Day 3: 10:00 A.M.

~MAKOTO~

"Marc – mhm." I smiled against those smooth lips, tightening my hold around his neck as he continued to hold me securely off the ground. He broke the kiss, giving me a wide grin.

"Stop trying to prevent me from kissing you," he mumbled.

"We're on a public beach with little shifter children!" I argued.

"So?" he countered.

"Think of the children! You're dirtying their innocent minds. Now, set me down."

"No," he mumbled.

"Ugh, you're so stubborn," I complained.

"And you're fucking hot in this bikini, Firefly. If this was a nude beach, you wouldn't be wearing one, and we'd be doing more scandalous things than talking and kissing," he whispered into my ear, kissing my neck.

It took everything within me not to moan, stifling the sound in my throat. "There's no such thing," I whispered, my voice low and needy.

"Oh, trust me, Firefly. There is, and I'll make sure the next time we come down here and it's warmer, we'll go to one," he whispered, kissing me.

I didn't stop the moan that escaped me; my body tingled all over at the thought of fucking on the beach. The sand would be a pain in the ass.

"That's what beach towels are for," Hope suggested.

"Out of all of us, I would have never expected that suggestion from you, Hope," Lexi commented.

"Just because I'm an angel, doesn't mean we don't like to be a little adventurous once in a while," she defended.

"I bet Hope was a stripper in her past life." Rose laughed.

"She would ride that pole, nice and slow," Lily sang.

"You guys are so noisy," Midnight complained, yawning.

Couldn't agree more.

Myself, Marcus, Junho and Scarlet decided to have a beach day, waking up early and heading to a small beach resort with Christian driving us.

I felt bad that he'd been driving us everywhere since we met, but he reassured me that he didn't mind. He'd rather drive his friends and know we arrived safely than deal with a random UBER and traffic.

Now, we were enjoying the lovely sun and soft waves of the vast ocean. I was impressed that this place was able to make the beach private, having a wait list of six months to get a chance to experience the luxurious scenery.

Of course, Junho was friends with the CEO and had gotten us VIP tickets for the morning. Marcus and I were supposed to be 'waiting' patiently for Scarlet and Junho who were getting the rest of our stuff from the car; Christian stated he'd chill around the resort.

Junho said we had to pass by one of his dealerships to check out a test model of some motorcycle with a long, complicated name and have the privilege to be one of the first to assess and drive the new model for cycle 5033.

I didn't understand how it was only mid-Solace, and they were already bringing the end of the cycle cars for the showcase. I thought it was silly, but humans did a lot of silly things in my opinion. Marcus thought my dilemma with the human culture was amusing.

Marcus finally set me down; my feet enjoyed the softness of the sand below. He continued to keep me captive in his arms as he pulled me into another kiss.

"At least wait till we reach the private area before you do have sex on the beach," Junho announced, chuckling.

We pulled apart; both of us breathless as we turned towards Junho and Scarlet who approached us, hand in hand. They both had wide grins on their lips.

"The poor helpless children are getting their innocence robbed by you two having a kissing storm down here," Scarlet joked.

I blushed, pointing at Marcus. "I told him that! He said 'so.' I knew we'd ruin the poor shifter children's innocence." I slapped Marcus' chest, causing him to laugh.

"Firefly. They're joking. Don't get feisty." He grinned; his arms locked around my waist.

"I don't like you. Go away," I mumbled.

He kissed my neck yet again, causing me to giggle.

"Stop that," I laughed.

He chuckled.

Scarlet sighed. "You two are hopeless." She smiled.

"Admit it. They're cute together," Junho whispered.

Scarlet pulled her phone out, taking a picture before either of us could protest.

"There we go. I'll get Ethan to print them out," Scarlet revealed.

"Print them out? Them, as in you've been taking pictures?" I asked.

"YUP! Cece and EliaseAnne suggested it! You need lots of memories to put on your phone and around your new room when you reach Heila," Scarlet replied.

"You'd do that for me?" I asked, confused.

"We're all friends, Princess. You don't need to question why we would do anything for you. Aside from the fact you’re royalty, we'd do anything to make you smile," Junho announced.

"Even though I was about to say that; he's right you know," Marcus whispered.

"Thank you, guys," I whispered, feeling touched by their words. I still couldn't imagine that my dark wish in that dimly lit cell would have led to my five star knights who I cared dearly for. Now I had them and new friends who loved and supported me.

"Let's go have some fun," Marcus announced, releasing me from my hold to grab the stuff Scarlet had brought. He and Junho took the lead while Scarlet and I followed.

"How did it go yesterday?" Scarlet asked as we hooked arms.

"It went well. I may not have found out everything I needed to, but I feel a little reassured now that we talked. I'm going to give him a little more time," I explained.

"Good. And if anything?" Scarlet hinted.

"Give him space and let him come running." I giggled.

She smirked, looking at the vast sea as we continued to walk. "I was in a relationship for five years before I met the boys," she confessed.

"What? Why did you guys break up?" I questioned.

"He cheated. We were together for five years, and I know that he was cheating on me for at least more than a year. We were lovers who went everywhere together, holding hands and enjoying the simple things, to him sitting on the couch eating Cheetos and watching football. At first, I simply assumed he was dealing with his own issues, since he got laid off and was struggling. To be honest, I think I was too scared to acknowledge the reality that he had lost interest in me." She looked at my shocked expression, giving me a comforting smile before she continued.

"Day by day, my gut told me I should talk to him or even try to figure things out, but we just drifted apart. Soon he was going to parties and returning home drunk, and I was too caught up in school and wanting to enjoy my friendship with Cece that I became ignorant. A few months ago, I pretty much had given up on our relationship and was only allowing it to continue because I felt pity for him, or so I told myself."

She stopped in place, taking a moment to stare out at the waves. I watched as her neon orange hair blew lightly in the passing wind; her blue-green eyes glittered in the sun's rays as her red lips smiled.

"Then, I met Jaxson and the others. It took me having a one-night stand with a stranger after being committed to one person to realize that I didn't love him anymore. I was staying with him out of companionship. Ever since my mom was murdered, my life had been a lonely one. I didn't have friends or family who cared about me. I had a man named Kendrick in my life who took on the father role when no one else wanted to take the burden of raising me, but I always yearned for a friend or someone who would always be with me. Even though Cece became my first friend, I still had that gap in my heart. When I met my ex, I just thought he'd always be there, no matter what. In the end, he was with someone who made him happy, but didn't have the balls to tell me." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I thought it would be easy. That I could simply say fuck you, and bam, be done with him. I'd have the last laugh. But when I watched him stroll out the door...it hurt. I felt as if the five years we'd spent was nothing but a waste of time. A simple memory that would linger with me. I hadn't been prepared to fall into despair over the breakup and when I did, there they were – my teammates who barely knew me, but accepted my flaws. It was then, I told myself I wouldn't let time pass by before tackling a problem. Of course, we're dealing with our own issues, and I'm also trying to be patient, but what I'm trying to say is, you'll always find the answer within you. Listen to your instincts and allow them to guide you on the right path. Don't waste time on the little things and don't hesitate to share what's bothering you. If your men truly love you, they'll work towards making you happy. But remember, it goes both ways and they would want you to do the same," she finished.

"Thank you, Scarlet," I whispered, blinking back tears at her revelation.

She blinked her glossy eyes. "Haha. Great, we’re both about to cry on the beach. My bad." Scarlet, pulled me into a big hug.

"Happy tears at least," I replied, giggling.

"I'm always here if you need me, Makoto. I'm a text away when you return to Heila." She squeezed my shoulders.

I nodded.

"Thank you, Scarlet. And you can just call me Mako."

"You can call me Scar then. Way easier." She winked.

We laughed.

"Mako! Scar! What are you two doing?” Marcus called out.

We turned to see them walking back towards us. "COMING!" We called out; Scarlet's hand slipped into mine as she pulled me along as we dashed towards them.

The answer will be within me...

"A UNICORN FLOAT!" I shouted in pure happiness. I'd already had a unicorn float, but this one was massive; big enough to fit two people as it floated on the calm waves of the clear blue water before us. My eyes glanced over the second float, turning my head to Scarlet who looked just as shocked.

"A whale float? So, this is what Michael had seen," she mumbled.

Michael? An acquaintance? I returned my attention to the float.

"Can we go on it?" I asked Marcus and Junho who smiled at our stunned expressions.

"Yes, you ca–" Marcus began, but I didn't let him finish, sprinting straight to my unicorn float, jumping off the dock, attacking the poor white float that rocked back and forth upon impact.

"Mako!" Marcus called out. I swam to the surface, climbing onto the float before whipping my drenched hair back and forth.

"MARCUS, COME! We can have a unicorn ride!" I called out.

He sighed. "You have too much energy," he replied; my sensitive hearing caught his words as he grinned.

"I'll give you a kiss," I seduced.

He chuckled, making his way to the edge of the dock. "Coming, your Highness." He dove into the water.

I giggled, relaxing on the float, staring at the sky above.

"We should leave them alone," I heard Junho whisper.

"I don't think they can have sex on a float," Scarlet proposed.

"I don't know. Let’s just say his spirit can do a lot of impossible things if sex is involved," Junho reminded.

I snickered.

"I can hear both of you." I turned my head to see them both blush.

"We’ll be back!" Scarlet winked; her hand slid into Junho's as she began to pull him away.

"They're so going to go make out in the woods somewhere."

I practically jumped seeing Marcus’ arms on the edge of the float; his chin rested on top of them.

"How did you do that?" I asked.

"Do what?"

"I didn't hear you at all," I pointed out.

He grinned. "Water and I are pretty good buddies," he pointed out.

"But you're a dragon. You breathe fire."

"I can do more than breathe fire, love. You wanna know what else?" he whispered.

I turned, moving so my face was only inches from his face, wanting to hear what he had to say.

"What?"

He leaned up to kiss me; his warm lips felt extremely cold in seconds. His hand slipped into my hair, stopping me from pulling back; the chilled sensation sent shivers down my spine. When he finally released my lips, I blew out – a puff of cold air escaped.

"How did you...you’re an ice dragon?" I asked.

He gestured for me to slide back, pulling himself out of the water and onto the float. "And what if I am?" he whispered, crawling towards me.

I bit my lip, unsure of what I wanted him to do; answer my question or pin me down and kiss me again. He must have known what I was thinking; his body hovered over mine as my wrists were held captive in moments – leaving me pinned on a unicorn float that drifted quietly on the calm waves.

"I'm both, Firefly," he whispered, lowering his lips to my flesh; a cold breeze brushed my neck before his hot lips pressed against my skin.

I moaned, pressing my head back as I arched at the mixed sensation. "We're...in public."

"We're in a private section, Firefly," he countered, lifting up to stare into my eyes.

I lowered my eyes to his lips, licking my own. He lowered his head, leaning to kiss me again when he flinched.

"Mother fucker," he swore under his breath, turning his head.

I gave him a confused look, following his gaze to see Elias chilling on the dock; his legs swung back forth with a wide grin on his face.

"Hey, Mako. You forgot your sunscreen at home. I thought I'd come and bring it to you," Elias called out; his grin only grew wider. He waved the unfamiliar tube in his hand.

"Sun...screen?" I blinked; my cheeks felt hot.

"He totally did that on purpose," Lexi mumbled, sounding utterly disappointed.

Marcus groaned; his eyes glowed a bright blue.

I watched the waves near the dock sway back and forth until one large wave formed and crashed into Elias. I tried to hold back the laughter that threatened to leave my throat; my shoulders began to shake as I watched Elias blink, spewing out a stream of water.

I lost it, laughing my head off at his drenched appearance; his gold locks stuck to his face.

"Marcus! Why did you...hehehehe...do that?" I asked, trying to calm the laughter assaulting me.

"Serves him right. Always interrupting me and shit," he mumbled.

"I'm not cooking for you tonight," Elias threatened.

"Stop interrupting me! Go get payback on Ryder or Daniel or just anyone but me," Marcus huffed, sitting up.

I lifted myself up, crossing my legs as I wrapped my arms around my stomach, trying to stop laughing.

"See what you did? You broke her," Elias pointed out as I continued my laughing fit.

"YOU contributed in breaking her! Why are you even here?" Marcus retorted.

He lifted the drenched sunscreen tube.

"Sunscreen," he argued. Marcus groaned as I fell to my side, laughing even harder.

"Ugh. C'mon, Firefly. Let's get you lathered up with fucking sunscreen. And stop laughing."

I side glanced at the dock; Elias asleep on a beach towel and Nightmare, who'd followed Elias, nestled next to him.

"Aren't they gonna get sunburned?" I asked.

"He's fine. The sun loves him. Elias falls asleep all the time back at Knightwood in the woods. It does wonders for his skin," Marcus confessed; his arm tightened around my waist, snuggling me closer to him.

I grinned, enjoying the soft swaying motion of the unicorn float as I relaxed in the arms of my dragon shifter. "Marcus?"

"Yes, Makoto?" he replied; both of us stared at the sky – clouds of various shapes drifted by.

"Remember how you were introducing yourself to Scarlet and the others," I reminded.

"Yes."

"You said you were the running heir of Distala. But Ryder told me you're the only child." I'd been wanting to confront him about it, but had never gotten alone time with him till now. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to ask.

"I technically am. But to answer your question I have a sister," he revealed.

"A sister? And technically?" I tried to figure out what he meant, but it only left me even more confused.

He looked down at me as I lifted my head to stare into his sapphire eyes that sparkled in the glorious sun's rays. "My sister's name is Luna, and she's adopted. It's a long story, but I wasn't in my parent's care when I was younger,” he began.

I raised my eyebrow at him.

He smirked. “We’ll talk about that another day. Now back to the story. They desperately asked the gods for one more child, but their prayers were never answered. One day, my parents were on their way home when they heard a baby's cries. It was raining really bad, and they were both afraid the baby was hurt so they followed the wails to an alleyway. There was a baby shifter wrapped in a blanket in a basket and covered with a few sheets of plastic paper to attempt to shield the poor babe from the onslaught of the storm," he explained.

I turned my body to rest on his; my elbows on his chest as I held my head, staring at him in wonder. He gave me a sad smirk before continuing.

"My parents ended up taking her in that night and asked the guards to do a search of the realm for her parents. They found out her mother had been hunted and murdered that night. Maybe she was trying to find food for the both of them, but no one knew for sure. The folks had stated her husband had volunteered his assistance to a man who'd give him and his family safe haven during hard times. Her father ended up killed by Aspen's rogues. Aspen was a strong magician and was able to create weaponry and infuse whatever magic you wanted into it. I guess when he found out what his agreement entailed and realized his wife and newborn child would remain on the streets and starve to death, he refused. They tortured him in attempt to submit, but he ended up killing himself," Marcus disclosed.

"How..." I trailed off, already imagining what had most likely happened.

Marcus nodded. "He initially agreed, made a sword infused with poison and stabbed himself," he whispered.

I gulped, turning away at the thought. I knew exactly how it felt to be in a position where you didn't see the point of living. Those were memories I locked deep inside me and prayed to the gods I'd never relive. That one year of my life was the worst out of all the years of torture and experiments. I'd rather re-live another fifteen years in the facility than endure that one year.

"Makoto," Midnight’s pained voice whispered; her heartache flooded my mind.

That was the year I had gotten to know Midnight more and probably why we had bonded rather quickly. My spirits were all I had then, and I guess if it wasn't for them taking control and making sure I'd eaten, I wouldn't be here enjoying my time with my knights.

I felt Marcus’ hand brush against my cheek, bringing me out of my dark thoughts.

"I said something that's bothering you," he whispered; his eyes filled with concern.

I gave him a small smile. "Let's just say I went through something...that made me want to end it all? And...just the mention of this father having to take his life to save thousands who would die from the weapons he created...knowing his family would die regardless of which path he chose...is heart-wrenching," I whispered.

Marcus sat up, pulling me into his arms. I relaxed against his chest, enjoying his touch as I buried the past down in the depths of myself.

"I know, Firefly. Trust me...I know. I'm glad you’re here in my arms," he whispered.

"Me too," I replied.

We stayed quiet for a few minutes, wanting to enjoy being in one another's arms and appreciating this new life we lived. I still didn't know everything that had happened in Marcus life, but my gut told me he understood me the most when it came to my life at the facility.

"What happened after?" I whispered.

He looked down to make sure I was okay. I smiled, giving him enough reassurance to continue.

"My parents took her in. I think at first, they were planning to give her away. Both my parents are dragon shifters, but this little girl was a lion shifter with strong magic that she had no control over. She was but a baby, so it wasn't her fault. Winterlya had been summoned and had helped my parents out with raising her. She didn't stay there every day, but would travel back whenever my parents needed her guidance. Once Luna got older, it got easier for her to control her magic. A woman named Saikikku also helped out whenever she traveled from Japan to visit," Marcus explained.

"Saikikku? Who is she?" I asked.

"Remember how all of us were gathered and a fortune teller told us that we'd be your knights? Saikikku was the one. She travels from Distala to Earthala often. I believe she has an adopted daughter in Japan. I forgot her name, but she's practically best friends with Luna," Marcus explained, smiling.

"Wow. So, she's your sister now?" I asked.

"She will be very soon. She's going to be sworn in when she turns twenty. Then, she'll be in the running for heir," he explained.

"Do you care if she isn't a dragon? Aren't your people going to be mad?" I questioned.

"Distala is mixed races. We have dragon shifters and tiger shifters and a few other breeds. Lion shifters are extremely rare. Many were hunted and killed during Aspen's war. It's also hard for females to breed. They need multiple mates and usually have to bond with them. If they all die, and the female doesn't replace them, she dies. Lion shifters are hard to kill so I'm assuming with Luna's mom she was already weak after her husband's death. It was an easy hunt. Either way, I doubt there would be much displeasure with my sister being a part of the running. I was called to be your knight, so they feel connected to Luna more. But again, there are a few shifters who think I'm older and because I've been a knight for so long I'd be better suited. When the time comes, we’ll deal with it, I'm fine with whatever the final outcome is. As long as Luna's happy," he finished.

“Multiple mates, huh. You’re fine with her having five or six boyfriends?” I asked, grinning.

“Yes. As long as I get first dibs to kick all their asses if they make Luna cry,” he replied.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Are brothers always like this? Like how they’re portrayed in stories?”

“Yup. When you meet Kade and Xavier you’ll see. Kade is very protective compared to Xavier. He’ll probably scold us when he returns to Heila for taking so long to bring you back,” Marcus explained.

“Xavier doesn’t mind?” I questioned out of curiosity.

“He does. He’s the scary, silent type who doesn’t show shit. Next thing you know you’re tied up, and he’s shining a light in your face threatening to destroy your entire family line if you don’t admit your mistakes.” Marcus shivered.

“I’m assuming that has happened before.” I giggled.

“We were a rowdy bunch and took a little proving in our department to convince Xavier that we were worthy of trying to find you,” Marcus concluded.

I nodded, smiling at the image in my head. I can’t wait to see them.

"What will happen...when this is all over? Like, if we conquer this darkness and everything is peaceful again. You all have to return to your realms, don't you?" I whispered; the possibility of being left alone worried me.

Marcus lifted my chin with his hand, kissing me. When he pulled away I noticed the seriousness in his eyes.

"I won't abandon you. None of us will. Ryder and Elias will be sworn in as the Kings of their realms when the gods think the time is right. Same with any of the heir potentials. Regardless, one of us will always be with you and we can always govern our realms from afar. Your father travels a lot, but Heila doesn't go up in flames when he steps out of the kingdom. That's cycles from now, Firefly. Don't worry," he reassured me.

We laid back down; my body plastered on top of Marcus as the float drifted on the calm waves.

"Okay. I hope to meet Luna one day."

"I've shown her your pic," he admitted.

"How?"

"Sent it to her via text message."

"What did she say?"

"You’re super pretty and if I make you cry she'll come from Distala and kick my ass." Marcus grinned, lifting his head to stare at me as I giggled.

"Please don't tell me I broke you again?"

I grinned, but shook my head. "Close call, but I'm good. No malfunction here."

He pressed his lips softly to my forehead.

"Makoto."

"Yes, Marcus?"

"No matter what happens from now to Heila. Know that you're important to all of us. I don't want you ever forgetting your worth," he whispered.

"What makes you say that so suddenly?"

"I don't know. Just felt like saying it." He shrugged, resting back.

"And if I ever forget?" I whispered, wanting to know my possibilities.

"Then, the others and I will have to remind you," he whispered.

I grinned, tightening my hold on him. "I love you, Marcus. I'll remember that," I whispered.

"I love you more, Firefly. Don't ever change," he replied.