Page 24 of Luna Cursed

Von hummed. "Doubtful. Siegfried is an absolute recluse. He wouldn't deal with anyone, and if someone as obsessive as him was out there, he would know about them. My guess is that whatever path Varg is following, it's magic that's leading him."

Tor thought about the dark magic he'd felt at the campsite, and his hackles rose. "You might be right there."

"I think you should check out Uppsala. It was one of the places where Odin was known to have an estate," Von continued.

"I already have. Uppsala was a dead end too."

"Did you get out to Old Sigtun on Maelare Lake?"

Tor frowned. "No? Why would I?"

"Because Uppsala was technically Frey's estate, not Odin's," Von replied.

"I've never heard that. Explain."

"In theHeimskringlaby Snorri Sturluson, he set down all the estates that the Aesir established in Midgard. Frey was given Uppsala; Njörðr took Nóatún; Thor had Thrudvang, etc. Odin had Old Sigtun outside of Uppsala and even had a temple built so the people of the area could pay homage to him," Von explained, his voice rising in excitement. "If Varg has done any decent research at all, he would've bypassed Uppsala and gone further out."

"Shit, you're right. We are about five hours from Uppsala, but if we leave soon, we should get there at a reasonable time," Tor replied. He wanted to kick himself for not digging deeper into Uppsala months ago.

"And how is the lovely Ciara? Still glaringly in love with you?" Von asked sweetly.

Tor snorted. "You thinking of the right Ciara? Doesn't sound like the one I know."

"Then you are not looking closely enough. You haven't seen how she looks at you when she thinks no one notices."

"Oh yeah? And how's that?" Tor knew he probably shouldn't ask for his emotional well-being. Clearly, he was a sucker for punishment.

"Yearning. Longing. Angst." Von sighed. "I always enjoy watching when people think their love is unrequited. Anyway, I must run, but I'll let you know if I find anything else."

"Thanks, Von, I appreciate it." Tor hung up, and the door to the bathroom opened. Ciara came out dressed, hair braided, and looking like she was ready to punch the day in the face. Her cheeks turned pink when she caught Tor staring at her. Gods, it was adorable.

"How is Von?" she asked.

"He had a lead. Looks like we are heading to Uppsala if you are keen for a drive?" Tor said and got out of bed. Her eyes raked over him before she quickly turned away. It was a little too late for her to be getting shy.

"Sounds good. Better than waiting around doing nothing," Ciara replied, pulling on her boots. Tor bit his tongue to prevent him from giving her a list of options of what he thought she could do instead…like sit on his face.

Fuck, get out of the room before you get an awkward boner, he chastised himself.

"About last night…" he began.

Ciara held up her hand."No, don't. We have a hunt to get on with, and that takes priority. I'm going to grab some coffee. I'll be back," Ciara said and headed for the door.

Tor tried to think of something to say, but she was gone before he could get his mind to work properly.With a sigh, he headed for the shower. He had known she would shut him down, and it still stung like a fucking bitch.

It was going to be a long day.

14

Ciara walked through the parking lot and tried to breathe in the crisp morning air. She needed to cool down and clear her head. Waking up entangled with so much man was unexpectedly pleasant.

Get it together. You're on a hunt and know better.

Ciara reached the café that was already busy with people grabbing breakfast. She ordered coffees and some bacon and egg muffins before pulling out her phone.

Uppsala was a five-hour drive away. Five hours of being in a small space with the hottest man she had ever seen. Great.

She had known he would be good in bed butfuck. She should have had better self-control. She thought she would be sore after the absolute thorough shagging, but she wasn't. She felt great. Too great.

---