by Lisa Oliver
Thor touched his lips. That was one hell of a kiss and it held the promise of so much more. So why did I walk away from him again? Oh yeah…. “Orin ran right into danger, not knowing if that freaky smoke shit would hurt him, and just snatched the book up and then started talking to it, like it was a pet or something.”
“It worked, didn’t it? The smoke stopped. And besides, as his mate, isn’t it your job to protect him from freaky shit?” Lasse stroked the side of Jason’s face, clearly still concerned although Jason looked none the worse for his adventure.
“He kicked me!”
“Oh, for fucks sake, Thor, he’s five foot nothing compared to your six foot seven. You must have well over a hundred and fifty pounds on the guy. Admit you made a fucking mistake and go back and grovel some more.” Oh great, now Lasse was pecking little kisses in Jason’s hair. Thor could take a hint.
“Before you two start doing things I’ll watch and grade you for, can you zap me back? You know I can’t invade Sei’s realm without a freaking invitation.”
“I could….” Lasse stopped, raising his hand to press his fingers against his temple. His teasing expression was replaced with one of concern. “That’s not possible,” he whispered. “What…are you sure…okay, I know you’re sure but…no. No. It’s okay. I’ll tell him…are you…okay. Yeah, Greece…see you then.”
Dropping his hand, Thor’s got a churning feeling in his gut as Lasse looked up at him. “That was Artemas. Orin’s gone.”
“Artie needs a fucking kick in the head.” Concern made Thor’s tone sharper than intended. “He should get out of the library more often. Sei’s palace is a freaking rabbit warren. Orin’s tiny. He’s probably just found somewhere to hide and your brother’s too lazy to look for him.”
“Artemas saw him de-materialize out of the library,” Lasse insisted. “He left Dad’s palace, on. His. Own.”
“Oh shit. I totally forgot. He’s half elf.” Thor could barely get his words past the lump in his throat. Fear was a new feeling for him and he didn’t like it. “Elves can move between the realms at will. He could be anywhere.”
“Anywhere on virtually any realm apparently except for the elven realm,” Lasse agreed. “Jas, hon, I know you’re still feeling the effects of the smoke, but Artemas will be here any minute. He’s got an idea on how we can track him. I feel partially responsible…”
“The only one who proved to Orin that gods couldn’t be trusted was Thor.” Jason stood up and held out his hand to his mate. “Whither you go and all that.”
Artemas appeared while Thor was still processing Jason’s statement. He’d done some things he hadn’t been overly proud of in his life, but he’d never, ever let anyone down before. The fact that his first time was with his mate made him sick to his stomach. Artemas slammed a heavy book on the coffee table. Another fucking book, but it seemed Artemas was sure this one would help.
“Okay, Orin’s book gave me this idea,” Artemas said, quickly flicking through the pages. “We’re going to try an old fashioned summons and get Orin to come to us.”
“Don’t we need his true name, for that to work?” Thor added another failing to his ever-growing list. “He specifically said when he introduced himself, that Orin Green was his ‘human’ name.”
“Fuck, Thor,” Artemas cursed. “I need to create a cheat sheet for you guys. Get the pertinent details before you get yourselves into shit. Okay, we’ll try it, but I’m not holding my breath.”
“If it doesn’t work, we’re just wasting time and, in the meantime…” Thor trailed off. His head was filled of visions when Orin almost faded from life; it was easy to imagine his mate’s body battered, bruised, and perhaps the most devastating image of all, his sea-green eyes glazed over in death. “I need to find him. I need to find him now.”
“You could try Thanatos,” Lasse suggested quietly, “but again, without his true name, I doubt if Death could find him either.”
“I have to do something. I can’t just sit around chanting mumbo jumbo that’s not going to work.” Thor huffed out a long breath. “I’m going to speak to Odin. With his wolves, his ravens, his powers – fuck, I don’t know. But I have to do something. You know how to get in touch with me.”
A blink later, Thor was back in his own Manhattan apartment. For the first time since he’d bought the place, it felt cold and empty. His eyes were drawn to the kitchen table where Orin bent over backwards to show concern and a willingness to compromise. His feet moved, of their own volition, to the very spot where he’d spent days watching for that beam of light and colorful jacket. He’d give up his hammer for the opportunity to see that light gracing the streets below once more.
“Be careful what you wish for my son,” A raspy voice sounded behind him. “I wouldn’t take your hammer, but others of our kind might not be so merciful.”
Turning, Thor laid a fist over his heart and bowed his head. “Father, thank you for coming.”
Chapter Ten
Orin was in a bit of a pickle. He might have been a bit hasty, leaving Poseidon’s palace the way he did. The problem with translocation was that the magic user had to have a place to translocate to, otherwise a million tiny atoms would just remain floating around the cosmos. Orin’s options were limited – his place, Thor’s place, the library, or the place he settled on. His mother’s house.
The problem, as he found out as soon as his molecules had reformed, was that there were people in what was supposed to be an empty and closed-up house. Fortunately, Orin had translocated to his childhood bedroom, but the heavy footsteps below and the raucous sound of people laughing and bottles clanking together suggested the house had been invaded by squatters. He certainly hadn’t put tenants in it. What the heck am I going to do now?
Other realms were out of the question. He wasn’t welcome in the elf realm because of his ability to shift. The Fae were a snobby bunch at the best of times, and they wouldn’t help him if they found him. He didn’t know anything about the Djinn world, but then his mother always warned him against mixing with the djinn – they could be tricky. Which left the Underworld and just thinking about hiding out there gave Orin the shakes. If a demon got hold of the book in his hand… yep, Orin shut down that line of thinking. The results would be disastrous.
I probably should have stayed where I was. But even as he thought it, Orin knew he couldn’t do that. The ancient gods had proven themselves as fickle as fiction suggested. Artemas with his snotty attitude. Thor… Orin couldn’t think about his so-called mate without his heart hurting. But any person who could kiss like he meant it and then turn his back on him wasn’t worth wasting an iota of grief on. And Lasse – Orin thought he’d found a new friend in Poseidon’s son, but again, he’d been let down. Lasse was the one who asked him to give Thor a chance, and then he was the one who facilitated Thor’s departure.
If Thor had stayed maybe… A loud crash downstairs pulled Orin from his musing. He needed somewhere safe to stay. A hotel, motel…somewhere where he could be inconspicuous. Yeah, like with my looks that’s even possible. But Orin had to try. I’ve got just enough juice in me for one more translocation. Let’s make it a good one. Shimmering away for the second time in less than an hour, Orin made a mental note to call his property manager when he was somewhere safe. His mother’s house didn’t deserve to be trashed by anyone.
/~/~/~/~/
“I had high hopes when you developed your friendship with Lasse,” Odin said, wandering around Thor’s apartment. “He has a kind heart and a giving soul. It is regretful none of it seemed to rub off on you.”
“Father, I wanted to ask….” Thor would get on his knees if necessary, but Odin interrupted him.
“I know what you seek, I just want to know why you want him found? You, who have shied away from any form of permanent commitment – why find the lost soul simply so you can break his heart?”
“I’m fairly sure I’ve already done that.” Thor would never forget Orin’s stricken face for as long as h
e lived, nor the resolute way his mate hardened his features just as fast. Orin was a man of incredible strength, given his small stature. “He is in danger, father. The Norns entrusted me with his safe keeping for the rest of time. I must make amends for the errors I’ve committed so far.”
“Ah, yes, the book.” Odin plucked his ever-present wine glass out of the air. “You do realize your mate, and the book are a package deal. You must commit to both.”
Thor wasn’t surprised Odin already knew about the cursed book. He was surprised Orin couldn’t get rid of it. “He has hopes of hiding it somewhere, unseen by the Gods or any who seek to manipulate us. Tis a powerful burden for one so young, or small.”
“Which is why the Norns gave him to you.” Odin turned, watching the sun glinting off the glass of the surrounding skyscrapers. “Those dark elves, so ably rendered useless by the small pack in Cloverleah, were the ones responsible for killing the author of the book and sending it into the world in the first place. One can only imagine they dreamed of the havoc having summoned gods fighting each other on human soil might bring.”
“So that’s how Foggerty got it in the first place.” That was one question answered at least.
“The human professor. Yes. Unfortunately, his possession of it won’t do him or any other any good.”
Thor frowned. “Orin was convinced anyone who could read the spell contained in the pages could use it. That’s why he’s so concerned. For some reason he cares about all ancient gods and doesn’t want to see their powers used or abused by anyone.” Well, he cares for all of them except me and who have I got to blame for that? Me.
“He has a forgiving heart,” Odin almost smiled. “I have watched that young man for many a year, drawn by his light so at odds with the gray around him. It is fitting he is the book’s keeper.”
“Keeper?” Thor wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that title. It had an ominous ring to it.
“Even gods need a keeper, especially when they get out of line. When the author of the book was killed, the dark ones couldn’t read it and they carry elf blood in their veins. So, they gave it to Foggerty, drawn to him by the hate he carries in his soul, and his position as a leading authority on ancient languages, relying on him to create the havoc they were looking for. What they didn’t know, and what young Orin clearly doesn’t either, is that he is the only being in existence who can read it, and even if others could decipher the words, the spell would be useless to them. Only he can invoke it.”
“Which makes him the biggest target on all realms.” Thor didn’t think his day could get much worse. Worrying about the book falling into the wrong hands was one thing – worrying that his mate could be kidnapped and coerced into using the spell was a whole new level of frightening.
“Who better to protect him than the slayer of giants? But watch your mate carefully, especially around others from the god line. Lasse and his friends are fine, but some of the god line are not so caring or charitable. Remember also, you can catch more flies with honey.”
“Bribes, gifts, favors,” Thor groaned. “My mate is an innocent. He takes people at face value and trusts them. By the Fates, this is a nightmare.”
“Is it? Hmm, you know I’ve often thought of taking a mate for myself. Orin’s eidetic memory would be of significant use to me. I’m sure any petition from me to the Norns would be favorably received. He would be safe with me.”
Thor clenched his fists by his side and forced himself to speak calmly. “Don’t do that, Father, please, I beg you. Your reputation for enjoying the company of pretty and intelligent beings is well known. Sweet Orin deserves someone who doesn’t spread their favors among many. He needs someone to love him, not consider him useful.”
Odin chortled. “You’re a chip off the old block, my son, with a reputation just as big and well-known. Has the almighty Thor finally realized there is more to life than the pursuit of the next adrenaline fix and pretty face?”
Thor stood tall. “Father, in the past twenty four hours, I have felt true fear for the first time – twice. Once when Orin was close to fading when we met, and the second time when he grabbed that toxic book and clutched it to his chest as if it was a kitten, to protect Artemas and the others. The feeling of impotency was completely foreign to me; the dread at the thought of him being in danger so shocking it took me a while to realize what was going on inside of me. I understand it now. I understand what a great gift the Norns have blessed me with.”
“You’ve honored me with the truth.” Odin nodded. “Open a window in here. My ravens will bring you word of his whereabouts by nightfall. Maybe, when your mating is on a firmer footing, you can invite me to dinner.”
“It will be my pleasure.” Thor bowed low but as he straightened the spot where Odin stood was empty.
Chapter Eleven
Orin leaned back against the side of the hot tub, sighing as his muscles relaxed in the warmth and gentle massage of the jets. It was early evening, but Orin was already thinking about going to bed. The hotel he’d found in London, England, had been nothing more than an empty lot the last time Orin had been there, but the opulence suited his mood. Lord knows, I could do with some pampering.
What to do now? Orin chuckled quietly. It seemed his life was filled with such moments. All he’d ever wanted as a child was to read. Elven folk, very few, visited on occasion, speaking to his mother in hushed voices, leaving her in tears, but she never said why. It was only later, as he got older that he realized he’d never meet his father, and many members of his father’s family did not hold the purest of souls.
Books became his companions well into adulthood. Orin discovered his gift by accident, the revelation filling him with joy. His gift gave him a purpose – seeking out ancient documents, never losing the thrill that came from seeing something ripped, damaged, and infused with dirt, coming alive under his gaze. Having studied in every major university in the world, Orin finally took a job – at the library in Manhattan – never knowing why he was drawn to that spot.
And now he knew. Thor. Who could have guessed he, a lowly half shifter shunned by most, would end up the mate of one of the Gods he’d idolized as a child. To have the power of the storm at his fingertips – Orin used to dream of it often. His mother despaired of him ever staying dry when he was young. Many nights she found him, dancing in the middle of the storm, flinging his arms out in time to the thunder and lightening as if he himself was orchestrating it, instead of Thor.
“Childish dreams,” Orin sang to himself as he used his toe to nudge the hot tap. The water was cooling but he wasn’t ready to get out of the tub just yet. “Oh Thor, your sexiness was all I dreamed of and more,” he said to the pearl white tiles on the wall. “If only you’d kept your mouth shut.”
“That would make it difficult to apologize or grovel for forgiveness. Should I try sign language perhaps?”
“Eep.” Orin slapped his hand over his mouth, and peeked over at the door. Yep. Looking sexier than he had a right to, leaning with studied nonchalance against the bathroom door frame, his dark gray leather coat highlighting his wide shoulders and his hair shaggy around his face, Thor had found him. Orin just didn’t know why he’d bothered.
“Thor. Were you in town on business or heading out for a night on the town? You’re the last person I expected to see.” Rising out of the water, Orin used his magic to hide his body from Thor’s heated gaze, as he bent to turn off the tap. Other men might be able to lounge naked in a bath while talking to a god, and be unaffected, but he wasn’t one of them. Stepping out of the tub, he tightened his robe around his middle and eyed Thor with a lot more calmness than he felt. Inside, his cat was scratching to get out and his cock was hard enough to snap off. Thank the Fates for thick toweling robes.
“Do you know anything about fear?” Okay, that wasn’t a question Orin ever expected to hear from Thor and he wondered where the conversation was leading.
“I know the science behind it,” he said slowly, “and I’ve experie
nced it myself more times than I can count.” The bathroom was the last place Orin wanted to have a discussion, but he didn’t trust himself to brush past Thor who took up most of the doorway. He’d be inclined to jump him. “Why do you ask?”
“Fear was a totally foreign concept to me,” Thor said easily, and yet as Orin looked at his mate closely, Thor wasn’t as confident as he appeared. “I’ve battled thousands of giants, I’ve fought the world serpent known as Jormungand, I’ve defended Asgard for centuries from foes so vile they’d make your hair curl and all the while I laughed as I swung my mighty hammer. I’ve never faced anything that’s scared me before.”
“One of the perks of being a god, I imagine,” Orin said drily.
“Maybe, maybe not. Not all gods are like me and I am considered the strongest of all. But do you know, in the past forty-eight hours I’ve faced fear three times.” Thor shrugged. “I didn’t handle it very well.”
“You might have to be a bit more explicit. I’m not sure what you mean.” Tired of standing around, Orin hoisted himself up on the bathroom counter. Oh, my gods, what if he tells me he’s scared to commit? That would suck donkey balls.
“The first time I recognized it was fear I was feeling, was when I materialized into your apartment, realized you were my fated one, and saw you close to death. The second time was when you snatched up that toxic smoking book, putting yourself in danger and the third….”
He’s scared for me? That put a completely different perspective on everything. “The third?” Orin promoted.
“When I couldn’t find you,” Thor’s voice was so low it was difficult to hear. “I thought at first it was because you were in danger because of that notebook, but then I realized that the fear I had was that I’d never see you again – never be blessed with your smile, never see your shiny aura making the world seem a brighter place. It scared the living crap out of me.” Thor hung his head, his hair covering most of his face. “I never want to feel that gut wrenching fear again.”