The Unleashing
Page 39

Yeah. I did. Then Odin showed up. Told him to fuck off, too.
Katja laughed. Odin was so mad.
I didnt care. They left me to rot for sixteen years and suddenly they show up and act like Im supposed to be grateful.
So what changed your mind?
They bought me a car. It was a really nice car.
Kera patted his knee. Of course.
Whats that tone?
Men are so easy. With the promise of a nice car or a pretty girl with a slutty side . . . you guys will happily hand your souls over to a god.
You handed your soul over to a god.
I had a knife in my chest and I was dying in an alleyway. Its not like I had a lot of choices. Besides, I was worried about Kera stopped and looked around the room. Wheres my dog?
Three Crows showed up and took her.
Keras mouth dropped open. And you let them?
They said they were going for a run and wanted her to go with them. They didnt ask about you. Stieg glanced at Kera. I think they like the dog better than you.
Yeah, Kera was forced to agree. I think so, too.
Vig didnt mean to take so long getting food, but hed had trouble deciding what to cook for Kera. Was she a sauce person? Did she like a lot of vegetables or was she more meat and potatoes? Should he get a good wine or go with a solid craft beer?
And now, as he walked up to his house, he realized what all that indecision had cost him. Privacy.
It was hard enough finding privacy when one was a Raven. The brothers tended to encroach whenever they felt like it. But that was one of the reasons Vig loved his house. He hadnt really wanted to get an apartment or a house somewhere else. With his business, it helped to be easily found by the other Clans. Plus his sister was helping him set up an online business for the non-Clan, battle-re-creation types. And the Valkyries had territory near the Ravens. So it all worked out . . . except now.
Now it was not working out.
A metal table that Vig had created a few years back had been pulled out from his storage shed and several random chairs placed around it. Stieg and Siggy sat on either side of the table. Rolf sat at one end and Kera at the other. Someone had broken into Vigs Swedish beer stash and his wheat crackers. Which was just a weird combination.
Good. Youre back, Siggy announced. I hope you brought a lot of food. Were starving.
Vig stood at the table, glaring down at his Raven brothers. I didnt bring enough food for all of you because all of you are not invited.
That seems kind of bitchy.
Vig kicked the table and itslammed into Siggys chest.
Motherfu
Shut up, Siggy, Kat ordered, quickly walking around the table and grabbing Vig by the arm. With me, she ordered him.
Kat pulled him up the porch and into the house. Let them stay, she said.
I dont want to. This is my chance to
No.
No what?
No, this isnt your chance to nail your little Crow to the wall in an orgy of Viking sex.
But
No.
Vig put the bags down on the kitchen table. Why not?
Shes been through a lot. All she needs right now is a friend.
Cant we be friends and
No. Besides, Vig, she just recently stopped wearing an ice pack on her crotch. Give the girl some time.
Thats fine. But why do I have to let the idiots stay?
Honestly? Because youre too intense. Especially when youre locked on a target. The guys distract her from . . . you.
Now youre just hurting my feelings.
Kat hugged Vig. I know. And Im not trying to. Just let the guys be the guys and you will look like the smart, quiet, deep-thinking one. Shell like that. Siggys ability to balance stuff on his nose and Stiegs talk of his car-stealing days will not lure this woman anywhere. Shes got a code, that one. Shes not straying from it. She brushed her hand against Vigs jaw. Besides, any woman you spend more than five minutes with will need to get along with the Ravens.
Hows she doing with that?
So far, great. But ten years in the military, learning how to handle a bunch of horny, misogynistic American males probably helps. A lot.
Dinner was simple but delicious. Just the way Kera liked it. Nothing too complicated with a lot of heavy sauces or too much seasoning. Instead, Vig went for chicken, lightly seasoned, green beans and potatoes, and a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Perfect and just what she needed after a shitty day.
And God, such a shitty day. But Vig and his Raven brothersKat had a date so shed left while Vig was cookingwere trying to help. They understood how hard it must be not to be born into this life but to be dragged into it suddenly. Then expected to just get it. To just understand all that was going on and be okay with it.
It was a shame her sisters couldnt quite grasp that. Especially since theyd all been through the same thing.
As the four of them chatted and the sun began to set, the activity picked up.