by Sumida, Amy
“But I am and you've had more time with me, all to yourself, than any other man in my life.”
“I know,” he pulled his hand away gently. “I know and I'm not complaining, I'm concerned. I just don't want to be pushed aside.”
“I'm here, aren't I?” I frowned. This was a little unexpected, coming from Odin. “I'm trying to make time for you, for all of you.”
“Yes,” he frowned. “Everyone's trying to make more time.”
“Another reference to Azrael, I assume.” Now it was more clear. “It's not that there's one more man, it's that the new man is Az, isn't it? I was going to talk to you about this later but now is as good a time as any. I remember him. I remember dying, my family praying and begging Azrael to take me to Heaven, even though I didn't believe in their god. I remember him coming for me and I remember you asking him to take me to Hvergelmir instead of his Heaven.”
“You do?” Odin stared at me with an unreadable expression.
“I remember him putting me in the well,” I shivered and pulled my cloak in tighter. “His was the last face I saw before oblivion started to claim me. For some reason, I clung to that memory. The well tried to pull it from me but I held fast. I think that's why I was still Sabine when you came for me, why my memories hadn't been completely washed away. I was holding on without even realizing it and that must have been why I hadn't been sent back yet.”
“That makes sense,” he sighed. “So you clung to the memory of an angel instead of me?”
“The angel was the last thing I could remember of my life,” I shook my head. “You have to admit it was a bit unusual, my death. When you dove into the well for me, I knew I wasn't ready yet. I still remembered you, so I couldn't be ready to begin a new life. I tried to fight you but then I saw your face. You were so sad and it tore at me. I didn't just come back because of you, because of what you did, I came back for you. I love you, Odin. Centuries apart didn't change that and neither will an angel.”
“Vervain,” he swallowed hard and pushed his way to his feet, coming around the table in a rush to lift me out of my chair. “I love you so much.”
His kiss was clarity and strength, a crisp wind through my soul that reminded me of who I'd been and who I was. The emerald necklace he'd given me when I was Sabine, warmed against my chest and added its own tune to the spell. Then I was being lifted and carried back to the prow of the ship, laid carefully down on my cloak and kissed everywhere.
Odin's lovemaking had always been, quite literally, magical. It was even better on that ship. The cool night air chilled my skin for only a moment before he rushed against it with both his physical body and his magic arsenal of invisible hands and lips. He was kissing me in multiple places while never actually moving away from my mouth. It was mind-blowing pleasure.
“I knew from the moment I saw him look at you,” Odin pulled back and looked down on me intensely, “that damn angel would fall. I just never thought you might actually fall with him. But then magic always has a price. I asked him to go against the rules for you, knowing that there'd be hell to pay, but I didn't know you'd be the one to pay it.”
“Odin,” I pushed aside his silky, shoulder-length, brown hair. “This is our night together and if you mention Azrael one more time, I'm going to strangle you.”
He laughed, his beautiful peacock-colored eye finally losing its intensity. Then he bent back over me, intent on other things and in more pleasurable ways. I sighed, happy at last, as I pushed his shirt up and over his head and ran my hands over the massive width of his shoulders. Talk about fantasy come to life, I was making love to a Viking god on a Viking longship in the middle of the lake of Asgard. He may not be an angel but he was a god and I loved him.
My passionate cries had just finished echoing off into the dark when a huge crack of thunder sounded above us. Odin's head jerked around to glare at the gathering storm clouds before he waved a hand in a sharp gesture and pulled a canvas topped shelter over us. Just in time too because the next second brought a sheet of rain plummeting down around us.
I shivered and Odin wrapped his body around me and the cloak around us both. It was kind of nice actually, pressed up against each other, warm in the fur, as we watched the rain attack the ship like an angry thunder god.
“That lightning loving lummox!” I sat up and glared over at Bilskinir, Thor's hall, which happened to be located on the cliff that overlooked the lake we were on.
“Leave be, Vervain,” Odin laughed. “It's not like he planned to have sex right after us.”
I blinked and looked back at Odin. That's right, I'd forgotten how Thor would call storms whenever we made love. I used to get so embarrassed that all of Asgard knew every time we had sex. I don't know why I'd automatically assumed he was trying to literally rain on my parade but knowing he was sleeping with that horse woman was kind of worse. I was over Thor and I absolutely did not want him back but being over a man and being forced to lie there listening to evidence of his lovemaking were two different things entirely. Especially when I'd just made love to his father. Can you say awkward?
I laid back down beside Odin, letting him wrap me up in the cloak again, and tried to get that happy feeling back in the midst of Thor's thunderstorm of love. I hoped he electrocuted her.
Chapter Five
I traced into my living room and was greeted by the whining complaint of an angry cat. Nicholas, my eight-year-old gray tabby, came trudging around the corner of the hallway to sit in front of me accusingly. I frowned and picked him up, scratching behind his ears and finally getting a nice purr out of him.
“What's up with you?” I looked around the empty house. “And where is everyone?”
I headed back toward my bedroom, poking my head into Kirill's room along the way and finding it to be as neat as a pin, the last bastion of cleanliness in my unkempt house. Everything was in its place except Kirill, who wasn't there at all. I frowned and glanced into my altar room, just in case, but no one was there either. Finally, I went back to my bedroom, where I deposited Nick on the bed, and found it to be empty. Both bathrooms were empty as well.
“Curiouser and curiouser,” I dug in my purse for my cell phone and dialed Trevor's number. It rang and then went to voicemail. Kirill's was the same. “What the hell?” I glared at my phone like it was all its fault. Then I called Moonshine.
“Moonshine, all moon, all the time. How may I help you?”
“Yeah, this is Vervain, is Trevor there?”
“Rouva!” I heard the phone shifting. “This is Max. I'm glad you called. We've had a stabbing. Everyone is fine, well except for the victim, who is on the way to the hospital, but everyone who matters to you is fine. Trevor and Kirill are dealing with the police right now.”
“Whoa,” I sat down on the edge of the bed. “Wait, what? A stabbing? Who stabbed who and how? The moon would have picked up on any ill intent. How did security not know about the problem before it escalated into a stabbing?”
“They weren't even in the club yet,” Max sounded a little winded and confused. “It was a human couple and this man, who I'm told was the young lady's ex-boyfriend. The ex stabbed the new and it all happened in the entryway. They were still in line, hadn't even paid to get in yet.”
“What the fuck?”
“Yeah, it's strange.”
“Do we have cameras in the entryway?” I needed to see this.
“Yes, Rouva. I believe the Prince has already given a copy to the police but we have it on our hard drive and I'm sure he intends to burn another copy for you to go over with him.”
“Good,” I nodded as if he could see me. So stupid, why do I do that? “Please remind him to burn a copy, when you tell him that I called.”
“I will, Rouva.”
“Oh and Max?”
“Yes?”
“Take a deep breath, it's going to be okay.”
“Thank you, Rouva,” he laughed and hung up.
“Yeah,” I looked down at Nick, who had found a nice
spot on the bed to curl up on. “If only I could make myself believe that.”
Chapter Six
I was asleep by the time my men got home but they woke me up in a very pleasant way. I couldn't handle being with them both at the same time, all of the time, but every once in awhile it was great. I think they both needed the stress relief too, they seemed a little on edge. We didn't even speak about what had gone on at the club until after all the screaming was done.
“Did you go over the security recording yet?” I asked sleepily as I curled in against Trevor's side. Kirill was pressed to my back.
“Not yet,” Trevor sighed and rubbed at his forehead. “I'm going to save it until I get everyone together. I think the whole Squad needs to see the footage.”
“So you think it's a god?” I sat up, dislodging Kirill, who made an unhappy grunt and rolled over. He was obviously going to let the alpha deal with this.
“I think it may be,” Trevor pulled me back down. “I'm not sure but the amount of trouble this caused felt planned. It's the perfect place for a god to fuck with us because there's lots of people around and no one's goes through an oath to get into the front room.”
“Maybe we should change that,” I frowned.
“I was thinking the same thing,” he grimaced. “In fact, I was considering posting a shack at the parking entrance and having an attendant there to quote-unquote, direct traffic. He could tell the regular humans where to park and oath the gods right there in their car, before they even got to the door.”
“I think that's a great idea,” I thought about it. “What if they don't drive though?”
We can have another guard shack at the front door to catch any who don't drive.”
“Good plan,” I snuggled under the covers and Kirill turned back around. “I think you should implement it immediately.”
“I think you're right,” Trevor still looked really worried.
“If it is a god, who do you think it is?”
“It could be anyone, Vervain,” he looked down at me. “You've made quite a few enemies.”
“Thanks, Trev,” I narrowed my gaze on him. “Just what I needed to hear.”
“Zat's enough,” growled Kirill. “Sleep now, talk later.”
“Okay, babe,” I laughed off the irritation Trevor's comment brought. “I'll try not to think about all the enemies I've made and just go to sleep.”
“House is varded,” Kirill kissed my cheek. “No need to vorry right now.”
“Right,” I kissed him back, properly. “Worry is for when you're not tired.”
“We need to call a meeting tomorrow,” Trevor didn't seem to have heard any of our conversation. “I'd like to have it at Pride Palace if possible.”
“Of course,” I nodded with my eyes closed. Kirill was right, no time for worry when you're sleepy.
“Good,” Trevor finally settled in. “Sleep well, both of you.”
Chapter Seven
Pride Palace was the property I'd inherited(through combat) from Nyavirezi. It was huge two level affair(the second level being underground), it had to be to house almost eighty werelions, and was situated on miles of beautifully sparse landscape filled with game, also necessary for lots of werelions. It's large dining room was perfect for our God Squad meetings.
Since we'd previously been meeting in Thor's library, I was much happier with the new venue. Thor wasn't present, nor was he welcome on any of my properties, which was a shame because I'd intended on working together with him and the Squad. Since he'd pretty much formed the Squad and got me involved in the first place, I didn't like the idea of pushing him out but hopefully it was only temporary, like his insanity.
“Tima,” Fallon, one of my werelions who I thought looked an awful lot like LL Cool J, was at my elbow. “When you're done here, the men would like to have our grievances aired and I would also like to talk to you privately.”
One of my duties as Tima of the Intare, was to regulate their affairs. I came around as often as I could to check on them but I had to make time at least monthly, to sit and talk with them. They needed me to basically referee any disputes they had amongst themselves while I was away. Yes, they're grown men and sure, they could probably settle things themselves, if they weren't a bunch of werelions. Pride mentality, as I was beginning to think of it, insisted that I be the one to offer judgment and decree anything that needed decreeing.
“No problem,” I smiled at Fallon. He and Darius were pretty much my guys in charge while Kirill and I were away. They did a really good job at handling things too. “I was intending on getting that done today anyway. You guys have any big problems?”
“Nah,” Fallon shrugged, “just the usual. Aidan's been poaching a lot of kills lately and really pissing people off.”
“I think that's Aidan's superpower actually,” I laughed.
“Poaching kills?”
“No, pissing people off.”
“I'll run the DVD player for you, Tima,” he chuckled as headed toward the TV we had set up on one end of the dining table.
While he went to wait near the TV, I greeted my friends. Persephone had brought Hades, as she'd been doing for awhile now. Ever since Demeter had tried to kill him, I think he's considered himself a part of the God Squad. Odin had been attending most meetings too, not so surprising since he'd switched sides for me and we were sleeping together. He brought Vidar and Vali with him as well. Vidar was our son and Vali was Odin's by another woman but I'd adopted him, back when I was Sabine. All three of them kissed me hello and sat near me.
Mr. T and his wife, Mrs. E came in, followed by Brahma, looking as slick as ever. Horus looked pretty GQ himself but Pan came in wearing one of his many, amusing T shirts. This one advertised, Nymph needed, all positions available on it in big block letters. I just shook my head and smiled at his disarray of curls barely concealing the little horns on his head.
Ull had a somewhat stoic expression that wasn't his norm and I was hoping it wasn't because of the fight I'd just had with his step-dad. Ull was very loyal and I couldn't fault him for loving Thor. I just didn't want to have to face the judgment of a god of justice right then. So I chickened out and looked away. Thankfully Blue, the newest member of our group, was coming in and was able to distract me. He came over and gave me a hug which I enthusiastically returned.
My relationship with Blue had been rocky, to say the least. That we were finally not only friends but actually fighting on the same side of this god war, was amazing to me and I wanted to do everything within my power to keep things just as they were. So my huge smile was genuine and I was hoping the one he gave me was as well.
“Little witch,” he said softly. “You look well.”
“Thank you. Not so bad yourself,” I gestured to the table. “Have a seat, we're going to start soon.”
As he took a seat, I saw Teharon came in. The Mohawk God of Healing had saved my butt too many times to count but he'd been given a break since I drank from the Grayel. I was still riding high on god manufactured healing and immortality, so I hadn't needed him lately. It was great to see him though, he was quiet, kind, and steady, things I really needed in my life. On his arm was Karni Mata, his new girlfriend. I smiled at the Hindu Rat Goddess and went over to welcome her.
“I hope you don't mind,” Teharon gestured to Karni. “Karni wanted to sit in on one of our meetings and see if maybe this would be something she'd like to participate in.”
“Of course you're welcome here,” I gave her a quick hug. “You've already helped us once. As far as I'm concerned, you're an honorary member until you decide to be full time. Welcome to Pride Palace.”
“Thank you,” she blinked her black eyes(black all the way to the edges) at me, so shocking since they were framed by her bright, white hair. “Your home is lovely.”
“Thank you,” I led them to the table. “I'm happy to see you and Teharon are still together. He deserves a good woman.”
“And I deserve a good man,” she beamed up at him
and I let myself bask for a moment in their new love. So nice, those first butterflies in the belly, sigh.
Besides being the Goddess of Lions, I'm also the Goddess of Love, Lust, and Victory. My love magic was something that could be used to help or hinder but I've done my best to only use it for good. Seeing people in love, being around them, helped to keep the magic from turning to the dark side. Plus, I'd given them a blessing, the first one I'd ever bestowed, and it made me feel a little responsible for them. So I basked in their affection and the Love butterflies inside me did a little happy dance.
Then Finn sauntered in and I went to give him a quick hug. We'd had some issues awhile back with his crush on me but he got over me, like I was sure he would. The man's super hot, with dark Irish looks, black hair and green eyes. He didn't have to worry about finding a woman and frankly, I don't think he could handle being one of my men, he seemed more like a one-on-one type of guy to me.
“Alright, everyone,” Trevor was standing near my empty chair. “Can you all take a seat, I have something important to show you.”
When everyone was settled, Trevor nodded to Fallon, who turned on the DVD copy of Trevor's security footage. The TV flared to life, showing the entry room of Moonshine, crowded with humans and gods alike.
“This was taken by my security cameras last night,” Trevor walked over to the screen. “The police have a copy as well but I'd appreciate it if everyone here could take a good look at a man I'm about to point out.”
“The police?” Ull's eyebrow went up.
“It'll be clear in a minute,” Trevor waved toward the television.
A dark haired Hawaiian man, who looked as if he ate whole chickens for breakfast, started to get visibly upset. He began yelling at another man who had his arm around an attractive blonde. The second man frowned in confusion and let go of his lady to confront the chicken-eating Hawaiian. That's when the Hawaiian pulled out a large knife and stabbed the unsuspecting guy repeatedly. The entire crowd reacted badly, stampeding for the door amidst screams. The entire crowd that is, except for one man near a side wall, who stared up at the camera as if he knew its exact location and was posing for a cover shot.
