Valkyrie's Harem (Academy of Immortals 1)

Dylan’s eyes narrow and he scans the room. “Anyone else have a problem with Hildi’s leadership?”

There’s a series of set jaws and hard eyes, but no one else says a word. That’s how badly they want out of here. I assume Roland wants the same, but he declares, “I’m not going if she’s in charge.”

“Then,” Dylan says, blue eyes roaming over the warrior, “I guess you’re not going. The gods' only expect five of you. With Hildi, that’s seven. We’re already covered.”

Roland looks back at the other Immortals with disgust. “You’re really going to follow this female into battle?”

I expect at least one of them to agree. I watch them closely, especially Marshal. He doesn’t seem to be the type to allow a woman to command, but a small, smug grin tugs at his lips, like he’s enjoying this.

“She’s a Valkyrie, it’s not like she doesn’t have her own strengths,” Armin says. “And she’s familiar with this realm. We have no idea where we’ll be sent or under what circumstances. Stop thinking about what’s between her legs, Roland.”

“Maybe that’s all you’re thinking about,” he accuses, shaking his head. “You’re all fools. There’s easier way for a good fuck.”

“Enough!” Clinton shouts, his voice rattling my insides. “You’re off this mission.”

“You don’t control me,” Roland declares.

“You’re right,” Dylan adds. “You’re a free man—go.”

The standoff is tense. Two massive men squaring off. The Ravens have beaten them before. I have no doubt they’d do it again. Roland must realize that, with the added consideration that the other Immortals aren’t backing him up. He storms from the room, the walls shaking from the slam of the door.

Dylan turns back to me and continues, like we’ve only had a minor interruption, not a defecting Immortal. He says, “You really think you can lead them?”

“With your blessing, yes.” I ball my fists. “This is something I want to do for you.”

He nods his approval, but a moment later he’s pushed aside, and Morgan’s dark eyes peer into mine. Suddenly she announces, “Out. Everyone but Hildi.”

“What? Why?” Marshal asks. Morgan glares at him, and Damien shoves him toward t

he door.

It takes a moment for them to leave, but when the door is shut, she gestures to the sofa. We sit next to one another.

“What is this about?” she asks. “Really.”

I hate that she’s asking me, because I can put up a good front with the men. I can fake bravado. They respect that. I can act ballsy because it’s how to get the job done. But with Morgan? We’ve been through too much, and we’ve gotten very close. I can’t lie to her.

“I feel lost,” I confess. “Ever since Andi died. I’m aimless. I don’t have someone—much less five someones—to come home to at night. I gave up everything for her. My role for Freya. My immortality. I don’t have revenge to meter out, but I still carry the grief, the anger of losing her. I don’t have a purpose, like Agis said before. I need a purpose.”

“And you think taking those dumbasses into a crusade designed by gods is going to do that?”

“It has to be done.” I sigh and tentatively place my hand over her belly. “And maybe you’re not the only one with a destiny to uncover.”

She rests her hand on mine. She’s about to speak with I feel the faintest flutter under my hand. I look up in surprise and the widest grin appears on her face. “Oh my god,” I say, feeling it once again. “That’s amazing.”

We sit like this for a moment longer, waiting for the baby to kick again. There’s one more flutter but soon grows still and I notice Morgan watching me.

“What?” I ask, feeling self-conscious.

“I’ll miss you. I’ll worry, and I’ll pray to the gods you’re safe.”

I sit up in shock. “So you’re giving your approval?” If she says yes, it will be done. The guardians defer to their queen.

She squeezes my hand with hers. “Sometimes you have to go outside this world and fight your demons to achieve your destiny. I understand that.”

“Thank you,” I say, pulling her into a hug. “I’ll miss you too. Keep that baby safe so I can come back and spoil it properly, okay?”

Her strong arms hold me tight. “Deal.”