MistUnveiled

by Nancy Corrigan

“We’ve been ordered by government not to engage any of the victims. We are to collect their dead bodies and burn them. Irene is right. They do not believe, but they fear.” Francis shook his head. “Not the virus, mind you. They fear our tales will be picked up by the press. They don’t want the world’s focus here for concern over what they’d find.”

  “And what would they find?” He prompted.

  Francis peered at the few remaining onlookers. He leaned closer to Rune and lowered his voice. “I have heard rumors that the artifacts found belong to the Vikings. Some say the items recovered are magical.”

  Rune silently cursed. The weapons did wield incredible power in the right hands, both destructive and rejuvenating forces, but humans shouldn’t have known about it or their purpose. “Where did they come up with such ideas?”

  Francis scoffed. “Surely your grandmother explained it to you?”

  Rune clenched his jaw. When he’d arrived a week ago, he’d planted the idea that he was a longtime resident of the village into the minds of the townsfolk. He’d then taken specific knowledge of the current era from them, but he hadn’t absorbed all their memories. He had avoided anything with deep emotions weaved into it. Instead, he relied on asking specific questions of his donors. Even a child of the elements could lose his mind. The cursed eldjötnar were proof.

  “Some. I did not listen.”

  Francis sighed. “Many young people do not listen or care. It is why our world is facing the problems it is.”

  Rune could not deny the statement. If humans continued on the path they were, polluting the earth and creating substances with the sole purpose of annihilation, they would bring about Ragnarok on their own.

  “You are correct. I should’ve taken her words to heart.”

  He lowered his gaze, a sign of respect when chastised by an elder. He’d given the same response to the Norse gods when they’d lectured him. Although not the entity he ultimately answered to, the Norse gods deserved his reverence. They played an important part in the continuation of the world. So too did the children of mist, but the role given to them by the one-god was much different. They were the Wardens. They watched and waited in silence until needed.

  “The Vikings weren’t the only settlers in Greenland. Inuit people lived here for many years before the first Norsemen arrived. They endured because they lived in a constant state of terror.”

  Rune glanced into the older human’s face. Although he feared he knew the answer, he asked it anyway. He remembered those tribes well. Malin had come from one. “Who did they fear?”

  “The gods, their servants, the environment. Everything.” Francis chuckled. “They hid and they watched then passed on their cautionary tales to those who would listen.”

  “It is from them you know of the eldjötnar?”

  “Yes and I believe as Irene cautioned, Ragnarok is coming.”

  Ragnarok represented the cycle of the world’s death and rebirth. Although Rune had not lived through one, he knew there had been many. Having it occur too soon, however, would upset the balance. They were not ready. In fact, without their weapons, they were screwed.

  “Then it needs to be stopped.”

  Francis nodded. “I pray it can.”

  So did Rune. Only the Norse gods could prevent it. They had always chosen not to. Rune didn’t understand why nor had he questioned it. He knew his role and accepted it. The cursed eldjötnar hadn’t. They’d challenged the limited position the one-god had given them, but failed in their acts of defiance every time. Well, they had until they had turned their hatred upon the children of the mist instead of the gods. Rune had thought he’d averted the fallout from it by imprisoning them. It appeared he hadn’t and failure a second time might very well destroy the world.

  Chapter Four

  The scent of heaven filled Cat’s lungs. It chased away the disturbing image of glowing blue-gray eyes. A moment later, warm air heated her skin. She popped her eyelids open. Rune’s gorgeous face filled her vision. She tensed, unsure if she was still dreaming or not. No dream. His eyes aren’t glowing.

  “I’m sorry I had to wake you, but we’re being kicked out.”

  She frowned. Kicked out of where? She glanced around. Empty tables filled the room. The tavern, of course. She sat up and inched away from Rune. She’d fallen asleep against him.

  “Where is everyone?” The place had been packed when they arrived.

  Rune’s gaze focused on her lips. “They left hours ago.”

  The husky quality to his voice reignited her desire that had simmered within her all day. She slid farther across the booth. Breathing room was necessary around Rune. The man really should wear a button that warned women not to get too close for risk of addiction. Unfortunately, she feared she’d already gotten hooked on him. It was the only explanation for the way she kept ogling him.

  She dropped her gaze to the table. “Why didn’t you wake me when the villagers showed up? You knew I wanted to talk to them.”

  It was the reason they’d come. After the victim’s body was transported to the hospital, she’d spent all night tracking down those who’d been present at the scene. Most refused to allow her to take their blood. A few had agreed to meet her at the bar to answer questions, though.

  He slid his hand over hers on the dark wood tabletop. “None showed.”

  One touch and her breathing quickened. She frowned, at her reaction and his answer. She pulled her hands free and dropped them to her lap. “Even Ivan?”

  “Even Ivan, but he called and promised to answer your questions in private.” Rune drummed his fingers on the table. He glanced at the bar where a phone sat. “He delivered a warning, however.”

  “Of what?”

  “It appears word has spread not to help you in your investigation, that your presence here is unauthorized and those who do will…” He faced her. Disgust tightened his expression. “They will find life more difficult.”

  Her first response was anger, the second concern. “In what way?”

  “Getting fresh food, supplies, fuel. The people here rely on the towns farther south. They are not independent as they once were.”

  “They threatened them? Because of me?”

  “Yes.” His lips pressed in a thin line. “I do not like it.”

  Neither did she. Unfortunately, she wasn’t surprised. “I had hoped to get some answers here. I’ve been hitting dead ends at home.”

  He raised a brow.

  “The CDC doesn’t acknowledge the virus despite the data I’ve given them. They’ve conducted their own investigation and their data don’t match mine.” She curled her fingers until her nails bit into her skin. “If my institute had been government-run, I bet all my work would’ve mysteriously disappeared by now. Instead, I’ve been essentially brushed aside.” She leaned forward. “Someone doesn’t want the world to know about UP-33 and if our damn board of directors wasn’t so afraid of pissing off the wrong people, I’d take my findings to the press.”

  He fisted his hands. Rage settled over his features. She got the impression he’d take out her obstacles with his fists if given the chance. Though it was barbaric, she got a thrill over the notion.

  “I’m not sure that would be the best solution.”

  She slumped in her seat. “I agree, which is why I haven’t.”

  She had data, but it wasn’t complete. Without knowing the virus’s method of transfer, she very well might cause mass hysteria. Of course, there was also the chance whoever was keeping the virus from the public would twist her results and make her out to be some sort of crazed fanatic. Public ridicule would not only kill her career, but halt her research. That couldn’t happen. She’d promised herself she’d stop the virus for Janice.

  “But you thought coming here alone was wise?”

  She shrugged. “I had to do something after Janice died. Staring at my data wasn’t helping.”

  He took her hand. “Janice is the sister who succumbed to the virus?”

  Ting
les spread from where he touched her. The comfort he offered overrode it. She nodded. “Yes. She was a single mom. Her daughter Jenny is now living with her father. Not the best situation. He hasn’t been around much since she was born, but he’s not a bad guy.”

  “I…I am sorry for your loss.”

  She blinked back tears. She’d heard similar words from many people, but none had affected her the way Rune’s fumbled apology did.

  He tugged gently on her hand before she could say anything. “Come, we must leave before the tavern reopens.”

  “Reopens?”

  “Yes, you’ve slept the day away in my arms.”

  She stood and glared at him, the soft emotion he’d stirred a moment ago shoved aside. Annoyance replaced it. “You let me sleep all day!”

  He shrugged. “Yes.”

  No explanation. No apology. No sign of annoyance that she’d fallen asleep on him or that he had to hold her all day in a cramped booth at a tavern.

  He turned and walked toward the door. She grabbed his arm. “Why?”

  He removed her hand but didn’t release her. He linked their fingers as if they were a couple and led her to the coat rack where her patched parka hung. He took it and helped her into it.

  “You were tired and I wanted to hold you. You are beautiful when you sleep.” He lifted her hair out of the way and pulled the zipper. “It was a first for me. I found I didn’t want the moment to end.”

  “I imagine it would be.” She peered into his heart-stopping face. “I can’t imagine any woman being foolish enough to miss out on enjoying your company. I’m sorry I did.”

  “I’m not. I’m glad you were the first female who has slept in my arms.” He cupped her face and stared into her eyes. “I’ve never stayed around a lover long enough to experience it, but I think it might be my new hobby.” He dropped his gaze to her jacket and pulled the flaps over the zipper together. “As long as it is you I watch, that is.”

  She glanced at his large fingers working the snaps on her coat. The irritation faded. Some other emotion replaced it—not lust or desire. She couldn’t label it, but it quickened her breath. “Oh.”

  He flashed her a small smile as if he knew how his confession affected her. “Let’s go, Cat.”

  They stepped out into the chilly air. Rune took a key from his pocket and slid it into the lock. She frowned. “Why do you have a key?”

  He froze with his hand on the knob. After a moment, he finished locking the door and bent, placing it under the mat. Still crouched, he peeked at her from under his long lashes. “To lock up.”

  “The owner trusts you enough to leave us alone in his establishment?” She supposed it was a good thing. The confirmation that the villagers trusted him eased some of her worry. The trick of the light yesterday had frightened her just a tiny bit. She could’ve sworn she’d seen his eyes glow a moment before the man had died. For a moment, she’d wondered if Rune was a vampire, but she knew better. No matter what Ivan and his grandmother claimed, supernatural creatures weren’t real.

  He turned his head but not before a grin spread over his face. “We are…friends.”

  “That makes sense then.”

  He stood and crowded her against the door. She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “I told him it would be fine. He believed me.”

  He didn’t touch her. An inch separated their bodies and his hands remained planted on the wood next to her head, but they could’ve been naked with his cock lodged deep inside her. The intimacy of the moment did crazy things to her heart. She glanced away. He bent his head. His hair teased her cheek and his breath warmed her but he kept the slight distance between their bodies.

  “He trusts me as you should, Cat.” His lips brushed her skin with each word. She trembled. “Come home with me. We still have much to discuss.”

  They did, but she wasn’t sure how much talking they’d do. The long length of his arousal suggested he had other ideas. At the moment, alternate plans sounded wonderful. Too bad she couldn’t indulge in them. She’d wasted too much time sleeping.

  “You’re right but I—”

  “Will be safer with me. If the authorities’ reaction to your presence here has reached the point where the villagers are being warned not to talk to you, I don’t trust the situation not to escalate into violence.”

  “Don’t be silly, Rune. Why would anyone hurt me?”

  “Why?” He tipped up her chin. She automatically arched her spine. Their chests met and energy whipped through her. “I believe there is somebody in an influential position with their own agenda, Cat. They don’t want the world to know of the virus because it will draw focus here. You heard the old woman. Treasure has been found. Greed does horrible things to people.”

  “True, it does, but people are dying.” As soon as the words came out, she knew how naïve she sounded. Murders were committed for a lot less valuable reasons.

  “And I refuse to stand by and watch you join them.”

  Determination laced his words. The hard look in his eyes matched it. She relished the protectiveness Rune showed toward her, but there was no reason for it. Other than verbal abuse, she hadn’t once felt threatened.

  “I can’t believe the locals would hurt me. Ignore me, yes. It’s not the first time. Like I said, I’ve reached numerous dead ends over the past couple of months.”

  “Well, I do.” He skimmed his lips to her ear. “Your safety is important to me.”

  Lust surged with his whispered confession. She pushed against his chest. He didn’t budge.

  “Back off. I need a little breathing room.” Otherwise, she’d drag his head to hers and kiss him. Too many confusing emotions flowed through her. She didn’t want to deal with them while they stood outside of the tavern where people could see them.

  He stepped away from her and she fought the urge to yank him back. God, the man was dangerous. “Look, I’m grateful you want to protect me, but I don’t share the same worry.”

  “The people of Nif…” He cracked his jaw. “The villagers are as easily influenced as the last time I lived here. If the wrong person plants an idea in their head, they might very well act on it before considering what doing so means.”

  He had mentioned that he had worked in Iceland for many years before returning to Greenland, but that had been the extent of his response. She’d noticed he only answered the questions she posed, nothing more. She supposed many people would be annoyed with him for it. Part of her was too. The rest of her appreciated the silence he offered. She had to admit, though, she was interested.

  “What did you do in Iceland?”

  He mapped her face before focusing on her eyes. “Security.”

  She chuckled at the one-word answer. Yesterday, she would’ve been content with it because really, did she need more than that? Despite her attraction to him, Rune was a stranger who would pass through her life. In a few days, she’d leave Greenland and him behind. Her curiosity demanded more, however. A few details would be nice to add to her memory of him.

  “As a guard?”

  He gave her a single nod.

  “Of what?”

  He skimmed his finger down her throat, but dropped his hand before she combusted from the simple touch. “Important people and their possessions.”

  “And what do you do here in Upernavik?”

  He took her hand and rubbed his thumb over her palm, heating her chilled skin. “The same, but you are my sole responsibility now.” His gaze locked to hers. “And you are the most valuable person I’ve ever been responsible for.”

  She glanced away before she read more into those words than he’d meant. They also had another interpretation. The practical aspect of it killed some of the giddiness. She cleared her throat. “Roland must be paying you well then.”

  He shrugged. The warm expression he wore for her faded. A hard, all-business one slid over it. He folded his arms across his chest and leveled a “don’t challenge me” look on her. “I want you to contact him immedia
tely and ask about the staff found here.”

  The change in subject and tone redirected her thoughts to the situation at hand. She’d made little progress in her pursuit of answers. All she’d gotten from her visit so far were more questions and a personal guard she couldn’t quite understand. He fascinated her, however, something no guy had ever accomplished.

  “Okay. I’m curious too. I’ll email him.”

  He took her hand and led her across the village. She kept her gaze on his rugged face. The stubble on his jaw held her attention. She’d touched it, knew it was soft, but her fingertips tingled with the craving to feel it again. She reached for him and caught her foot on a rock. She stumbled into his side. He saved her, a hand around her waist.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded.

  “Good, but I’d suggest keeping an eye on where you’re going instead of me.” His heated gaze captured hers. “Unless you’d rather I carry you?”

  She shook her head and glanced away. Embarrassment seized her over being caught ogling him. Jesus, she was acting like a teenager. Hell, she hadn’t stared at any guys with starry eyes back then. In Rune’s presence, she turned into a one, however. She didn’t like it.

  Thank God I’m leaving soon. Rune’s a distraction I don’t need.

  * * * * *

  Cat sat on her bent knees on the couch and leaned over the armrest to finish typing an email to her lab assistant. Her back hurt from the awkward position, but the small end table was the only hard surface in the room.

  She understood the benefits of living sparsely, but Rune took it to an extreme. There were a few stacked milk crates along one wall with books in them, a couch and a bed she could see through the door to his bedroom. That was it.

  “Here, eat this.” Rune placed a candy bar in her hand and curled her fingers around it.

  Her thoughts scattered with the brush of his skin against hers. She stared at the wrapped chocolate for a long moment while her body grew aroused. The response confused her. She pulled away from him. He’d given her chocolate, not a wrapped condom. There was no reason for her to be thinking of sex, but she was.