I roll my eyes so hard they might get stuck. "So fucking what? It doesn't change the fact that she's your mate. Man up and stake your claim before I lose my shit watching you brood yourself into oblivion."
Erik's jaw clenches like he's trying to crack granite. "It's not that simple."
"The hell it isn't," I snap, keeping my voice low. "You're just making it complicated because you're allergic to happiness, you stubborn bastard."
Erik's eyes narrow. "It's not, Rhyland. There are... complications. Factors you don't understand."
"Then enlighten me, oh wise one," I shoot back, my patience wearing thin. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you're just being a pussy."
Erik slams his fist on the table, rattling the plates and startling a few nearby warriors. "Enough," he hisses, his silver eyes flashing with barely contained rage. "I've made my decision, and that's final. Now drop it, before I drop you."
Holy shit. I've seen Erik rip enemies apart with his bare hands, but I've never seen him lose his cool like this with me. The guy's usually got more control than a monk on a meditation retreat. It has to be the mating bond turning his brain into scrambled eggs. He can pretend all he wants, but ignoring this shit is like trying to outrun a lightning bolt. He's gonna snap, and it won't be pretty when he does. His bloodlust is probably already tap dancing on his last nerve, especially with her right-fucking-there, real and breathing, and everything his vampire side is screaming for.
I glance back at their table. My angel's got her head down, suddenly super interested in her food while trying to ignore the soft-porn show Bryn's putting on with Muscles McGee.
"At least talk to Dani, for fuck's sake," I growl. "Tell her you're fine—lie through your teeth if you have to. Just fix this shit."
Erik just sits there like a statue with a grudge, nursing his drink. We're stuck here waiting for Heimdall's dramatic ass to show up and that pretty boy Baldr to finish powdering his nose in Ásgard. At least Bryn's staying put—something about this being Dani's destiny and her having to guard this frozen hellhole called Valor's Watch.
Just what I fucking need—a treasure hunt with Ásgard's favorite poster boy, Baldr. But beggars can't be choosers, and the sooner we get this show on the road, the sooner we can get back to somewhere that doesn't freeze my balls off.
At least with Bryn staying behind, Erik can get his head out of his ass and focus on the mission. Maybe some distance will help him get his shit together before he completely loses it. The last thing we need is my brother going full-blown feral vampire because he can't handle being near his mate.
Though, knowing my luck and how the universe loves to fuck with me lately, that'll probably blow up in our faces anyway.
After watching Erik try to drown himself in mead for what feels like a fucking eternity, I need some air.
Outside, a group of Valkyries are going at it in the ring, their swords singing through the frozen air. Thanks to Bryn raising the wards this morning, blocking my powers, I'm about as useful as tits on a bull. Can't even mind-talk with my mate, which is really starting to piss me off.
My fist connects with the wooden beam, the ancient timber exploding into splinters. The sound echoes through the frozen air like thunder, but it doesn't do shit to calm the rage burning in my veins. Between Erik's secrets turning my mate into an ice queen and Dani's Arctic fucking treatment, I'm about ready to level this entire frozen shithole.
Blood drips onto pristine snow, turning white to blood-red before my vampire healing kicks in. The wounds close, flesh knitting together even as wooden shards push themselves out of my skin. At least that golden prick Baldr didn't lie about our healing powers working here, wards or no wards.
The beam's destruction barely takes the edge off. What I really need is either a full-on war or my mate's sweet ass pressed against me, and right now both options seem equally fucking impossible.
I'm watching these warrior women try to dismember each other when Bryn and Dani materialize next to me as if they have news I won't like.
"Change of plans," Bryn announces, her voice carrying that edge of authority that makes lesser warriors piss themselves.
I arch an eyebrow. "That right?"
"Bryn's coming with us," Dani says, her tone clipped but still managing to drip sass. "Baldr thinks it's best." She won't look at me directly, but I can feel the frost coming off her in waves.
Bryn straightens up like she's about to lead a damn raid."I've commanded my second to lead over Valor's Watch. By Odin's beard, I'll not miss the chance to aid my sister in this quest."
"Great." trying to force a smile that looks more like a grimace.
Just. Fuck.
Erik will lose his mind faster than a berserker in a mead hall. So much for hoping distance might help his control—that plan just got shot to Hell and back. I scrub my hand down my face, trying not to look like I'm already dreading the shitstorm heading our way.
Dani gives me another one of her arctic death glares before turning away, somehow making the silent treatment feel like getting gutted with a rusty blade. Christ, this day just keeps getting better and better.
Before she can slip away, I snag her around the waist, spinning us until her back hits the wooden wall of the longhouse. The impact forces a small gasp from her lips as I cage her in with my arms, my body pressing against hers until there's not even room for the freezing air between us. Her scent—honey and sunshine—fills my lungs, making my fangs ache.
"You can't keep freezing me out, Angel. This mission's too important for your silent treatment bullshit."
She tilts her chin up, defiant as ever, and fuck me if it doesn't make my blood burn hotter. Her breath ghosts across my lips, hot and sweet. "I'm talking to you now, aren't I?" she challenges, her eyes flashing gold fire.
