Valkyrie's Harem (Academy of Immortals 1)

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I already regret not seeing you kill Gardener and barely escaping a flying monster.” His fingers lace through mine. “I’m not letting you out of my sight anymore.”

“I handled it. I don’t need you to protect me.”

His blue eyes pierce mine. “Of course you handled it, but if something happened to you—”

“Don’t add me to your pile of guilt, Armin. I’m not your obligation.”

His jaw sets and it’s clear he doesn’t agree. This man will do anything to pile on the baggage. Old habits die hard, especially when you’ve been doing it for thousands of years.

I wait as he gets dressed and together we walk down the stairs of the Academy, somewhere that oddly has started to feel like home. I glance over at the immortal next to me. It’s hard to look past his handsome face and strong body and see the healing soul inside.

Maybe he needed a chance to find a place to settle for a while, too. A place to call home.

I see the others in front of the headmaster’s office and realize it may be exactly what we all need.

“Oh good,” Christensen says as he approaches, “you’re all here.”

“Any idea what this is about?” Armin asks.

“A new Headmaster has been appointed.” There’s a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead and he looks flustered. The hairs on my neck raise.

Rupert coughs, his hand clutching his stomach. I reach for him. “Are you okay?”

He shakes his head. “It’s—”

The office doors open with a loud, prolonged creak. I snap my head in the direction of the sound and look inside. The office is impressive, a massive stone fireplace set against the wall with a blazing fire burning. Comfortable leather furniture is arranged invitingly. Over the mantle is a massive painting. I step inside, drawn to the image. Cold fear runs down my spine.

It’s the monster.

No wonder the Headmaster wasn’t afraid. He knew what to expect. And maybe, that means he knew how to fight it.

A cough breaks my concentration and I see that there’s someone standing by the desk, a large, broad figure, face cloaked in the shadows.

I glance back and look between Rupert and Professor Christensen. Both of their faces are pale. Next to them, a flutter of air reveals the God of Death, Agis cloaked, scythe ready. Armin balls his fists and the ringing sound of Miya’s sword cuts through the air as he pulls it from its sheath.

“Brothers,” a familiar, smug, voice says, carrying across the room, “I’ve missed you.”

Roland steps into the light.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, leveling my voice. “You left.”

“I did, dear Valkyrie, I did, but unfortunately you failed to complete your mission and the gods felt it necessary to send me to finish the job.”

“Everything’s under control, Roland,” Armin says.

“No, I don’t think it is.” His lips turn into a smug, knowing smile. “I think you did exactly as I suspected. You let a piece of ass alter your motivation. Your desire for sex and comfort derailed your focus.” He glares at the Legion. “You’re weak and I’ve been sent to lead this mission, just like I should have in the first place.”

“We have a new plan,” Miya says. “And allies.”

“The Nephilim? The witches? The vampire princess?” He laughs. “They certainly have the right pedigree, but they’re even weaker than you, easily swayed by gluttony.” He holds up his hand, jewels decorate every finger. “Who do you think they’ll support when I’m the one that can shower them with their every desire?”

A sinking, desperate feeling builds in my stomach, knowing he’s right.

“Today is a new day,” Roland says, eyeing the men behind me, “and I’m giving you the opportunity to choose. Brothers, are you with me or not? Win this war and be done with one another forever?”

I don’t look behind me. I can’t, because I don’t want to admit to myself what will happen if they choose Roland over me. Their allegiance to him surpasses time and space. They were warriors together. Then slaves. Then reborn.

Me? I’m just a woman, a Valkyrie that already gave up too much, my immortality, my life back home, and shades of my heart to the men in this room.