Page 90 of Sinister Hearts

I smirked. “Oh, littleljos. Reapers of Odin only make sons.”

“He’s right, Mama.” Birdie came from outside of the horse stables with Creed.

“What is he right about, little miss?” Faye asked her, surprised by her comment.

Birdie put her ear to Faye’s belly and giggled.

“Are we sharing secrets, Birdie?” Faye questioned, tickling her.

“No, Mama, it’s just that he said Daddy Jax is right and that he’s glad to be back.” Both of us were stunned by her words.

“Wait, you can hear him?” I asked, staring at Birdie, amazed.

“Yes! I can hear everyone and everything, even the trees. They sing, you just have to listen.” Birdie ran to the tree to climb it.

Suddenly the sky cracked with a bolting thunder and electrifying light. The clouds swarmed in a storm above us, and Creed grabbed Birdie as I stood before Faye. A scroll dropped from the sky and it fell to the ground before my boots on the sand.

The scroll was wax-sealed shut with an emblem that only meant one thing—it was from the Council. The scroll zapped me every time I tried to open it, meaning the letter was not for me. My anxiety grew thicker than the storm above me. Faye grabbed the letter, opening the scroll sealed by wax and began to read, the clouds evaporating as sunshine basked through them with the sun’s rays, vanishing as if it never happened.

“What does it say,ljos?” My nerves were a wreck. Why must this moment be interrupted?

Dear Seer,

First and foremost, the Council wishes to congratulate you on your engagement and your new bundle of joy. We have been made aware of your initiations. One has never been made like it. With that being said, your presence has been requested at the Council of Mortis. We have a unique proposition to offer you- if it shall peak your interest.

We would be honored to have you on the board as council. We have found your gifts to be a grand need of service.

Your oath to Odin has been overridden. Your oath shall transpire here if you wish to take the offer. If not, your offer to Odin shall proceed. If you accept, your presence is expected to be the first full moon after your birth, as realm leaping can be dangerous for the bundle.

We are expecting to hear from you soon.

Warmly,

The Mortis Council

“They want me on the Council?” Faye was lost in astonishment.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My thoughts raced as she read the letter out loud to me.

“If you can’t beat them, join them,” I said out loud as soon as the thought crossed me.

“How do they know about the baby?” Faye’s nerves and senses had become heightened. I could smell her anxiousness seeping from her pores.

“They’re the Council, they know everything and have eyes everywhere.” I knew these assholes wanted something from my wife.

“What do they want with me?” I tried to calm her nerves.

“They know you’re too powerful to have as an enemy, so they want you on their side, where they can keep eyes on you. Keep you under control,” I exclaimed, re-reading the letter.

“Or perhaps where I can keep a close eye on the Council.” A deadly smirk spread across my little witch’s face.

Fuck I loved her.