Page 35 of Loki

He kissed her forehead. “But those things can wait. For now, let’s go see if Elle is safe.”

She nodded. “I like that plan.”

As Valand Loki exited Valhalla’s Throne, the cool but not uncomfortable breeze trickled over her exposed skin. So many feelings and thoughts rumbled through her that she couldn’t focus on anything. So, she settled on getting back to her apartment. Once she’d done that, she could sort through everything that had happened in the past twelve hours.

“Are you ever going to talk to me again?”

She eyed him. “I think that’s supposed to be my line.”

He smiled. “For some reason, I can’t imagine you asking a guy that.”

“Me neither.”

They walked another block in silence.

“So, is that a, no?” he asked. “You one of those love ‘em and leave ‘em types?”

Her eyebrows scrunched together. “Why wouldn’t I talk to you again?”

He reached for her hand.

“Too much.” She pulled away. “We aren’t twelve.”

Loki barked a laugh, and Val smiled as the scent of brimstone and blood flooded her nostrils. She stopped moving and scanned the area.

“What’s wrong?”

The hairs rose on her arms. “We’re being watched.”

She turned in a circle, slowly scanning for something out of place. Loki stood at her back, and they turned in unison.

“You run; I’ll handle this.”

Val snorted. “I’m not a damsel in distress.”

Footsteps padded out of the shadows across the street.

“At least move behind me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re joking, right? I have my weapons. You might want to move behind me.”

“Not on your life.”

She pulled her sword from her back and extended it to its entire length.

“Who are you?” Loki called. “What do you want?”

Six beings stopped halfway across the street.

“We want the woman,” the male in front answered.

“Sorry, she’s taken.”

She glared at him, and he winked back at her.

“Now really isn’t the time to irritate me,” she said.

“Rumor has it there is a sizable bounty on her head and a girl she travels with. Give them to us, and we’ll share it with you,” said a female.

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