"Really?" She loved creating jewelry and working with gems. Would people want to buy her work?
"If you taught yourself to make something like this and it's one of your first tries, you have quite a gift."
Elle smiled and put the locket back into her shirt. A talent. She had a talent. It was the first time anyone had said that.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Thor could not figure Elle out. One moment, he was afraid she might break from a stern look, and the next, he witnessed a fire inside her which made every inch of him wake up.
Holding her in his arms, he was once again struck by how warm her skin was to the touch. He wondered if it was his imagination or if she truly radiated heat. And his goats… what the hel was with them wanting to protect her from him?
He stared into her beautiful eyes, wanting nothing more than to take her up to his bed and make love to her.
Whoa! Where had that come from?
"So." He cleared his throat. "We should return to helping you stick up for yourself."
She nodded, and a serious expression crossed her face. "Yes. I need to learn to defend myself. I've never simply defended before."
He wondered what she meant, but before he could ask, the back door opened, and his father walked in.
"Thor, I was wondering-" Odin stopped, his eyes widening. He looked from Elle to Thor and back again.
"Yes?" Thor asked, trying to keep irritation from his voice. “Come right in.”
Odin continued to stare at Elle and then coughed. "Sorry. Where are my manners?" He walked forward and extended his hand.
Elle glanced at Thor and shook Odin's hand. "Elle."
"Elle." Odin rolled the word around as if mulling something over, while continuing to shake her hand. Finally, Odin leaned in and kissed Elle's knuckles. "Lady Elle, it's a pleasure to see you again."
Elle pulled away.
"Again?" asked Thor. "You've met Elle before?"
Odin's gaze narrowed.
"Yes," said Elle. “At the Raven Weaver. Lady Frigg introduced us."
Odin nodded and smiled. "Frigg has always liked to take people in and make sure they are cared for."
“I thought you only drank at your club,” Thor said.
Odin shrugged. “Usually.”
Something about the way Odin kept looking at Elle set Thor on edge. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he didn't like it.
"Did you need something, Father?"
Odin finally looked at Thor for the first time and smiled. "I came because I wanted to tell you everyone is back. We are going to have a family dinner at my place, Friday night."
Thor nodded.
Odin smiled. “I’ll let you two do whatever you were doing."
"I'm teaching her how to defend herself."
A soft expression crossed over Odin's face. "A person should never be subject to the abuse of others. Especially a beautiful young woman." Odin bowed to Elle. "I hope you will join us for dinner on Friday."
