Entrapment (Thor's Dragon Rider #3) - Katrina Cope Page 0,45

the back to his mouth, dusting a kiss on my skin. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of meeting such a beautiful woman?” Sensual tones filled with invitation lace his voice. The question is a greeting that doesn’t expect an answer.

Heat rushes to my cheeks, which burn under his intense gaze, and I face away to hide my response. Sexuality and peace simply seep from him, just like his sister.

“I can't wait to take you with me to Alfheim.” Sensual fingers coax my chin softly, directing my gaze back to his sweet smile. “You’ll be under my protection and guidance, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you're looked after.”

Not knowing how to react or what to say, I gently pry my hand from his touch and look at Beowulf, almost begging for help.

The Midgardian warrior’s eyes cut through my insecurity, and other than when I first saw him in Muspelheim, I’ve never been so glad to hear the warrior’s boisterous voice. “Oh, Freya. It’s so good to see you again. I’m at your service to use as you please as long as you grace me with your presence.”

The words sound so foreign from the coarse warrior’s mouth, and I have to stifle a laugh, especially when he bends at the waist in a bow, Freya’s hand clasped in his.

“May I wash your feet or something else of more importance?” Beowulf’s voice is laced with seduction, and I cringe, not so sure he's bringing me the distraction I want.

Freya's chuckle sounds like finely tuned bells chiming. Touching her loose hand to her heart, she gracefully pulls her hand out of Beowulf’s grasp.

“Why, I’m flattered, Beowulf, but you aren’t one of my warriors.”

Disappointment flashes across his face. With eyes downcast, he straightens.

Freya clasps his chin and lifts it, looking into his blue eyes. “But if you play your cards right while you’re alive, perhaps you will eventually be one of my warriors.”

Beowulf almost melts in front of Freya, his expression only changing when he’s interrupted by Thor.

“Beowulf, you’re a powerful, strong warrior, and I would hate to see your talents wasted. Perhaps when you die, you can come to Valhalla to serve by my side.” Thor studies Beowulf’s besotted face ogling Freya, and I think I see hurt showing in his eyes. “I thought that was your plan.”

Beowulf makes an obvious effort to pry his eyes off the beautiful goddess to speak directly to Thor. “I don't see why I can’t have both.” Within seconds, his eyes return to Freya as he retakes her hand like a knight addressing his princess.

Freya chuckles, softly removing her hand again. “Then you would be an original first. Anyway, my darling Beowulf, we're here for Kara and her protection since Odin has banished her from Asgard.” Smoothly, she turns to her brother. “Now, Freyr”—her stern eyes focus on him—"you must look after Kara and help her find a good teacher of magic without making unwanted passes at her.”

Freyr affectionately hugs his sister around the shoulders, fixing her with innocent eyes. “I would never.”

She raises an eyebrow at him. “You and I both know that you would. This isn’t why I’ve put Kara into your care.”

My attention flicks from one to the other, finishing on Elan, my eyes pleading. “Help me,” I whisper.

Elan tilts her head to one side, pretending to look thoughtful. Now, what would Naga say about it? She lifts her talons and taps her temple several times. Oh yes, he would say that you're of breeding age and in genuine need of finding a mate before you get too old.

I glower at her. “Elan!” I cry in shock, causing everyone’s eyes to fix on me, including the angels of death. Once again, my cheeks redden even though I know Elan didn't send that message to the rest of the group.

She grins, showing off her vicious smile.

Thor clears his throat, and I’m glad for the interruption. “I was afraid this might happen.” He studies Freyr, his expression serious, almost like a protective father’s. “As Freya said, you aren’t to touch her unless she allows it.”

The sensual god looks slightly offended, although unconvincingly.

Thor ignores him and continues, “Just as I thought. For this reason, I’ve called for one of her friends to go with her to Alfheim also.”

My heart skips a beat, surging with excitement, and I want to hug my leader.

“This friend is probably a better suit for you and your realm in their attitude.” Thor adjusts his hammer