Page 63 of Baldr's Secret Mate

“It is done,” Freya said, her voice echoing with finality. “He will trouble you no more.”

Baldr clung to me, his body trembling. I could feel his mixture of relief and sorrow through our bond. He was grateful for his mother's intervention, but the weight of everything that had happened was finally settling on him. And he knew she was about to leave him again… for the last time.

Freya turned back to us, her golden form already starting to fade. “My protection spell is no longer needed,” she said softly. “Baldr, my son, remember that I love you. Live well, and know that one day, we will be together again.”

She reached out, her hand shimmering as it passed through Baldr's cheek in a ghostly caress. Then she turned to me, her eyes filled with warmth and gratitude.

“Thank you, young witch, for saving my son. Your love for him is a beacon in the darkness. Cherish each other and let that love guide you through whatever trials may come.”

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

Freya's form began to dissipate, golden motes of light scattering on the wind. Baldr reached out, as if trying to grasp the last remnants of his mother's presence. But his fingers found no purchase.

“Mom,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I love you.”

A warm breeze swept through the lot, carrying her final words: “I love you too, my sweet boy. Always.”

And then, with a small wave, she was gone.

Baldr's legs gave out, and I barely managed to catch him before he hit the ground. We sank to our knees together, clinging to each other as he sobbed into my shoulder. I held him tight, my own tears falling silently as I stroked his hair.

After a long moment, Baldr pulled back, wiping his eyes. He looked at me, his gaze filled with a mixture of love, grief, and wonder. “Mist…” he said, seemingly at a loss for words.

I just nodded, knowing exactly what he needed to hear. “I love you too, Baldr. So much.”

Behind us I heard footsteps crunching in the snow as a hulking figure stepped up beside me. I glanced up, seeing the long blond hair of Thor and his bright blue eyes staring down at us.

“Take my brother home,” he said. “We’ll take care of the rest.” He placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. “And thank you for saving him.”

I nodded, tightening my grip on Baldr. I turned him around, pulling him away from the scene. I glanced over at Loki consoling Heimdall and felt a rush of pity. Tyr was a monster, but Heimdall having to watch his father be killed in front of him was cruel. But Thor was already at their side and I knew they’d be okay. Right now I had to help Baldr.

So, with a deep breath, I called on the magic within me to lend me strength and we started back through the snow, heading for the tiny farmhouse and the warm fire within. In time, Baldr would recover. He was still alive, and that’s what was important.

And that I loved him. More than anything.

Epilogue: Mist

Three Years Later

The door in front of me swung open and I saw a disheveled Loki staring back at me. He was naked from the waist up, an oversized pair of Heimdall’s boxers barely clinging to his hips. I’d definitely woken him up.

“Sorry for waking you,” I said, doing my best not to stare. “But have you seen Baldr?”

Loki shook his head. “Up until ten seconds ago, the only thing I’ve seen this morning was my mate’s dick.”

My cheeks burned, but I could tell Loki was anything but embarrassed. “Right… sorry.”

“He’s probably out wandering around doing something stupid like he usually does.” Loki took a step back, swinging the door closed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my breakfast is waiting for me.”

I couldn’t help but grin as the door snapped shut. It looked like Loki was in for a meaty breakfast from Heimdall. After three years of being together, it was nice to see they still couldn’t get enough of one another. Thor and Flynn were no different. Baldr and I were just as bad too, although Ifelt like we fucked outside of the resort much more than the others. But I guess that’s what happened when two witches with teleportation magic got together. We had a lot of ground to cover and sometimes the change of scenery was nice. Who didn’t love getting boned in picturesque locations?

However, this morning I’d woken up in Baldr’s bed alone. It wasn’t like him to run off, especially when today was such a momentous occasion. Today Thor and Heimdall were officially reuniting the Hati and Skoll packs for the first time in nearly one hundred and fifty years. That meant that all Alphas and their mates were required to attend. So why had Baldr chosen this morning of all mornings to run off?

I sighed, running a hand through my messy, slept on hair. It wasn't like Baldr to run off when he was needed. He was usually so responsible, especially when it came to pack matters. I decided to check the resort grounds one more time before resorting to more drastic measures.

As I walked through the lush gardens, my mind wandered to the upcoming ceremony. The reunification of the Hati and Skoll packs was a big deal, and tensions were already running high. If Baldr didn't show up, it could be seen as a slight against both packs. I shuddered at the thought of the political fallout. Heimdall had just barely been able to talk his pack into joining Thor’s, but there was still more than a century’s worth of animosity boiling under the surface. We couldn’t risk anything being out of place, especially the man who had brought Tyr’s reign of terror to an end. If anything, Baldr was the puzzle piece we needed to make all this work.

I caught myself smirking. It was incredible how much I’d adjusted to life with the wolves, how much I cared about their matters even though I wasn’t one of them. Not only had I gotten out of my magical prison thanks to Baldr, but now I wasfully assimilated into a family I didn’t know how I’d ever lived without.

---