Shatterproof

by Stein Willard

  “I’m sorry you had to find out like that,” she said quietly, soothingly.

  Bo’s head snapped up; her eyes burning with deep intensity. “I’m sorry you had to go through that because of me.” She swallowed convulsively. “It hurt so much to see you like that. It still hurts like hell.”

  Warmed profusely by the concern for her, Hlif rested her forehead against the Bo's. “I’m okay now.” She pulled back to place a kiss on the bruised eye. “All thanks to you.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Hlif kicked off her shoes. “It’s going to take a while to explain.” She lay back and welcomed Bo in her arms. “When I denounced Odin, he got angry and cursed me to spend an eternity in stone.” Hlif was surprised how it was suddenly not so painful to talk about this. She brushed her lips over Bo’s forehead. “The only way the curse can be broken is if my beloved is reborn and I manage to get her to fall in love with me again.”

  Bo’s eyes were unreadable as she watched her. “What you’re saying then, is that I’m in love with you and that’s why you can move about during the day now?”

  Hlif grimaced. If only. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. Those ancient witches left many loopholes in their hexes. Something I spent a lot my time exploring. Some worked and others didn’t. What I found out, was that proximity to my reincarnated lover affected the curse. It either made you ‘wake’ earlier or kept you from transforming at all. I found the latter worked for me.”

  “Then how did you keep from transforming in my absence?” Bo’s eyes widened. “Unless I’m not…”

  “Oh, you definitely are. When I became aware of the sudden, inexplicable deaths occurring in your bloodline, I started keeping an eye on your ancestors. Unfortunately, I couldn’t save all of them, but I made sure that the people responsible for their deaths paid with their lives. After your parents died, I inspected the house, hoping to find a physical trace of you to test my theory. What I found, was a lock of your hair in your mother’s sewing box.” Hlif lifted her midnight locks to expose the tiny blonde lock hidden amongst her own. “I took it as a memento and found that it stopped me from transforming. I’ve kept it with me ever since.”

  Bo had been quiet all through Hlif explanation, just lying there and looking at Hlif. Even with the bruises and the black eye, Hlif was still left slightly breathless by Bo’s beauty. She’ll tell Bo one day, about the dying warrior’s last wish, the one that had led Hlif to Gurith.

  “You know what you need?”

  Hlif was unsure of how to answer that loaded question. In the end, she settled for ‘no’.

  “You need love. Lots of it.”

  Hlif smiled faintly. “I could do with some love.”

  “I know. Gurith thought so, too.”

  “Gurith?” What did Gurith have to do with this? Unless… She held her tongue and waited for Bo’s response.

  “She was in the dream. We talked about you.”

  An oddly familiar look crossed over Bo’s eyes and Hlif felt her skin begin to tingle. Gurith. Harald was right. Gurith was indeed coexisting alongside Bo. “What did she have to say?”

  Bo fixed her with a level gaze. “You don’t seem freaked out by this?”

  “And be a hypocrite? I’m the freak, remember.” She chuckled when Bo gave her a hard look.

  “No, you’re not.” She held Hlif’s gaze for a long moment. “I’m not sure how I feel about Gurith sharing my body, but one thing I know is that she cares about you very much. That is enough for me right now.” She placed her hand over Hlif’s heart. “It’s time that someone takes care of you for a change.”

  Hlif was tempted to ask Bo is she was going to be the person who would take care of her. However, the time once again wasn’t right to bring it up. Not when Bo was still traumatized by her dream.

  “Hlif! You have a call!”

  She welcomed the interruption. Her inability to get Bo to make a meaningful pledge towards her was eating away at her. Distance from Bo was beginning to feel better than being with her.

  She gave Bo an apologetic smile and moved to get out of bed. A hand on her arm stopped her. Bo had an intense look in her eyes.

  “I can’t help but feel as if there is still so much left unsaid between us.” Her grip tightened on Hlif’s arm. “Why are you not talking to me?”

  Hlif placed her hand over Bo’s. “Professor Whittaker and his family might be coming over for lunch, but I promise we’ll make time to talk.”

  Bo still looked troubled, but she nodded. “Okay.”

  ***

  Loki sighed as he turned away from the wall, his battered body protesting loudly with every move, to fix a bored gaze on his visitor. His hands curled into fists at the identity of his visitor. “What are you doing here?”

  “Making sure that you’re comfortable. I’d hate to hear later that you’ve spent your time here in squalor.”

  “Now that you’ve seen me and my accommodations, I beg you to leave me alone.”

  “But you do know that I can’t leave here, brother.”

  Loki pursed his lips in frustration and displeasure. He should’ve been more concerned when Odin had proven to be more benevolent than expected. Loki wasn’t a fool. His punishment warranted something a little more perverse than being locked up in the dungeon of one of Odin’s dilapidated courts. At the time, he’d thought Odin intended to humiliate him for his insolence. Why else would he lock him up like a diseased dog in a deserted dungeon? That surely gave the impression that he didn’t deem Loki important enough to have him paraded on a leash through the gilded halls of Valhalla, where everyone could see and ridicule him. Odin’s son, the betrayer and criminal. Instead, Allfather had a more gruelling punishment in mind. The punishment being the seven-foot-tall ghost of a warrior. Someone Loki had envied and whose death he had plotted to the finest detail.

  Baldr.

  Odin and Frigg’s son. He also happened to be the apple of Frigg’s eye with his gentle manners and soft heart. How nauseating! He had thought that Frigg would never forgive him for his role in the death of her favourite son.

  Loki turned away from Baldr. The wall seemed a much better view than the ghostly figure of the sickening smile. He unexpectedly moved forward ran into a wall, smashing his face. He groaned as he gingerly touched his nose. It was bleeding profusely. He threw a surprised glance at Baldr who stood close behind him.

  “I forgot to inform you about the rules. Firstly, this is my home and you are my special guest. Secondly, you obey my instructions or bear the consequences and finally, if you obey the first two rules, we’ll have a wonderful time together for the duration of your stay here.”

  Loki frowned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “For how long will I be your guest?”

  “We will revisit your sentence after the first five centuries.”

  “FIVE HUNDRED YEARS!”

  The ghost shrugged. “For now, yes.”

  ***

  Shawn turned to his family as they stood in the lift that would take them to the second floor. Jennifer had a naughty glint in her eye and he gave her a small smile. Maxima, Sara and their daughter, Anima had decided to join them for lunch. The five-year-old Anima was excited to have a friend to share the experience with and it didn’t seem to bother her that Cleo was two years her junior.

  “You say, she’s in private security,” Sara asked as she straightened after having tied the laces of one of Anima’s sneakers. “It surely pays well for her to be able to afford a three-story building that houses her business, guest apartments, and her residence.”

  “She has several branches across Europe and they all seem to be doing very well,” Shawn confirmed.

  “Maybe we’re in the wrong profession, honey,” Sara said to her quiet wife.

  Maxima Kodon gave her wife a teasing smile. “Says the woman who arrived here in her private jet.”

  Sara blushed. “Yeah, you’re right. We should be thankful for what we have.”

  Her dry remark made
everyone laugh just as the lift stopped and they disembarked. The laughter died when the group, except for Shawn, took in the ultra-stylish lounge as they rounded the corner. Hlif and her houseguests awaited them with big smiles. Shawn was stunned by how much they looked like a family as well and by the horrible bruises on Bo’s face. What did he miss?

  “Oh my,” Jennifer muttered next to him. “They’re all so… so beautiful, even bruised.”

  Bo chuckled and approached them. “Welcome all. Let me help you with your jackets and scarves.” She walked up to Jennifer and hugged her. “Hello, Jennifer. Good to see you again.”

  Jennifer blinked at Bo as her eyes roamed over the younger woman’s face. “You must be very clumsy.”

  “I’ll tell you everything as soon as we get a chance,” she said with a wink. “Let me introduce you to my mother.”

  As Bo led Jennifer away, Shawn turned to the rest of the group and made the introductions. Shawn was charmed when Harald went down on his haunches to look at the two small girls.

  “And these two princesses?”

  Anima held out her hand. “I’m Anima and this is my friend, Cleo.”

  Harald bowed his head deeply. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ladies. I’m your humble servant, Harald. Welcome to our home.”

  Our home? Shawn smiled. They were a family. They just might not be aware of it yet. Shawn led the group over to the couches where platters with finger foods and drinks awaited for them. When the group was seated, it was interesting to see Hlif taking in position behind Bo’s chair. Their shared glances confirmed his suspicion that a lot had happened after he had left for the evening. But that would come as the day progresses. For now, he was excited to share his news with his family.

  “Now that we’re all seated, I think it’s the ideal time to make the true introductions of our hosts.” He turned to Aeron and Aspen. “Remember how you told me that some of the artefacts seemed older than they were catalogued?” Aeron looked puzzled as she nodded. “You were right. We were off by six hundred years and although we’re going to have the items dated, I have someone who can corroborate the claim. You all have met Harald. Harald is the reincarnation of Harald Haardraad, the first King of Iceland, and the first Viking to settle here with his clan in the 1st Century BCE.”

  He saw Aeron gape at Harald, while Aspen appearing vaguely interested. Oh, he’s going to enjoy cracking his daughter-in-law’s cool veneer. “Bo Witteman is the reincarnation of none other than Queen Gurith, Harald’s daughter and owner of the tomb we are excavating as we speak.” That seemed to get Aspen’s attention. Both she and Maxima turned her gazes on Bo. Shawn recalled her mentioning a few nights ago how both she and Maxima had thought of joining Gurith’s army all those millennia ago. He took a sip from his glass. “There is more. I want to…”

  There was a blinding flash and Maxima, Harald, and Aspen were on their feet in seconds, ready to defend their families. When the glare faded, a strapping blonde man in heavy armour appeared, a hammer dangling from his broad belt. He took off his helmet and his bright blue eyes swept the room. A brilliant smile lit up his handsome face when his eyes fell on Hlif.

  “Sister!”

  Hlif sighed. “What are you doing here, Thor?”

  Shawn blinked in shock. Thor? The God of Thunder, Thor? He glanced at Jennifer and found everyone staring in astonishment. Thor had literally stolen his thunder.

  “I have come to talk to you. Father is moping about and everyone in Valhalla is walking on eggshells. Why do you make him suffer so, Sister?” Hlif’s eyes narrowed dangerously and Thor held up his hands. “I fully agree that he deserves to be taught a lesson, but would you please consider forgiving him?”

  Hlif looked at them and then back at Thor. “Let’s go talk in my study.” She led him away and Shawn noticed that for a full minute afterwards, everyone, except for the two girls, were still staring in mute shock.

  “That was our host, Hlif, Supreme Valkyrie and daughter of Odin. I take it you all know Thor.” He downed his whiskey.

  ***

  Hlif stared at her brother, not knowing if she should hug him or strangle him. Unlike Baldr, who was sensitive and considerate, Thor was loud and impulsive. Not that it made him a bad person, it only made him irksome.

  “Father brought this upon himself.”

  Thor nodded. “I know, but he is not doing well.”

  “I thought everyone would be used to it by now. It’s been two thousand years, after all.”

  “Yeah, there is that. But he has isolated himself again and Mother is at her wit's end. In a strange move, he has locked up Loki in grandfather’s old palace.”

  Beidr Court? That place was a pile of rocks. No one goes there anymore. It didn’t make sense. “Why?”

  “Baldr’s ghost is reported to have taken up residence there.” Hlif gave him a sceptical look. “Some say a witch’s spell is keeping him alive in the dungeons. Father thought it appropriate that Loki make amends with Baldr for the next five hundred years or so.”

  Hlif was speechless. That was such a devious thing to do. Had Odin finally realized that his adopted son needed a firmer hand? She shuddered slightly. To lock Loki up for centuries with someone who had a grudge to settle with him, must be utter agony.

  “I take it the punishment carries your approval.”

  She hated Loki’s guts, but she wouldn’t wish that on her worse enemy. “I’m not sure.”

  “And Father?” The blue eyes were pleading with her.

  Hlif sighed. Thor was like a bulldozer. If he wanted peace between Odin and Hlif, chances were that he would succeed.

  “What do you want me to do about this, Thor?” She needed to get him to go so she could return to her guests. “As you saw, I have guests over.”

  Thor blinked at her. “You cannot be serious. Are they more important than your family?”

  She approached him and stabbed her finger into his chest. “Yes, they are. I’ve been alone for all this time and they were the only ones willing to make me part of their family.”

  Shame burned in Thor’s eyes. He took her hand and placed a kiss in the palm. “You are my sister, now and forever. If it means that I have to adopt those humans in there to make you forgive us for not standing up for you, then I will.”

  Hlif studied his eyes and found them to be open and honest. She placed her hand over his chest. “Let me think about this, Thor. Give me time to find happiness again and maybe then, I might be gracious enough to extend some goodwill to Father.”

  Without warning, he pulled her into a crushing hug that squeezed the breath from her lungs. “I’m human now, remember,” she gasped and he quickly let her go. With a soft kiss and a hard slap to her butt, he was gone.

  Chapter 21

  Lunch was a lively affair, with a little too much wine and delicious food. Hlif made pesto-crusted salmon with glazed veggies. There were strawberry tarts for dessert and they all retired to the lounge for coffee.

  Bo was having a great time. After the shock arrival of Thor, the conversation revolved around Thor for a while. There weren’t many people, if any, who could say that Thor, the God of Thunder, crashed their lunch.

  As the conversation progressed, Bo found it fascinating to learn that Aeron was channelling Phage, Queen Aspen’s former consort. The topic was the cause of some moments of hilarity, when Maxima innocently asked Sara if she were perhaps channelling someone too.

  “Nope, just little ole me, babe,” a slightly tipsy Sara had answered and afterwards, “Do I detect a bit of a disappointment there?” The table had roared with laughter as Maxima quickly backpedalled on the issue.

  Bo made a mental note to arrange to have a more in-depth discussion with Aeron concerning the issue. Aeron’s reassurance that the two of them were coping very well together, gave her some hope for her and Gurith.

  Hlif came towards her from across the room and Bo reached out a hand and melted at the warm look in the stormy eyes.

  I told you it was a battle
you would want to lose.

  Bo’s eyes shot wide as she looked around. She glanced at Hlif and found the woman giving her a questioning look. She shook her head. This wasn’t something she was ready to discuss in public. Not after she had fully come to terms with the issue herself. That was where her talk with Aeron came in.

  “Are you okay?” Hlif asked softly as she leaned over her. Bo had to stop herself from leaning forward and kissing her. The odd conversation of that morning came to mind, but she quickly pushed it to the back of her mind. Hlif committed to a talk later and she was going to wait for that.

  “Yes, I’ll tell you later.” She gave the Valkyrie a small, reassuring smile. Hlif held her gaze for a moment longer before she nodded. “And you?”

  Bo watched as Hlif grimaced. They didn’t get a chance to talk after Thor’s departure.

  “Thor loves dramatic entrances.”

  That had been obvious too. “He seems nice.”

  “He is.” Hlif smiled warmly. “He’s also very persistent, so when he returns to harass me again, I’ll introduce you.”

  “He’s going to return?” Excitement made Bo smile widely. She was going to meet Thor. No one would believe her. She felt her excitement wan a little. That’s if she was allowed to tell anyone.

  Hlif sipped from her drink. “I’m sure of it. Now, let’s entertain our guests.”

  She brought Bo’s hand to her lips. The action made goosebumps break out on the skin of Bo’s arm.

  ***

  Hlif collected the empty wine bottles on her way to the kitchen. A fresh pot of coffee and a few more snacks probably would help with sobering up her guests. She placed the bottles in a recycle bin and prepared the coffee machine. Hlif looked up to find Aspen standing at the island. The sultana was a beautiful woman, albeit a little on the serious side and unlike Maxima, who had a sunnier disposition.