The Almost One Night Stand

Chapter 80

Silas's POV

It was an odd feeling to stand on the shores of this lake as a human. My mind flashed back to the centuries I'd experienced as a willow tree, watching the story of the Isle unfold. I half expected to see the Priestess Viviane step out of the mists, sword in hand, but instead, I watched as Luke and Gabe led Nimue toward us. She walked slowly, clearly uncomfortable and trying to adjust to the rapid advancement in her pregnancy, yet she wore a smile on her face. She has to be the strongest person I've ever met.

We had gathered food and drink while they were visiting with the healer. We all needed to see her, to know she was once again safe. North and I had quickly erected a gazebo-style tent to shelter us from prying eyes, and then Marc had sought out the kitchens with Axel and Brandon. They returned with platters of finger food, fruit, and large containers of water and juice. None of us wanted to drink alcohol after the past few situations. Victor and Jax had stayed to themselves as we had set up but now rejoined the group, though visibly strained. The same could be said for Corey and Raven. We had a lot of work to do if we wanted to keep this family together.

"Hey Goddess, what did the healer say?" North asked, placing a kiss on her head as she leaned into him.

"The twins are healthy - largely thanks to the protection shield Victor placed around them. She did confirm what Cailleach told you. I will deliver by Samhain," she frowned.

He hugged her gently, "It's okay, love. We will all be with you and we'll help however we can."

She let out a long sigh, turning to Luke and Gabe who just nodded. "I think we all need to talk." She said as she sat down on a cushion. "A lot has happened, and I can't hide it from you any longer, no matter how ashamed or scared I am of it." Everyone grabbed their plates and sat down, giving her our full attention. She motioned for Corey to come sit next to her and grabbed his hand tightly. "I need you to believe me when I say I forgive you. There was not a single ounce of malice in your actions mo mhac tíre and what has happened is not your fault." His face was pale as he tried to agree, but you could see the guilt and doubt still eating at him.

"Several things happened when I was taken. Victor and Jax saw some through Addanc's eyes, but the rest was after I entered the cabin." She pulled down her shirt, showing us all the mark we had briefly seen earlier. "According to what they saw, Balor marked me, but it isn't visible. This mark, however, is from Jerron, his companion. He came to the cabin when I thought I was Emily and marked me." She squeezed Corey's hand reflexively, "Jerron's mark is a mate bond. Even he didn't realize it until he'd bitten me." Her eyes fell as we all absorbed the implications of what she just said.

"Who is Jerron? When Raven saw the mark, he reacted quite violently, so I'm assuming he's not human," Owen said.

"He's the King of the Oilliphéist," Raven growled, "While the dragons are considered Dark Fae, they are a separate faction and not subject to my rule, just as other creatures such as Ossory and Abhartach." Nimue shivered as Corey pulled her against him. "Are you sure, kotenok - it is really a mate's mark?" She nodded her head, tears spilling over.

"Nýmfi," I said gently, "How do you feel about this bond? I would never ask you to turn from a connection that you want."

She gave me a weak smile, "I'm not sure, Silas. He seemed conflicted the day he marked me. He wouldn't touch me after the bite, but he did leave, and well, his venom was still in my bloodstream. I, uh, well, I thought Laurent was my husband, and..."

"You don't have to finish the sentence, Snow," Gabe reassured her. "Like Luke and I said earlier, for all intents, you were Emily and he was your husband. As for Jerron and Balor, they had fuckin magic to sway your actions. Like you told Corey, you are not to fucking blame for anything that happened." He leaned over and kissed her softly, wiping her tears away with his thumb, he added, "We all fucking love you and will support whatever decisions you make - even if that means learning to put up with a dragon. I mean, we already took in the sassy fairy."

"Hey you fucker," Jax snorted, "I'm a fucking fabulous sassy fairy thank you very much!" We all chuckled at his response. I agree with Luke, it's like Jax and Gabe are long-lost twins.

She shot them both a mom look, "I swear I need time out corners for you two." She rolled her eyes and several of us groaned or growled at her actions.

"Oh little one, be glad Meredith said no rough sex, or most of us would throw you over our knees for rolling those beautiful eyes at us," Luke said, giving her a light swat on her thigh. She whimpered just a bit. "Now, can you answer the question? How do you feel about the fact that Jerron is also your mate?"

"I'm not sure. When I reached out to him at the cabin, he didn't seem angry, just concerned about me. I guess, to be honest, I'd like to talk to him and then decide if this is a good or bad thing." She had let go of Corey's hand and was fidgeting with a blade of grass. "I'm more worried about the fact he's been working with Balor. What about his mark? What does it mean? What if he tries to take me again, or the twins?"

Luke picked her up and placed her in his lap. "I don't have all the answers, little one, but I think one thing we need to do is interrogate Laurent and the blind Druid who helped your aunt before." He looked around our group, "I also think it is time to officially create Nate's council and get him crowned, or at least appointed. I know Meredith said for you to take it easy, so we will take the lead on the ceremonial needs and preparations for Samhain, but you, my wife, need to retrieve the sword."

Nimue nodded and held her hand out to me, "Help me up, please, my witness." I did as she asked and we all followed her to the water's edge. She stopped and looked into my eyes, "Silas Korba, witness to the waters, I charge you to once again stand watch," she spoke softly then leaned in to kiss me. As her lips pressed against mine, I felt the familiar pain of my body once again transforming into a gigantic willow tree. She smiled at me, pressed her hand to my trunk, and whispered, "Witness." As she walked into the water I lowered my branches, seeing beneath the surface.

She moved easily under the water, breathing normally. I watched as she descended to the bottom of the lake, reaching down for what looked like a fallen log. When her hand touched it, the illusion immediately broke and she firmly grasped Excalibur within her small hand. Just as I had seen before, Nimue rose out of the water as if held by an invisible hand, then began to walk across the surface. When her feet touched the banks of the lake, I felt myself shift once again to my human form. No one spoke as she walked toward Nate, her eyes glowing softly, hair billowing around her, yet no wind blew.

Her voice carried across the land as she spoke. "Kneel." He fell to his knees before, his head slightly bowed. "Nathan Andrew Griffin, descendant of Arthur Pendragon, Child of the Isle, you have been deemed worthy by the Wheel and Fates. We place our trust in you to reunite the magical realms as one, serving a common purpose and to help navigate us in our dealings with the mortal realm." She placed the sword in Nate's upturned palms. "May Excalibur guide and serve you well along with your Council and Consort. So above, so as below." The blade began to softly glow within his grasp, and he lifted his eyes to meet hers.

"No, mi corazón," he said, still kneeling before her, then turned to Luke and Gabe. They smiled and nodded once. "Not my Consort," he took his hand in hers, "but my wife, my Queen." One by one we all knelt down and Nate chuckled, "Apparently, our wife and our Queen."

We all agreed and asked her at once, "Will you marry us?"

Her eyes glistened as she nodded, "Yes, a thousand times, yes to all of you!" Nate stood first, sword still in hand, and pulled her into a kiss.  

Author's Notes:   You know, when I planned out this chapter I had no intention of a proposal happening.  However, Nate is quickly finding his voice in his new position, and he changed the plan on me.  

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