Page 33 of The Blood Wolf

"Ah, who are you two?" Nicola asked, thoroughly confused.

"I'm Zia. This is Asteria, and we are adopting you," the blonde said happily.

"You really can't stop Zia when she has decided something. As the two newest brides, we thought you might need some women around you," Asteria added and pulled a silver flask from her purse. She offered it to Nicola. "It's only vodka."

"Thanks. That was...intense," she said and had a mouthful. She spotted Thor with two vampires and all three of them were looking at them. "Your husbands, I take it?"

"They sure are. Suckers," Zia said with an evil little laugh.

Nicola winked at Thor. Maybe having some friends at the council meetings would be a good thing. They chatted easily until Thor's patience finally was at an end.

"Excuse me. I have another meeting to attend to with my mate," Thor said, putting an arm around her waist.

"But..." Zia began before Ares took her hand.

"You can gossip another time, Lucrezia," he replied, and she pouted.

"It's nice to see you so happy, Thorfinn," Mercury said, trying not to laugh at the scowl on Thor's face.

Thor mumbled his goodbyes before leading Nicola away. She knew he was trying not to sling her over his shoulder.

"Well, that went well," she said as the elevator doors closed behind them. Thor was on her in a blink, his mouth hot against hers. "Run away with me to Norway. I don't want to have to share you with the vampire council."

"And leave Inferno in such a mess? You know we can't."

Nicola rested her head against his chest as he griped in Norse. A part of her was terrified at the thought of having to try and get the relationship between the wolves and the vampires peaceful again. It was going to be more interesting than accounting, that was for damn sure.

Thor kissed the top of her head, and she knew just as long as she had him by her side, there wasn't anything she was afraid of. Thor would always have her back and that wasn't even mentioning the pack of overly protective Vikings she had inherited.

Nicola smiled and glanced up at him. "You know, they never told me when I was meant to start my new job. We are owed a honeymoon, at least. Surely, the council wouldn't deny us that."

"Let them try," Thor said and kissed her again. "My beautiful, clever mate. I can't wait to chase you through my old forests."

A thrill swept through her, and Nicola nipped his neck. "Are you going to give me a head start?"

Thor laughed, his blue eyes shining with love. "Only if you run fast, little wolf."

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