Page 29 of Fenrir

Fenrir breathed as he got farther away from Tyr’s suffocating aura.

He and Grace walked into the front room of his father’s penthouse. Where it used to be decorated in creams and whites, it was now decorated in stronger tones. Varying shades of blacks, grays, and blues. Dotted with brighter colors from Freyette’s toys, blankets, and accessories.

All around, the other gods laughed, talked, and snacked. They noticed him and Grace one by one, and the chatter died down.

A growl wound in his gut, and he wanted to haul Grace over his shoulder and jump from the balcony.

“That’s Vidar,” Fenrir pointed to a large man covered in tattoos. “And that’s Hermódr.” He pointed to the man next to Vidar. “They own the security company with Tyr.”

Grace nodded. “Who is that?” She motioned to a dark-haired god with eyes like the moon.

“That’s Hödr. He’s blind. He owns a music shop. Records, CDs, and stuff. But he also has an affinity for instruments. He can help people find instruments completely in tune with their auras.”

“Wow. That’s interesting.”

“Fenrir.” A tall man wearing glasses with strawberry blond hair walked up and clapped Fenrir on the shoulder. “How are you?”

Fenrir nodded and then motioned to Grace. “Váli, this is Grace. Grace, this is Váli. He owns a bookstore and is a professor at a university topside. And our all-around resident know-it-all.”

Grace chuckled and shook Váli’s hand. “Yes. We’ve met many times.”

“Haven’t seen you this week. Has your appetite for books finally begun to be fulfilled?” Váli asked.

Grace chuckled. “I’ve been a bit… preoccupied. But don’t worry; you will see me soon.”

Váli nodded. “I hope so. I got an entire new section of books I think you might like.”

“Brother.” Hel stepped out of the shadows.

Though she wore her black armor and her face held not even a smidgeon of happiness, he could not help the relief that flooded him at the sight of her.

“Sister.”

Grace stiffened against him, and he rubbed her arm.

Hel looked at Grace. “Father told me you were bringing someone. He didn’t tell me you’d be bringing someone so… special.”

Fenrir wondered how Hel knew Grace meant a lot to him, but then he’d never been good at hiding things from her. Plus, he’d wondered if she’d inherited some of Loki’s psychic abilities on more than one occasion, but he’d never asked. Mostly because he didn’t want to know.

“Ah! My children.” Loki advanced on them, carrying Freyette. She squirmed and reached for Fenrir the moment she spotted him.

Freyette leaned away from their father, and Fenrir caught her in both hands before she nose-dived to the floor.

“I will try very hard not to take offense at how she loves her older brother more than her dad.”

Hel snorted. “Can you blame her?”

Freyette tugged on Fenrir’s sideburns and giggled as she smooshed her squishy face into his and drooled on his chin.

Grace looked on with a curious expression on her face.

“This is my little sister, Freyette,” said Fenrir.

Grace reached up and stroked Freyette’s golden head. “She’s adorable.”

“And this is my father, Loki.” Fenrir nodded.

Loki held out his hand to Grace, and she shook it.

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