Page 16 of Valkyrie Song

Dax's eyes widen in surprise as he looks at me, but his expression clears quickly. "Kara," he guesses. "She's communicated with them?"

I nod, pitching my voice low to explain, "One of them has been coming to see her for the last several days."

Garrison grunts, but he keeps his opinion to himself. I'm not entirely sure if it's the fact that she can speak with animals that makes him uneasy or the reminder that we're ill-equipped tofight this war we've gotten ourselves into the middle of. But he isn't the only one. Some of the other Blooded react the same way when faced with the power of the Valkyrie.

They'll defend them with their lives because they know in their bones that the Valkyrie are our only hope…it's why they were drawn to seek out the Fae in the first place. But monsters and magic and ancient Prophecy and fiercely powerful woman aren't things they truly understand. They accept it because they must, because they've seen too much to dispute the existence of this world. But that doesn't make facing it any easier.

Garrison accepts it easier than most. He likes each of the Valkyrie. But coming face to face with the extent of their powers still catches him off guard on occasion.

I've never felt that way. I'm not sure why. I think I've felt more comfortable in this world than the human world since the beginning. My whole life, I knew I was training for something, preparing for something. Seeking out the Fae felt like heeding a whisper of wind, the same instinct that drove me for as long as I can remember.

"Tell her to take care," Dax warns me, his voice a soft murmur. "The wolves here are the most dangerous she'll ever meet. Once, they belonged to Odin. They were fierce warriors in their own right, earning their place here just like every man who crossed through the Portal. I imagine the children of their children still possess those same instincts."

"Descended from the Great Ones," I mutter.

"What are you going on about?" Garrison asks, shoveling stew into his mouth.

I wave him off instead of explaining Ing's name, and glance at Dax again. "She'll be safe. I'll keep an eye on her."

A slow smile stretches across the warrior's face. "Two of them, huh?"

I just look at him, my expression level. If he's fishing for information, he isn't going to get it from me. The Fae may not like what's happening between me and Kara, but it's happening regardless. And that's our business. At least for the time being. Eventually, I'll have to tell them, and face whatever consequences they want to dole out. But for now? For this moment? Until I figure out how to complete the bond and ensure she can't be taken from me? Well, until then, my secrets are my own.

Dax clamps a hand down on my shoulder, rising to his feet. "You're a good choice for her, brother. The Norns chose well."

I stare at him, unable to hide my shock.

He chuckles quietly, shaking his head. "Did you think we didn't know?"

"Hoped you didn't," I mutter, not lying.

"We know," he says, shaking his head before he strides off.

I stare after him for a long moment, my mind reeling. The Fae know about the bond. And they aren't going to try to stop it. Jesus. Maybe there is a way forward for me and Kara after all.

My little Valkyrie is not going to be happy.

I grin, amused at the thought of throwing a wrench into whatever plans she's been making to avoid me.

"Hold the fuck on," Garrison growls, pointing his spoon at me suddenly. "You and the Valkyrie? When did this happen?"

I scoop my bowl up from the table, hauling myself to my feet. "You're behind, old man," I mutter, smirking at him. "How about you keep up for a change?"

"How about I shove myímun-laukrup your a–?"

I throw my head back, laughing as I stride away.

Christ, I'm glad the salty old bastard didn't die on us.

Chapter Five

Stephan

Kara spends most ofthe evening with her sisters before disappearing into her room. She seems tense and restless as she disappears…the same way she did all night. Something is wrong.

Is it the wolves the warriors spotted today?

Instead of retreating to my room, I bide my time, lingering in the living area…just waiting. The others trickle out in twosand threes. Eventually, the house falls silent. I remain seated in the dark, my eyes locked on Kara's closed door, my instincts whispering at me.

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