Valkyrie's Claim (Academy of Immortals 2)

“Not just on the battlefield, but personally. Intimately.”

He jumps up and gathers his things. “No. I can’t do that, not even with a fucking diagram.”

I’m on my feet, reaching for him. “Rupert. You can’t keep running away from me. I’m telling you, this may be the only way.”

“There’s always another way, Hildi. Always.”

I curse myself as he walks off, knowing I pushed too hard and fast. Even a snail's pace is too much for him. It’s not a total loss though, I think, gathering my trash. If we’re right, each of the Immortals came through the portal with a trait or an ability that has enhanced.

I plan to find out what they are.

7

Armin

It’s the shadow moving under my door that makes me put down my book and stand. I haven’t taken a step when the door flies open, slamming into the wall.

Rupert and I stare at one another, his jaw dropped.

“Did you do that?”

“No?” Maybe? “Probably the wind or a ghost. Who knows with this place.” I look at the prince. “Do you need something?”

He tugs at his hair. “Hildi came to me with a theory.”

I walk back over to the sitting area, where I’d been reading a book on shape shifting that I found in the library. “What kind of theory?”

“About all of us—about our abilities enhancing once we came across the portal. Like psychic connections or,” he glances at the door, “the ability to move obstacles out of the way.”

“How is that an enhanced ability?”

“I’ve seen you obliterate entire armies with one well-defined strike. I’ve watched you glide across ravaging rivers. Pluck the weapons from an enemy’s hands.” His eyebrow raises. “It’s not so farfetched.”

I flex my fingers and slide a glass on the table from one side to another. “It does seem to be changing.”

“We need to hone these skills and find out what the others are.”

“And Hildi, what does she think hers is?”

“Balancing the rest of us.” His cheeks flame. “She thinks that creating a bond like the Guardians have with Morgan will make us stronger.”

I think of having her in my bed, being between her legs, how powerful and connected to her it makes me feel.

“Do you agree?” he asks, watching me closely. “You’ve slept with her.”

“I guess you knowing that is a testament to your abilities.”

“Yes.” He leans back in his seat. “I can sense her emotions, especially when they’re heightened. Do you think it’s possible? That she’s meant to balance us?”

“It’s possible, but I know she’s fucked Marshal more than once, and Miya cured her of the vampire poisoning. Neither of them seems to have changed.” I run my hand through my hair. “But there’s something about her, and I don’t think I’m the only one that senses it. She’s bigger than me—all of us.”

“Like Morgan. Her powers were more than one man could handle.”

I nod. If the Guardians can share one woman, if she has so much to give that it can be spread between five incredible warriors, the same could be said of Hildi.

“What about Roland’s accusation? That we’re not here to have fun. We’re letting our cocks make decisions for us.” He grimaces. “For you.”

I snort. “You don’t think that’s what you’re doing? You’re letting the baggage you’ve carried around all these years about women interfere with our mission. You’re already letting your cock make decisions for you.”