Immortals (Runes book 2) (6 page)

She sighed and pressed a kiss on my forehead. “Okay. But if they do it again, I will make them pay.”

I sighed with relief. “Sure.” Then I remembered that a Valkyrie’s idea of “pay” might be very different from humans. “Pay how?”

“Oh, sweetie, the things we can do with basic runes. Clean magic.” She took my arm and led me toward the kitchen. “I could have their hair fall off, warts grow between their toes, give them diarrhea for a week, pig ears, snouts…”

“Okay. Let’s not go Morgana on anyone.” I tugged my arm from her hand and picked up an apple. “I have enough to deal with without worrying about you turning people into pigs.”

She pinched my nose. “I was just kidding. Your dad already made dinner, so go finish your homework and don’t worry about a thing. Oh, how was your first day with Torin?”

I didn’t want to discuss Torin. “Like I expected. He doesn’t remember me.”

“Give him time. He will. If he doesn’t, he’ll fall in love with you again.”

I wasn’t holding my breath. First, he had to want to. That wasn’t going to happen if he thought I had a crush on him. Second, I had to spend time with him for anything to happen. He had offered to disappear every time I went to their house. Jerk.

Mom reached for the keys she’d left on the counter, and I realized she was about to leave. “Do you have a minute, Mom?”

She glanced at her watch. “Your father is waiting, but what’s a minute more. What is it?”

“Can we sit down, please?” I indicated the breakfast nook in the kitchen. Eying me curiously, she pulled out a chair and sat. I sat across from her and played with the apple while rearranging my thoughts.

“You’re beginning to worry me, sweetheart. Just say whatever is on your mind.”

“Who is Eirik?”

She blinked. “Why do you ask?”

“He cannot be a Mortal. You told me his parents had special duties here, and he knows everything that happened to me, which means the Norns didn’t erase his memories. So, who is he?”

Mom sighed. “Oh, hun. This is one of those questions your trainer will answer.”

“But I need to know now. The Norns came to see me at school and said things.” Color drained from her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but I gripped her hand. “Let me finish, please.”

She pressed her lips tight, green eyes flashing.

“They said Eirik needed me and in order to protect him I had to join them. They also said that once you tell me his story, I’ll understand why he needs me.”

“The sneaky, conniving hags. If I talk I break my oath, which buys me a one-way ticket to Hel’s Mist. They have no authority to lift the sanctions the High Council placed on me. I cannot believe how low they’re willing to sink to manipulate you. Stay here.” Mom patted my hand then stood. “Lavania will explain everything. For once Goddess Freya’s got one on the Norns.”

I followed her to the living room. “What do you mean?”

“She sent Lavania to train you now instead of next year when you turn eighteen. The Norns will not think of searching for her right now. The bitter crones think they have us at their mercy.” Mom stopped in front of the mirror portal in the living room and placed her hand on the surface. “Since Lavania was a teenager when she became immortal, she can blend in easily with the kids at your school.” Runes appeared on her hand, and the mirror responded, shifting and ebbing until a portal appeared.

I inched closer, curious to see where it led. The short hallway had a cloudy floor and walls like it was made of swirling smoke. The other side was a bedroom done in violet, white, and purple.

Lavania appeared. She still wore the sexy lingerie.

“Svana? Did you forget something? Oh hi, Raine,” she added with a broad grin when she saw me.

I gave her a half-wave, hating her and fascinated by her at the same time. How old was she? And why did she have to be so damn beautiful?

“My daughter has a few questions about young Eirik. Could you join us, please?”

“Of course.” Lavania disappeared out of sight and returned with a floral robe with large violet flowers, which she shrugged on. We stepped back to let her in.

She entered our home and looked around.

I wondered what she thought of Mom’s décor, which was like her fashion sense—earthy tones mixed with colorful cushions, paintings, knick-knacks from various cultures, flowers, and candles. Mom loved candles. Dad’s cherry wet bar in the corner was the only contemporary area in the room. He’d built it with Eirik’s help and was proud of it. Every time Mom put a candle or a carving on the counter, Dad moved it. It was like a game they played.

“What a beautiful room, Svana.” She sounded genuine. “It’s warm and cozy, like a real home.”

Mom chuckled. “It is a real home, and thank you. Please, sit.” Mom waved toward the living room sofa. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Water is fine,” Lavania said.

While Mom went behind the bar counter to retrieve bottled water from the fridge, I studied our guest on the sly. She sat with her back straight, hands on her lap, and legs crossed at the ankle and tucked to the side. I found myself sitting straighter. After a few seconds, I went back to slouching. Copying her wouldn’t make me feel better or bring Torin back. It was over, and the sooner I accepted it the better off I’d be.

“Here you go.” Mom placed the water on the side table then gripped Lavania’s shoulder. “Be nice to my daughter, Lavinia. Don’t frighten her with too much information at once.”

“Don’t worry. She’s safe with me.” Lavania patted Mom’s hand.

“You’re leaving?” I asked, my voice rising. I wasn’t ready for one-on-one with this particular Valkyrie.

“Your father is waiting, sweetheart. In fact, I came home to get our account ledgers when Lavania distracted me with news about your car.” Her green eyes flashed, and I knew she was about to start berating the students.

“That explains why he kept checking his watch. I went by the store, and we swung by Café Nikos.”

“You two and those pastries.” She chuckled and turned to Lavania. “Norns visited Raine at school today. Be careful. If they discover your presence…”

“They’ll be onto us. I know. Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

“You still think attending her school while here is the right thing to do?” Mom asked.

Lavania nodded. “It is the perfect camouflage. Your neighbors won’t suspect anything and incessant chitchat from the students will conceal our presence.” She glanced at me and added, “Norns tend to eavesdrop on their charges when not weaving the destinies of newborns.”

“I’ll see you later, sweetie.” Mom dropped a kiss on my forehead and left.

Blowing out a breath, I glanced at Lavania and found her watching me with a weird smile. “What can Norns do if they learn you are here?”

“Plenty. They’re unpredictable, but I’m more concerned with what they might do to you and how your mother might react. She sacrificed a lot to be with your father.” Lavania sounded amazed.

I bristled. “Why is that surprising?”

“Not many people are willing to give up immortality for love.”

“Are you saying my mother is no longer immortal?”

She nodded. “No. She’s aging, just slower than your average Mortal because of the runes. Since she returned her runic blades, she cannot add more and when you don’t add more, their effects wane.”

I frowned, finding it hard to imagine Mom older.

“It’s one thing to hear about her and quite another to actually meet her.” Lavania leaned back against the sofa. “She is quite the legend back at home.”

“Why?”

“Norns rarely fall from grace. Even Norns-in-training like her, yet she did for your father. She was also Goddess Freya’s favorite, powerful like most Valkyries from your bloodline, and a ferocious fighter.”

My mother a fighter? With her boho-chic style and outgoing personality, I could see her prancing around with floral lei promoting peace. “Fighting who?”

“Warriors. We train the warriors we reap. But I’m digressing. When she was chosen to join the Norns, Goddess Freya was very disappointed, yet when she fell in love with your father and Norns wanted her banished to Hel’s Hall, the goddess intervened on her behalf. Freya went before the High Council and fought for your parents to stay together.”

That made sense. Freya was the goddess of love and female sexuality, and the leader of the Valkyries. I wanted to meet her someday. “Why did she let them strip Mom of her Valkyrie rights and forbid her to talk about you guys or go back to Asgard?”

Lavania chuckled. “Because those are the rules, sweetie. Valkyries fall from grace all the time and choose to remain on Earth with their mates. Your mother is very lucky she was powerful enough to retain some knowledge of runes to protect you. Most fallen Valkyries are not that lucky.” She took a sip of water and wrapped her hands around the glass. “So, my young protégée, what do you want to know about Eirik?”

“I don’t mind learning about Mom. How old is she? Are her parents alive? Do I have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins?”

She laughed. “What happened to being undecided, needing more time?”

I winced. “I do need time to think about things and finish my homework, but—”

She raised her hand. “Okay, okay, I was only teasing.”

“I’m not always this flaky. I really want to learn.” My heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and dread. It was now or never.
Torin and his know-it-all attitude can take a hike.
“I would like to start my lessons right away.”

Lavania frowned. “Are you sure? Your mother said not to push or—”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

She smiled, reached forward, and gripped my arms. “Good girl.”

 
I exhaled, feeling lightheaded. This was what I wanted. I blew out a breath again.

Lavania smiled. “Okay. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“I have an appointment with my doctor at three twenty. I should be home by four.”

“Then let’s start at five.”

I nodded.

“Now about your mother. I don’t know anything personal about her, except she’s older than I and I’m old. Don’t ask how old because I will pull rank on you. One day she’ll be allowed to tell you everything. For now, be patient and focus on being the best student I’ve ever had.” She sipped her water and leaned back. “Now, what did you want to learn about our young deity?”

I blinked. “Diety?”

Lavania’s eyes lit up. “Yes. Eirik is Odin’s grandson. I took one look at him when I arrived here two weeks ago and I knew he was the one. He looks exactly like his father.”

I couldn’t wrap my brain around the fact that my best friend since we could crawl, the goofball who loved pizza and licked his fingers when he ate chicken wings, was actually the grandson of a Norse god.

“Then why is he being raised here as a human orphan?”

5.
     
WHO IS EIRIK?

The smile disappeared from Lavania’s lips. “He’s being raised here for his safety.”

My mouth went dry. The Norns were right. How I’d hoped they were up to their nasty tricks. “What’s after him?”

“Let me start from the beginning. Odin and his wife, Frigg, had a son named Baldur. He was one of many, but the most beautiful of all the gods. He was wise like his father, fair in his judgments like his brother, and very gracious like his mother. His golden beauty rivaled the sun, so they made him god of the summer sun. Everyone loved him, but not as much as his parents. One night, he and his mother had the same prophetic vision of his death. Odin went to see a seeress and confirmed it. Baldur was going to die. To prevent his death, Baldur’s mother went to all the realms and made all the people and elements—earth, air, water, and fire—take a vow not to hurt her son. And it worked. They said the young gods and goddesses would use Baldur for target practice for fun. They’d take turns throwing spears, arrows, knives, and daggers at him only to watch them bounce off him without leaving a scratch.” Lavania chuckled.

“You saw this happen?”

She shook her head. “No. We, the Valkyries, are often too busy with the warriors to attend most court events, but his story is chronicled and placed on the walls of Valhalla for all to see and to remember who was responsible for his death.”

She paused to sip her water. I sat on the edge of my seat, fascinated even though at the back of my mind was concern for Eirik. Something or someone was after him.

“Who killed him?” I asked impatiently.

“Loki. Loki found out that there was one thing Baldur’s mother overlooked in her quest to keep Baldur safe. She forgot to get a vow from mistletoe. Mistletoe doesn’t grow on or under the earth like most plants. It is considered a lowly plant because it grows on oak and apple trees like a parasite. Loki created an arrow from the mistletoe and gave it to Baldur’s twin brother, who was as blind as a bat. While the gods and goddesses were playing one of their target games, Baldur’s blind brother threw the arrow and killed Baldur. In his grief, Odin had Baldur’s twin brother killed.”

And they said humans fought over nothing. These gods were petty, ruthless, and unforgiving. Was one of them after Eirik because of his father? Maybe one of his uncle’s kids. “I hope Loki was punished.”

Lavania shook her head. “No. Everyone suspected that he directed the arrow. After all, how good is the aim of a blind man, even if he is a god? But no one could prove Loki did it. Do you know anything about Hel?”

I nodded. “She’s Loki’s daughter and the ruler of the Land of Mist, where those who die of old age and illness go.”

Lavania nodded with approval. “You’ve been reading. Very good. I don’t normally use books when I train my charges, but if you prefer them—”

“No, that’s okay. I don’t. I rather learn through practice. Why did you ask about Hel?”

“Baldur didn’t die in a battle, so his soul went to her, to Hel’s Hall. I’ve never been there, but they say it’s huge with many mansions and high walls, and it’s very damp. His mother, desperate to have her son back, sent messenger after messenger to Hel, begging her to release Baldur. Hel promised to send Baldur back if everyone, alive and dead, mourned his death. We all did, except a giantess who refused to shed a tear. So Hel kept Baldur. At least that’s what we thought. In the meantime, Odin discovered that the giantess who didn’t weep was actually Loki in disguise.”

“Oh, please tell him he was punished this time.”

Lavania grinned. “Yes. He’s bound to a rock in a pit. Above the pit is a serpent dripping venom on him, a just punishment for killing a beloved god. Unfortunately, evil is stirring, and it’s only a matter of time before he escapes. He has many followers doing his bidding, including his children.” She drained the water and put the glass aside. “Now, you’re probably wondering what the story of Baldur has to do with Eirik.”

I nodded.

“A little over seventeen years ago, three Norns stopped by Valhalla with a baby boy. They claimed he was Baldur’s son.
How is that possible?
everyone asked. Did he escape? Did Hel set him free? Is he living in one of the realms? The Norns didn’t say, but Odin and Frigg took one look at the baby and knew he was Baldur’s, their grandson. The blond hair, the fair skin, the beautiful features, and eyes like drops of the sun.”

She’d just described Eirik down to his amber eyes.

“
Völur
came from far and wide, and they all confirmed he was the one.”

“
Völur
?”

“Seeresses. We have very few of them left, but when they talk, the gods listen. The
Völur
had visions of our young deity as an adult reunited with his father. But a dark shadow followed the boy. They all said it couldn’t be stopped. The three Norns knew something, but no one dared ask them.”

“Why not?”

“Norns tend to want something in return, and it’s always what your heart desires the most. It doesn’t matter what you’re willing to give up. They always know what to go for. Not even the gods make deals with the Norns. I knew this Valkyrie…”

Those lying, sneaky crones. They hadn’t just erased Torin’s memories to make me suffer. They’d taken away his heart’s most desire. Me. The deal Torin had made was for my life to be spared in exchange for eternal servitude to Hel or evil Norns. Instead of servitude, they’d taken his memories away. Yet they’d known I wasn’t meant to die. It was all a lie.
Just wait until I see them again.

“Raine?”

“Oh, sorry.” I gave her an apologetic smile. “Can you repeat what you just said?”

Something flashed in her eyes. Annoyance or disappointment, I couldn’t tell. “Is something wrong?”

“No. Every time someone mentions Norns, I remember my interactions with them. Not my happiest memories.”

She squeezed my arm. “I understand. I might not know the details of what you went through, but I know how Norns work. Maybe one day you’ll share your experience with me.”

I doubted it. “Sure.”

“Okay, back to Eirik’s story. To protect him, the Norns suggested he should be sent to Earth to be raised as a Mortal, his location kept a secret from everyone, including his grandparents. The Norns promised he’d be showered with love, never want for anything.”

I laughed. “Have you met his parents? They’re cold and…” I remembered who I was talking to and winced. “Sorry, I interrupted.”

The smile disappeared from Lavania’s face. “Don’t be. I like that you speak your mind, Raine. Your mother told me you and Eirik are very close.”

I smiled. “Yes. My parents treat him like a son. He probably spends more time here than at his house.”

“Then the Norns were right. He got all the love and caring from your family and the material things came from his Immortal guardians.”

If that was her polite way of saying we were richer in love and poorer in material things, she’d nailed it. Eirik’s parents were loaded. Their new house at the top of the hill was huge. Even their old house was bigger than most of the houses in our cul-de-sac.

“Anyway,” Lavania leaned back and smiled, “that’s the story of how our young deity came here.”

It explained the way Eirik and I were practically raised together and Mom’s friendship with his aloof parents. What I still didn’t understand was what the Norns had meant by he was the reason they’d saved my life.

“Do Torin and the others know who Eirik is?”

“Of course not. I recognized him because I knew his father.”

Maliina, Andris’ ex-girlfriend, had suspected something. It was the only explanation for the way she’d behaved the first time she’d seen Eirik. She’d asked him all sorts of personal questions about his background, almost like she’d known he wasn’t human. At the time I thought she was trying to hurt him to get back at me.

“Who is Eirik’s mother?”

Lavania shook her head. “Sadly, no one knows.”

“I do,” a familiar voice said, and I looked up. Eirik stepped into the room, using the mirror as a portal. How much had he heard? I couldn’t tell from his expression.
 

“What are you doing here?” I asked, getting up. “I thought you had swim practice.”

“I didn’t go.” His gaze shifted to Lavania. “So that’s the big secret? I’m Odin’s grandson? Or is it the scary boogeyman after me?”

Lavania moved away from the sofa and toward him. She looked worried. “If your guardians didn’t tell you the truth, it’s because they were following orders, Eirik.”

Something else occurred to me. “Are you going to get in trouble for telling us, Lavania?”

She cocked her eyebrows. “Are you going to tell that I told you?”

“No.” I shook my head.

“Then the secret stays with us. Do you have any questions for me, Eirik?” she asked.

“Nope.” He headed toward the kitchen. I noticed he only wore socks.

“I can train you and Raine if you’d like,” Lavania added.

“No thanks.” He disappeared behind the fridge door as he searched for something to eat.

“Don’t mind him,” I said apologetically. “Once he processes everything, he’ll have plenty of questions and won’t mind joining us.”

Lavania looked skeptical. “I hope so.” She glanced toward Eirik, who stepped away from the fridge with a bowl of leftovers from last night. He opened the lid and grinned. As we watched, he opened a drawer, retrieved a spoon, and scooped cold chili. Yuck.

“This really is his second home,” Lavania said softly.

“Yes, it is.” It was surreal watching him, the son of a Norse god eating cold chili in my kitchen. Then I noticed Lavania in front of the mirror waiting for the portal to form. I wanted to tell her to use the door. Mom thought nothing of using portals, but Dad could get spooked by people appearing or disappearing suddenly. Mrs. Rutledge from across the street also had more time on her hands than any of the housewives in the cul-de-sac. She liked nothing better than to watch people and gossip. She’d notice if someone was at our house one second and the next at Torin’s without crossing our yards.

Lavania waved and disappeared through the portal. I waited until the mirror was whole again before joining Eirik.

“So, do I bow in humility,” I bowed, “curtsey out of respect,” I curtsied, “or grovel every time I see you?” I grabbed his hand and rained kisses on his knuckles.

“Shut up.” He yanked his hand from mine, but he was smiling.

“You really should warm that.” I pointed at the chili.

He stopped eating and glanced at me. “This, uh, wasn’t your dinner, was it?”

“No.” I plopped on a stool, leaned against the counter, and watched him shovel spoonful after spoonful of the mixture into his mouth. “So the Norns were right.”

“About?” he asked between scoops.

“Your life is in danger from this, uh, dark shadow.”

He shrugged. “Whatever.”

“Don’t say that. Maybe you should listen to them, Eirik. Keep an eye out for this
thing
after you.”

He laughed. “I’m not going to look over my shoulder because of something those three crones said. If the shadow, or whatever it is, wants a piece of me, let it come.”

That meant I’d have to do the watching and the worrying. “Do you really know who your mother is?”

He nodded. “Yep. I have Sari Seville. She might be standoffish and strict, but she has moments when she does something very, uh… What’s the word?”

“Mom-ish?”

He grinned. “Yeah, Mom-ish. Do you remember J.P and Kyle?”

“Fourth grade bullies. I hated them. I wonder what happened to them.”

“They probably ended up in juvee. They ganged up on me one summer. The next day, they both apologized and never bothered me again. Apparently, Mom paid their families a visit. Either she runed them or she put the fear of Hel in them. When you were in the hospital after the accident, she sat with your mother and got all of us drinks and sandwiches while we kept vigil. I’m talking about everyone who went to Torin’s party and came to the hospital with us.” He pointed his spoon at me. “That deserves the Mom-of-the-Year award.”

“Yes, it does.”

“And ‘mom number two’ is your mother. Hope you don’t mind sharing.”