Page 20 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

A Chosen Path

Someone was crying.

The sobs sounded muffled and rough. A pressure squeezed my hand, and a light weight pressed against my belly. “Wake up, damn you.”

I slowly opened my eyes to a dimly lit room. Moonlight streamed in through the set of windows in front of me, and a fire burned in the nearby hearth. Empty cots surrounded me. Why was I in the medical ward? I couldn’t make sense of anything. As another cry sounded, I noticed Rowan beside me. He rested his head on my stomach and held my hand.

“Ro?” I croaked.

“Evan?” He jolted upward, eyes puffy and pink.

“Why are you crying?”

“Oh, little treasure.” A rasping cry left him before he grabbed my face and kissed me hard on the lips. Then he kissed me again, softer this time and unsteady. Tears landed on my cheeks.

A frantic whine tore through the air.

The scent of peaches then surrounded me as Lake appeared on the other side of the cot and took me in his arms, stifling his cries in my hair. “You’re awake. My Evan.” Another whine, this one grief-stricken. “We were so worried.”

“Worried? Why?” I blinked a few times, confusion growing. Everything was so muddled. And my body felt heavy. Lethargic. Like I was on a strong pain killer.

“Maddox!” Rowan called over his shoulder.

A beat later, Maddox stepped into the medical ward. His expression lacked all emotion, like he was a mere shell of the man he was. But as his gaze found mine, his face crumpled and he rushed over, dropping down beside me and cradling my head.

“Sweetheart. I…” Tremors traveled through his body before an anguished sound rumbled in his chest. “I feared you’d never… feared you were…”

And then, he broke down. Cries that shook his entire body.

“Maddox?” I croaked, panic filling the space between my ribs. “Look at me, big guy.”

He held me tighter instead, tears landing on my skin. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you, sweetheart.”

Steps sounded before Briar and Callum appeared, their expressions matching my other men. Relieved but pained too. They darted over to the cot, taking turns caressing my hair and pecking kisses anywhere and everywhere they could touch.

Maddox finally calmed, but even as his cries eased, he kept hold of me, petting and kissing my hair.

A memory tried to form. Panicked shouts. Roars of anger. Flashes of colored light. And pain. So much pain.

“I was attacked,” I rasped. “In the royal garden.” Then, I shot upward. “Prince Sawyer! Ban and Finnian. Are they okay?”

“Easy, love.” Briar guided me back down and grabbed my hand, pressing a shaky kiss to my knuckles. “Apart from Finnian’s mild concussion and shallow wounds on Ban’s back, all are alive and well.”

“Because of you,” Rowan said, jaw tightening. “The prince said you dove in front of the guards, blocking the attack. Foolish boy. You could’ve been killed. Gods, you nearly were. When we found you, you were so still, Evan. We thought you were…” Shaking his head, he pushed to his feet and walked over to the window, keeping his back to me.

He didn’t need to finish his sentence.

Maddox brought me closer, saying nothing. Callum sat beside him and lightly rubbed my forearm, a tremble in his hand. When his brown eyes lifted to mine, something agonizing tore through them. He opened his mouth as if to speak but then closed it again.

Briar examined the bandage on my chest with a deep frown before moving to my sides. My torso was wrapped like a mummy, so it was hard to see the extent of the damage.

“Wait.” I lifted a hand to my neck as bits and pieces of the attack came back to me. “My necklace. It…”

“Shattered.” Briar went over to the bedside table and grabbed something. After a slow exhale, he brought it to me.

Tears filled my eyes as I held the necklace. Well, what was left of it. The stone was cracked down the middle, and the wood casing it was all but destroyed, most of it splintered and missing large pieces. The strap it hung on was frayed and scorched.

“How?” A lump lodged in my throat. “I thought nothing could break it.”

“No magic is omnipotent, I’m afraid.” Briar placed his hand over mine. “Any enchantment can be undone under the right circumstances. You were hit by a force of immense power that would’ve instantly killed anyone else. Your stone took the brunt of the spell but couldn’t block all of it.”

Lake whined and pushed his face against my bicep. At the window, Rowan balled his hands into fists. Shadows swirled at his feet.

Once again, I’d gotten myself into a situation that had worried the men I loved.

“I’m sorry,” I said with a shaking cry. “I should’ve been more careful and shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t blame yourself, sweetheart,” Maddox said in an unexpectedly soft tone. “You did nothing wrong. The fault is mine. I thought you’d be safe at the castle. I didn’t expect...” He pressed his face into my hair and made a soft sound that yanked at my heartstrings.

“As much as I love seeing you bent out of shape, oh mighty captain…” Rowan glanced back at us with a chilling expression. Dangerous. And aimed at no one but himself. “This is my fault. That bastard tricked us, leading us in one direction before going to the castle. I should’ve realized sooner.”

“Reign detected his magical energy.” Callum lowered his gaze to my bandaged chest, pain filling his eyes again. “We couldn’t have known it was a trick.”

“The mage must’ve used a decoy spell,” Briar said. “They’re only good for a short period of time but are nearly impossible to distinguish. The best strategy against someone like Reign.”

“I think Draven tried warning me.” I looked at Rowan. “I saw him before the attack. He mentioned my necklace not being strong enough to protect me from everything.”

“He told me he spoke with you.” The shadows at Rowan’s feet retreated with the defeated slump of his shoulders. “Another one who blames himself. He was keeping watch over you and failed to notice the bastard in time. Said the mage had no presence.”

“The decoy.” Briar nodded. “The mage put his energy into it, leaving him all but undetectable. Until he was ready to act, then he summoned that energy back to him.”

“What happened to him?” I asked. “After I was hit, he came over to me, I think. But I don’t know what happened after that.”

“Guards seized him,” Maddox answered. “He’s currently in the castle dungeon, restrained by magic chains. They prevent him from using magic. He’ll be questioned as soon as he regains consciousness.”

“There’s more to the story.” Briar adjusted his glasses and exhaled. “The mage was already unconscious when the guards found him.”

“Really?” I vaguely remembered a commotion and distant yells. My hazy memory was beginning to piss me off.

Lake’s wolf ears lowered. “They say a demon attacked him.”

“A Fenrir,” Callum added with a wobble in his chin. “Sir Noah said the beast was small with black fur and a white patch on its chest.”

“Oreo.” More tears filled my eyes. “He saved me?”

“Aye.” Callum leaned forward and rested his cheek against mine. “Forgive me, Ev. If we would’ve killed him that day, you might’ve been…”

“Enough of that, Lieutenant,” Maddox softly said. “The beast saved him. That’s all that matters.”

Callum nodded and wiped at his eyes.

“Is Oreo okay?” My vision blurred even more. “They didn’t hurt him, did they?”

“He fled when the guards arrived.” Maddox smoothed his thumb beneath my eye, catching a tear.

Relief had me sinking more into the cot.

“The demon saved you in more than one way.” Briar lightly touched my chest. “I believe you were hit with a fire spell. A powerful one at that. It scorched your skin. Burned a hole right through your chest. Your lungs were charred, and your heart…” His hand shook. “There would have been no way to heal you by the time I arrived. You would’ve died in minutes.”

Maddox made another sound in his throat that hurt me a lot more than my actual wounds. He dropped his head to my shoulder.

“However.” Briar brushed aside my bangs, giving me a watery smile. “When we found you, your skin had begun to mend itself. Your spine was also healed. I noticed a deep bruise when examining you that indicated a break that should’ve crippled you.”

“When I hit the tree, there was a loud snap,” I said, remembering. “I couldn’t feel my legs.”

When he nodded, a tear slipped from the corner of his eye. “Demons, as supernatural beings, have their own supply of mana. Lower level ones, like the one found dead, can only hold so much, which is why it became sick when exposed to the mage’s spell. However, Fenrir are the strongest. Their mana allows them to move swiftly and summon bolts of energy to attack their prey. They can also heal. My belief is Oreo gave some of that mana to you.”

“What?” My voice cracked.

“He used some of his own life force to heal you,” Briar said with a mix of disbelief and awe. “As incredible as it sounds, it’s the only explanation I have. Perhaps demons aren’t as ruthless as we were led to believe.”

“You bonded with him,” Lake told me, then sneered. “I also wonder if he’s the one who’s been eating the tomato plant. Little bugger.”

For some reason, that made me laugh. Which was a big mistake. A deep ache spread through my chest and radiated down to my toes.

“That’s enough talking for now.” Briar looked at the others. “He needs to rest.”

Callum grabbed my hand. “I’m not leaving him. He stayed by my side when I was injured, and I shall remain by his.”

“As will I,” Maddox said, running his fingers through the side of my hair. “I stepped away for only a moment earlier to speak with Sir Noah. I refuse to leave your side again.”

Rowan looked at Briar. “If you think I’m leaving, you’ve lost your marbles, Specs.”

“I said nothing of leaving him.” Briar huffed. “Only that we should let him rest. His body will heal faster if he sleeps.”

I sucked in a breath as a sharp pain pierced the center of my chest. Right where the mage’s spell had struck me.

“Drink this, love.” Briar lifted a vial to my lips. “It will help with your pain.”

“Herbert’s medicine?”

A faint smile touched his lips. “The heroic beetle.”

I drank the tonic, pleasantly surprised by the taste. Kind of tasted like berries. As the pain medicine took effect, my muscles relaxed, and it became difficult to keep my eyes open. I now understood how Callum felt. No matter how much I wanted to stay awake, I was powerless against it.

As I closed my eyes, Maddox kissed my temple. Another kiss was placed on my knuckles. There was a gentle nuzzle against my thigh and a warm pressure on my opposite thigh, like someone holding it. And then, I caught the scent of vanilla bean, made stronger when soft lips pressed to mine.

“Sleep well, milord. We’ll see you when you wake.”

***

Nearly dying put a lot into perspective. Showed me just how quickly everything could be taken away.

I sat on the back porch, listening to the wind in the trees. Three days had passed since the attack. My wounds had mostly healed, but the burns on my chest had scarred. Considering that the fire spell should’ve turned me into Evan barbeque, I’d live with a few scars.

The door opened behind me.

“It’s a bit chilly with the sun setting,” Callum said as he stepped outside. He draped a blanket around my shoulders.

“Thank you.” I pulled it closer and dropped my face to the yarn. It smelled like Lake.

“Are you feeling all right?” He sat beside me on the steps.

I nodded. “Just enjoying the day.”

“It’s nearly evening now.” He tipped his face to the sky. The fading daylight brought out the traces of dark caramel in his irises.

“Your favorite time of day.” I smiled. “When the setting sun keeps shining, even with its final breath.”

Callum returned my smile, though the edges of his eyes remained tense.

“I’m okay, Cal. Really.” I found his hand and linked our fingers. The warmth of his palm eased some of the chill in the air.

“I nearly lost you, Ev.” He lowered his gaze to the steps. “It’s… taken a toll on me. Every time I close my eyes, I see you lying there. A hole in your chest and barely breathing.”

“I know the feeling.” I reached over and touched the scar on his neck. “Seeing you in that cot, covered in bandages and much too still, broke my heart too.”

Callum grabbed my hand and kept it against his neck. The tenderness in his brown eyes caused more warmth to swarm my veins. “The engagement ball is soon.”

“Yeah. Just a week away.” I laid my head on his shoulder, slowly playing with his fingertips. “I can’t believe the attack didn’t postpone it.”

I had spoken with Prince Sawyer before leaving the clinic. He’d come to check on me and nearly collapsed with relief when seeing me sitting up in the cot, stuffing my face with Briar’s fig bread. Apparently, my near-death experience had put Briar’s nurturing tendencies into overdrive, skirting the line of spoiling. Pretty sure I gained at least five pounds before being allowed to come home.

“If anything, the attack only strengthened the need for the alliance,” Callum said, upturning his palm and smiling as I linked our fingers. “The sooner it’s official, the better the advantage we have when war is declared.”

I froze. “ When war is declared?”

“You know I never lie to you.”

“I know.” I lifted my head from his shoulder to better read his expression. “It’s one thing I love about you.”

“Then allow me to be completely honest.” His apprehensive stare jostled the nerves in my gut. “King Eidolon didn’t retaliate when Haran sent the bandits and sell swords to capture Prince Sawyer, nor when our ranks were infiltrated. Yet, the incident with this dark mage won’t go unpunished.”

“Has the mage confirmed yet if he was hired by King Silas?”

Callum shook his head. “He still hasn’t woken.”

“But it’s been three days. Oreo didn’t hurt him that bad.”

At least, I didn’t think so.

“Briar examined him earlier this afternoon and believes the mage put himself under a sleeping spell before the guards seized him.”

“Like Sleeping Beauty?”

“Who?”

“Never mind.” I cleared my throat. “So Briar thinks the mage put himself to sleep? Why?”

“He knew we wouldn’t kill him until we had answers,” Callum answered. “I’m sure he also suspected a truth serum would be used once he refused to talk. Reign is working with Briar on a counter spell to wake him, but it’s complicated from what I’m told and will take time. A few days at least.”

“Do you think he’s waiting on backup? Other members of Nocturne?”

“Perhaps.” He blew out a breath. “I overheard Lord Norwood say that his fleet could be assembled at a moment’s notice. Once it’s confirmed that King Silas hired Nocturne, I fear war is inevitable.”

“I hate this.” My thumb found the scar on his hand, and I traced it. “I just want a cozy little life in this cottage with all of you. No war or sadness. Just cuddles, laughs, and muffins.”

“So many muffins.” Callum smiled. “And the best one of all for the captain and I to share.”

“There you go again,” I said, throat tight. “Making even the heaviest moments lighter. Like a ray of sunlight in a stormy sky.”

“Speaking of the sun.” He stood from the step, bringing me along with him. “He’s waiting for his dance.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Callum led me from the porch and into the yard, stopping beneath a tree. He hooked an arm around my waist and pulled me in closer. “Look familiar?”

“Huh?” I glanced around us. “The woods?”

“The tree.” He lowered his forehead to mine. “It’s where you first kissed me. But I was too much of a coward to return it. Allow me to correct that mistake.”

Our mouths softly met. The emotions building in my chest were far from soft though. They brimmed with an intensity that still made me feel like I’d internally combust. As if his lips were the sun itself.

“I love you, Ev.” He nuzzled my cheek. “So much it terrifies me.”

“I love you too.”

He was taller than Briar but shorter than Maddox and Lake. Perfect height to stand this way, hands clasped and pressed close together, standing still as the world around us prepared for nightfall. But then, we weren’t standing still anymore.

We were dancing.

Callum swayed me from side to side and hummed under his breath. My eyes stung as that intensity from earlier returned and circled my chest, plucking at my heartstrings. Playing a melody that matched the little hums in his throat. He slowly spun me around, then chuckled as I stumbled and fell back against him.

“Those clumsy feet of yours may just be a blessing in disguise,” he said as we continued to sway. “They keep bringing us back together.”

A loud clatter came from inside the cottage, followed by Rowan releasing a string of obscenities.

Callum and I exchanged a look.

“Should we go see what happened?” I asked. “Hopefully no one died.”

He laughed and guided me back toward the porch. “Can’t say I’d be upset if the snake were to meet his end. Perhaps from eating too much bread.”

“Be nice.”

That dimple showed in his cheek.

When we walked through the back door and entered the kitchen, Lake was holding Rowan’s hand and chiding him. Rolls of bread were scattered across the floor, along with a downturned pan.

“Serves you right for trying to steal it,” Lake said, his tail swishing sharply behind him. He smoothed a salve on Rowan’s palm and on the underside of his fingers. “That pan was fresh from the oven.”

Rowan puffed out his cheeks and looked the other way.

As the details clicked into place, Callum laughed. Hard.

“Keep laughing, rabbit.” Rowan sneered at him. “I’ll throw you in the oven next.”

“Are you okay, Ro?” I approached him and tried my hardest not to smile. I hated that he’d burned himself, but doing so while trying to steal bread was almost too much for me to handle.

He cocked his head to the side, lips curving up. “Would feel better if you kissed it, little treasure.”

“My pleasure.” I grabbed his hand and lightly kissed it. “Better?”

Amusement shone in his topaz eyes. But so did a love so deep I could’ve drowned in it. “I’ll live, I reckon. Can’t say the same for the bread. The pup threw it in the floor.”

Lake huffed. “ You threw it in the floor when you tried to run away with the pan and burned yourself.”

Rowan rolled his eyes. “The lies you tell. Just like when you lie about me cheating.”

“Because you do.” Lake smacked him with his tail.

“Not that I’m complaining…” Maddox entered the kitchen, hair damp from his bath and shirtless. “But why are we hitting the thief?”

“Spy,” Lake said before whacking Rowan again. “And it’s because he needs to learn some manners.”

As I helped Lake finish cooking, the others set the table. Duke and the other knights were hitting the tavern that night to let off some steam now that the mage had mostly been deal with, so it’d only be me and my men for dinner.

Briar joined us just as the food was done. He’d been reading over more documents from the magical academy. Keeping his mind busy. The attack had really shaken him.

Shaken all of them.

As we ate, I caught their gazes roaming to me, then quickly darting away. When I coughed, all of them jolted from their seats. Their protectiveness had skyrocketed.

“I’m okay,” I reassured them for what felt like the millionth time.

The five of them relaxed and continued eating.

Unfortunately, that tension returned not long after we ate dinner and retired to the small parlor. I cuddled on the couch between Maddox and Callum, while Lake knelt in front of me. Briar took the armchair near the window, and Rowan sat on the rug in front of the fire, knees drawn up.

“Something’s been troubling me.” Briar rested a hand near his mouth as he stared at the fire. “Concerning the dark mage.”

“Callum told me he might’ve used a sleeping spell,” I said.

Briar nodded. “Also quite troublesome, however, something else has me out of sorts.”

“Spit it out already, Specs.” Rowan stoked the logs. “We haven’t got all night.”

Briar looked at me. “When you took the blast upon yourself, the mage could’ve easily taken Prince Sawyer and escaped. Yet, he approached you instead. I keep asking myself why.”

“The same has crossed my mind,” Maddox said. “He was there for the prince, so why delay his mission?”

The world then came to an abrupt halt, freezing the breaths in my lungs.

“You’re the one. I sense it in your blood.”

“Oh my god,” I said, feeling the bottom drop out of my stomach.

Lake flipped around to me. “Evan?”

“What is it, love?” Briar sat up higher in his chair. “Did you remember something?”

“Y-Yeah.” I scrubbed my hands over my face. “I think so.”

“You’re shaking, Ev.” Callum turned more toward me, taking my hands in his.

“The mage said something.” Unable to sit still, I rose from the couch. “I just now remembered. Holy crap. But that would mean… no, it can’t be. Can it?”

“Uh oh,” Rowan said. “He’s pacing.”

“Rambling too.” Lake’s eyes followed me as I paced back and forth.

“Love?” Briar stood from the armchair and caught me against him. “Tell us what the mage said.”

I peered up at him. “You told me the members of Nocturne could sense bloodlines. I think that’s what happened. He said that I was the one.”

“The one for what?” Rowan asked.

“Gods.” Briar’s confusion bled into realization. Sharply exhaling, he took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. “It all makes sense now.”

“Mind sharing with the rest of us, Specs?”

“We’ve asked ourselves why King Silas targeted Sawyer. And we have theories, sure. Because Sawyer is the prince most loved by the people. The one the king would do anything to protect. Yet, he would do the same for both of his children. So why not target the heir to the throne?”

“What of it?” Rowan asked, arms crossing.

“What if Prince Sawyer isn’t the true target?” Briar suggested. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. “Think for a moment. The bandits and the first capture attempt… it all started last summer.”

“And?” Rowan pressed.

Briar’s brow creased as he looked at me. “That’s around the time you arrived in Bremloc.”

A chill shot down my spine.

“What are you saying?’ Maddox asked.

“That perhaps… King Silas believes Prince Sawyer is Evan.”

“What?” I squeaked. “Why would he think that? Sure, Sawyer and I look alike, but that’s all.”

“You and the prince are similar in age,” Briar said. “He is but a few months younger than you.”

Unease prickled at my chest.

“I can only speculate here, but…” He started pacing, much like how I’d done earlier. “Your mother escaped with you. One could assume she took you to King Eidolon for protection. Then, a baby with the same golden hair appears in the castle shortly after.”

Pressure enclosed my sternum.

“Even more,” Briar continued, “from what I heard, the queen had complications during her pregnancy and was bedridden for much of it, kept under the close watch of the former court physician. Only those within the castle knew of her condition. When Prince Sawyer was born, the royal family was still reeling from your father’s death, so the news of his birth was shadowed by the great loss to the kingdom.”

Rowan toyed with the golden cuff in his hair, staring at the fire. “So, you’re suggesting that the bandits, infiltration, and now the dark mercenary were all to get to Evan? And Sawyer was targeted simply because King Silas assumed they were the same?”

“That’s my theory, yes,” Briar answered. “Evan’s mother begged Lupin to save her son. Which leads me to believe Cynthia knew they’d come after him. Only by sending him far away would he be safe. Somewhere he couldn’t be tracked.”

Rowan’s jaw clenched. “You’re implying Haran has someone like Reign who can track a person’s energy? And they sensed Evan when he returned to this world?”

“Yes. As for why they couldn’t find him once reaching Bremloc?”

“His protection stone,” Lake said, head cocking.

Briar nodded. “The stone protected him from any attack, physical or magical, intended to cause him harm. Unfortunately, not all attacks, given recent events. Yet, it would’ve easily repelled a tracking spell. Even an advanced one.”

Callum’s brow scrunched. “So that must be when King Silas assumed Prince Sawyer was the child he’d been searching for?”

“Perhaps,” Briar said. “However, I imagine the idea must’ve crossed his mind over the years. Haran has sent assassins after the royal family before. There have also been several capture attempts in the past. And Prince Sawyer would have traces of the same energy, being of the same bloodline. It’s possible they assumed he possessed a protection stone of some sort.”

“That’s right!” I said, finally finding my voice. “The mage said his first attack was to shatter the stone around Sawyer’s neck. So, he knew about it.”

“When you returned to this world and your life force was sensed, I suspect King Silas believed his theory to be true and became more serious in his effort to seize the prince.”

Maddox stood from the couch and pulled me against his big body. His breaths were steady, but his heart raced. A sign of his worry. “Let’s say your theory is true. What purpose would King Silas have for wanting Evan? He was only a baby when his father was killed. He’s done no wrong.”

Briar shook his head. “Of that, I have no answer.”

Breathing became difficult. It explained so much. Rowan captured me because he’d mistaken me for Sawyer. And Sawyer had been targeted for being mistaken for me. An endless circle of bullshit. It was like the merry-go-round of hell.

“I stand by my earlier statement and say we should tell King Eidolon,” Callum said. “Ev is his family. If the kingdom of Haran is after him, the king would protect him.”

“True,” Briar said. “King Eidolon may be overjoyed at the news and do all in his power to protect our male. But the risk to Evan should the king take a different course of action concerns me.”

“Such as?” Rowan asked.

“King Eidolon is a great king. He cares deeply for this kingdom and the people in it.” Briar looked toward the window, expression wistful and voice softer than before. “The alliance with Voltas will give Bremloc the advantage in a possible war against Haran; however, if the king sees another path to prevent us from that war, I fear he’d take it.”

It took me a second to understand, but once I did, my blood turned to ice. “You believe he’d use me as a peace offering, don’t you?”

Worry pinched his brow. “One life would mean little to him if it saves countless others. Perhaps not when his son’s life is at risk, but yours? I’m not as certain.”

Silence filled the parlor.

“No more talk of this tonight.” Maddox pressed a kiss into my hair. “You’re alive and well, sweetheart. That’s all that matters.”

Callum neared my other side. “And we’ll keep you safe.”

Briar lightly grazed his knuckles along my jaw. “With or without your protection stone, all of us will be watching over you. Keeping you safe.”

“Little treasure?” Rowan had unsheathed his dagger and glided his finger along the blade. “You told me murder was wrong, but that was before someone harmed you. I know where the mage is being held. It’d be all too easy to enter his cell using my shadows and slice his throat.”

“I don’t want that,” I said. “I just want you to be here with me.”

Firelight caught in his topaz eyes. “I’ll always be here with you.”

“Besides, we need the mage alive,” Briar said. “He’s the only chance we have at confirming my theory about King Silas.”

Rowan flashed my favorite tooth. “Can I kill him after?”

Maddox breathed out a laugh. “I’ll help you, thief.”

“Spy,” I mumbled, emotion welling in my chest. “Ro is a spy.”

“He’ll always be a thief.” Maddox rewarded me with a breathtaking smile. “Just as you will always be my muffin.”

My stomach flip-flopped. Damn him and that sexy, deep voice.

It flopped from anxiety too. If Briar was right, King Silas was after me. But why? What was so important about me that the king would go through all that trouble? And would King Eidolon really hand me over as a peace offering if he learned the truth?

“Sweetheart?” Maddox kissed the edge of my brow. “Where have you gone?”

I smiled despite the influx of nerves in my belly. “Right here. With all of you.”

The only place I wanted to be.

Lupin said I had several possible futures and countless paths leading toward each one. But as I stood in the parlor, sandwiched between the men I loved more than life itself, I refused to be a victim of fate. Refused to obsess over doom endings and things out of my control.

I would choose my own path. One that kept me with them.

Maddox wrapped his arms around me and lowered me to the rug in front of the fire. Callum’s mouth found mine. Another set of lips brushed my temple. Their scents mingled, and my soul purred, feeling more at peace than I ever had.

When life became heavy, these were the moments I’d remember: these nights with my men where nothing outside our cottage existed.

The End