Morgan's Fate

Grimm let the head of the raven free, sending it back to the barn and its brother. “What do you mean?”

“He’s visited Hel in her domain and freed Fenris. It’s safe to assume he’s looking for Jormungandr as we speak.”

He settled his hip against the table. “He’s freeing his children.”

“And now that he knows Sleipnir is more than a dumb animal he’ll be coming for him.”

Grimm smiled. “And he’ll have to cross the Bifrost Bridge to do so.”

Rina’s answering smile was full of anticipation. “Can I watch?”

He chuckled. “I see no reason why not. I’ll want a full report on Loki’s demise. Understood?”

“Understood.” She turned to go, but paused in the doorway. “And if Heimdall does not attack Loki?”

He blew her a kiss. “Ensure that doesn’t happen.”

She dipped her head, bowing to him before leaving Valhalla.

While Rina dealt with Loki, Grimm would deal with Sleipnir. The horse would pay for warning Grimm’s enemies.

Chapter Ten

“We have to be the ones to save Sleipnir.”

Morgan glanced over at the woman he’d dragged into his condo two weeks ago.

Okay, maybe dragged was too big an exaggeration. She’d been sleeping peacefully when he placed her in his bed, settled her among his sheets.

His home, his bed. He shivered hard, the thought racing through him that, for once in his long life, he didn’t have to share everything with Magnus. This home and Skye were his and his alone, and he’d been giddy about that ever since he first placed her on his sheets. Hell, when she’d woken up that first morning the faint scent of his skin had clung to her, driving him mad with need. He laughed, thinking on that first morning together. He looked over at her pacing in front of the windows and grinned.

“What?”

He chuckled again. “Coffee?”

She grunted, and he laughed harder, but he got up and got her the damn coffee. He’d learned his lesson their first morning together. She’d woken with a lazy murmur, opened those pale, arresting eyes, and he’d smiled at the sight. She was so precious, like a sleepy kitten, all warm and fuzzy. He couldn’t help it. He’d kissed the tip of her nose.

How was he supposed know that simply saying, “Good morning, sweetheart,” would make her screech like a Valkyrie with her fingers caught in a meat grinder? Hell, two weeks later his ears were still ringing. She’d bolted out of bed and run for the front door, all the while yelling about axe murderers. Apparently, Norns were subject to some interesting dreams.

At least she’d still been in the clothes she’d worn the night before.

It had taken him a full fifteen minutes to calm her down, but only the scent of freshly brewed coffee had tempted her to stop. She’d stood outside Logan’s door, sniffing like the kitten he’d named her and literally mewling. He’d raced back into his condo, quickly brewed her a cup of coffee and lured her to his side with it.

Then he’d dragged her back inside and explained that she now lived with him in this condo while she soaked in caffeine and slowly came awake.

Then she’d blinked at him sleepily and asked about the kitchen table. She’d wanted to know if they should trade with Magnus, since he was still bitching about asses and Cheerios every time he sat down to breakfast with them.

Morgan wanted to spread her out and make her his breakfast.

He shifted in his seat, suddenly rock hard. They needed to do that, to christen every room in the condo, make it theirs.

“Morgan?”

“Hmm?” He blinked up at her, smiling when he realized she was standing over him. Her mug was on the coffee table, and her arms were crossed over that magnificent chest. Her blue eyes blazed with irritation. Apparently she’d called his name more than once.

“We can’t let Logan go after Sleipnir. It’s just too damn dangerous.”

“Mm-hmm.” She squeaked adorably when he tugged, stumbling into his lap and automatically wrapping her arms around his neck to steady herself.

“I also think if we take Magnus to get Sleipnir it will take his mind off of Mjolnir.”

He stroked her hip, his mind half on what she was saying and half on what he wanted to do to her. She was settling herself more comfortably in his lap, even if her concerned tone hadn’t changed. She was just as worried about Magnus as he was, and that made her even more desirable in his eyes. “I agree. I just wish I knew what the Old Man is up to.”

“That worries me. Ragnarrok is coming, yet Odin sits on his throne in Valhalla and does nothing? I don’t think so. There’s a reason he left Hugin and Munin to guard Sleipnir. He’s up to something, but what?”

He frowned. “Wasn’t there something in the prophecy about him consulting with Mimir’s head? Could he be doing that?”

Skye allowed her power to seep over her.

“Now Garm howls loud

before Gnipahellir,

The fetters will burst,

and the wolf run free;

Much do I know,

and more can see

Of the fate of the gods,

the mighty in fight.

Brothers shall fight

and fell each other,

And sisters’ sons

shall kinship stain;

Hard is it on earth,

with mighty whoredom;

Axe-time, sword-time,

shields are sundered,

Wind-time, wolf-time,

ere the world falls;

Nor ever shall men

each other spare.

Fast move the sons

of Mim, and fate

Is heard in the note

of the Gjallarhorn;

Loud blows Heimdall,

the horn is aloft,

In fear quake all

who on Hel-roads are.

Yggdrasil shakes,

and shiver on high

The ancient limbs,

and the giant is loose;