by Leia Stone
“Sorry about her, Pepper.” Tore winked at my newly introduced godmother. “Elora’s been bugging us to bring you here since we were dispatched to Midgard. She tends to be an overenthusiastic welcome wagon on a normal day, but when it comes to you . . .” He whistled. “Good luck.”
“You behave yourself, Tore Vidarsson, or I’ll tell my son to stop making that stew I know you like so much.” Elora tutted at Tore.
“That’s low, Mrs. Medisjon.” Tore chuckled. “All right, I’ll go. But seriously, Allie, you going to be okay out here?”
Under any other circumstance, I’d have run screaming at someone being all up in my space like Elora was, but she was so gentle—so maternal. Her energy was familiar and invigorating all at once. Being near her felt like taking a sip of one of those carbonated juice drinks—her energy was fizzy and bright and uplifting.
“I’m good, Protector.” I nodded at Tore. “You can go in with the guys. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay. Yell if you need anything.” With that, he, Bodie, Mack, and Johann followed Mack’s family across the crystal-paved street and into one of the pods. I stared wistfully at his backside as he moved.
“He cares deeply for you,” Elora said.
“What? Who?” I ripped my gaze away from Tore’s butt.
“Tore. I’ve known him for a long time. You bring out something in him I haven’t seen before.”
“Uh, right.” Heat flooded my cheeks, and I quickly changed the subject. “You knew my mother?”
Elora slipped her arm around me. A sad smile dampened her energy. “Your mother was my best friend. Is my best friend,” she corrected. “I’m a midwife for Asgard. It’s my job to assist in the delivery of all of the gods and demigods. Your mother and I met working—the Alfödr paired us up, since on occasion, a healing was needed during or after a birth. We’ve known each other for centuries now.”
Shut the front door. Centuries? Mack’s mom didn’t look a day over thirty-two. Dear Universe, please let me be this pretty at many hundred years old. Thanks. Xoxo, Allie.
Elora gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I was there the day you were born. Asgard threw one of the biggest parties I’ve ever seen.”
“A party? Because of me?” I fidgeted with my armor.
Elora beamed. “Every god or goddess likes to think they are the most important to the realms. The God of War, the God of Fertility; don’t get me started on Thor.”
I laughed.
“But deep down, they all know that healing is the most important gift we can receive.” Elora’s expression became serious. “Without healing, we open ourselves to death, destruction, and division. So for Asgard to have a descendant of Eir—someone with her innate abilities, to help guide the realms to balance . . . it was a very happy day for Asgard. Your spirit was the blessing none of us knew to hope for.”
Whoa. That was such a Mack thing to say. Now I knew where he got all of his insight.
I reached out to hold Elora’s hand. A surge of love shot from her palm to my heart, causing me to smile. “Thank you.”
“No. Thank you.” She squeezed my fingertips. “I understand why your grandmother had to hide you on Midgard, but I am so grateful that you’ve returned to us. And now that you know where to find me, if you ever need to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mother chose me to be your godmother, and I’ve been waiting a very long time to be able to fulfill my end of our contract. I am always here for you, Allie. Whatever you need. Please know that.”
I just nodded. I did not want to get all weepy right before I was supposed to hunt for my broken weapon piece.
Elora tilted her head toward one of the pods. “Come inside, or all the pie will be gone. My husband and sons have appetites you would not believe.”
I silently followed her across the crystalline street, taking a moment to just reflect on how amazing and slightly crazy things had become. I had a godmother, and a family of Macks who wanted to be there for me. It was everything I’d ever wanted.
And so long as I could track down the pieces of my weapon without getting myself killed, I had an eternity to enjoy it.
****
For the record, pickleberry pie had nothing to do with pickles, and it was amazing. I downed every last speck and went for seconds without feeling the slightest bit gluttonous. If I hadn’t been sitting at a table with the godmother I very much wanted to impress, I’d have licked my plate clean.
When we finished eating, we moved to the pod’s living area, where Tore was questioning a local resident. Apparently, this light elf was the scout who’d seen the dark elves come through a portal, and Tore was steely in his determination to extract every possible bit of information.
“How many were there?” Tore was all business, arms crossed, face serious.
“Maybe two?” The light elf offered. His pale hair fanned out across his broad shoulders as he shook his head. “I didn’t stay to watch. I ran back here to get word to the Alfödr and the warriors.”
Tore paused. “And you say one was killed?”
The man nodded. “One was killed, but the other made a portal right in the middle of the forest and jumped through.”
Tore brought his hand to his chin and looked at the ceiling for a long beat. “Did he have anything in his hands when he left? Something four to six inches long, possibly glowing?”
“Nothing glowing.” The man frowned. “He did have a blade, but it was a standard dark weapon, from what I could see.”
“Good.” Tore ran a hand through his hair. “And can you pinpoint the exact location you saw them?”
“Of course.” The man sounded insulted. “They were atop the ridge, just above Eternity Falls.”
Mack shared a nod with Tore. I assumed this meant he knew where Eternity Falls was.
“Thank you,” Tore said to the light elf. His visitor stood and placed his arm across his chest in farewell before leaving the house. Tore turned to the cluster of Macks and protectors in the living area. “You guys know what this means. Suit up. It’s time to head out. Mrs. Medisjon, takk for maten. The pie was delicious.”
Elora smiled serenely at Tore. “I do hope you come again soon. And bring my dear goddaughter with you.”
Tore gave a tight nod. “Of course.”
The Mack Pack and my protectors headed to the front door of the pod, where they donned the weapons they’d removed in the name of civilized pie eating. Oh God, this was it. We were going to find Gud Morder. Like, now.
As the boys jostled for weapon-donning space, Elora gently pulled me back into the kitchen. She ran her fingers through my hair. “Can I fix you up? You need braids to look like the daughter of Eir.”
Oh. I just nodded, and Elora’s hands went to work as she expertly wound two small braids on each side of my hair. She bound each with leather straps that perfectly accented my armor. At this point, my life was full of so much weird, I didn’t bother asking where she’d gotten them.
“There you go.” Elora winked. She ran her hand over my hair one more time, and I was suddenly overcome with emotion. I’d only just reconnected with this woman, but already she treated me as a daughter and loved me with a ferocity beyond anything I could have hoped for. I could see it in her energy.
“Thank you, Elora. For everything.” I pulled her into a hug.
She held me tight, then released me.
“Allie.” Tore’s stern voice came from the living area. “It’s time to go.”
I cleared my throat and gave Elora’s delicate hand one more squeeze. My mother had had a best friend; I had a godmother. My protectors weren’t the only ones who cared if I lived or died, and I wasn’t as alone as I’d felt since Gran’s passing. It was a lot to process, but it gave me something I hadn’t had before this whole thing started—it gave me hope.
For the first time in a long time, the hope that I might one day have a family again glimmered deep within my soul.
****
“Tore, you’re running
point?” one of the Macks asked. We were all back atop the hill where the Bifrost had dropped us in.
“Yes. Johann will stay here and keep communication with Heimdall. If we need an urgent extraction, he’ll direct the Bifrost to us.” Tore kept one hand on my back and one on his glowing, blue blade. His broadsword was sheathed at his side.
“Excellent. Let’s move out.” Mack’s shortest brother turned to the right and began marching. Tore motioned for me to go ahead, and I followed the sea of Macks traipsing through the trees. I felt pretty tough in my black cargos and tank top, with a dagger tucked into my combat boots and my armor covering my arm. The charged sword at my hip vibrated slightly; the energy of Valhalla’s fallen soldiers was ready to kill. It was awesome . . . and just the hugest bit scary.
My protectors flanked me as we marched across a blanket of pink and purple flowers and along a corridor of what looked like Aspen trees. Finally, we reached the waterfall. And while we were there to recover a piece of a god-killing weapon, and in all likelihood, fight some crazy night elves for our lives, it was impossible not to appreciate the moment.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. My senses took in the gushing water, the flower-covered mountain, and the thick, blue mist that rose off the river. This waterfall would be the ideal first date spot. If one were in a dating state, of course.
“That it is, Pepper.” Tore’s throaty voice sent a shiver up my spine. He’d come up behind me without my realizing it, but now I sensed his presence brush up against my backside. Sandalwood and winter enveloped my space. Mmm. Tore. I forced myself to remember that we were here on business . . . but first, I took one more hit on the Tore smells. Much better.
We continued on the flower-covered trail, getting closer and closer to the waterfall. As we moved, something inside my armor began to buzz. It was only a faint vibration, but it gave me a heightened sense of awareness. The fact that it didn’t make me run screaming through the hills of Alfheim was a testament to how extremely bizarre my life had become. Instead, I calmly informed the group of my situation.
“I feel something,” I offered. “Want me to follow it?”
“Yes.” Tore motioned for the group to part, and they moved to the side so I could take the lead. I let my eyes roam over the land, and after several passes, my gaze locked in on the base of the waterfall. A faint glow lit the mist from behind. As I focused on the light, my armor pulsed.
“I know where it is.” I walked faster, until I reached the spot where the river pooled out into a small lagoon. My armor practically sang when I got to the water’s edge. Kicking off my boots, I prepared to step into the pool.
“What are you doing?” Tore frowned.
“It’s behind the waterfall!” I grinned, stupidly excited to retrieve my first weapon piece. This was way easier than I’d thought it would be.
Tore kicked off his shoes in response. “You’re not going in alone,” he said. I froze as he slipped off his shirt, showcasing a torso covered in lean, corded muscles.
Please take off your pants, too. But instead of answering my silent plea, Tore dove headfirst into the water, still wearing his bottoms. Dang it.
I dove in after him, fully clothed, and swam toward the waterfall. The water was pleasantly warm and crystal clear. If I hadn’t been searching for a god-killing weapon piece, I would have splashed around this elfin paradise all day. Instead, I swam to where Tore surfaced and treaded water beside him.
“Be careful not to wake the mermaids,” Tore warned. Blood drained from my face.
“Are you kidding?” I whisper screamed.
Tore couldn’t hold in his laughter. “Of course I am, Pepper. Come on. Mermaids?”
I backstroked away from Tore with enough force that my kicks splashed water all over his cackling face. Jerk. When I reached the rumbling base of the falls, Tore dove beneath the water. He must have been an insanely good swimmer, because it only took him seconds to surface beside me. His hand slipped into mine, which was apparently the cue for my stomach to launch into an Olympic-level gymnastics routine. Settle down, Allie.
“The water’s going to be really strong, so hold on tight, and don’t lose me,” Tore ordered. “Take a deep breath, and then we go under together.”
I almost didn’t comprehend his words because my stupid hormones were scrambling my brain. It wasn’t my fault his hand felt so strong, and reassuring, and just all together awesome in mine.
I nodded my consent. Tore counted to three; then we dunked. Once under, I kicked fiercely to push myself through the turbulent water. After an eternity, we made it to the other side. The water was calm against my back as Tore’s hand pulled me up. We made it.
The moment my head broke the surface of the water, Tore shoved me behind him. I kept one hand on his bare shoulder and treaded water while he turned his head from left to right. The glow of his sword pulsed beneath the surface, lighting up the cave-like space behind the fall. Beyond the pool was a small sandy beach, bordered by a steep wall of moss-covered rocks. Everything was black and green, with the exception of Tore’s glowy blue blade.
“It’s safe. Follow me, Allie.” Tore swam to the edge of the pool and dragged himself onto the little sand beach. He reached out to help me up, and there was an awesome moment where his eyes lingered on my wet, skin-tight clothes. But as I held my breath, he snapped straight back to business mode. “The weapon piece. Where is it?”
Right. I spun around, facing the rock wall that crept high up the mountain. There was a little cave opening about six-feet above our heads. It glowed with such intensity, it put my necklace to shame.
“It’s there.” I pointed.
Tore frowned. “I can boost you up, but what if someone’s in there? I won’t be able to defend you. You need to be ready.”
I pulled out my grappling dagger. It glowed blue at my touch. “This going to be enough?” I asked.
Tore shrugged. “It has to be. But once you’re up, if you sense anything off, jump back down. I can take out whatever follows you to the ground.”
“Deal.”
Tore laced his fingers together, his cobalt eyes peering into mine. “Be careful, Pepper.”
“Always am,” I said lightly. Then I stepped into his hand, and he launched me upward. I hadn’t been ready for the push, and I flailed, trying to get my bearings. A strong hand gripped my inner thigh at the same time another held tight to my boot, pushing me higher. Sweet mother. Tore’s hand on my thigh was all kinds of distracting. It was nothing less than a miracle that my fingers locked onto the ledge of the opening in the rock wall. I pulled myself up, willing my stomach to settle down already. Tore putting his hand on my thigh for five seconds constituted the most action I’d gotten in months. Sad.
A quick scan of the cave told me I was alone, so I focused on finding something that looked like it might be part of a mystical weapon. The boys had sketched me a blueprint, so I knew the eventually-assembled Gud Morder would have a guarded hilt and two entwined blades that spiraled to make a point. What I didn’t know was which piece I should be looking for, or if it would glow blue like the boys believed the finished weapon would. The only thing I knew for sure was I wasn’t the only one hunting for this thing, and I needed to track down whatever piece was hiding in this tiny cave. Fast.
It didn’t take long to spot the titanium-colored blade resting atop a bed of green moss. It consisted of two twin pieces that swirled around each other in a double helix, creating a sword base that was every bit as beautiful as I knew it would be lethal. The energy coming off the piece was so intense, it glowed like a Christmas tree. As I moved closer, I recognized the pattern in the metal—it was a perfect match to the etchings in my armor. I had no doubt that this was the piece we’d been looking for.
“Talk to me. You’re either in awe, or you’re dead.” Tore’s growly voice came from below.
I peeked my head out of the cave and looked down at him. “Just about a dozen night elves up here. Don’t worry, Protector. I killed t
hem all.”
“Ha-ha.” He didn’t look amused.
I turned back toward the weapon and bent so I could pick it up. “Please don’t make me pass out,” I muttered. As my arm neared the piece, my cuff began to vibrate. The titanium took on a pearlescent sheen, and I remembered it was infused with the same crystal as my armor. The pieces must have been communicating—either that, or the tiny pieces of the gem ground into the metal were communicating. Either way, their synched pulses were clearly in resonance. My fingertips scraped the moss as I grabbed the piece, and energy shot from my necklace to the armor, then down to the piece of the weapon. Small pulses of power came off the weapon, radiating into my body. Yep, definitely what I came here for. One down, seven to go. I tucked the hilt into the suede pouch I carried on my belt, and I peeked back over at Tore. He darted his eyes between the opening of the cave and his communicator.
“Ready?” I called down.
He held out his arms. “Jump. I’ll catch you.”
“Are you sure you can catch me?” I teased. “You guys have me on that extreme muscle-gain diet, remember?”
He rolled his eyes, and I took the moment to appreciate how hot he looked with wet hair. And also, to appreciate the definition in his broad, muscular, naked chest. Not that I paid attention to such trivial things when focused on a world-saving quest, or anything.
“One. Two. Three!” I shouted. Then I jumped, pinching my eyes shut and praying to any deity around that the Norse demigod would catch me.
Tore let out a whoosh of air as I slammed into his solid arms. His warm breath tickled my neck as he asked, “Did you get it?”
I barely managed a nod. Being in Tore’s arms was awesome. His wintry scent wrapped protectively around me like a warm blanket. It felt safe, and comforting, and exciting. Tight muscles gripped my body and sent heat to my belly, where a throbbing sensation sent thousands of nerve endings into overdrive. I looked up to meet Tore’s eyes and saw that instead of the icy-blue I’d gotten used to, they’d shifted to a warm indigo. And instead of the practiced calm he usually gave off, his expression was confused; vulnerable; almost wild. His tongue slipped out from between pale lips, tracing a path along the lower one and sending my heart into overdrive. Sweet freaking mother. But as I shifted in his arms, willing him to bring said lips close enough to claim mine in a kiss, he set me on my feet and dove into the water without a word. Sigh. I desperately needed to get some action before I did something super embarrassing in front of my protector. With a frustrated grunt, I dove in after him, and we swam quickly back to Bodie and the Macks.