Chapter 01

I had been both dreading and looking forward to this day for as long as I can remember. Dreading, because I knew that as soon as I opened my eyes I would be tossed onto the war-torn streets of Israel with nothing but the rags on my back. On the other hand, I was finally free to pave my own way in this world. At least, I will be free to do so after serving out my twenty-four month long mandatory conscription in the Israel Defense Forces.

The first rays of morning filtered in through the dirty window above the shared dresser. I groaned as I rolled to my side, pulling the threadbare blanket up to my chin. As soon as I opened my eyes I saw the man who had consented to care for me until I came of age. He was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed against his chest, dark brown eyes watching me as I woke up. "Enough dawdling. You have two options – leave my house this moment…" His eyes dart down to my hidden form, "Or we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

My tongue darted out to wet my lips as I felt my face heat at what he alluded to. No doubt he had been waiting for this very moment since he took me into his home two years ago. In fact, I knew with certainty he had. Not three weeks ago he made the same proposition to the other girl that had been in his care. Anger spread through my veins at the knowledge that I had not been the first nor would I be the last to come under his lecherous gaze. "I would rather die on the streets than touch a hatichat harah like you," I spat at him.

His eyes darkened with his rage and he strode forward to deliver a swift backhand across my face, the force of which caused my head to swing to the side and my lip to split. I quickly brought my hate filled gaze back to his. "You are nothing," he snarled. "You will always be nothing." With that he wound my thick braid in his fist and dragged me from the bed and out of the house by my hair. Shoving me down the steps leading to his front door, he slammed the door behind me.

Standing up I smoothed the only nightgown I had been given, self-consciously remembering that it was so threadbare it was practically see-through. If I am going to survive the day without being assaulted or worse, I would need to get out of sight, and fast. Quickly darting into the closest alley, I quietly make my way down, staying close to the side of the building. Despite how disgusting the prospect of it was, I knew I would have to search a dumpster for both clothing and something to eat.

Taking a deep breath, I swallow my revulsion and swing my leg up over the edge of the dumpster. Please at least let the food be on top, I think to myself before allowing my body to drop down into the vileness. The putrid smell hits me first as I realize the entire top has been coated in human waste. It would seem that dirty pig had even thought of this. Of me frantically searching for something more appropriate to wear after he cast me out. He knew I would reject him without hesitation. So now I must pay the price.

Scrunching up my nose I crouched down so that I could use the hem of my nightgown as a sort of barrier as I pushed the top layer of refuse to the side. I had not gotten far when I hear a noise deeper in the alley. Holding my breath I cautiously peek over the ledge. Standing in the darkest part of the alley were four breathtakingly beautiful men whose only real common characteristic was their unnatural beauty.

The first was easily six feet tall with smooth ivory skin that seemed to shimmer even in the dark. His straight silver blonde hair hung down his back Legolas style, not even attempting to hide the pointed tips of his ears. He has sharp cheekbones, an aquiline nose, and thin lips that seem permanently pressed together in disapproval. An immaculate pale grey suit with a lavender tie did little to hide his obvious strength.

Standing to his right was an equally strong man only a few inches shorter. He had a slight tan and dark brown hair that fell to his broad shoulders, one side tucked behind a pointed ear. His sculpted cheeks and aristocratic nose practically screamed his high standing in society. A cupid's bow mouth was pulled up into a slight half-smile. He wore a khaki suit with an emerald tie, the shoulders seeming to strain as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. For a moment I could of sworn his almond-shaped emerald eyes met mine, but when he looked back towards the other three men I released the breath I did not realize I had been holding.

The next man towered at six feet four inches with sun-kissed bronze skin and a thick golden mane that fell well past his shoulders. He has a square jawline and a crooked nose, as if he had had it broken in a fight or two. Full lips were curved upwards in a knowing smile and his figure was clad in a dark navy suit with a silver tie.

Completing the circle was a man just under six feet. Waist-length straight black hair was pulled into a single braid down his strong back, with tendrils left out to frame his sculpted face. He has beautiful ebony skin the likes of which I had not ever seen in person. Which is not surprising given that I only ever was permitted to leave the house for school. Hard mahogany eyes, roman nose, full lips, and a burgundy suit with a pale gold tie complete his striking image.

Despite every instinct screaming at me to crouch down in silence to wait for them to leave, I continue to peer over the ledge as they talk amongst one another, straining my ears to catch their conversation.

"We have a naughty little one eavesdropping, brothers," the man in the khaki suit murmured. Shit.

Burgundy suit tilted his head slightly in my direction, "Yes, I sensed her when we first arrived." Double shit.

If possible, the man in the blue suit's smile widened, his eyes flickering over to where I hid. "Do you think she is the one the prophecies speak of, brothers?" Prophecies? What prophecies?

"She is," grey suit says without hesitation. What the actual fuck?

Before I can decide whether to flee from the dumpster or remain in the filth, grey suit strides towards me. His hands slide under my arms and he lifts me without seeming to struggle with the added weight. He carries me like that, held far enough away from his frame that I do not soil his suit, until we reach the other three. Setting me down on my feet in the center he takes his place as they all peruse my form.

"Underneath the filth she does look to be quite a delectable toy," burgundy murmured.

"I agree, brother," blue says with a smile. "She would make an excellent pet."

Grey suit just grunts out, "She needs discipline."

Swallowing hard I start to back away, "Look, I-I'm sorry. I d-didn't mean t-to eavesdrop." Bumping into someone's chest I quickly spin around and see the man in the khaki suit. "Please just let me go," I whimper.

"Let you go?" Grey suit scoffs and I do not have to look at him to know that his eyebrows are raised. "No, I think not."

Burgundy continues with a low growl, "You are ours now."

"Two weeks each, brothers?" Blue suit muses, his warm voice seeming to wrap around me. "The one to capture her heart wins the crown?"

"Deal," they all say simultaneously as a crack like thunder echoes in the alley. With that they snap their fingers and the alley disappears.