Page 55 of Baldr's Secret Mate

Mist's grip on my fur loosened slightly as we came to a stop at the edge of a small farm. I could sense his relief at being on solid ground again, though there was also a tinge of disappointment that the exhilarating ride was over. His heart was thrumming so loud in his chest that even I could hear it.

“That was... incredible,” he breathed, sliding off my back. His cheeks were flushed from the cold and excitement, eyes bright with wonder. “I've never experienced anything like that before.”

I let out a soft rumble of satisfaction, nuzzling his hand affectionately before shifting back to my human form. The change was quick and once again I found myself standing barefoot in the snow. Except this time I was completely naked with nothing to put back on. Oh well, I didn’t have time to worry about it. Such was the life of a werewolf.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the house on the other side of the farmyard. “They’ll probably be wondering where I’ve been.”

The scent of wood smoke carried by the wind reached us before we got to the house and saw the fire glowing brightly in the hearth through the windows. I didn’t stop to knock on the door. Instead, knowing Nana always left it unlocked, I just let myself in, pulling Mist in behind me.

“I’m home,” I called nonchalantly. “Can someone get me a blanket please?”

“BALDR!”

I winced as I heard my brother roar from the other side of the room, his hulking form standing from the couch as he puffed out his chest. His face was red with anger and I knew I was in trouble.

“Where the fuck have you been?!” he cried. “We’ve been worried sick about you! I thought you were dead!”

I raised my hands defensively, trying to calm my enraged brother. “Thor, I can explain—”

“Explain? EXPLAIN?!” Thor's voice boomed through the cozy little farmhouse. “You disappeared for days without a word! We thought Tyr had captured you, or worse!”

Before I could respond, Nana bustled into the room, her eyes widening at the sight of me standing naked in her entryway. “Oh, good lord!” she exclaimed, hurrying to grab a thick quilt from a nearby chair. She wrapped it around my shoulders, clucking disapprovingly. “Baldr, you'll catch your death like that! Your dingle is gonna fall off!” She pulled me toward the fire, grabbing another crocheted blanket and adding it over my head. Then she turned back to Mist, who’s hand was still attached to mine. “And who's this young man?”

Mist shifted uncomfortably beside me, clearly overwhelmed by the chaotic reception. He’d never been in aroom with more than once person, so it had to be strange for him. I squeezed his hand reassuringly. “This is Mist. He's... he's my..” I paused, swallowing my nervousness. “He’s my mate.”

“We’ll talk about that in a minute,” Thor interrupted, grabbing me by the shoulder and turning me to face him. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Asgard.”

He just stared at me. “W-What?”

“It was an accident. We had to escape from Tyr. But we’re back now.” I glanced over at Nana. “I sure am hungry though. They didn’t exactly have a fast food place on every corner in the realm of the gods.”

“Give me ten minutes,” she nodded. “I’ve always got an emergency meal or two in the freezer for just such an occasion.” She paused, glaring up at Thor. Reaching up, she poked him in the chest threateningly. “And you keep your voice down young man. I ain’t having no hollerin’ in this house. Understood?”

Thor sighed, clearly terrified of this tiny human woman. “Yes ma’am.”

“Good.” She turned to Flynn who was still sitting on the couch, staring at all of us wide-eyed. “Get these boys some proper clothes, darlin’,” she ordered.

With that, she hustled into the kitchen followed quickly by the sound of drawers opening and closing. Flynn nodded in her direction and scurried off to find some clothes, leaving me alone with Thor and Mist. The tension in the room was palpable. Thor's eyes darted between us, his brow furrowed in confusion and concern.

“Asgard?” he finally said, his voice quieter but still stern. “How is that even possible?”

I sighed, tightening the quilt around my shoulders. “It's a long story, but the short version is that Tyr ambushed us. We managed to escape through an emergency portal, but it took usto Asgard instead of where we intended. We've spent the last few days trying to find our way back.”

Thor grunted, clearly not satisfied with that answer but willing to wait. His gaze shifted to Mist, who was trying his best to blend into the wall behind him.

“And you said he's your... mate?” Thor asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and worry.

I nodded, pulling Mist closer to me. “He is.” I paused, glancing at Mist. “And he’s the witch that Tyr has been keeping imprisoned for nearly a decade on the Skoll mountain.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

I let out a long sigh. “I’ve uh… known about him for some time. In fact, I’ve been visiting him nearly every day since I was fourteen.”

Thor's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find words. “You... you've been visiting him for years? And you never told me?”

I winced, guilt washing over me. “I know, I should have said something. But I was afraid of what might happen if anyone found out. Tyr was keeping him prisoner, and I didn't want to risk his safety. He was already being tortured and I just… I didn’t want it to get worse.”

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