Page 19 of Daddy's Justice

Chapter Six

Forseti

A few minutes later Kara arrived. Her information wasn’t any better than Edda’s had been. The dark forces were on our trail, and I needed to get us ready for what was to come. I left Morrigan in the women’s capable hands and went to speak with Odin myself. I needed clarity and a game plan, but mostly, I needed to get away from Morrigan for a few minutes and clear my mind.

I hadn’t felt this way about a woman before, ever. I always had complete control over myself and my emotions, but when I was around her, something came over me. The logical side of myself battled with my emotional side and I didn’t like it. Being calm and in control was one of my strengths. My mate should make me stronger, losing control would do the opposite. Being out of control would make me weak. I couldn’t be weak. That wasn’t an option.

My visit with Odin wasn’t meant to be, apparently, as he wasn’t there. Thor had gotten himself into some sort of diplomatic mess and he had gone to help. However, Frigg was there. As was her way, Frigg took one look at me and knew what was on my heart.

“I can discern conflict in you, grandson,” she greeted me.

“Aye, there is a lot on my plate. Dark forces are descending on Morrigan.”

“Yes, but that isn’t concerning you.”

“No.” She was right. I wasn’t scared of battle; I had never been.

“Has it occurred to you why Loki might have left Morrigan for last?”

“I didn’t give it much thought.” Now that she mentioned it, I was curious. “Do you know?”

“Morrigan is the strongest of all the chosen valkyries. Her father being one of the most intelligent beings ever to live and her mother being one of the strongest valkyries, has made her the biggest threat.”

“If she is the biggest threat, why didn’t they take her out first?” I questioned, thinking out loud. “Seems kind of counterproductive. Then again, Loki never does anything the easy way.”

I knew Morrigan was special, but it hadn’t dawned on me that she would be the largest threat to their mission.

I didn’t like it, not one bit.

Loki loved a challenge. If I knew anything about that trickster, it was that he was the Master of Games, and the last thing I wanted was for Morrigan to be a pawn in one of them.

“I’m not sure what game he plays this time, but I know that whatever it is, it isn’t good. I can feel your heart pounding from here. How is it that the heart of the god known for serenity and peace is beating so out of control?” Frigg questioned him.

“The thought of Morrigan being targeted by Loki has me a bit unsettled. Her being in harm’s path is not something that pleases me.” I knew I was growling and took a deep breath. What in the hell was going on? I was used to having a good grasp on my emotions.

“I see,” Frigg said with a knowing grin.

“You know the fate of all beings. Is she the one for me?”

“Forseti, it is not for me to tell you that.” She paused. “But, you already know the answer to that question, don’t you? The question isn’t whether she is for you, but whether you are ready to admit it.”

“I hate that you are right.”

“Aren’t I always?” We both laughed, and for a split second, I was able to put away the anxiety that plagued me.

“Morrigan is a shieldmaiden by birth, half god and half valkyrie. Her powers come from both sides. She is intelligent and fiercely loyal. Her strength is a combination of mental ability and physical. She hasn’t been raised to recognize them, but her human family had her involved in a lot of mixed martial arts, so she isn’t completely helpless. Go quickly and train her. The threat fast approaches. You don’t have much time.”

“I will head back now, thank you.”

Frigg leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Be careful, Forseti. I don’t need to remind you that Loki doesn’t play fairly.”

“I know and I will be. I can’t lose her. I just found her.”

“Don’t let love cloud your judgment. You need to be focused.”

I nodded in agreement, at the same time wondering how I could separate my love for Morrigan from my job to protect her.

“Forseti,” Frigg called as I retreated. I turned back. “Take the horse with you.”

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