Page 40 of Loki

Val nodded. “Benjinn. What can I get you?”

“Beer is fine.”

She picked up his empty glass and turned to go, but he reached for her hand.

“I’m sorry for leaving last night.”

She shrugged. “No biggie.”

His eyes held sadness and shame. “I... I wasn’t prepared to see you... like that.”

“You mean fighting? That surprises me, with you being a wolf and all. I would assume you’d seen people fight a million times.”

“Not like that. You were... I don’t know. Obsessed?”

Val blew out a breath. “Benjinn, I’m not for everyone. I’m sorry you saw that, but I’m glad you did now rather than after we’d started something.”

He nodded. “You’re probably right.”

Val wanted to say something to comfort him and make him feel better, but what would make him feel better? And why should she have to comfort him? He saw who she was, what she was, and if he couldn’t handle it, that wasn’t her problem. Still, he’d been nothing but a gentleman to her and, dare she say, friendly.

She held out her hand. “Friends?”

He smiled. “Friends.”

He chuckled.

“What?”

“I’m usually the one people go to when they need help with someone or something. I’ve never had anyone to go to, though. But seeing you in action last night made me think I’d come to you for help if I were ever in trouble.” He smiled.

Val laughed. “Anytime.”

Benjinn studied her.

She rolled her eyes. “What now?”

“You seem... happier today. More relaxed.”

Val’s cheeks heated despite her protests.

Benjinn nodded. “I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you smile. Wish it could have been me, but if not, at least it’s a Norse God. But he better take care of you. Or Norse God or not, he will deal with me.”

She smiled at Benjinn. No one had had her back since she’d been with her sisters.

“Thanks.”

Take care of her? Did she want Loki to take care of her? She liked being self-reliant. But again, it would be comforting to have someone looking out for her for a change. She had no idea what that would feel like and if she could give up control long enough to let him.

“I gotta go,” said Benjinn. “I only stopped by to apologize.”

“What about your beer?”

He shook his head. “I gotta head back to work. I’ll see ya around Valkyrie.”

She watched him go. “What do you do for work?”

Benjinn smiled. “I’m a veterinarian.”

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