by T. G. Ayer
Conscious, aware now of her surroundings, Bryn wobbled on her feet, then stumbled to regain her balance. Her sword dropped to the mud and her hands began to shake.
Joshua took a few steps closer. “Bryn!” he shouted, hoping to bring her to her senses.
She looked up at him, her eyes confused, a little unfocused.
And filled with shame.
Tears glistened in her eyes and Bryn swallowed hard, a shiver running through her.
Beyond Bryn’s shoulder, Joshua saw Fen approach the stone wall, eyes filled with concern. Someone must have called for the warrior, but he’d arrived a little too late.
Joshua hesitated but Fenrir shook his head, then jerked a chin at the neighboring field where warriors and Ulfr were attempting to continue sparring, pretending they hadn’t just witnessed Bryn lose it.
Angry now, Joshua’s jaw hardened but Fen lifted a hand, his eye filled with compassion. And Joshua’s fury faded away. Fen would know best how to handle Bryn. And perhaps Joshua would leave her be for now.
Joshua stepped away, retrieved his sword, half submerged in the muck, and walked off, praying he’d done the right thing by leaving Bryn alone.
He’d give her some time before approaching her again; the look in her eyes had been clear enough. Guilt, mortification, self-disgust. Bryn was going to spend a while hating herself for what she’d done and Joshua hoped that Fen would make sure she didn’t slide back into a grief—and now guilt—filled haze.
Not that Joshua would let that happen.
Chapter 7
Fenrir’s small hall buzzed with a low energy as the scout teams arrived in small groups, gathering on the left of the room. The warriors began to fill the two long tables that sat near the second fire, curious and expectant. The warriors were familiar enough with each other that a certain camaraderie had built, and there was a low ripple of voices peppered with laughter that rose and fell within the room.
Neither Aimee nor Joshua were in any mood for laughter, and even their smiles were forced.
Joshua’s eyes drifted to Mika, his frustration building with each day that went by without finding something concrete to take to Fenrir. He felt like the biggest asshole, being so determined to stab Fen in the heart. But didn’t he owe it to the ancient warrior to tell him the truth? Besides, Joshua had a feeling that Fenrir would be more angry with him if he discovered that Joshua had known all along and hadn’t warned him.
And time was running out.
Joshua was seated near the door, his back facing the welcome warmth of the fire. Despite the warmth of the pools, the ice in his bones still persisted, his worry for Bryn only increasing with every passing moment.
Joshua blinked as the subject of his thoughts entered the room. Bryn approached Joshua’s table, sinking onto the seat across from him, her head down, as though she wanted to disappear into herself. Her arrival went mostly unnoticed, for which Joshua was thankful especially considering her display on the fields had quickly become a hot topic.
A burst of laughter rang out and Joshua smiled. The warm fire, the company of friends, it all made for what could have been a good life. Had they not all been facing down the impending arrival of Ragnarok—the end of all the Nine Realms.
Despite the laughter, Bryn didn’t look up, her eyes remaining fixed on the table from the moment she took her seat. Her hand shook, only slightly, but enough that Joshua had caught the movement. Bryn stiffened, her fingers curling into a white-knuckled fist before she hid the hand beneath the table. She scanned the tables, eyes pausing on Mika and Fen, and then Sigrun who stood by the fire talking to a tall warrior.
Only then did she look up at Joshua through her lashes, at last acknowledging him. He smiled softly at her, hoping to let her know he was fine, that he wasn’t upset, that he wanted her to be okay.
But her face fell, her green eyes darkening before she looked down at her hands. And Joshua understood that it wasn’t going to be that easy to fix what had happened. If he knew Bryn at all, he knew she’d fight him even if he said he forgave her. But he wasn’t about to give up on her. He cared too much for that.
Just then, Bryn glanced back up and met Joshua’s gaze, and he took that opportunity to hold her gaze, trying to convey his concern and caring in that one look. Probably too much of a task.
Thankfully, Fenrir—who was sitting at the end of the table along Joshua’s side—took that moment to get to his feet and yell at the room for their attention.
“Very well, team. We have gathered to get acquainted and to familiarize ourselves with the plan for our visit to Midgard.”
Fenrir looked around the room, studying one face after another. Joshua had always admired the man’s intensity, his passion and belief in each of the warriors that trained and worked under his tutelage.
“Our impending visit will be to the North of the African continent. Of late, we have been gravely concerned with the decrease in the number of warriors we have been receiving from Midgard. Though we have been working hard to search across the globe, to aid the valkyries in their search for their warriors, we have struggled. To say that we have been disappointed would be putting it mildly.”
Fen paused as he scanned the warriors around him. At that moment Bryn shifted in her seat, leaning toward the table as though she was about to ask Fen something. But the warrior merely sent her a warning scowl and she straightened, her jaw tightening.
Guess she’s not over Fen’s innovative teaching methods.
“We have a team of nine. Each Warrior and Valkyrie has their respective Ulfr partners. I trust you will take every opportunity to get to know each other better. Above everything, we need to maintain the utmost trust in our partners. Our lives may depend on it.”
Fen proceeded to outline the team’s mission in Cairo where they would provide support to the team on the ground for their current Retrieval. The Egypt HQ was small but strong, led by Valkyrie Ingrid, whose reputation preceded her enough to receive a few impressed nods.
Warriors and Ulfr alike all got to their feet, a low rumble of conversation filling the room as they pushed back chairs and righted armor and swords. Joshua spotted a group of huldra who entered the hall bearing platters of food and jugs of mead which they laid out on Fen’s great table before the larger fireplace on the right-hand wall.
Warriors and Ulfr began to break off into pairs and soon everyone had been allocated a partner.
Except for Bryn, who stood alone, the pained expression on her face making it clear what she thought of being left out.
Still chatting comfortably, the warriors drifted toward the food, everyone leaving Bryn to bring up the rear. Joshua hesitated, wanting to go to her, but knowing she’d likely reject him. Joshua let her be as she drifted toward the table and took a seat opposite him where she fidgeted for a bit as the table filled with bodies.
The table overflowed with food, steaming hot roast beef, and bread so fresh the rich scent of yeast filled the room. Joshua’s Ulfr sparring partner, Noah, sank onto the chair beside him and began to discuss the mission, and then the food. Joshua was glad for the distraction, especially with Bryn sitting opposite him and Mika, who hovered at Bryn’s shoulder.
Now what was the girl up to? Joshua wondered as he only half-listened to Noah as he made unnecessary presumptions about what the mission to Egypt would entail. Instead, Joshua paid close attention as Mika tapped Bryn’s forearm to get her attention; Bryn had been looking off at Sigrun who was standing near the fire talking to another warrior.
“Hello, Bryn.” Mika sank onto the seat beside Bryn and pushed a mug of mead toward her. Bryn stared at the tankard and made a face, drawing a peal of laughter from the beautiful Ulfr. “What? Don’t you like it?”
“Ick. How can you drink that stuff?” Bryn replied, rolling her eyes and reaching out to push the mug back toward Mika.
Mika let out a soft giggle that made Joshua’s stomach clench. He could read her well now, having watched her for so long, and that giggle was so fak
e. “Oh, no. It’s not the usual ale,” said Mika, her eyes revealing nothing of what she felt. “This is a lovely apple cider that we buy in the village.” Mika smiled and slid the mug toward Bryn, and as she did so she glanced up and met Joshua’s eyes head-on.
Although a little startled by her direct gaze, he forced himself to remain calm and smile back at the Ulfr. Keep calm, don’t show her you’re onto her, he said to himself.
Mika’s smile was seductive, which set Joshua off balance. Was she hitting on him? And if so, why? Could she be onto him?
Joshua forced his suspicions out of his mind and focused on Mika, determined to not tip her off in any way. Giving her the cold shoulder and stalking off to Fenrir—which was what he was so tempted to do—would be a very bad idea.
So he figured he’d play her game.
The fact that Bryn was watching made Joshua feel even worse, but what was he supposed to do? Thankfully, Bryn was focused on sipping her cider, fingers wrapped around her tankard, her face a picture of enjoyment. “Thank you,” she said to the Ulfr, her face devoid of any suspicion.
Joshua stiffened and was about to address Mika when she gave a slight shake of her head. “I’m Mika,” she murmured, though he wasn’t sure her words were loud enough for anyone to hear. A little off balance, he replied, “Joshua,” and offered an engaging smile.
Or at least he hoped it had been engaging.
Problem was, Bryn was watching his every move and from her amused and uncomfortable expression it was clear she thought Mika and Joshua had something going on. She had read it all wrong, and Joshua really wanted to set her straight, but he couldn’t. Unless he wanted to jeopardize his investigation.
With a small smile, that Joshua suspected was more warning than friendly, Mika turned to Bryn. “Everyone is very eager to leave for Midgard, you know.”
In response, all Bryn did was nod, the firelight glinting in her red hair.
A movement to Joshua’s right caught his attention and he stiffed. Just great. This is all I need.
“Well, I see the two of you are getting acquainted,” Fenrir said as he patted Noah on the shoulder and offered the startled man a short stern nod. Noah hesitated, then got to his feet and offered Fen a short bow before walking off toward a small huddle of warriors who stood beside the fire on the opposite end of the room.
Fen had the ability to put a person totally at ease, and conversely, totally off balance, whenever he pleased. He was also enigmatic and supremely confusing, his expression never revealing his true emotions, which Joshua had found the case even with the people Fen seemed fond of.
The warrior son of Loki sat beside Joshua, who suspected he knew exactly why Fen was doing the looming and lurking. He was a dad after all. Joshua hadn’t expected anything less of him.
Now, as Fen looked from him to Mika, Joshua’s grin faded, and he offered the man a perfunctory nod, all the while weighed down by what he knew, what he couldn’t prove, what would hurt this warrior. A man who Joshua had come to trust with his life.
Joshua looked away from Fenrir, his gaze meeting Mika’s icy one.
What? She knew?
That was the only conclusion Joshua could come to. Mika was onto him. Was that the reason she’d wanted to hide from Bryn the fact that she and Joshua knew each other? And what would that achieve anyway? It made Joshua wonder if Mika was setting her sights on Bryn for some reason.
But why the whole seductive smile, infatuated puppy dog eyes routine. It turned Joshua’s stomach. Not that Mika was unattractive, or that he’d never consider a relationship with an Ulfr. Coming to Asgard changed a lot of Joshua’s perceptions as to what were-wolves, or wolf shifters or Ulfr were. Besides, he’d be a bigot if he was against mixed-race relationships.
His problem with Mika was her treachery. Plain and simple.
And if she wanted him to play her game, and if it meant he’d find out more about what she was up to, he damn well would. For Fenrir’s sake.
Now Joshua looked away, played the part of besotted boy facing glaring father of the girl. He made a show of staring around the room, as though looking for a graceful way to escape. His gaze flicked in Bryn’s direction and he didn’t miss the expression on her face, part amusement, part annoyance.
Odd.
“Excuse me.” Joshua got to his feet, giving Mika one last glance. She sent him another cool smirk just as he said. “I have to . . .”
Joshua left the table, Mika’s expression filling his thoughts.
He was a few yards down the hall when Aimee called out from behind him. Joshua stopped and waited for her to catch up.
“Why did you leave?” Aimee said, glaring at him, her tone edged with impatience. “You’re not doing yourself any favors if you want Bryn to recognize your feelings for her. And hers for you. If you had heard what she said you wouldn’t be so confident. She thinks you’re scared of Fen. You shoulda seen Fen’s face. So confused, but he hid it well.” Aimee lifted an eyebrow.
Joshua sighed and shook his head. “I know. But it wasn’t like I could help it. Mika…she’s dangerous.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean? Not like you don’t know she’s up to something.”
Joshua began to walk away from Fen’s hall, not entirely comfortable about having the conversation where Mika or Fen could walk out at any moment.
“I know. That whole seductive show didn’t help me at all. But my feelings, whatever is between Bryn and me, it isn’t as important as this crap with Mika. Not to mention that Mika took me by surprise with that pretense that we’d never met. She didn’t want Bryn to know. I played along. Turned out to be a bad idea because now I know she knows something. It was in her eyes, that cold look.”
“You’d better be careful, Joshua. You’re walking a dangerous line here. From what we’ve seen, she’s involved with dangerous people. And we still don’t know what she’s up to exactly.” Aimee paused and then said, “There’s more. Fen’s paired Mika with Bryn.”
Despite the surge of concern he felt, Joshua just shrugged, keeping his tone low as they passed a pair of valkyries in the corridor. “All the more reason to find out what she’s up to now. And tell Fen before it’s too late.”
Chapter 8
Joshua studied the undulating, almost liquid shimmer before him.
The entrance to the legendary Bifrost had turned out to be a rainbow-colored portal that gave off a high frequency that seemed to dig deep into his center, and that looked like a transparent oil slick large enough for a pair of people to enter comfortably.
Or maybe a single Njall.
Joshua patted his swords—one at each hip—then rolled his shoulders beneath the heavy metal chainmail armor he wore. There had been a time—only a few days ago shockingly enough—that he’d thought he’d never be able to walk around, or even battle while wearing the armor.
But he had.
He’d built muscle, had grown stronger, more athletic, more powerful. Now, he stood in the transporter room, feeling the heat of the fire against his cheeks.
He’d been disappointed that Fen had instructed Aimee to attend to an errand for the goddess Eir. Poor Aimee had been furious and a little confused, but she’d held her anger in and done as Fenrir had bidden.
Joshua had immediately petitioned Fenrir to allow Aimee to go with him. But the warrior had been resolute, assuring Joshua that ‘Aimee will catch the next one.’ Joshua had no choice but to obey his superior’s command.
Joshua’s grip on his sword tightened as he swallowed hard. First time on the Bifrost and he was already tense. The fire blazed in the giant pit beside him, the flames roaring high, and the hum made his brain vibrate.
The sounds of footsteps pounded the stone floor as someone entered the transporter room. Joshua turned on his heel to face the valkyrie who would be paired with him for this mission.
Kristina Desera glided inside the transporter room, her jaw held tight as she studied Joshua head to toe, a cool smile on her face. “Einherjar Joshua
, I was quite curious to meet you. Your reputation precedes you.”
Joshua’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the tall dark-haired valkyrie. “And what reputation is that?” asked Joshua, grinning as he headed toward Kristina to give her a hug.
“How are you, Joshua?” she asked, giving a soft laugh. The sound of her voice was enough to turn any guy into a panting obsessive, but as beautiful as the woman was, Kristina just wasn’t the girl for him. And she knew it.
“I’m well. You have been particularly scarce,” Joshua said reaching for his cloak which he’d dropped onto the knee-high wall encircling the fire. The fabric was warm as he swung the coat around his shoulders, and he relished that warmth.
Kristina shrugged, tossing her long locks over her shoulders, her dark wings shivering behind her. “Constant scout missions. Enough to tire a girl out.” She smiled and walked over to the entrance to the Bifrost where the hum was the strongest. “Come on. Let’s get moving. We don’t have much time.”
Joshua quirked an eyebrow. “Just us?”
The valkyrie chuckled. “Yes. We’re doing pairs on this run. We’re a bit thin on the ground.” Despite the shimmer of amusement in her eyes, Kristina bore an edge of fear. Something unusual for the normally strong-headed valkyrie.
“This is just par for the course for you, right?” Joshua said smiling. Still, he felt a moment of apprehension just knowing that the indomitable Kristina was afraid.
The valkyrie gave a short nod then waved at the shimmering entrance to the Bifrost. “Roll up, roll up,” she called out, mimicking a carnival announcer.
Joshua rolled his eyes and headed closer to the Bifrost. “So how does this work exactly?” asked Joshua as he eyed the portal.
Kristina smirked. “All you have to do is think of your destination. Easy peasy.” Then her smile faded. “I only wish the mission itself was something to look forward to.”
“Is it all that bad?” Joshua’s mood plummeted at the darkness in the valkyrie’s eyes.