Eveleen's POV
I had been shocked when Owen appeared in the Summerlands, but when I woke to find Gabriel next to me, I was devastated. Had I died in vain? Were they all going to fall? But then he kissed me, and his touch was consuming. When Owen joined, I thought my senses would implode. These two men are my heart and soul. I can't remember life before them, and I don't want a life without them, but how...
Making love to both of them was breathtaking. Each gentle, yet demanding in their own way, they made me feel loved, and wanted. I was surprised by the light that covered the three of us, but more surprised to hear the voices of not only Cailleach but the Morrigan. What did they mean, 'Fairie has chosen'? Chosen what?
"As much as we hate to interrupt," a woman's voice said, "you three should get dressed. You have places to be."
I looked around sheepishly but had no idea where my clothes were. Gabriel chuckled, "Allow me, love." He snapped his fingers and suddenly all three of us were clean and dressed. He pressed a kiss to my temple and asked, "Any idea who keeps talking to us?" I nodded, but before I could answer his question, both women appeared before us.
"It's about time you showed up, Gabriel. I thought you would end up wandering in the forest forever," the Morrigan said, rolling her eyes.
"What, it only took a few hours," he scoffed.
She let out a cackling laugh, "Oh no, Destined One, it took you three days. Time is different in Fairie."
"Oh, fuck! Victor is probably freaking out right now," he groaned, running his hand over his face. I wrapped one arm around him and gave him a hug or reassurance. He smiled down at me, "At least he'll forgive me if you come home with me."
"Speaking of home," Cailleach said, stepping forward. "Your family is quite distraught. I think it's about time you all returned."
"Returned, how?" I sputtered, "Last time I checked, both Owen and I died, and I'm not even sure how Gabriel got here."
"I walked through the forest."
"You did what! Who's bright idea was that? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is, shite, I really thought that was just a dream," I ranted.
"The idea was ours," the Morrigan said with a smug look. "He needed to come here, but had to be alive to do so. You needed to connect to your heart and soul to reclaim the life within you."
"Gabriel is and always has been your Destined One across fate, he is also your tether to all the others. You named him aptly as your soul." Cailleach explained. "As for Owen, you claimed him as your heart connection the day you first met. Your connection to him keeps you grounded, and balanced. You need both to cross the veil, just as they need you to return."
I felt the tears gather in my eyes. Could I really go back, could we all? "What about the choice?" Owen asked, squeezing my hand. "Lady Morrigan said I had to choose."
"Fairie took that choice and made it for the three of you. That was the glow you saw. The land wants its future queen back, so shall we?" The Morrigan said with a knowing smirk. Then she bent close to Owen and whispered something in his ear. I have no idea what she told him, but he had the biggest grin I've ever seen on his face.
"Shit, you broke Owen," Gabriel joked, "He's smiling, like full smiling, none of that half lip thing." I giggled in agreement. "Oh, little wolf, keep giggling. Do you have any idea how fucking sore you're going to be when we get home? You have one best friend and twelve lovers who have been out of their minds with grief, missing you." He tilted my chin with his finger, "It may take all of us months before we feel safe letting you out of our damn eyesight." I felt my cheeks burn as he and Owen took my hands. We followed both Goddesses into the cavern.
I squeaked when I saw a mirror similar to the one Zura had walked through. The center seemed to be a swirl of colors like liquid grey. "This is how we enter the living realm," Cailleach said, placing a hand on my arm. "She didn't suffer, child, I promise." Her eyes were filled with love as she tried to calm my fears. I gave her a quick hug before taking my lovers' hands again. The Morrigan led as Owen followed. I was next with Gabriel behind me and Cailleach behind him. It felt like walking through a waterfall. The essence seemed to pull at me but felt refreshing at the same time. The space in front of us started to become solid, my breath caught in my chest as I came face to face with the men I loved and needed.
"May I present your future Queen and her consorts," the Morrigan spoke to the room filled with Fae, my mother, and my lovers. After a few moments of stunned silence, there were cries, cheers, and lots of hugs.
I was home, and my family was all here...almost.