Page 14

Story: Hel Hath No Fury

They were loyal.They were steadfast.They were true to hearth and home and would give their lives to protect their families.

And, sadly, they were well acquainted with being misjudged and misunderstood.It was one of the many things the Vikings and Hel had in common.It was the tie that bound them together just as much as the blood running through their veins that soaked the soil they called home.

Just like they knew her truth, those Norsemen knew the facts about Garmr.They were the only ones who ignored the rumors and judged everyone, especially the Wolfman and the goddess, by their actions.They revered Garmr because he was the bravest and the strongest and had never backed down from helping those in need.

Those Warriors also knew that the only reason the ten-foot Wolfman and Tyr, the Norse god of War, Justice, and Law ever had a beef was because the puffed Deity stuck his nose where it didn’t belong while he was drunk or hungover or both.It was just another reason why people had been so scared of gods and goddesses throughout history.Most of the idiots Blessed by the Great Goddess to be a Deity judged people unfairly and for their own ill-gotten gains.And when they weren’t doing that, they caused wars over stupid, petty shit–usually their own damned egos–left dead bodies and devastated cities in their wake, and never offered to lift a finger to help clean up the mess.

Hel would take the Wolfman over almost every god or goddess she’d ever met any day of the week and twice on Sunday.He’d never let her down, never been cruel or spiteful, and had always had her back.

“And, most importantly, Garmr is the only person in Helheim who doesn’t flinch when I ask for a Diet Coke over crushed ice in a cup with a lid and a straw, and that makes him a frikkin’ prince in my book,” she grumbled under her breath.“He never once asked me why I don’t drink mead, or how I see out of the glowing Eye of Metis.He hasn’t ever even mentioned my ‘patchwork’ visage or not looked me right inbotheyes when we’re talking.And I know he thinks I’m not aware that looking me in the eye makes him queasy, but he doesn’t say a damned word and just keeps focusing on me like nothing’s wrong.He treats me like a regular chick when I’m in his bar.He treats me like any other customer who doesnotwant to be bothered.”

“That’s because he adores you like a little sister,”Carys lovingly responded.“Even though we’ve all been sworn to secrecy by Odin himself, everybody who’s anybody knows that Garmr is at the very least your half-brother.”Tsking, the Dragoness added with a hiss,“Just another thing I’d like to kick your mother in the shins for… Or better yet, set fire to one of those long, crimson, snaky braids she loves so much.You know damn good and well that she had an affair with one of the Úlfr somewhere along the way, then dropped poor little Garmr off at the gate of their Pack Lands to keep him a secret from Loki.How else did our Wolfman get those dark red highlights in his pelt?They are a perfect match for Angrboda and her Giants.That hue of red is theirs and only theirs–The Jötnar, that wily Magical Giant, whipped it up when they were created.He knew they were bad news from the start.Of course, you already know all of this.So, excuse this old Dragoness for repeating herself.”Without waiting for Hel to respond, Carys continued,“You are also well aware that the only reason you and your brothers don’t have any of that mangy crimson hair is because your dad is a god, and his DNA trumps most things.”

“Yeah, well, neither of my parents is a prize, but mom truly takes the cake for being one hell of an asshole and spiteful above all else.”Hel’s response was lackluster even to her own ears.Usually, she could go on an endless tirade about the woman who’d given birth to her, but on that occasion, she just didn’t have the inclination or desire to do anything but sit on her patio, look out over her rose garden, and drink Diet Coke until her eyes turned brown.

Reaching to the left, she let the condensation dripping off the cup sink into the tattered skin of her dead side.With the straw just barely touching her bottom lip, she snickered sarcastically, “Sadly, this might be my last sip before Liv and her Familiar, the Lupine of Legend, Dade get to the front door.”

Savoring the cool, bubbly liquid as it trickled down her throat, Hel remembered she needed to respond to Carys.If she didn’t, the Dragoness would go on and on, and that would just not do.

“We’ll never know all the things Angrboda’s done, and frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.If I never have to lay eyes on her again, I’ll call it Good Luck and consider it a gift from Prue.After all…”

Hel’s Mind’s Eye burst to life halting their conversation midsentence.There was Liv placing the sole of her boot on the first of the twenty-one stone steps that led to Hel’s front door.Any other time, she would’ve jumped up, fluffed her hair, and raced to the door.

Not this time.

No, on this occasion, she returned the straw to her lips, focused on the statue of Hope she’d commissioned as a gift to herself for her five hundredth birthday and smiled.“Damn, that man is good-looking, isn’t he?”

“Yes, yes, he is,”Carys agreed.“So, how about we bring the sculpture up here front and center?Make it a focal point.I’m sure Liv and Dade would love to see it.”

Rolling her eyes as she took a drink of ice cold soda, Hel mentally growled,“Will you ever stop giving me a hard time?”

“Yep, I sure will.”

So shocked that she almost choked on her drink, Hel cleared her throat and gasped,“No way!When?”

“Just as soon as you go to that Mate of yours and make him yours forever.”

“Arrrrgh,”Hel grumbled.“I just had to ask.”

Chapter5

Centuries Ago on Dreki Island

“God with a capital G sure knew what he was doing when he created this place,” Hopper sighed blissfully.

The warmth of the sun in that part of the world was simply… brighter… warmer… more… brilliant.The scent of the sea was the perfect combination of fresh, salty and slightly tangy, a scent that invigorated all his senses and made him feel more alive.The way it kissed his cheeks reminded him of how the smallest of the Fairies greeted him on the Isle of Skye.The whisper of the wind called to his immortal soul like only one other ever had, and wrapped around him like the lover’s embrace he longed for.The sound of the waves lapping against the jetty produced a rhythm so soft and so serene that he never wanted to be anywhere else.

Well… Anywhere but byherside…

Sadly, that continued to be unrequited.

“Nope.Not gonna think about that right now.I need to get my shit together and get back to work.Just need a few more minutes…”

The island was his happy place.It was where he came to quiet the voices of every living being on planet Earth, to clear his mind, and to recharge and rejuvenate his body and soul.It was the only respite he had until he and Hel were joined as Mates as planned by his Aunt, the Universe.

The island, the most perfect little oasis in the middle of the deep blue sea, was special for so many reasons, but mostly because it was untouched, unspoiled, and the perfect place for him to rest.It was also an ideal home for those he’d saved from certain demise all those years ago.

Yes, those very special Others…