Page 56 of Fur Ever Wicked

“I am.”

“Then I am his mother,” she proclaimed. “And as such, I simply took steps to ensure my child’s happiness.”

“I should have known you had a hand in this. Always meddling where you don’t belong. If one disobeys me, all shall. Do you not understand the repercussions of your actions?”

Freyja approached her husband slowly. “My dear, you worry too much. All will be well.” She combed her fingers gently through his hair, then his beard.

Odin sighed. “I pray you are right, my love.”

“Do not doubt. This,” she motioned to Wade. “Is the correct path. Your wanderer needs a home and a mate.”

“And what of his job? What he was created to do? Souls will always need to be collected.”

“And he shall continue on, doing his job to the best of his abilities. There is no need for a change. Is there, Wanderer?”

Wade bowed his head before speaking. “No, your highness. There is no need for any changes to be made. I simply and humbly ask to keep my mate. She is innocent in this and knows very little about this part of my life.” He had always hated the name Stian or Wanderer because he wanted so much more. He wanted a life, a mate, and young. Not to mention a place to call his own. He could do his job, no matter where he was, so why hadn’t he been allowed to have his own pursuits as well?

Odin sighed. He’d been bested by Freyja. “So be it.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Wade bowed before his creator.

“My child, you are free to live your life but remember you are responsible for all souls who roam the Earth.” Freyja glanced to Odin and nodded before continuing. “You may also discuss this with your mate, so she understands the responsibility you bear.”

Wade’s head snapped up. He’d never been allowed to utter a word to anyone about who he really was or what he did. To do so was to invite a punishment like no other.

“Truly? I don’t have to hide from my mate?”

Odin nodded.

“Thank you!”

“Now, you must go. Your mate needs you,” Freyja said. Her eyes glazed over as she watched what transpired in a far-off realm. “You must hurry if you wish to save her.”