Entrapment (Thor's Dragon Rider #3) - Katrina Cope Page 0,43

attention back to him momentarily. His face is barely visible in the twilight. “And who’s that male with her?” Beowulf’s eyes, filled with admiration only moments before, constrict with annoyance.

My eyes meet Thor’s, and amusement dances over his face before he focuses on Beowulf. “My friend, relax. That’s Freya’s brother, Freyr, not a lover.” His smirk grows as he lifts an eyebrow, fixing his blue eyes on Beowulf. “Although I don't think you'll have a chance with Freya.”

Beowulf huffs in disgust. “What makes you say that? I'm quite a catch.”

Thor arches a bushy auburn eyebrow.

The beast warrior's chin rises, and he puffs out his chest and straightens his back. “I'm quite a catch for a Midgardian. I have big, strong muscles.” He flexes, showing off his bulging biceps.

I shake my head. As much as Beowulf has grown on me, he can be a preposterous brute at times.

Thor chuckles and slaps Beowulf on the back. “Yes, my friend, and I do too. But she has her preferences, and it's not you or me.”

Trying to distract the drooling males, I attempt a change in conversation. “Why is her brother here?”

Like his sister, Freyr has light blond hair that falls to his shoulders in soft waves.

Thor levels his gaze at me. “He’s the friend I was talking about. He's the one that will accompany you to Alfheim and assist you in finding the right trainer for your magic.”

“Him?” I squint down at the tall blond male and his white tunic, open at the front and exposing his chest.

He lurks close to Freya, his movements fluid yet bold and confident, oozing a smooth sexuality.

I swallow. “Why him?”

Thor shrugs as though it should be obvious. “He's a friend of mine. On top of that, he’s a peaceful being who'll make sure that you’re looked after, especially seeing you’re friends with Freya. He cares a lot for his sister.”

Pointing at the god, who looks as though he’s cut out to please all females, I wave a finger, circling the spot he stands in the distance. “But… but he looks like he’s interested in one thing only. It’s not that I’m not interested in males—I just don’t want to have some god trying to win my attention in that way. Besides, what would he know about anything?”

Thor places a hand on my shoulder, and my friend's reassurance works away some of the knots of apprehension. “Don't worry. He won’t put a hand on you unless you want him to.”

I cross my arms. “Well, that won’t happen.”

“Despite the obvious, he does know a lot about peace. You should fly down and meet him.”

Shrugging, I realize I have nothing to lose. “I guess so.” Clasping Elan’s scales, I am readying myself to climb onto her bare back when Thor’s voice stops me.

“Wait.”

I gaze back over my shoulder.

Thor slaps his palm on his forehead. “I almost forgot.” He slips his hammer into his belt and points down at his two goats, strapped to the carriage they pull, resting not far below the tip of the mountain’s crest.

I let go of Elan’s scales. Something large is sitting on the carriage, but I have trouble working out what it is in the dim light of the rising quarter moon.

“You're welcome!” Thor calls out. “That thing isn’t light. I don't know how you’ve managed to haul it around. I almost had to put on my belt of strength to put it in the carriage.”

Blinking, I frown before my heart thumps wildly in excitement. “It’s Elan’s saddle,” I croon as gratitude warms my body. “I’ve missed that saddle. Thank you for thinking of me.” Yanking on Elan’s scales, I prepare to fly the short distance, and Beowulf climbs onto her back without invitation. As I look down at Thor, he seems small and lonely.

“Would you like a lift down?” I ask.

“What? You mean I get to ride a dragon?” His excitement is evident.

Elan turns on him with her teeth bared in a funny grin. Take it easy, Thor. If you misbehave, god or no god, it may be the only time you get to ride a dragon.

Thor grins. “I know you love me.”

The Midgardian warrior offers a helping hand to Thor. “It’s a fantastic experience.”

Thor takes the hand offered, the muscles in his arms flexing as he pulls himself up. “And so is causing the sky to fork lightning and grumble with thunder.”

“Oh, listen to him, would you?” Beowulf grunts. “You’d think he’s someone special.”

Elan groans under Thor’s added weight. “Wow, Thor. You're heavy.