“Not just that, even though I’ve been begging you to get for years. But one word from your new guy and you’re getting one. I’m happy you have found your mate. I can’t help but like him already. And don’t worry, boss. I’ll get you the best one out there. I’ll even show you how to use it.”
“I don’t care what you get me, as long as you get it to me this afternoon.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, taking out the credit card he used only for business. “Pay for it with this.” He threw the card on Marlow’s desk and walked into his office to deal with his uncle.
Maybe I should have stayed away for another day.
Scott loved his office. It was spacious and not overly decorated, thanks to his bearer who knew what he liked—neutral calming colors with splashes of red that fit his personality. His awards and degrees lined the walls.
Tall plants in the four corners of the room gave off a calming fragrance. He’d gone with dark chocolate suede furniture that was comfortable for not only Scott but his patients, as well. But the highlight of his office was the large bay window which gave him adequate lighting during the day. More often than not, his patients tended to sit by the window during their sessions.
Scott walked over to his desk, ignoring Loki who was standing by his office window looking out. He usually had time to get himself settled before seeing his first patient, but it seemed that was not going to happen any time soon.
“I guess congratulations are in order on finding your mate,” Loki said, breaking the silence. He’d dropped his disguise and was showing his true self. “You are the talk among the gods, as usual. The blessed one’s son has finally found his fated gift.”
“Thank you,” Scott answered, ignoring the last bit.
“So, how did he take you being a supreme god?”
“Is that what you came here to discuss? What my mate and I talk about? I was under the impression you wanted my help.”
“I’m just trying to make conversation, Scottland. Is that wrong?”
“Tell me what you’ve been up for the past two weeks?” Scott asked, not taking the accusation out of his tone.
“Your tone doesn’t please me, little demi,” Loki snapped, glaring at him over his shoulder.
I don’t give a fuck what pleases you.Scott wanted to say. Instead, he rephrased his question. “Have you tried speaking with your children in the past two weeks?”
Loki turned his gaze back to the view outside. “They’ve cut off their connection with me permanently.”
Scott’s brows creased together in concern. He knew his cousins were upset with Loki, but to cut their link off to him must be killing him. Family and the connection to their worshipers was the source of all the gods’ powers.
“I’m sorry. Maybe once they see…”
“Don’t try to appease me, Scottland. I know, even now as you sit there you wish for my death.”
Scott couldn’t respond. What Loki said was the truth. “Then I won’t placate you—” He stopped speaking for a second and observed his uncle. “I’ll be honest with you, then.”
“That would be refreshing coming from you” Loki scoffed.
“I’m not sure you can handle my truth, Uncle.”
“Now you choose to be respectful?”
“Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?” Scott was getting tired of being in Loki’s presence. He had to pull on the two weeks he’d spent with Quintus to stamp down his anger.
“Get on with it,” Loki waved a hand. “I’m tired of the staring contest.”
"And that's why no one likes you," Scott started. "You stand there and pretend you didn't see this coming, as if you didn't realize your actions would have pushed your children to the brink of excommunicating you out of their lives. You wanted to be a father, but never once were you there for them. Take Fenrir, for example. You treated him like shit.”
Scott could feel his anger rising. At that moment he wasn't doing an excellent job of being a doctor. His oath had been to heal, but his emotions were making the situation much worse.
“You stood by and watched other gods use him for their own selfish deeds.”
“What the fuck was I supposed to do?” Loki whirled around as he shouted in his direction.
“He was a child. You were supposed to protect him.” Scott shot to his feet, yelling right back at Loki.
"Just because your father coddles you, don't expect me to do the same with my offspring. And who was there to protect me?" Loki sneered.
