Hide and Seek (True Destiny Book 6) Read online

  Thank goodness Idunn and her husband, Bragi, had chosen to be on Kir’s side. They were now guarding the apples fiercely with a little help from some of the Valkyrie who’d chosen to fight against Grimm. If Grimm got ahold of the apples…

  “Toni?” Nik took a step forward. “Who do I have to kill?”

  She took a step back, startled at the fierce anger in Nik’s tone. “No one. I was just thinking about Solberg.” She scowled. “I can’t explain why, but he felt slimy. Wrong. I could tell he wanted to do things to me, and it grossed me out.”

  “That’s Grimm all right.” Nik relaxed, settling on the arm of the sofa, but his shoulders were still tense. “He’s always had a thing for his Valkyries.”

  “Ew.” The ex-queen of the Norse gods was a bitch, from her perfectly coiffed head down to her designer stilettos, but maybe Grimm had made her that way with his carousing and scheming. “I bet Freddie just loved that.”

  “Freddie?” Nik smirked. “I dare you to call her that to her face.”

  “Challenge accepted.” She’d probably piss herself, but she’d do it just to for the look on Nik’s face. Besides, Frederica deserved it. She was the one who’d kidnapped Syd, after all.

  “Frederica will more than likely squash you where you stand, if I allow you close enough to call her that, of course.”

  Allow?

  Allow?

  Who the hell did he think he was? She took a deep breath to calm her rage, hoping he wouldn’t pick up on it. She needed his help if she were to get Syd free. “I’m going to go after her.”

  Nik grunted dismissively. “I don’t think so.”

  “I made a promise, Nik. If you won’t help me, I’ll have to find out shit on my own.” She’d do it, too, despite his interference. There was no way she was letting Sydney sit in Frederica’s place any longer than she had to. The woman was injured and being held against her will. She doubted Frederica would be giving her first aid.

  “I don’t care.” He took a step toward her, his expression changing when she took a step back. He was all predator as he pinned her to the door of his condo with his body. His thick length pressed against her. Damn her traitorous body for responding. Her nipples hardened at the pressure of his chest against hers. He smiled, then pressed his cheek to hers, his breath warm against her ear. “Don’t think I won’t tie you to my bed to keep you safe.”

  The echo of her own thoughts made her shiver. “You can try.” She forced herself to shove him back, glaring at him when he merely laughed. “Now, help me or keep out of my way.”

  His eyes changed, going from human silvery gray to pure, shining silver. “You think I can’t find you if you run?” He tapped the side of his head, near his eye. “I can watch you wherever you go.”

  “That’s not creepy at all.” When he chuckled, she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Besides, who said I’d be running? I’ll be strolling, bitch.” She opened the door, conscious of the fact that Nik wasn’t going to help. If anything, he’d try and stop her, and now he was aware that she’d go all out getting Sydney back.

  This was bad. She needed to get to Sylvia and Val and figure out their next move. She kept pushing against him until the door was fully open, but it wasn’t easy. The son of a bitch barely moved even when she used her full strength. And his chest felt wonderful under her palms. She wanted to stroke him through the thin material of his dress shirt. He’d left the top two buttons undone and she spotted the edges of his collar bones.

  When the fuck did collar bones become sexy? And why did she want to lick them?

  She finally managed to slide out the door. She pointed at Nik, who’d stayed inside the condo. “Sit. Stay.”

  His brows rose. “That only works on Fenris.”

  She bit back her smile. “I mean it, Nik. If you’re not going to help, then stay out of my way.”

  The look she got back did not bode well for her continued freedom.

  “If I find out you went to Frederica’s I’ll bring your ass back here and paddle it.”

  Now that did nothing but piss her off. She was a fucking homicide cop and a Valkyrie. She could take care of herself. “You and what army?”

  His door slowly shut, but his voice still whispered in her ear. “I mean it, Toni. Don’t go after Frederica.”

  “I mean it, Toni,” she mimicked, her voice high and squeaky as she stomped back to the condo she shared with Sydney. “Testa di cazzo. Ti metto un remo in culo e ti sventolo per l'aria.”

  Nik’s rich laughter floated in the air just behind her.

  “Where the hell did you learn that one?”

  “Learn what?” Toni jumped as another voice joined Nik’s. She turned to find Jeff, Fenris right on his heels.

  Neither seemed surprised to catch Nik’s disembodied voice responding, “Ti metto un remo in culo e ti sventolo per l'aria. It means ‘I will stick an oar in your ass and wave you like a flag’.”

  Jeff laughed so hard he had to lean against Fenris.

  Fenris chuckled. “What did you do to piss Toni off that much, Nik?”

  The silence was deafening. Had Nik finally stopped it with the creepy god-stalker thing?

  “He told me not to go find Sydney. I’m going anyway.” And she was going to be pissed about his attitude for a long time, no matter how hot his ass had looked in those dress pants.

  What could she say? She was a sucker for a man in a well-tailored suit.

  Fenris immediately glowered. “That’s dangerous.”

  She tossed her hair back dramatically. “Danger is my middle name.”

  Jeff chuckled and shook his head. “Let us know if you need any help.”

  “I will.” She slammed into her condo, more eager than ever to find Sydney and bring her home.

  ***

  “Welcome back, Adam.” Oliver Grimm nodded his greeting to the man standing before him. Adam had become his right-hand man since Vali’s betrayal and Thor’s death.

  Adam was no longer under the influence of Idunn’s apples, but he’d chosen to follow Oliver, despite being Vanir. As Frey, he still led the Lios Alfar as far as both he and Grimm were concerned. Adam’s hatred of the Dökk Alfar and his love of the beauties of Alfheim blinded him to everything else, leaving him easy to control so long as Grimm left him as the Lord of Light.

  Unfortunately the Lios Alfar had begun once again to listen to Tyr, enraging Adam. Grimm intended to set them to rights soon, apples or no apples. Tyr had been allowed to live as the leader of the Vanir. To take him down too early would have been far too suspicious, even with Idunn’s apples. Under the apples he’d been a loyal lackey, and over time people forgot he used to be the leader of the Lios Alfar. Now they were once again refusing to listen to Adam, pledging their lives and swords to Tyr.

  As for the Dökk Alfar, they still refused to reveal who it was who’d sat on the Ebony Throne in the Palace of Shadows before Adam. For that, Grimm allowed them to suffer under Adam’s rule. Their defiance would not be tolerated.

  The Lord of the Dökk Alfar would have been simple to eliminate, if only Grimm had learned his or her identity. The Dökk Alfar had kept their lips sealed. Worse, the Lios Alfar seemed to have forgotten who the leader of the Dökk Alfar was, leaving Grimm with no option but to place them under Adam.

  “It’s good to be back, my lord.” Adam bowed low, his hand to his breast, a warrior greeting his liege. He straightened up at Grimm’s signal, his hand falling to his side. “I have what you wished for.”

  Grimm sighed happily. “Excellent.” He took the object from Adam, caressing it lovingly before putting it into his pocket. This was certain to ensure his victory over Loki and Baldur. The Dökk Alfar were excellent at their craft, and Einar was among the best, and the most discreet. Unfortunately, he had no loyalty to anyone. He’d reveal Grimm’s plan if sufficiently worried for his hide. Luckily, Frederica had also used Einar’s services. No doubt the fools would be so busy chasing down Sigyn they would never learn of his plan until it was too lat
e. “And Frederica? She’s taken Sydney hostage?”

  Adam nodded. “Yes, she has. I wasn’t able to ascertain what she’s forcing Sydney to work on, however.”

  Sydney Saeter was actually Sigyn, Loki’s ex and one of his many weak points. He might no longer love her, but he would save her, of that Grimm had no doubts. They were friends, and Loki was surprisingly devoted to those whom he cared for. Frederica’s little venture would profit Grimm nicely. “Do nothing, but set watchers on them for now. As for you, I want you to start reaching out to Jordan. If we can throw her off balance, we can get to Logan and Kir.” Hearing from her biological father should do that nicely. Jordan still had a warm spot in her heart for her father, despite his allegiance with Grimm. “Take it slowly at first. We don’t want to set off alarm bells.”

  Adam bowed. “She’s pregnant with their children. Her hormones should make her an easy target.”

  Grimm nodded. “Yes, indeed.” He stared out the window of his new penthouse condo, one that he’d purchased not that long ago under an assumed name. It was right across from Logan and Kir’s building, making it convenient for watching his enemies’ movements. “If Antonia makes a move to look for Sydney, chase her down. Make them wonder what we’re up to.”

  “Yes, my lord.” Adam moved to stand beside him. “Should I kill Einar?”

  Grimm shook his head. “No. Let them question him about Frederica.” He fingered the little golden ball that would finally lead him to Jörmungandr. “We’ve got our own work to do.”

  Once the Godspear was his again, all of this nonsense would stop. Baldur would die, Loki would die, and all those who thought they could betray Odin would learn that they’d been sadly, fatally mistaken.

  In the meantime, he had travel plans to make. It was almost time for the last of Logan’s children to make an appearance, and Grimm intended to be the first one to welcome him home.

  Chapter 2

  Nik stared blankly at the papers in front of him, but it was no use. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t concentrate on the mundane, mortal work of a defense attorney. His mind was too wrapped up in the hot, curvy body of the woman who drove him insane not only with desire but with wrath.

  How dare she defy him? He was Heimdall, Guardian of the Bifrost Bridge. He’d be aware of her movements the moment she left the building, even without Logan’s wards. There was no way she could hide from the man who witnessed everything.

  Including the way her nipples had puckered as they’d pressed up against his chest.

  He groaned, running his fingers through his hair and pulling it, trying to distract himself, but it was no use. Her body had lit his on fire and now all he wanted to do was quench himself in her.

  Unfortunately her stubborn ass was two doors down, raging at him in English and Italian while she waited for Sylvia and Val to join her. Those two should know better, but Val was in love with Sydney. He’d do anything to save her, including kill Frederica, and he’d do it without shedding a single tear. He was cold and ruthless to those who harmed the ones he considered under his protection, and Sydney was definitely that. Sylvia was Sydney’s best friend and the one who’d first asked Toni to save Sydney. Of course the two of them were going to encourage Toni in her desire to save Sydney.

  He could almost understand it. Toni was a cop, someone who had dedicated herself to helping those in need. He admired that about her, more than he’d let on, but he had to stop her from putting herself in danger. He couldn’t keep an eye on her thanks to whatever spell Freddie had in place.

  Frederica, the evil witch, had figured out some way to block his powers. He had had no idea that Sydney was hurt more than he’d first thought. When he’d seen her in the limo she’d been injured, but it was nothing major. What had Frederica done to her once she had Sydney in her home? If Frederica had abused Sydney, Val would definitely kill her.

  He slumped back, his knees practically hitting the coffee table. He’d never lost the ability to observe anything wherever he wanted, and it was freaking him the fuck out. How had Frederica done it? And what could he do to counter it? He’d have to figure out a way, or Toni’s cute little ass was going to get killed.

  And there she went, damn it, leaving the building and going to the garage to get her car. Why did Travis have to go and be the nice guy, fetching her dark sedan from her old home for her? Damn it. Now Nik was going to have to keep an eye on her. If she got her ass kicked he’d have to save her, possibly playing his trump card before he was ready.

  With a sigh, Nik left his condo. The only one who might be able to keep Toni in place was Kir. Even a stubborn Valkyrie would be forced to acknowledge the holder of Gungnir, the Godspear. She’d have to come home rather than put her ass in danger.

  He knocked on the front door of Kir, Logan, and Jordan’s condo. Part of him watched Toni make straight for Frederica’s. Another part, as always, watched the Bifrost Bridge. Frey had crossed some time earlier, but Nik had let him be. His part was also yet to be played.

  Nik would take great delight in destroying his former fellow in arms. He’d thought he could at least trust the Vanir, but Adam Grey had proven him wrong. Jordan was going to be devastated when she discovered that her father was now Grimm’s right-hand man.

  Logan opened the door, seemingly surprised to find Nik standing there. Nik pushed past him before Logan could greet him. “Toni’s gone to Frederica’s.”

  Logan closed the door with a weary sigh. It must be difficult living in Grand Central Station. Everyone came to Logan’s to brainstorm or get some advice. Their condo had become the command center in their war against Grimm. “And?”

  Nik almost growled in frustration. “Freddie’s figured out a way to block me from seeing anything on her estate. Worse, Adam is now working willfully with Grimm.”

  “Fuck fuck fuck!” Logan’s low whistle was full of surprise. “How the hell did she manage that?”

  Ah, so Logan was going to ignore his revelation about Adam. “I have no idea. If I did, I’d figure out a way around it. This isn’t supposed to be possible.” Nik sat on the pristine white sofa. He gazed out the huge windows at the city below.

  “Could Sydney be responsible?” Jordan, who’d apparently been in the kitchen, came to sit beside him. She pushed her glasses up her nose. “If your powers are blocked you can’t tell us what she’s up to.” She held up her hand. “And it was obvious that Dad was working with Grimm of his own free will.” She stared sadly out the window before turning back to him with a look that said Adam was in deep trouble if his daughter got ahold of him. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “So fuck him.”

  He blinked. There was very real fire in Jordan’s eyes. She’d gotten the power over fire from Logan. Adam was going to get his nuts roasted if he came anywhere near Jordan Tate-Saeter or her babies. “Okay. As for Frederica, I thought she was using Sydney to spy on Logan, looking for a way to break up you, Kir and Logan.”

  “Is it possible Sydney is behind it?” Jordan shrugged. “Maybe because I’m new to all this, but I thought it might be possible that Sydney has some sort of magic that would block you. Like blocking access on a server or something.”

  An interesting theory, but would that work? He took a deep breath, debating his answer. It would be impossible for anyone else, but for Sydney, who’d made computers her life and had the powers of a goddess? “She could use her link to computers to use that kind of magic.” He stood. “But the computer would have to be special. It would have to link to the World Tree, and no mortal computer could do that. Only a computer created by the Dökk Alfar could accomplish it.”

  “Yggdrasil?” Logan shook his head, his expression utterly horrified. “So this Dökk Alfar computer would view Yggdrasil as just another network?”

  “With branches into the different worlds, allowing for…” Shit. His mind raced with the implications of just such a computer. With a computer like that, Sydney could rule even Asgard. Please, no. This was exactly the kind of thing he’d been created
to prevent. He’d hate it if he was forced to kill the sweet, quiet woman. “I think so. If she has the proper equipment she could do anything.”

  “Anything being?” Jordan waved her hand. “Please explain to those who are just barely computer literate. I can use my Google-Fu, but that’s about it.”

  Nik grimaced. His shoulders hunched as he fisted his hands in his lap. “When I say anything, I mean anything. She could erase parts of history, reverse time, and even make it so that the Vanir won the war. She could place Frederica on the throne of the gods and no one would ever remember otherwise. She could make it so that you’re not pregnant anymore and, worse, have no memory of being pregnant. She’d be re-writing the code of history itself. The power of the World Tree is absolute, even more so than the one who holds Gungnir. It connects all of the world threads to the lives within them. Without Yggdrasil nothing exists.” Which was why he had been born. The Guardian watched over not only the bridge but Yggdrasil itself. None could mess with the tree without bringing his wrath down on their heads.

  If he was right, and Sydney was being forced to tap into Yggdrasil…

  Val would never get the chance to slay Frederica, because it would be Nik’s duty to take care of her first.

  “Right. Gotcha. This is way more fucking dangerous than the apples.” Jordan stroked her large stomach protectively. “Frederica would love nothing more than to make my babies disappear. Hell, she could make it so that Logan and Kir never got together, or met me.” She stared at Nik, her hands erupting in flames. “We need to kill her.”

  She was right. Frederica hated the fact that Jordan was with both Kir and Logan. Her bitch of a grandmother would not hesitate to get rid of Logan’s child, even if it meant destroying Kir’s as well. She would never kill Jordan or Kir, but Logan and his children would simply cease to be.

  “Jordan?” Logan sat next to her and pulled her close. “Are you sure? This is your grandmother we’re talking about.”