Page 13

“Varlett. It’s a pleasure, goddess.”

Katana was as sweet and lovely as a person came but she was no stranger to the schemes and darkness of this world. It would be surprising if anyone else caught the minute tightening around her eyes, the barely noticeable shift away with her hips. “Varlett, nice to meet you. My, this is a fun group. Elves, dragons, and gods.”

“Don’t let the bitch fool you, goddess, she’s not one of us by choice.” Hel’s voice tingled down her spine. A moment later his hand slid around the back of her neck, and he hooked his elbow around it. His dimple was pronounced and his dark eyes smoldered. Even if she’d known Hel for a long time, this reconciliation was still new. His simple touch sent heat to her core and a flush to her cheeks. “Hello, love.” Teeth nipped her ear, and she had to let her breath out slowly. Her heart was already pounding.

“Hi.” She searched his eyes, wondering what he’d done with Synick.

He’s contained, don’t worry.

It was uncanny the way he could read her even when she didn’t intend him to.

Katana’s lavender eyes shifted between Hel and Varlett. The backstory of why exactly Varlett wasn’t one of them could come at a later time. For now, Katana only needed to know the shifter couldn’t be trusted, although instinctually her sister likely already sensed that.

Valeen opened her mouth to introduce Hel when Tif popped through the grass and ran to her, wrapping her small arms halfway around her boot. “I’m so glad you’re back. It’s scary out here.”

“Tif, you had me worried. Where did you go?”

“Well, I ran when those creepy skeleton things popped up. I have become braver but not that brave.”

“It’s lucky you found Hel. Something could have happened to you.”

“Not with the master of darkness to watch over me.” The tips of her fingers drummed together like she’d become his tiny henchman.

Master of darkness?Valeen nudged Hel’s side.

What? She came up with it, not me.

Lifting her hand to his chest and pressing it flat against his leather armor plate, she said, “Hel, meet my sister, Katana. Katana, this is my husband, Hel.”

Taking hold of the edges of her silvery-white dress, she dipped into a curtsy. “It is wonderful to meet you.”

“He’s the god of magic, and of course he knows you’re the goddess of day.”

“Let’s not forget the mischief part. The god ofmischiefand magic. It’s the most interesting thing about me.”

Katana smiled. “You do have an air of mystery about you.” She wiggled her brows at Valeen. “Good catch. You always had a thing for the dark broody type, and you certainly found him.”

“The sister comes in with the good gossip. Who else was there?” Hel lightly tugged on Valeen’s braid. “First and last names will do, Katana. I’m sure I could find them from that. I already know of one andhe’slucky to be alive.” His eyes shifted to Thane.

“Here we go,” Thane bemoaned.

“Oh.” Katana blinked several times. “Um no one in particular. She didn’t?—”

“He’s teasing.” Valeen smacked his arm that was still hooked around her shoulders.

“Am I?” Then he mouthed to Katana. “Tell me later.”

“Stop it. She’s going to think you’re out of your mind.” All Mother, she onlythoughtof jealous Hel and got it.

“I mean, the assessment wouldn’t be far off. She might as well know now.” Hel pulled away from Valeen and held out his hand to her. Interestingly, she hesitated but did take it. It could be because something in him frightened her, but she didn’t appear to be scared. More uncertain.

When her sister had a puzzled expression, Valeen finally caught onto the reason behind the hesitation and laughed. “To shake hands is a newer but customary greeting.”

“Oh.” Katana smiled at Hel. “So we hold each other’s hands for a moment and squeeze, gently but not too gently. I like it. I thought you were going to kiss my hand, which is not customary for a married male to do, especially in front of his wife. I take it that Leif is unmarried.”

“Definitely single but looking,” Leif said. “If you’re in the market.”

Piper elbowed him in the side. “She’s a goddess, have some respect.”