TheElskerSagaBoxedSetIBOOKSdec2014

by ST Bende

  “I thought it was time I showed you what we can do.”

  “We?” It took me a moment to register the words. I was too busy staring at my own personal Norse god framed by his homemade flurry. “You mean I can do that too?”

  “I am not sure. You will be able to do it, yes. Whether you are able to control it at this moment, I do not know. Would you like to try?”

  “Lord, yes.” My fingers twitched. I didn’t feel any differently, but I definitely wanted to give it a go. “What do I do?”

  “Focus on the quadrant of your brain where you most felt the transformation. Was there a particular spot that felt it the strongest when Odin triggered the change?”

  No. But there sure as Sherlock was a spot Idunn had made particularly sore. I assumed Ull was referring to that place.

  “What do I tell that spot to do?” I avoided the question.

  “Channel the weather pattern you wish to effect, and draw it to your fingertips.”

  I pictured Ull’s snowstorm and visualized it traveling from the still-tender spot in my brain down my neck, through my arm and to my hands. My fingertips immediately felt chilled.

  “Whoa.”

  “Exactly. Now bring them into a fist, starting with your pinky, and open your hand.”

  I did as I was told. But instead of a fluffy white cloud hovering obediently, a sharp icicle shot from my palm like a bolt of lightning. It wrapped itself around a tiny critter scampering up the tree, freezing it in place.

  “Oh my God I killed a squirrel!” My hands fell to my side as my jaw fell open. I threw my head into Ull’s chest and moaned. “I am the worst goddess ever.”

  Ull’s throaty chuckle made me look up.

  “It’s not funny. I. Killed. A. Squirrel.”

  “He is not dead, Kristia. Watch.” Ull pointed a finger and an orange stream floated toward the animal. It thawed the frost, and the squirrel continued his ascent up the tree as if nothing had happened.

  “You can make heat too?”

  “Of course. We need to be able to make corrections as needed. Sometimes we will not get a weather pattern right on the first try. This is Odin’s way of making sure we can control the elements—all the elements.” Ull touched the side of my neck. I could still feel the heat on his fingertips.

  “That’s amazing.” I shivered. “But I’m not doing it again until we’re somewhere no woodland critters can be harmed. I can’t have squirrel blood on my conscience.”

  “Fair enough.” Ull smiled. “We can practice on our honeymoon. No squirrels where we are going.”

  “Is that a clue? Somewhere with no squirrels… are we going to a desert?”

  “Guess all you want, Mrs. Myhr. I will never tell. But I will dance.” Ull pulled me close and began to move. My head settled comfortably against him as he led me in a small circle beneath the twinkling lights.

  I didn’t know how long we’d been outside before I heard the impatient click of heels on the courtyard. We were swaying slowly, my cheek pressed firmly against Ull’s chest, when Inga cleared her throat.

  “Are you two planning to come to your own party?”

  Ull laughed.

  “We were enjoying your creation.” He gestured with one hand to the lights, the other wrapped firmly around my waist.

  “I see you added your own touch.” Inga stared at the cloud, still emitting gentle puffs of snow.

  “Just to show Kristia what she can look forward to. Everything you set up was perfect.”

  “Yes, yes. I’m a visionary. Well if you don’t come inside soon, Thor is going to eat all of your wedding cake. And there’s a lot of cake.” She tapped her foot.

  “Inga, we said simple!”

  “Four tiers is simple. What? I could have gone for seven like I saw in last month’s Modern Country Wedding magazine. That one required a special infrastructure. At least your cake stands on its own. Mostly.”

  “What do you say, my love?” Ull looked at me. “Are you ready to join the party?”

  “Well…” I gave him a wink. “I do like cake.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  OUR RECEPTION WAS A wonderful blending of our friends and family. We had traditional Norwegian and contemporary American food. The Asgardians particularly liked the mini-sliders; the small burgers disappeared as Thor guiltily licked his lips. My roommates loved the Norwegian waffles we served after our meal, and everyone enjoyed the enormous chocolate cake we cut, playfully smearing the icing. When it was time to end the celebration, my friends and I ducked into the small bride’s room at the end of the church. Ardis and Inga helped me change out of my grandmother’s gown and into the sassy, ivory going-away dress Victoria had designed. It was a sleeveless lace number that hugged my curves and ended three inches above my knees. This dress had a higher neckline than my wedding gown, but dipped in a low V in the back. And its lace formed a bolder pattern, with beads generously embroidered throughout the needlework. As I stepped into the sky-high heels Victoria had chosen, I reached reflexively for something to hold before I realized I could balance on my own. Victoria zipped me into the dress and fastened the pearl clasp as she gave me one last hug.

  “I need to borrow the bride for a minute.” Elsker pulled me into the hallway, leaving my girlfriends giggling in the bride’s room. “Are you ready for this?”

  “I hope you’re not asking about what I think you’re asking about, because I got your wedding gift and I have to say—”

  “Oh, that.” Elsker waved her hand. “Yes, Olaug and I want great-grandbabies.”

  “Elsker!”

  “I meant your new life, silly. Are you ready for everything to change?”

  “Do I have a choice?” I was about to leave on my honeymoon. I really didn’t want to think about the whole Seer thing right now.

  “No. And things are going to change big time. You’ll see things more clearly: past, present, and future. We will have a lot of training to squeeze in when you get home from your trip, but now that you are an Asgardian, you are eligible to fulfill your prophecy.”

  My prophecy was hardly the first thing on my mind as Ull strode down the hall. I locked eyes with my new husband. He ran his eyes up and down the contours of my very fitted dress as he approached, and winked. My stomach flipped.

  “Kristia. Pay attention.” Elsker swatted at me.

  “Sorry.”

  “Now that your powers are realized, you must be more careful than ever. Every enemy of Asgard will be after your gift. Do not leave Ull’s side while you are away.”

  “Do not worry.” Ull slid up beside me and wrapped his arm around me. “I will keep her next to me the entire time.”

  My cheeks got hot. Why did he have to look at me like that in front of Elsker?

  “And her new security detail will be waiting when we get home.” Oh, great. The bodyguard. Well, at least I got to enjoy my honeymoon in peace.

  “If you see anything unusual, anything at all, call me through your necklace. I will find you immediately.” Elsker hugged me fiercely.

  “Thank you, Elsker. For everything.” I hugged her back.

  Ull kissed Elsker on the cheek. “Come, Kristia. It is time.” He poked his head into the small room. “Goodbye, ladies.”

  My friends rushed to the door and wrapped us in a group hug.

  “Have a wonderful trip,” Emma bubbled.

  “Have fun,” Victoria teased.

  Inga cuffed Ull on the shoulder. “I expect you to be significantly less grumpy when you get home.”

  Ull laughed. “Shove off, Inga.”

  “You two trying to sneak off without saying goodbye?” Gunnar’s voice came from the end of the hallway. When he reached us, he slapped Ull on the back. “You kids behave yourselves while you’re away.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Or don’t.”

  Ull’s grin stretched from ear to ear.

  “Seriously, mate. Take care of our girl.” Gunnar kissed my cheek, then pulled Inga to his side. “Kristia’s family now.
We have to look out for each other.”

  At his words, Ardis threw her arms around me. When she pulled back, her eyes were moist.

  “Oh, Ardis!” I pulled her to me again.

  “I just love you so much,” she blubbered in an uncharacteristic display of emotion.

  “I love you too.” We held each other tight. After a minute, Ull gently rubbed her shoulder.

  “Come visit us soon, ja?”

  “Try and keep me away,” she sniffed. She gave me a wink. “Go. Honeymoon. Tell me all about it when you get home. I want every. Last. Detail.”

  Ull glanced down at me. “Shall we?”

  “Absolutely.” I placed my hand in Ull’s and he led our little group through the church, and out to the garden where Ull had first opened up to me. My heart filled with happiness. We walked hand in hand the short distance to Ull’s car as our friends tossed English rose petals. Inga must have arranged for someone to hand them out. Their fragrance filled the air, sweet and light.

  Ull closed my door before walking to his side. He started the car, and rolled down the windows to hear the well wishes of those we loved most. We waved through the back window and drove off into the night.

  Ull took the narrow paths out of Cardiff, reaching the expressway in no time. He held my hand as he easily maneuvered through the traffic with a relaxed smile on his face. I kept sneaking glances at his perfection when I thought he was focused on driving. I’d catch him beaming every time I did. How was it possible this incredible creature was now my husband?

  We reached the private airstrip much quicker than I’d thought possible. Ull drove through the gate and parked next to a small jet marked NORSK1. He shrugged when I raised an eyebrow. “Guess I forgot to mention this too, eh? One of the perks of Asgard, for when we need to travel like humans.” He got out of the Range Rover, stretching his long legs as he walked around to open my door.

  “How much haven’t you told me?” It seemed impossible that there could still be more surprises.

  Ull tossed the keys to the waiting valet while easily wresting our luggage from the trunk with one hand. “Kristia, darling, we have eons to discuss trivial details like family jets. You know the important things—none more important than the absolute commitment of my love for you.” He leaned his tall frame down to kiss my neck just below my ear, the most effective spot for ending my conversation.

  We boarded the plane to the welcome of the most beautiful flight crew I’d ever seen. Ull seemed unimpressed, but I couldn’t help but stare at the stunning flight attendant, her silken, chocolaty hair flowing to her waist, holding flutes of a sparkling beverage on a silver tray. She was tall and willowy—the picture of absolute physical perfection.

  “Welcome Mr. Myhr. Mrs. Myhr.” She smiled, revealing perfectly white teeth beneath ruby-red lips. “Congratulations on your wedding. Would you care for a beverage?”

  “Thank you, Stacey.” Ull grinned at her. “How was your flight here?”

  “Uneventful, sir.”

  Ull raised one eyebrow. “Was it really?”

  “Well…” Stacey grinned back. “…there might have been a few undesirable elements on our exit from Asgard. But nothing we couldn’t handle.” She handed Ull a bubbling flute, then turned her smile to me. “Mrs. Myhr? Champagne?”

  “Um, yes. Please.” I took the glass. “Thank you.”

  “Gunnar told me about the battalion of fire giants you ladies took out last week. Well done.”

  “It was nothing,” Stacey demurred.

  “That is not what I heard. Gunnar said you were trapped in a cave with an injured horse and still managed to take out seven targets with a broken broadsword. Impressive.” Ull nodded.

  “Well, those fire giants always were slow.” Stacey blushed at the compliment. “Now, if there is anything you need before your flight, just let me know. I will be up front, preparing your appetizers.”

  “Thank you.” Ull raised his glass. I watched as the woman sauntered to the front of the plane, moving with a grace that rivaled Inga’s.

  “What is she?” I murmured. There was no way she was a human.

  “A Valkyrie,” Ull whispered conspiratorially. “Our battle goddesses.” He led me to the center of the cabin and placed my bag under one of the couches.

  “And they’re in charge of your airplane? I thought Valkyries flew winged horses?” I tried to remember my grandmother’s stories.

  “They will drive anything that flies. They are not particular. Best pilots we have.” Ull shrugged, unconcerned. “Shall we begin our honeymoon, Mrs. Myhr?” He nodded to the oversized chair and I settled comfortably into its cushions. He sat beside me and I curled up against him. It had been an exhausting day.

  “How do you feel now?” Ull asked once we were safely in the air.

  “Happy.” I ducked my head so my hair hid my sudden bout of shyness. “I can’t believe I’m your wife.”

  “I am the one who is in disbelief. You have taken on so much by marrying me. I cannot fathom that you would do that for me.” He looked at me closely. “Do you feel… different?”

  “No visions since the wedding, if that’s what you mean. Is that bad?”

  “No, darling. Believe me, nothing would make me happier than you being vision-free. You will continue to keep me in the loop when things affect you?”

  I bit back a smile. It didn’t matter one bit that I was a goddess now; Ull would always fret over me. It was sweet as strawberry pie.

  “I cannot help but worry about what you plan to do. But I trust you will let me know if you feel overwhelmed with any of this.” He grazed the tips of his fingers along the inside of my elbow, and I nearly dropped my glass. Just then, the world’s prettiest flight attendant came to top off our champagne.

  “I’m not overwhelmed, Ull. I promise.” I turned to Stacey and smiled. “Thank you. This is delicious.”

  “Of course. Your appetizers will be ready in just a moment.” She retreated to the front of the cabin and Ull kissed my forehead.

  “You look absolutely incredible in that dress, my love.” He traced a finger along the V of the neckline and gave me a look that seemed to shoot sparks from his eyes. In that instant they shifted from icy azure to inky midnight. I shivered.

  God, I loved that color.

  Ull pressed a button on his seat and the lights in the cabin dimmed. A loud click came from the front of the plane, making me jump. “What was that?”

  “I just turned on the do not disturb sign.”

  “But Stacey just left to make appetizers. And we’ve barely taken off. Why would you—”

  I was cut short by a god nibbling on my earlobe.

  “Do I need to spell it out for you?” he murmured.

  My mouth formed a small O. No. No he did not.

  Ull scooped me onto his lap. “Get over here, wife.”

  Spirited butterflies wreaked havoc in my belly. Ull continued his ministrations to my ear, twirling a complicated pattern with his tongue in the sensitive spot just behind the lobe. I shuddered as a wave of contentment rocketed through me. A slow burn worked its way across my skin, my pulse keeping time with the rhythm of Ull’s mouth. As he worked his way down my neck, I drew shallow breaths in a pointless effort to control my pounding heart. My pulse quickened, growing more intense with each movement of Ull’s lips. He made his way toward my collarbone, raking his teeth over the skin. And then…

  Oh my God. My eyes rolled back in my head as Ull shifted me on his lap. His hands locked tightly around my waist as he began tracing the neckline of my dress with his tongue. It was hot against my skin, which suddenly felt like it might burst into a thousand tiny flames, if not from the proximity of the Norse deity doing insanely amazing things, then from the anticipation of what was finally going to come next.

  “Ull.” The word came on a breath. I shifted my weight, driving the hem of my skirt up another inch. Ull pulled his hand off my hip faster than a goose could fly off a griddle. Before I could bemoan the loss of c
ontact, I felt his palm on my bare knee. The touch sent smoldering embers up the length of my leg. My eyelids flew open—inky-blue eyes stared me down. One corner of Ull’s mouth turned up as he rested his forehead against mine. And then he inched his palm upward, spreading his fingers so he gripped my upper thigh.

  It was the first time he’d touched me like that.

  “This okay?” His thumb rubbed a slow circle on my leg, sending my already-heightened nerves into apoplectic hysteria. The butterflies beat a frenetic rhythm in my abdomen, which clenched in a way that sent my head spinning. He’d touched my leg—just touched my leg—and I was ready to black out. How on earth was I going to make it through what I desperately hoped was coming next?

  “This okay?” Ull repeated. I managed a small nod before Ull dropped his head. He ran his nose along the line where my skin met the dress’s lacy strap. Then he pressed his lips against the material. The heat of his mouth seared through the thin fabric of the gown, and I twisted in his arms. Ull stilled, then he threw me over his shoulder and carried me to the back of the plane.

  “What are you doing?” I giggled.

  “What do you think?” Ull kicked open the door to a small room. It was barely large enough for the bed, entertainment unit, and wet bar it held, but somehow I didn’t think space would be an issue. Ull deposited me onto the bed. Without turning around he locked the door behind him, and lowered himself so he hovered me. He kept his weight on his forearms, but I could still feel the weight of a six-foot, five-inch idol resting against me. It was intense. Exhilarating.

  And something I wanted to experience privately. Not within earshot of a ridiculously hot flight crew.

  “Ull!” I squirmed. “We can’t do this here!”

  “Why not?” He ran his nose along my shoulder. “You are my wife; the love of my existence. You look stunning in that dress. And I have been waiting literally forever to be with you. Why delay?”