Chapter Twenty-One

There were only two options here—either Kara was insane, or she was truly what she said, a fallen Valkyrie sent to his front door for some purpose.

His mind said the first, his heart the second.

He didn’t care—he loved her no matter what or who she was.

Liam deepened the kiss, his grip increasing in her hair as she softened in his arms, letting him lead.

Kara pulled back suddenly, staring at him. “You’re going to go after them, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t know Valkyries could read minds.” His smile was forced.

“But you are,” she pushed. “If Marie’s not back soon.”

“Yes.” He couldn’t lie to her, not when this could be their last time together. “There’s no way to avoid this confrontation. I would if I could. Once the sun rises, the Sons are going to be on the move. They’ll interrogate Jamie and Tony—won’t be long before they verify I’m Jack Hammerson. After that, they’ll go to my apartment, see if I’m there and if they can get the jump on me, on us.”

“The rest of the town…”

“Hostages. All of them. And even if Marie brings back the best SWAT teams, the best negotiators, they won’t be able to save them all. The Sons don’t surrender. They’d die first and take as many as they can with them.”

“Are you going to kill them?” There was a note of disapproval in her voice, mimicking the one at the back of his mind.

“I’m going to try damned hard not to. I’ve spent five years trying to clean the blood off my soul, and I’m nowhere near clean. They may be bastards, but they deserve to live like anyone else—and be brought to justice, if possible.” He glanced at the snow-covered window. “But this is on me, and I can’t hand it off to anyone else. And, even though it sounds pretty egotistical, no one else can do it.”

“Take me with you.”

He shook his head. “No. You have to stay here, watch for Marie.”

“And let you go out there alone? I thought we’d already had this conversation.” She stroked his cheek. “I can be hurt. I can also die. But I’d rather die fighting the Sons of Cain than live knowing I hid from doing my duty.” Her hand tapped on the metal badge. “After all, we are deputized. Serve and protect.”

Liam laughed. “Agreed.” He kissed her again, softer and gentler than before. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather die with.”

“I’d much rather live,” she countered.

“We’ll see what we can do.” He pulled her into his arms, relishing the body heat. “Now rest. We both need to be at our peak tomorrow—and you’re already starting with a disadvantage.” He tugged the blankets up around them. “We’ll check that wound out in the morning, then take another look at the situation.”

He waited until she relaxed, her breathing slow and steady, before giving into the mind-numbing exhaustion drawing him down into sleep.

She came out of the darkness in pain, her side throbbing. Kara opened her eyes and groaned, hand pressing against the wound.

“Are you okay?” Liam leaned over her, forehead creased with worry. “Did I hurt you?” He shifted beside her. “I tried not to bump you too much…”

“I’m fine. Just a little stiff—been a long time since I had to sleep on the floor.” She smiled and touched his cheek. “Maybe we should change the bandage, check the stitches.”

“Good idea. I’ll go get the first aid kit from the break room. Stay here and don’t move. Keep warm under the blankets.” He stood up. “Be right back.”

Kara pulled one of the thick woolen blankets up to her throat as she waited. The cold penetrated the walls, sending a cool wave along the floor where the insulation had surrendered.

She clenched her fists in the rough fabric, mentally preparing herself for the immediate future. In a few hours they’d rise and fight the Sons of Cain, battling for their lives.

And if they fell…

She didn’t know what would happen to her. Valkyries didn’t die—they retired at the end of their service to live a quiet life in the barracks, either teaching others or keeping to themselves, waiting for Ragnarök.

But she wasn’t a Valkyrie right now. She was fully human, with all the dangers it brought with it.

Including love.

As for Liam…his fate was outside of their control. He’d try to not kill the Sons, but accidents could happen. Would killing for a good cause wipe out the red in his ledger? Or would it count against him?

She didn’t know. And the not knowing made the decision even more agonizing.

Liam came into sight, standing over her. “You’re thinking too much. I can see the frown.”

“Just going over our options.” She glanced at the nearby window. “We don’t have a lot of time left before the sun comes up.”

“We’ve got enough.” He knelt beside her. “Let’s change that out then we’ll get some more sleep. No one’s going to move until sunrise and we can see what’s out there. The Sons might be tough, but they’re not omnipotent—they’ll have to play by the same rules we do when it comes to dealing with the snow.”

His hands moved over her skin, raising goose bumps in their wake. Liam tugged the shirt up slowly, his concerned look shifting into a mischievous smirk.

“I’d forgotten you were ticklish.”

She blew a raspberry at him. “Keep your mind on the job.” She reached out and drew her nails down his chest, enjoying the way he flinched. “You’re not the only one with weaknesses.”

“You’re the best and the worst one.” Liam pulled the gauze square free, the medical tape already curling up at the edges. He paused, forehead furrowing as she watched. “Whoa.”

She glanced down, a shiver of fear digging into her gut.

The wound was healed, the stitches lying loose atop the skin.

There wasn’t even a scar.

He looked at her and for the first time she saw awe and wonder in his gaze.

“You are…” He swallowed hard. “You are a Valkyrie.”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t…” He fell silent. “I thought we’d figure this out afterward, when we had more time. But this…” Liam looked skyward. “Thanks, Freyja.”

Kara stared at the unmarked skin, choking up.

She hadn’t been abandoned.

And if she hadn’t been…

“The Gods are with you.” She gripped his hand tight.

“With us,” he corrected her.

He pressed his lips to the healed skin. Liam pushed the first aid kit to the side and moved under the blanket, pulling her close. “Let’s make the most of it. That may have healed, but we still need to rest.”

She closed her eyes, thoughts racing around her mind as she tried to sleep.

Kara was back in the barracks, the other Valkyries walking by her as they headed out to the walls to leave on their assigned missions.

They never knew where they were going until they were in the air—it was a way to keep their work fresh but also to keep from dwelling too much on what they did, where they went. She’d seen her sisters break over the years, the decades of reaping souls taking their toll. One morning they would be there, the next their room would be empty, and she’d catch a glimpse of them in the gardens, sitting in the shadows. They’d retreat when approached, running into the areas of the barracks that were closed off to all except the other hermits.

Kara wasn’t dressed to fly. She wore the long, loose robes as if she were off-duty, a sharp contrast to the women trotting past. Her wings were pulled in, allowing her to keep from brushing against the other Valkyries.

“Kara.”

The familiar voice had her turning toward a doorway.

Laila stood there, a half smile on her lips as she raised her lance in salute.

“Good day to you,” Kara said as she approached her. “How are you doing?”

Laila shrugged, and Kara saw the tension in her shoulders, the taut muscles almost painful to watch. “Just getting ready to leave. You’re not joining us?”

“I have an audience. With Odin and Freyja.” She didn’t want to discuss recent events, her encounter with Brenna and Erik still fresh in her mind. Her abrupt banishment from the field of battle still rankled her, more so when she heard Brenna had not returned and, in fact, had chosen to stay on Earth. There were rumors as to why, but Kara had no time to discuss women ruled by their emotions.

The tall, olive-skinned woman nodded. “Hope it goes well.” She looked skyward, letting out a sigh. Her wings trembled, the multicolored feathers shaking with what Kara could only think was fear—anticipation at going out, again, to collect souls.

“Are you…” Kara paused, unsure how to phrase the question. “Are you well?”

“As much as I can be.” Laila brushed a stray black hair from her cheek. “Some days are just a bit rougher than others.”

“True.” Kara searched to find something to say, to help raise her fellow Valkyrie’s spirit. “Maybe we can talk when you come back, drink some wine and toy with some of the new arrivals.” She grinned. “Especially those who feel they’re equal to sparring with a Valkyrie because they made it to Valhalla. Put a few of them on their behinds.”

“Perhaps.” That earned a full smile, the dark brown eyes sparkling at the idea. “I’m off. See you later.” Laila put her helmet on and moved by Kara, heading for the parapet.

Kara did nothing but watch her sister Valkyrie launch herself into the sky, her multicolored wings opening up to send her skyward. Only after the armored woman disappeared from sight did she turn back to her path—toward the meeting rooms to see Odin and Freyja.

She woke with a start, clutching at the arms around her. Liam came awake immediately, tightening his grip.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he murmured in her ear, giving her a light kiss.

“What time is it?” She drew a ragged breath, the shift in reality twisting her stomach into knots. Her gaze went to the windows, eyes adjusting to the dim lights.

Liam dropped another kiss on her shoulder as he moved to check the clock on the nearby desk. “Nearly seven. Sun should be up soon.”

“And hopefully, the Sons,” she added, playing with his words.

He moved around her, grabbing another kiss before standing up. “There’s a shower in the locker room. I’ll grab a fast one—you chow down, and I’ll be right back.” His smile appeared. “I’m also going to break into the armory, by the way. Marie can be mad at me later.”

She stifled a laugh as he padded out of the room, leaving her amidst the jumbled blankets.