Free Of Gods and Wolves by Amy Sumida Page B

with a red shirt to match my dress. It made his shoulders look even broader and his chest massive. His bright hair was slicked back into a braid and looked very debonair. The severe hairstyle made his jaw seem more rugged, the angles of his face sharper, and his eyes gleamed from their bright lining of lashes. He was breathtaking and I was proud to be walking in on his arm.
    “His Majesty, Thor Odinson,” the man announced as we crossed the threshold and his voice rang out into the crowded dining hall, “Prince and Defender of the Realm of Asgard. Master of Thunder, Storms, and Sky. God of the Sea and Justice. Accompanied by Rouva Vervain Lavine. Mistress of Love, Lust, War and Victory. The Godhunter.” 
    I hesitated when I heard the last bit but Thor’s grip on my arm was steady and he propelled me forward without a hitch. “It’s a title of respect,” he whispered to me. “They’re trying to honor you as a great adversary.”
    I smiled and spoke through clenched teeth, “You promised I wouldn’t need my weapons tonight,” I scanned the room, “I’ve only got my bodice dagger on me.”
    “ You brought a dagger even though I told you it wasn’t necessary?” His voice was filled with humor.
    “ I didn’t want to go into the lion’s den unarmed,” I smiled at Ull, Thor's stepson by his ex-wife Sif, as we passed him and the gorgeous blonde woman with him, before we continued on to the head table. The table was on a raised dais and we had to climb a couple of steps to get up to it.
    “ You can be very silly, darling,” he whispered to me and I laughed low.
    “ Only you would call me silly when I’m armed with spelled steel.”
    “ You’re never defenseless, Godhunter,” he kissed my neck, right where his lightning scar snaked down. He'd given it to me to cover a bite scar Blue had left.
    “ Welcome to my hall, Godhunter,” a large Viking with long, dark-brown hair and a leather patch over one eye, stood to greet us. 
    He had harsh but handsome features and his one eye was a piercing, peacock blue. I don’t mean it was a bright blue. I mean it was blue but shimmered purple and green depending on how the light hit it, like a peacock feather. It was framed with sin-black lashes and was so beautiful, it made me mourn the loss of the other. His mouth was framed by a neatly trimmed beard, at odds with his lumberjack physique clad in rich blue velvet.
    I felt a trickle of anxiety go through me. This was one of the bad ones, known to be untrustworthy even by his friends. They called him Oathbreaker and I was instantly wary of him. It was said that he'd undergone strange rituals to gain magical abilities. Oh, and the eye he was missing, he reputedly gave it up willingly, so he could drink from a well of knowledge. He was supposed to be very cunning and very lethal. It's why I'd never attempted to assassinate him.
    “ Thank you for allowing me to attend,” I knew the celebration was a truce among the Viking gods but I was hoping for some confirmation that I was included as well. I slipped my hand into the one he extended and he kissed it gallantly.
    “ You’ve caused quite a stir but allay your fears. You’re welcome here, Rouva,” his smile grew, “for tonight.”
    I laughed low and long and saw heads turn to stare. “Thank you for that. I always appreciate honesty.”
    “As do I, Vervain,” I had a feeling that his use of my given name was meant as a compliment, although it put me on edge. “I don’t know if you’ve heard but I hold a great fascination for the occult and I’ve been told you read the cards. Maybe we could talk later?”
    “ I’d be honored, of course.” What the hell else could I say; I’d rather chew bricks?
    “ Great,” he smiled at me but it didn't reach his eye. His beautiful eye was haunted, focused constantly on a ghost instead of the living. I understood why it was hard for Thor to be around him.
    “ Father,” Thor clasped arms with his dad and I saw a sliver