Page 27 of Thor

“You don’t need to. I have food in my loft.”

“Cereal?” His eyebrow cocked upward.

Busted.“I like cereal.” Honestly, she did. She’d bought a dozen different kinds at the mortal store on Midgard. She liked the one with the leprechaun on it best. She always saved the little marshmallows for last. She did like the ones which taste like chocolate and peanut butter though as well.

“Well, you need more than cereal to keep you going at Frigg’s place. And fending off those jerks you have to deal with. Let me take you to my favorite place to eat down here.”

Part of her wanted to go, but part of her had begun to swirl with guilt. Like she was purposely lying to Thor, and that she didn’t want to do.

“Not tonight,” she said.

Thor nodded. “Rain check? Maybe for Friday. My family dinner? If you don’t have plans.”

She thought for a moment trying to process his words. “We need to check for rain?”

“No. A rain check means, a different day.”

Why?“Oh. Yes. A rain-check then.”

Thor stared at her for a moment and motioned her forward. “Let’s get you to your cereal.”

* * *

They walkedto the Raven Weaver in silence. Elle’s conscience screamed at her for not telling him the full truth. But as the words had presented themselves on her tongue to tell him, she couldn’t. Something inside stopped her from telling him.

She didn’t want to lie to Thor, but she didn’t want to lose him either. They’d only seen each other a few times, and yet she’d experienced a connection with him she’d never had with another person. Something of her own. Something only for her. Something she was sure she’d never share with anyone else.

Thor pulled open the door for her and a chill raced up her neck. She stopped and skimmed the street. An eerie silence had fallen over the street. The only sounds came from inside Frigg’s place. A blast of warmth caressed her cheek and she shivered.

“Are you alright?”

She turned to Thor and he scanned the street.

“What’s wrong?” He reached inside his coat and pulled out a hammer.

“I... I don’t know.”

Together they inspected every direction of the street. Elle held her breath and listened for movement.

Something creaked in one of the shadows two buildings down. Thor stiffened and she grabbed his arm.

“It’s nothing,” he said. “Some hellspawn lurking around for easy prey. Let’s go inside.”

His gaze flickered between her and the building she’d been staring at as he ushered her inside, but she noticed he didn’t put his hammer back in his coat.

They were halfway to the bar and still he didn’t relax. She looked over, surprised to find Val at the bar with Loki. Loki spotted them and Val turned. Her gaze narrowed, and she stood, but Elle gave her a small smile and Val stopped. Loki said something to her and she sat back down.

They continued through the portal and up through the topside of the Raven Weaver to the lofts above. They’d reached her door before Thor finally put his hammer away.

She pushed her hair behind her ears. “Thank you for showing me your place.”

He nodded. “It wasn’t how I’d expected tonight to go.”

“Maybe we’ll have to try again.” Man, she was getting bold. But somehow being with him made her bold. Strong.

“How about tomorrow night? I will actually take you to the restaurant I like.”

“In the underworld?”

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