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  She grabbed another pin to fasten the hair on the other side.

  “Hi, gorgeous. You look fabulous.”

  The clip fell to the marble countertop as Pippa swirled around. “Kyle?”

  She glanced beyond him. How’d he get past Mattie? Pippa wasn’t bashful, just unaccustomed to having a date walk into her bathroom, with her in underwear. She grabbed a damp towel to hold in front of her.

  He threaded a loose strand of her hair between his fingers. “Mattie was occupied, so I thought I’d make my way back to your apartment.”

  “Sorry, I’m late.” She sidestepped and rushed through the bathroom door, leading him into the sitting area. Damn, she wished she’d shut the bedroom door. He’d been making gestures and comments, trying to get her to have sex with him; however, money was attached to the offer.

  Laid out on the end of the bed was her red blouse, sharp as a stop light.

  “I know you didn’t have a mother around to educate you, and I’m surprised you didn’t pick this up during your university years, but men and women touch each other when they’re in a relationship.”

  “Pippa?” Mattie shouted. Her hand braced against the door frame, she heaved deep breaths. One palm pressed on her chest, as if she could control the speed. Her wild eyes narrowed. “That banker-boy better not...” she mumbled.

  Pippa flew to her blouse and slid it over her head, fully buttoned.

  Mattie plopped on the Queen Anne chair, beside the door, the green velvet of the upholstery making her pale and sickly looking. She puffed air as fast as a steam-powered mill grinder. “Sorry, I guess I’m out of shape.”

  “Shh, that’s all right.” Pippa bent to give her a quick one-armed hug.

  “If it wasn’t for Basil, I wouldn’t have known.” She straightened and looked toward the entry.

  “Shucks, ma’am, no thanks needed.” Basil’s southern drawl, barely noticeable before, rocked full force.

  Pippa glanced at him. His arms were tucked, ankles crossed as he leaned on the fluted door trim. Had he seen her without a blouse? The very idea sent tingles deep into her core. Holding his stare, she tried to fight the want and desire flowing through her and remember he was searching for her brother. He was either a good guy or a bad, and at this point in time with his dream amber eyes shooting cupid darts of lust she wanted him to be…

  “I don’t know what all the excitement is about. I mean, I’ve seen her naked.” Kyle’s sharp voice rang through the air.

  Mattie hissed, then frowned.

  Pippa drew a deep breath—bad. She wanted him to be bad.

  Basil straightened, planted his feet, and drew his lips together like an angry suitor. Which he wasn’t, but she wouldn’t mind him being one.

  Beneath her hand, Mattie’s muscles tightened. “Why you—”

  Pippa stood and turned to face Kyle. “We were three years old and the only reason you remember it is because the photos your perv uncle took.”

  “Now Pippa, no need to call names. If you’ll recall it was a pool party.” Kyle grinned as if he did remember the day, the kiss, and they’d done the deed as adults.

  Heat radiated through her, replacing the sweet tingling Basil had created. Would he think she’d drop her clothes at the least provocation? “Kyle—”

  “And probably shouldn’t be talked about in public. Maybe we should wait in the reception area while the lady finishes dressing.” Basil walked inside the room and extended his arm for Mattie.

  As if injected with youth serum, Mattie sprang to her feet and grabbed hold of the well-muscled forearm. “Yes, let’s have a nice cup of tea or maybe a shot of whiskey.”

  “After you…sir.” Basil stood near the doorway, not budging.

  Mattie had flushed bright crimson spots on her pale face. She was enjoying this as much—if not more—than Pippa hated the bad scenario.

  Kyle snarled, not for long and probably not seen by the other two, but she caught it. Crap, the last thing she needed was for her ticket to holding the ranch, for those precious remaining days, to get annoyed.

  Chapter 2

  Valhalla Palace, Asgard

  Skogul glanced around the bright, cold hall, accepting of the select group formed. She stood beside her best friend Kiara and her guy Harrison, and Göndul, grand leader of the female Valkyrie squad. In the center of their ring was Odin, Norse God and ruler of Asgard. Vivid battle scenes engraved the afterlife hall’s stone walls. Their god focused on the depicted fight scenes instead of looking Harrison in the eye.

  Göndul stared straight ahead as if annoyed she had to attend this simple meeting. At the nape of her neck, hair the color of washed out stone was intricately twisted resembling a Celtic lovers’ knot. Her prop, an empowered wand, was always belted at her side. Currently her hand rested on the knob, her signature royal-purple crystal glowed on the head. She expected trouble.

  Considering the group, this little impromptu meeting would not end in her favor. Skogul stared at each of them, trying to get a reading.

  Odin, looking like a poor imitation of St. Nicholas, was a direct contrast to Harrison. Blond, tall, built like Heimdallr, the god with foresight, keen eyesight, and hearing, and a fantastic build. Harrison’s muscles bunched and bulged, pulling his shirt tight as he leaned over Kiara to whisper in her ear. His six-pack abs, as the Earth commercials stated, under the thin material drew her attention. She wanted to touch them.

  Kiara, having the Valkyrie power of mind reading, shot her a dark look. Oops, must not have blocked my thoughts.

  Since the beginning Valkyries only sought candidates from warriors on the brink of death, that small period of time when the soul departs from the human body, to be part of Odin’s special army. Never before had they invited a mortal man, certainly not an injured one, to become an immortal. When did the new guy get so much influence?

  Granted, Harrison had been given more supernatural powers than the Einherjars, the mindless robots designed to fight Odin’s battles, and less than Valkyries. The new rank put Harrison Lombard somewhere between Odin’s warriors and choosers of the slain. Recent recruits of the Special Ops Forces couldn’t read minds; however, they could transport to any time after their immortalization. Other powers might exist for Harrison, but she didn’t know the extent of his abilities.

  Harrison had a profound crease in between his eyebrows. Beside him stood Kiara, a woman so alike in coloring and body type to Skogul she could have been her baby sister. As best friends they had similar interest and goals within the squads. They both wanted to climb to the top. However, Kiara got side tracked and chose Harrison as her life-mate. Skogul would never say out loud that Kiara had selected a fine partner. As leader of the First Squad and the wisest, she should always present herself as a role model and having a life-mate wasn’t in her future or any Valkyrie wanting to increase in status.

  Kiara had disobeyed Odin’s command to take her chosen Einherjar, instead leaving Harrison to heal on the battlefield. She told her friend to forget the Marine, but Kiara continued to pine. Adapting Harrison’s battle strategies and uniform she approached Odin and was exiled to Earth as punishment where she’d fallen in love with the human.

  Odin forgave Kiara and being a man who believed in love and marriage he allowed Harrison to join her in Asgard. Skogul had been the one given the mission to escort Harrison to Valhalla. The two lovers had been nearly inseparable. She understood why Harrison, the new supernatural leader of a Special Ops group, and Kiara were summoned here and why the leader of all Valkyrie squads, Göndul, was hovering nearby, but what she didn’t understand was her role in this little play.

  “Harrison.” Odin granted him a sideways glance as he wrapped his fingers around the arm of the elaborate gold embossed throne seat. “You believe Basil Vanguard is the most qualified of all humans, of this century, to become your second in command?”

  “If Basil willingly agrees, he’ll become a member of the elites in the Special Ops and not an Einherjar, correct?” Harrison ru
bbed his head, where a gunshot wound had creased his hair line, changing the scar from pink to white.

  Skogul inhaled, trying to calm her nerves. Disrespect or being questioned by an inferior was never acceptable to Odin. She glanced at Kiara to determine her reaction. Other than broadening her stance, no facial expression told the tale. Why wasn’t she shaking or at least trying to defend her soul mate? Piss, now Kiara’s fanciful ways were influencing her thoughts. Only poets spoke of soul mates, because the romantic concept wasn’t real.

  “Aye, as agreed.” Odin turned to Göndul and nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve a pressing issue to address. Best of luck to you all.”

  All, what underworld madness had taken over? Were they all traveling to Earth to secure this one measly human? She could transport Captain Basil Vanguard with her eyes closed and that’s what they’d have to be in order to ignore his crooked front teeth and obnoxious pick-up lines. Why did they even want Vanguard?

  A flash of lightning cloaked Odin’s exit, chair and all. Göndul stepped from the imitation Druid circle where they’d gathered. Unlike Odin who chose warriors from the fallen, Druids took human sacrifices. Was Odin intending to take a sacrifice? Basil? Göndul’s shimmering purple gown sparkled as she moved. With only one sleeve the dress resembled a Grecian toga and showcased a well defined arm. Perfect sinew bulged as she settled her hands on her slight hips. She was hot and knew it. Skogul wanted to hate her, but she had too much respect for the woman and her rank. “I’ve been commissioned for this task, although I’m not in favor of bringing another—”

  “What the fuck…er, frak?” Skogul wanted to get out of this before Göndul actually said the words committing her to this insane mission.

  Göndul fingered the wand attached to a golden chain around her waist. “I don’t understand frak, but by the tone of your voice you’re rebelling and you haven’t heard the orders yet.”

  Harrison tugged her arm as she leaned toward Göndul. “Please, your excellency, let me explain.”

  The far-reaching compliment had Göndul’s arm relaxing and her stance shifting. “Then we should take seats near the soothing water fountain, perhaps the tinkling will calm Skogul and she’ll remember who holds the power.”

  Not likely, but she meandered to the lush fountain, with a concrete base supporting horse statues spewing water from their mouths. Three naked women lounged in a basin on top and sprayed water, highlighting the length and perfection of their voluptuous bodies. Even in Odin’s world, springs were considered sacred. In keeping with Greek civilization he’d built a shrine with columns surrounding a sitting area created by plush seats, chairs, sofas, and fainting couches. Göndul sat in a chair with a high back, Kiara and Harrison took a sofa opposite the leader, and Skogul fell onto the fainting couch, placing her head on the head rest. The fresh water scent and splashing of water on stone, very relaxing, didn’t do the job.

  Kiara frowned and lifted her fingers as if to say sit up and pay attention. Skogul smiled, enjoying her friend’s bit of discomfort. She’d attempt to rejoice in the springs and accept her fate without contest.

  “As I was saying”—Harrison took hold of Kiara’s hand—“when Skogul came to Earth to transport me to Asgard, she had a few days to enjoy entertainment in this century. She particularly enjoyed the futuristic movies. Frak, a word used in those movies, means—”

  Skogul sat upright. “Not important. Please, my under lord, what is our mission.”

  Göndul snarled. Skogul withheld a chuckle, the slur hadn’t been missed.

  “She meant you, as our leader, are directly under our God, Odin.” Kiara slapped Skogul’s leg.

  “Yes, what she said,” Skogul added.

  Göndul crossed her legs. “There isn’t an ‘our mission.’ There is only your mission, Skogul. Once again you will go to Earth, this time to secure Captain Vanguard. He’ll join Harrison and the Special Ops squad. Their strategies will be very important when the great Ragnarok war occurs. We need more men to think and plan the offenses and defenses.”

  “Don’t you mean offer him the role of an immortal?” Harrison insisted.

  He wasn’t giving up on that issue. Odin had given the Special Ops leader more freedom than anyone before…except Thor. Harrison might be pulling that tether a little hard.

  Göndul nodded. “Yes, of course. Just make sure he understands the importance of his decision. Also, this time it is recommended you don’t let everyone see you. You should only expose yourself to Vanguard.” She winced. “We had a bit of trouble getting the memories altered the last time you were entertained on Earth.”

  Heat rose to Skogul’s face. She should have known their director would keep a close eye on her. Göndul had actually delivered a message reminding Skogul to keep on task. “Hey, I was just getting some ideas about how to provide new sources of entertainment for Odin’s staff.”

  “That may be, but this time stay on task.” Göndul stretched her neck like an ostrich, extending it forward, then pulling it back into place. She was at the end of her patience. If she folded her hands on her lap, Skogul was doomed.

  Frak, this assignment was going to be a pain. Why had she been given the challenge and why were Kiara and Harrison here? “Basil won’t remember me. After I took Harrison from Earth, all his memories of me being there and of Harrison being taken to Asgard had been erased.”

  “Kiara and Harrison will tell you about Basil’s activities and act as backup.”

  “I have to bring him to Valhalla?” Skogul disbelieving shook her head.

  “That is your mission.”

  “How long do I have to ah…convince Basil of the importance of accepting this invitation?” Skogul slid a glance at Harrison, letting him know there wasn’t much choice, apparently she had to travel alone and make sure she brought, er, provided a Marine.

  “It won’t be easy. Vanguard is looking for Wilson, the man who betrayed our squad. And from the information I gave him, he believes Wilson killed me.” Harrison nodded, as if confirming that was the goal.

  Göndul folded her hands on her lap. “If you keep your exposure to humans at a minimum, take all the time you need. Have I made that clear?

  “Yes, your honor.” Skogul nodded. “Only allow people to see me when necessary and bring the obnoxious Marine to Valhalla.”

  A soft giggle came from Kiara’s direction. She recognized the sarcasm. Love flowed through her; they knew each other so well.

  “You will go into the situation knowledgeable. Hopefully you won’t be on Earth for long,” Göndul replied, as if the discussion part of this meeting had ended.

  “Yes. I will do my best to bring Captain Vanguard to Asgard.” Skogul lowered her head, not in respect as it would indicate, rather to hide her disgust at the task. A human would not want to become an immortal and leave all of the frivolities Earth had to offer behind. The task would be impossible, but she didn’t want to know what the consequences were. If Kiara had been exiled for disobedience, who knew what would happen to her if she wasn’t successful.

  “The consequences of failure are far greater than you can possibly imagine. Keep that in mind. Be careful in how you present the offer. You’ll leave tomorrow. Please let me know if you need anything. As always, I’ll keep a close watch.” Göndul strutted from the room. More than likely to get her nails sharpened.

  Kiara fell to her knees in front of Skogul. “You can’t force Basil to come, yet I fear what will happen to you if you don’t.”

  “I’m sorry, Skogul. But it has to be his choice. He might be happy and not want to become an immortal.” Harrison rubbed his forehead. “In addition, he’s close to finding Wilson.”

  “I’m sure this is difficult for both of you.” She cupped her friend’s face. “Kiara, my destiny is unknown, but you will always remain a part of my heart. Do not worry about me. I’ll survive whatever gruesome punishment Göndul has thought to arrange. Who knows, maybe Basil will be happy to join his friend and become one of us.”

&n
bsp; Kiara broke into sobs. Harrison drew her from the floor, and they resituated on the sofa. Dread and hope rippled across his glance before he focused on soothing his soul mate.

  Hum, she must not have put enough oomph in the comment.

  “Well.” Skogul rubbed her earlobe, setting the diamond dangle to swing. “I’ll let you two, ah, console each other. We’ll meet later to discuss details about Basil Vanguard and how to approach him with the offer.”

  Chapter 3

  Horse Rescue Ranch

  Stall doors on each end of the barn slid open to allow ventilation. A non-slip concrete floor made shoveling easier, but the alleyway spread ten feet wide. Five-by-eight box stalls, lined with rubber mats under bedding, posed additional cleaning challenges for Basil. Fresh air drying sweat on a working man’s body was natural. He didn’t mind the labor and God only knew being a Marine included a lot of muscle grease; however, horse shit was huge.

  Hard knocks was tattooed right next to loyal and proud. Up to date, mucking stalls topped the list of the most disgusting things he’d ever done and that included wading waist-deep through murky swamps in Cambodia. Nothing from his past compared to the scent of fresh, hot horse shit.

  Urine-laced straw dribbled from his pitchfork and onto his Docs. Classic boots shouldn’t smell like ammonia; he hoped the British Boot Company in Camden was still viable and selling Dr Martens. He hadn’t paid his mom a visit in over a year. Perhaps he’d use Skype later, if he could get a good Internet connection. Chat with her and inquire about new footwear.

  “Regret volunteering now, Basil?” Cute and perky no longer described Brooke. She became a tiny female version of the Terminator.

  Hell, yes, he regretted it, but he’d keep coming every day until he got intel about Wilson who would lead him to Harrison. “Not at all. I get to spend time with a charming and beautiful woman. What more could a man want?”

  She giggled and tapped a light bulb enclosed within a safety cage. “Make sure to look for spiders. They’re everywhere.”