Shatterproof

by Stein Willard

  A loud howl filled the room, animalistic and raw. Shawn felt the hair on his nape rise when he realized it came from Hlif.

  Chapter 12

  The smell was overpowering.

  Invigorating.

  Dust, blood, and sweat.

  It was the smell of power. This was what she was born to do. Fight and conquer. Gurith slid off her horse and handed her sword and shield to the boy reaching for the reins of the large warhorse.

  With hurried footsteps, she took the stairs two at a time. Curt nods and slaps on the shoulder greet her as she found her way down the long hallways to her wing. She threw the door open, her pale eyes sweeping the room. Disappointment seeped into her bones when she found the room unoccupied. Gurith was convinced that she would be here. She always waited for Gurith when she returned from the battlefield, high on bloodlust and craving to be conquered. Only one person could triumph over Gurith the Warrior Queen. Hlif. Odin’s Supreme Valkyrie and his most beloved daughter. A revered demigod. Dangerous and beautiful.

  Gurith heard footsteps behind her and turned to see a female page approaching. She lifted her arms and allowed the girl to remove her chainmail. When the girl gave her a flirty look, Gurith returned it with a chilly one. After having tasted the Valkyrie’s brand of lovemaking, it was impossible to allow anyone else near her. The girl gathered the bloodied body armour and scurried from the room.

  Gurith slotted the tumbler in place to secure the door and shed her clothes as she walked over to the steaming bath. Sinking into the hot, fragrant water, she sighed. A warm bath and a few horns of ale were a close second to a night spent moaning and panting from the extraordinary skills of her lover.

  She reached out, her eyes closed, for the jug of ale placed there by the serving wenches. After several failed attempts, she opened her eyes. A fluttering in her stomach greeted the sight of a tall, leather-clad figure standing over the bath. The jug of ale was in the possession of her guest.

  Eyes the colour of a tempest watched her closely. As always, after a battle, they were a little bruised. For all her feared reputation in both the mortal and immortal realms, Hlif was always left bereft by the bloodshed. She once confided in Gurith that the needless killings were beginning to create cracks in her soul. Not knowing how to respond to that, Gurith cradled her beloved against her chest.

  The Valkyries were the ultimate warriors. Every girl dreamed of one day joining Odin’s most revered female soldiers. There was none more venerated than the leader of the militia, Hlif. To hear her lover struggle to embrace the life she had been born into, rattled Gurith. She knew that she wasn’t invincible and that her death would beckon soon. What kind of betrayal would it be if she joined the Valkyries knowing how Hlif felt about death and soul hunting?

  After Hlif’s confession, they had not spoken about it again. Gurith would notice the wounded look in her lover’s eyes and they would make love vigorously. For Hlif it was to purge her demons and in Gurith case, to celebrate another victory written in the blood of her enemy.

  “Do you intend to share that, Valkyrie?”

  “It depends.” Hlif knelt next to the bath, her eyes searching the depths of the water. “What are you willing to trade?”

  Gurith lifted her leg out of the water, watching Hlif’s eyes darken with lust. Her night was looking considerably better now that her guest had finally shown up. “It depends on what you want, milady.”

  Hlif surged to her feet, startling Gurith. “What I want, is you.” Her eyes burned with hunger. “On the bed. Ready for me.”

  ***

  Hlif was shaking so hard, her teeth were clattering together that even Magarethe was looking at her in alarm. When Bo was wheeled away by the paramedics, it cost her everything not to follow. Hospital rules be damned! Harald and Shawn must’ve read her mind; for they both subtly blocked the hallway the medical team took Bo. She didn’t want to cause a scene.

  She took a deep breath and went to take a seat next to Magarethe. The older woman was very quiet. A glance at her hands showed they were trembling. It didn’t matter how Bo felt about Magarethe, she was still Bo’s mother. If the pallor of her skin and the haunted look in her eyes were anything to go by, Magarethe wasn’t faking. She loved her daughter. Feeling ashamed for not having acknowledging Magarethe’s fear, Hlif reached over and took the older woman’s hand. It felt clammy and cold.

  “She’s going to be okay.”

  The pale eyes welled up. “She has to be. I…” A tear trickled down the pale cheek. “I never got the chance to tell her how much I love her. How much I missed her.”

  Hlif pulled Magarethe into her arms and the woman burrowed deeper into the embrace. They needed each other. Together, they would weather out the storm until Bo returned to them.

  ***

  The pelt was warm and luxurious against her naked skin. Gurith closed her eyes as she stretched languidly. She sighed at the sensation of a sleek, warm tongue moving up her inner thigh. Gurith pushed her fingers into the cool tresses of the head buried between her legs. The tongue slowly moved higher, skimming over coarse curls.

  Gurith undulated her hips, trying to encourage closer contact. A soft slap on her thigh made her gasp and cease her movements. There were some strict rules in play tonight. Hlif demanded absolute obedience. A strong hand grabbed Gurith’s hip, holding her immobile. She froze when a lazy tongue swept over her nether lips, dipping between them and causing goosebumps to break out all over her body. She raised her knees and hooked her right leg over Hlif’s shoulder. The strokes between her legs became more insistent and Gurith clutched handfuls of Hlif’s hair.

  “I want you…” She stiffened, a groan escaping her lips. “… inside. Please, go inside.” She got her wish when three fingers entered her swiftly. “Oh…” She held onto the bedding and rolled her hips to meet the thrusts. Small grunts fell from her lips as she clutched the arm moving between her legs. Hlif crawled up from between her legs, not stopping her movements, as she pressed her naked body against Gurith’s.

  “Do you like this?” Hlif’s chin glistened under the candlelight. “Should I go deeper? Like this?” Gurith moaned as she tightened her hold on the arm, knowing she was leaving marks. “Or maybe, you would like something else.” She stopped her ministrations and before Gurith could protest, she was rolled onto her stomach and Hlif’s hard body covered hers. She lifted her hips and felt a coarse patch of hair rubbing against her derriere. Hlif’s hand slipped under her and Gurith moaned when she felt a thumb brush over her clit. Between the friction on her clit and the energetic thrusting from behind, Gurith knew she wouldn’t last long. She could already feel the tiny tugs at her sex and the tingling sensation in her toes. Gurith pushed her derriere out against the forceful thrusts, feeling herself swelling hard and fast. The wave of emotion gained momentum, moving from her extremities to her pulsing core.

  The feeling of Hlif’s sweat-slicked body gliding over her back and the sound of their naked flesh meeting pushed her over the edge. She threw her head back and let out a long guttural groan as her body began to spasm. Behind her, Hlif’s rhythm had become erratic as she too was caught in the throes of release.

  ***

  “Anyone for Bo Witteman?”

  The security expert was already towering over the doctor, causing the man to take a few steps backwards, prompted Shawn to place himself between Hlif and the man. He gently steered Magarethe into the doctor’s sight.

  “I’m her mother.”

  “Mrs Witteman…”

  “It’s Lund. How’s my daughter?”

  “She sustained a hard knock to the head during her fall and the fact that she was unconscious when she was brought in, is not reassuring. Brain scans show some swelling, but luckily no bleeding. Until she wakes, all we can do is to monitor her. I’ve administered a drug to help reduce the swelling. But like I said, we’ll know more when she wakes up.” He gave them a reassuring smile. “Sleep is a great way for the body to heal.”

  Shawn watch
ed as Hlif’s hands curled into fists. The woman was barely holding on. “Is there any chance that her mother and sister could see her, Doctor?”

  The man nodded. “Only for a few minutes, though. I’ll take you to her.”

  Shawn was the recipient of twin looks of gratitude as Hlif took Magarethe’s hand and followed the doctor.

  ***

  Hlif scowled at the sight of Bo.

  The oxygen mask and large white bandage around her head disturbing. Hlif swallowed past the knot in her throat. Maybe it was as bad as it seemed and the doctor wasn’t telling them the true extent of Bo’s injuries.

  She glanced at the doctor, her eyes glittering with suspicion. He quickly made apologies and left. Magarethe was standing next to the bed, her eyes not leaving Bo’s pale face. Her shoulders were slumped. Hlif moved closer and stood next to Magarethe. The woman shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.

  “When do you think she’ll wake up?”

  “Maybe when she’s better.” She reached for Magarethe’s hand and stood in silence, watching Bo. The beeping of the machines and hollow echoes of hospital sounds fell away as soft wailing rang through Hlif’s mind.

  “What will become of us now?”

  The whisper carried from the dark corner of the hall to the makeshift slab in the centre of the room where Hlif was bathing Gurith’s body. Hlif gently cupped the pale cheeks. They were cold to the touch and as smooth as marble. She wanted to kiss the cool lips, but hated to do something so intimate with an audience.

  Hlif pulled the sheet away. She soaked the cloth in warm water and tenderly cleaned the wound. The dagger had torn the beautiful skin, leaving an ugly blemish on the body of her beloved. Yet another transgression that Loki will have to pay for dearly. He would pay for every drop of blood that Gurith shed.

  “The water has cooled, milady. Should we bring you fresh water?”

  Hlif’s head jerked up and that’s when she realized she had her forehead pressed against Gurith’s cold one. The blonde’s face was wet with Hlif’s tears. She slowly came upright and used her hands to wipe the tearstains from Gurith’s face. The woman had made the ultimate sacrifice. She deserved more than tears for her bravery. Refusal to abide by Loki would’ve seen her people slaughtered. Had she gone with Loki, they would’ve been separated forever, with Hlif exiled to the mortal realm and Gurith in Valhalla. By taking her own life, the chance of them seeing each other again was slim, but not impossible.

  “Yes,” she said firmly. “Bring me some fresh water.”

  She needed to prepare Gurith for the ceremony that was to follow. Soon, the hall would fill with subjects from all over the island to drink, eat, and commemorate their Queen’s life. Grave goods would be offered and these will be the buried with Gurith, at the break of dawn, to use in the afterlife.

  An afterlife without Hlif.

  The door opened and a nurse entered. She gave them a sympathetic look, but her tone was firm when she told them it was time to leave.

  “When can we see her again?”

  “I’ll ask the doctor now and get back to you,” she said and walked away briskly. Hlif led Magarethe down the corridor to the waiting room. Her short trip down memory lane had left her rattled.

  “Are you okay?”

  She threw a sideways glance at Magarethe. The woman was looking at her with concern. Hlif quickly looked away. There was no way she could explain to Magarethe why the sight of Bo in her current state had left her so utterly devastated.

  “I don’t like hospitals.” That should suffice. These modern people were easily placated with words.

  Magarethe stopped moving and glared at Hlif before continuing down the corridor. It would seem not all humans were placated with useless words.

  ***

  The room was warm enough for her lay on top of the heavy pelt covers, thanks to the smouldering coals in the fireplace. Gurith yawned and stretched her tall frame.

  Next to her, her lover lay sleeping. Gurith smiled as she rolled onto her side. She couldn’t help but feel a little boastful. Hlif rarely slept, but it would seem she had worn out the demi-goddess. Gurith treasured these moments. The Valkyrie was a formidable being when she was awake, with the air crackling around her. Hlif’s eyes were one of the many enthralling features of her lover. They resembled a turbulent storm, dark and swirling.

  Gurith adored everything about the warrior.

  Hlif had fascinated her from the first moment. The thrill of having a demi-goddess pursuing her had been quite flattering at first. Having such a powerful being in her bed and having said woman return every time, had been invigorating.

  Then it all changed.

  The Valkyrie abruptly stopped coming by and instead Gurith would find small gifts waiting for her. Gifts, like the most exquisite flowers, fragrant water and once a colourful talking bird. Gurith loved the gifts, but she found that she missed the Valkyrie more.

  Hlif stayed away for seven moons and it was during that period that Gurith realized that her smugness at having caught the eye of the Valkyrie had morphed into something deeper. Something she couldn’t name for lack of having experienced anything close to what she was feeling. Just as she was about to crumble under the strain of missing the other woman, the Valkyrie appeared in her room. Gurith had made sure since never to let the woman out of her sight without letting her know how much she meant to her.

  Hlif rolled onto her side and Gurith eagerly pulled the sleeping woman into her arms. She smelled wonderful. Sweaty and spent. She buried her nose in the long dark hair. Was it even possible for someone to smell powerful? She grinned as she let her hand gently stroke down Hlif’s side. The soft, silky skin was warm under her touch. In some places, it stretched tightly over supple muscles and Gurith felt a familiar flutter in the pit of her stomach. Hlif still made her heart race after all this time.

  “I thought I had worn you out.”

  Gurith’s smile widened at the sound of the husky tones. “I am insatiable when it comes to you, my love.” She kissed the cool forehead. “I have not seen you for four moons. What is happening in Valhalla that has kept you from me?”

  The stormy eyes flickered open. “You know I cannot talk about Valhalla.”

  “I know, but I cannot resist asking.” She hooked her leg over Hlif’s hip. “I have missed you.”

  “As did I.”

  They kissed. Long and passionately. Afterwards, they lay in silence, looking at each other. Their connection was deeply powerful and growing stronger by the day. Gurith cupped the beautiful face and smiled.

  “When are you going to say it?”

  “Say what?”

  Gurith shrugged as she ran her thumb over the sculpted lips, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. “I always tell you how much you mean to me.”

  Hlif blinked slowly. “I do not understand. Is showing you not enough?”

  She was right. Hlif was not one for passionate declarations, but the Valkyrie showed her every time how much she treasured her. Maybe she shouldn’t try to repair something that wasn’t broken, to begin with.

  She brushed a kiss over Hlif’s lips. “You are right. You have no need to say it.”

  Dark grey eyes studied her closely for a very long moment before Hlif rolled away from Gurith, taking her heat with her. She watched as Hlif sat up, her back to Gurith.

  “You would not ask me unless it was important to you,” Hlif said quietly before she got to her feet and began to dress.

  Gurith sat up slowly. Did she just push Hlif away with her ridiculous need to hear some words uttered that was so aptly conveyed to her every time they were together? Her mouth was suddenly dry from fear. Hlif turned to her, fully dressed and walked around the bed, to come and sit next to her.

  “Gurith, my beloved, I beg your forgiveness for my oversight in not putting into words the magnitude of my feelings for you.” Hlif held her gaze. “You are the only reason I am alive.”

  Alive? What did she mean by that? Here she was sitting but a few sp
aces away from her. A living, breathing creature.

  The stormy eyes deepened with emotion. “When I’m away from you, I only exist. Void of emotions. When I am with you, I am overcome by life itself. My thoughts, my feelings, my senses and my future; they all come alive by the sheer proximity to you.”

  Gurith didn’t know when she started crying, but she was sobbing behind her hands. That will teach her to ask for something, not realizing that it may be offered with such heartbreaking honesty that it threatened to cause her heart to explode. She felt gentle arms pulling her into a warm embrace.

  Chapter 13

  Shawn ended the call to Jennifer and looked around him. Magarethe sat quietly in the corner, holding a cup of coffee that Hlif had pushed into her hand earlier. Hlif stood by the window, her hands thrust deep in her pockets. Since their return to the waiting room, Hlif had been oddly quiet and had kept to herself. She stood as silent and unmoving as a statue.

  When he had once asked Aspen about her experiences in statue form, a bleak look had come over the woman’s face. He couldn’t bring himself to dig deeper after that. Instead, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Some things were impossible to comprehend for mere mortals.

  Looking at Hlif, he realized that although she wasn’t cast in marble anymore, her life was moulded in a frozen cast of secrets and pain. Shawn walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “She’ll be fine. What I’ve read about her, a mere bump to the head shouldn’t be something to worry about.” She gave him a sceptical look. “Instead, we should probably feel sorry for the floor.”

  The dark eyes lit up suddenly and a devastatingly tender smile came over her face. “You’re right. She is a stubborn one.”

  “As a child, she once fell from my horse.” Shawn spun around to find Harald standing behind them. His pale eyes, so like Bo’s, were warm with affection. “Her mother kicked me from our marital bed for having been so negligent.”