Tricking Loki
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© 2013 Shara Azod & Marteeka Karland
Editor: Katriena Knights
Cover Art: Marteeka Karland
Books are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving eBooks is a copyright infringement.
Chapter One
The gods weren’t meant to be domesticated. Apparently no one had explained that to Thor, the traitor. Right about now, the Norse god of thunder and all things virile and manly was snuggled by the fireplace somewhere in Norway with his American—gag—
wife
and bratty but absolutely adorable child.
It had been five long years since Loki had tricked Thor into being summoned by the beautiful but all-too-human Jeanna. Well, he thought he had been playing a prank. Ha! The joke was on him, wasn’t it? It was supposed to have been a delightful lark—the mighty Thor at the mercy of a human female, one who had absolutely no roots in Norse traditions and wouldn’t know what to do with him. Well, the wily little American had certainly found a use for Thor, hadn’t she? And now, the once all powerful Thor was bound for all time to a woman who—okay, she just might be perfect.
How the hell was Loki to know his parents had enchanted the Christmas tree ornament meant to cause a little mischief? Unbeknownst to him when he had snuck the actual gateway to
Asgard into the cabin Jeanna had been renting, Odin and Frigga had enchanted the damn thing to work only if Thor’s soul mate were summoned. What were the odds of a random American, traveling to Germany for Christmas, just happening to be the one meant for Loki’s brother? Of course, the meddling parents had probably guided the human there. As a result, for the last five years Jól had been seriously depressing for Loki. There was no one to play with during what had once been one of the very best of celebrations...back when people actually believed in the gods. It was still fun. At least it had been before Jeanna.
Such beautiful pouty lips, such glorious dark skin, and best of all, she adored a good joke. It was impossible to hate his sister-in-law as she called herself, which irritated Loki all the more. He really needed to hate the woman who’d taken his favorite playmate away from him. Hanging with his brother just wasn’t any fun when Thor was constantly making googly eyes at Jeanna, touching Jeanna, doing things that had nothing to do with debauchery and everything to do with love for Jeanna. It was enough to make a grown god wretch.
Even worse was when Loki had to deal with Thorn, who was a devilish little cherub with dark golden skin, big, fat light brown and golden locks of hair, and the brightest sapphire eyes that always seemed to twinkle.
The kid was dangerous. The kid was a menace. The kid made Loki wish he had one just like him.
Which was why Loki found himself skulking in—Odin help him—Georgia. Not even the interesting Georgia, either, but the one in the Americas. This place was certifiable. People talked slow, moved slow, and seemed to love being around people they couldn’t really stand during the holiday season. What the hell was up with that? Families gathered, barely suppressing their disdain for one another, drinking to excess (which was a good thing) while muttering about each other under their breaths. But they were genuinely happy. Even those who seemed to be impoverished by their country’s standards were full of cheer and goodwill.
Maybe that was where Jeanna got her disgusting cheerfulness. Okay, so maybe that was why Loki was really here—because Jeanna was from here. He just wanted to see if all the women were like her. The answer was decidedly no, but there were plenty who were close. Not that he was looking to settle down or anything. He was a virile god with plenty of playing around to do. Several thousand years of good times and laughter was not enough, right?
Right?
“Uncle Loki, what are you doing?”
And the cutest little irritant in the world was right there by his side. Thorn’s parents should put a leash on the kid. It was just dangerous to have a little god growing up at the same pace as humans, but Jeanna didn’t want to miss a moment of the “mommy experience.” Loki had no idea what that was, but he did know his nephew had the brain of a thousand-year-old and the powers of his father, all wrapped up in an irresistible little package.
Simply put, trouble.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with your parents?” Loki asked without looking to his side. Looking at the child was not wise. In a heartbeat, the kid would have him wrapped around his little finger. He was Loki, damn it, not some child’s servant.
“I missed you.” Lies. The child spoke lies. And Loki believed him wholeheartedly, even melted a little. “Why are you sitting on the roof staring into that lady’s apartment?”
Was he? Well, hell, he was. It was the third time this week Loki had found himself in this depressing part of Atlanta, staring into the same apartment window, watching the inhabitant cry every night. Oh, he knew why she cried. She was broke. Bills were piling up, she had no way to pay, she would probably lose her apartment, and yet every morning she got up and started her grueling day. It started cleaning houses for people who treated her like something underneath their shoe.
Then she moved on to work in a classy restaurant she would never be able to afford to eat at herself. Tips were surprisingly skimpy. Yet Loki had witnessed people eating at mediocre places tipping far, far more than the affluent in the city. Odd people these were. After the sun went down, the woman moved on to waitress some more for a catering company.
This was perhaps the part of the woman’s day Loki hated the most. Drunkards always tried to corner her lush figure. Men whispered disgusting things into her ear. Things, if he were honest, he would have to admit he wanted to do to her. Somehow she always managed to slip out of these situations, but as the season got jollier, he doubted she would be able to do it much longer.
Why was he watching her? He should be off trying to find himself someone to lose himself in for a night or two, spread a little Jól cheer. Right now she was about to go out to her last job of the day, and he knew he would probably follow her. And damn it, he didn’t want to. The woman unnerved him.
“I like to see human misery,” he lied. Of course the child would know better. Perceptive little creature Thorn was.
“Well, let’s go turn her shower water into ice, or put worms in her hair!” Thorn jumped up and down with glee.
What the Hel? “NO!” His reaction was visceral. He hadn’t meant to yell. What did he care about some sad little human woman?
He quickly turned to his nephew, expecting to see tears, or at least sadness on his little face. By Odin, he could not stand it when the little fucker was upset. Because it was irritating. That was why.
Only Thorn didn’t look upset at all. He looked...something. Loki couldn’t really tell what.
“Why?” Thorn demanded. Generally, Loki resorted to taking his nephew out to play pranks since Thor was usually
occupied
. A caveat was it always had to be someone bad that they played a trick on. It was weird the kid would want to play a trick on an innocent. Probably bored. Possibly warped by all that love and affection his parents display all the time.
“Because I am bored with her.” Man, he was getting bad at lying. So weird.
“Fine.” The child sighed before a wicked gleam lit his eyes. “I am going to have some fun.”
Before Loki could stop him, Thorn disappeared. And Loki had a pretty good idea where he could find the little scamp.
Of all the places Rainey wanted to be, working at yet another catered party for the Comptons was
not
it. Not only was it right before Christmas, but the Comptons were richer than rich and usually had wandering hands. As did their guests. Given this was a bachelor
party for their eldest, she knew it would be worse than usual.
Going to her closet, she chose the modest-length black skirt and long-sleeved white blouse, with a red tie at her collar. Black nylons and black pumps with a low heel completed her outfit. Her hair was pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck, a black hair net encasing the large knot.
It took her a few minutes to dress, and she was still ahead of schedule. Checking her reflection in the mirror one last time, she sighed to find dark circles under her eyes. Even through her dark complexion, they were clearly visible. A testament to her depression this Christmas.
Just as she was ready to leave, a sharp rapping sounded at her door. Who in the world could that be? She never got visitors. She sighed. Probably carolers. Though she used to find the holiday tradition soothing, now it just made her want to cry all the more.
Snagging her coat, she figured she’d listen to them, wish them a Merry Christmas, and leave. But when she opened the door, all she saw was a tall, dark-haired stranger with golden skin and green eyes. Very out of place in this part of town.
He wasn’t looking at her, but had his mouth open as if to speak. When she opened the door, his gaze flew to her and he closed his mouth, swallowed, then smiled. Dressed in an expensive looking overcoat, the man was immaculately groomed. Not a silky black lock out of place. Looking decidedly uncomfortable, he cleared his throat. Understandable, given his obvious wealth and the part of town he was in. And he definitely filled out that expensive looking coat. Maybe he was lost, because he certainly didn’t belong here.
“I beg your pardon,” he said, his accent odd though not unpleasant, “but I believe I’ve been sent to escort you.”
Rainey blinked. “Escort me...where?”
Again, he cleared his throat. “To...your job?”
She didn’t have time for this. “Look. Obviously you’re in the wrong place. If you give me an address, maybe I can help you. But I really need to go.” She pushed her way past the stranger and locked her door, pocketing her keys.
“I’m sorry,” he said, not backing up or giving her much room to maneuver in the small hallway of her apartment. “Let me try again. I’ve been sent to take you to the dining room where the party will be catered tonight.” He offered her his arm. “May I?”
“And you are?” She was sorry if she sounded rude, but if she was late, Mr. Grayson, the owner of Grayson Catering, would fire her in a New York minute.
Again, he gave her that engaging grin. “Consider me your personal bodyguard for the evening.”
“Oh, no.” She immediately backed up a step. He moved forward. “I don’t know who you are or what your agenda is, but you are not going anywhere near my job.”
“I promise to be a good boy.” He pursed his lips as if pouting, like a little boy afraid a parent would deny him a treat. It was kinda cute, though Rainey would never admit it.
“No. You could be a serial killer for all I know.”
He raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “Not a serial killer,” he declared. “I swear. I’m only here to make sure you reach your destination safely and that you arrive back home in the same manner.”
If she’d had a brain in her head, Rainey would have kicked him in the balls and run like hell. But there was something about this man that…intrigued her. Her normally standoffish attitude toward men in general simply didn’t apply here. She
wanted
to be in his presence. Maybe being dead broke was making her insane.
With a sigh, she said, “Fine. Let’s go before I’m late.” She paused before continuing. “I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I mean, I can’t very well go off with a man whose name I don’t know.”
The man opened his mouth, then shut it again, as if he didn’t want to impart his name. Rainey simply crossed her arms over her chest, waiting. Shaking his head slightly, he finally said, “Loki.”
Unable to help herself, Rainey snorted. “I’m sorry,” she managed. “But seriously? Loki?”
He waved a hand dismissively. “My parents are...unique.”
“Yes, I imagine they are. I’m Rainey,” she said, extending her hand. Instead of shaking it, he surprised her by bringing her fingers to his lips, brushing a warm kiss to the backs.
“Charmed, Rainey. So very charmed.”
He held the door to the stairway for her, and again when they reached the ground floor. Rainey raised an eyebrow. How long had it been since a man had done little things like that for her? Never. That’s how long. At this point in her life, just about everything sucked. She wasn’t even sure she’d have a place to live next month. Taking the word of a perfect stranger was crazy to the extreme, but damn it, she really needed something good in her life right about now. For tonight she could pretend this was that something. If he got handsy, she would pepper spray his ass.
Oh, there was definitely more to this Loki’s agenda than taking her to work and watching over her, but at the moment, Rainey couldn’t have cared less. She was on the arm of an incredibly handsome man who treated her like a lady. Maybe the whole house of cards would come crashing down around her, but she was willing to live in the moment, taking this little bit of happiness while she could. The rest, she’d take care of later.
***
When Loki found Thorn, the little bugger, he was personally going to skin the little scamp. Loki had followed him to Rainey’s door and had been about to snag his collar, thereby dragging him out and back to Asgard, when Thorn had pounded on the door then vanished. Loki had been so startled that, for a moment, he’d been at a loss for words when the lovely vision he’d been watching for so long was finally standing in front of him.
Fortunately, his superior intelligence had proven enough to cover his misstep. He’d picked up smoothly, even to the point of having her on his arm as they walked down the sidewalk.
Until he remembered he had no car.
With a muffled groan, he almost tripped on the broken sidewalk before smoothly continuing on. Now what?
As if on cue, a black stretch limo pulled up to the curb, the driver hopping out and trotting around the front of the vehicle to open the door for them.
“Sorry, sir,” the driver--who bore an uncanny resemblance to his five-year-old nephew, only…older--apologized. “Wasn’t sure if the front of the building was a no parking zone and thought it best to drive around the block until you exited with the lady.” He dipped his head at Rainey. “Thorn, at your service, ma’am.”
That little shit! Loki was going to kill him. Then kill Thor for spawning him.
Before she offered that lovely hand to his nephew, Loki ushered her inside, saying, “We don’t want to be late, love. Thorn, double-time it.”
Forgoing the party would have been Loki’s preference, but he hadn’t exactly planned this out. Being at the party in the background would give him time to think. Plan. And if things got out of hand, he’d be there to make sure it stopped. Immediately.