Valkyrie's Harem (Academy of Immortals 1)

“Alternatives.”

I push my chair back with a loud scrape on the tile floor. For some reason, it’s important I be involved in any decision, and I’m halfway out the door when Rupert says, “Be careful what you wish for, Hildi. Sometimes trouble comes looking for you.”

7

Agis

Dylan welcomes me into his chamber and offers me a seat across from him at his massive work table. The entire surface is covered in dusty, ancient books, including the thick leather one left by the professor the night before. I can’t imagine having so many possessions. There’s truth to the concept of a Spartan life. We lived minimally, prepared for battle at all times. The comforts of home, women, family were not an option. It makes me curious about the warrior across from me and his obligation to the female next to him. If I had the choice…

A knock on the door draws me from my assessment.

“Come in,” Morgan calls.

Hildi’s tall, curvy frame enters the doorway. She looks as though she just woke up, hair messy and clothes rumpled. Anxiety flickers in her eyes. “I heard you were having a meeting,” she says.

“Agis asked to speak to us,” Morgan says. “Please sit and join us.”

I fight back annoyance. I don’t mind the Valkyrie. She’s a fierce warrior and proved herself in the battle with the Morrigan, but her presence can be distracting. There’s something about the way she moves; quick and sure. Her body is both small and strong. And her scent…

Dylan clears his throat, and my eyes snap away from the female to his where he gives me a knowing smirk. I look away, catching our reflection in the floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing our differences. My hair is short military-styled hair, short on the sides, a little longer on top, and Dylan with his blue-black hair and piercing blue eyes. His skin is pale, while mine is darker, olive-toned like my people, the Greeks. Morgan sits at the end of the table, watching me closely, every bit a queen. Hildi moves to her side.

I refocus on the point of this meeting.

“I’ve come with an idea, or rather, a proposal,” I say, making sure to address both of them.

Dylan grimaces, but Morgan nods, “Please. We’re open to anything.”

“I think you should let the Legion take your place in the Crusade.” They both stare at me silently, so I continue. “We’re obviously capable and probably a matched fit for the Guar

dians to take on the mission.”

Dylan replies first, “I appreciate your offer, Agis, but, no. The gods do not allow substitutions. Not in the apocalypse.”

“You don’t know that. We have our own connections. Our own bargains and trades—”

“That we eliminated!” Dylan says, rubbing the dark rings under his eyes. “We tore up that contract to give you freedom. You earned it.”

I lean over the table, propped on his elbows. I feel a gaze on me and glance up, connecting with Hildi’s blue eyes. Her expression is intrigued. I know she’s shocked that I’m here. The Valkyrie has let it be known she thinks we’re half-feral and incapable of caring. She may be correct. I’m not sure why I’m here, other than the tug of obligation deep in my chest.

“Dylan,” I say, “we appreciate your generosity. Pulling us from the Shaman’s fighting pits, freeing us from our contract. Allowing us to live here.”

“You saved our asses with the Morrigan,” Dylan says. “It’s appropriate repayment.”

“No,” I say, choosing my next words carefully. “That’s the thing, we don’t require repayment, and we do not function well in this world. The men are restless. They crave blood and sport.” I stare at Morgan. “They want the spoils of war and the challenge of a quest. Living here is like sitting on top of a powder keg. We’ve been prisoners, but most of us have never had a taste of freedom. This house is not big enough for us. The city too crowded. We need a chance to work away our demons.”

“You’re saying you want to go on the Crusade,” Morgan asks. Hildi sits quietly, watching it all unfold. It dawns on me that she may be an ally in this situation. She may want us out of here.

“I’m saying we all have different needs right now.” I nod at Dylan. “You need to be here with your mate and child. The Legion needs a purpose.”

The air in the room is heavy with the weight of his confession, and Dylan’s fingers tap on the wooden table in thought. Morgan smiles at me and says, “Thank you for your honesty. We’ll talk over your offer and let you know. If it’s even possible.”

“Thank you for listening.” I nod at each of them, my eyes lingering on Hildi. Her conversation with Armin the night before sparked this idea. She holds an influence on us that I don’t want to admit.

Dylan stands and stretches out his hand. I shake it, gripping his forearm. “Whatever we decide, please understand we appreciate the offer.” Morgan gives me a tight smile and I leave the room, knowing it’s a decision they’ll have to make on their own because whatever the outcome, we’re testing the gods' will, and we’ll all have to deal with the consequences.

8

Hildi