Page 34 of Loki

Val smiled. “I’ve been bedded by monsters before, and I have news for you, Loki, God of Mischief, fire giant, and Jötunn. You are no monster.”

Loki’s eyes clouded with emotion. He reached out and pulled her mouth to his before setting his forehead against hers. “You are like no woman I have ever met.”

“And you are like no man I have ever met.”

A serious expression planted on his face. “Perhaps that is because we were only meant for each other, Signe.”

Val’s chest crushed inward, and she fought to find words but had none. Could it be true? Could Loki be the one she’d been waiting for?

CHAPTER 9

Loki wasaware of his sappy and pathetic words, but somehow, she evoked a softer side of him he had never known. Something about Val— Signe had awoken in him a need and a tenderness he’d never possessed before. Plus, she’d seen him, the true him, and not run away. He’d shown his true self only once to his former wife. It had scared her so badly that for months she’d not been able to look at him until he erased the memory from her mind. But Val had not only not run from him; she’d asked to see his proper form again and even touched him.

He’d been taught to hide that part of his heritage for the prejudice that came with it. But now, with her support, he might become comfortable enough to walk around in his skin. It was funny because he was less likely to be looked at twice in the underworld in his proper form, but he’d gotten so used to looking like everyone else to fit in, he’d never tried it.

“What time is it?”

Loki checked his watch. “Close to five a.m.”

She nodded. “I should get back. Though you believe Elle is in no danger with Thor around, I would feel better if I saw for myself.”

“If you wish.” He wanted to spend the entire day in bed with her in his arms, but she wouldn’t ease up until she knew Elle was safe. Loki imagined what it would be like to have someone worry about him.

“I need my clothes.”

He nodded. “They should be in a basket outside the door. But before you put them on, let me recheck your wings.”

“They feel fine.”

“I would be more convinced if I could see for myself.”

A smile played on her lips as he used her words against her. She turned around and spread her wings as wide as she was able. He inspected them. The quills he had plucked had already begun to grow new feathers. The ones he had cut had also started to fill in again. He palpitated her wing joint and bent her wing.

“The joints are stiff from being folded away too long. Much longer, and they may have atrophied, and you would never be able to use them again.”

“I guess it’s good I didn’t wait any longer.”

Loki sighed. “You need to look after yourself better.”

“Do I now?” She regarded him over her shoulder as she folded her wings away.

He kissed her bare shoulder. “Or I could do it for you.”

She smiled, and then her smile fell. “I should go.” She retrieved the ripped sweatshirt from the floor and pulled it on before walking to the door and retrieving the basket with her clothes.

Loki watched her dress; sad to see her beautiful body be covered up by clothing. As she pulled on her boots, he stood from the bed and snapped his fingers. His clothes appeared on him once more.

“That’s a neat trick. Maybe next time you can help me dress that fast as well.”

Loki smiled. “I would be more than happy to undress you.” He snapped his fingers, and her clothing disappeared.

She nodded. “Cute. I mean, I don’t mind walking through the Underworld naked, but you might not want me to.”

“Damn right.” Loki snapped his fingers, and her clothing reappeared. He cupped her face. “I never want any other being to see you naked again beside me.”

Conflict clouded her eyes.

Too much. He’d said too much.

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