to confirm firsthand if such rumors were true.”

 

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