Jewels and Feathers (Race Games 3)

CHAPTERFORTY-NINE

One Week Later

Muni and Vidar stood outside the nondescript townhome in New Orleans. They watched the shadows moving through the windows, took them in. Despite the outward appearance of normalcy, Muni knew the townhome had a state-of-the-art security system. Too bad for the man inside that it wouldn’t stop them.

Eirik and Brin were back at their new larger apartment in Philadelphia, an upgrade from the nest she’d previously had. They’d needed more room for the four of them, and so they’d made a new nest. The only reason the other two weren’t with her right then was because they understood that this was something that Muni needed to do herself. Only Vidar had come with her because he’d insisted, but he was there as support more than anything else.

“You ready?” Vidar asked, his hands folded behind his back. He wouldn’t be doing anything today, simply watch. He’d only step in if things went south or Muni needed help.

“Yes,” she replied.

Together, they walked up the door and Vidar barreled through it. There was no use knocking and announcing their presence or allowing them time to slam the metal barriers into place. Muni and Vidar were inside before the windows and doors were all sealed off. Unlucky for Councilman Deadmont, he’d sealed his enemy inside with him.

“Here, little necro,” Muni called. “I’ve been searching for you.”

Striding through the townhouse, she ignored the cowering staff who had done nothing wrong. None of them dared to fight her. It wasn’t their fight, nor was it their duty to protect the mewling quim she sought. Muni looked in every room until she found the office. At first glance, there was no one inside. She’d looked over the plans for the townhomes, knew that the Councilman had forgone a safe room in favor of a larger and more imposing office. His mistake really.

Muni trailed around the room, her eyes taking in everything she could. Vidar stood by the door, his eyes on her as she moved, as if she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

“I know you’re in here,” Muni purred, her battle axe resting on her shoulder as she moved. “There’s no use hiding.”

She walked around the desk, a slow grin on her face. Something had her stopping just behind it, her instincts telling her to freeze.

“Anything?” Vidar asked, his brows raised at her sudden pause in movement. His arms were crossed over his chest, making it look even larger. He was glorious, no matter if he wore his battle leathers or the modern clothing he wore now. If not for their current task, Muni might have invited him on top of the desk. Instead, she winked at him, a promise for later.

The soft movement of fabric met her ears, and Muni’s grin widened.

Leaning down to peer under the desk, she took in the huddled form of Councilman Deadmont, sheer terror on his face.

“Hello, Councilman,” she purred. “We have some unfinished business.”

No one came to his aide when his screams filled the townhome.

After all, no one would dare come between a warrior and her vengeance. . .

Muni’s wings flared wide in fury, and she knew Hugin flew with her in those moments. He always would, no matter the distance.

As she swung her axe, Muni began to sing. . .

* * *

A Memory

“We’ll always be together, no matter that Odin released us,” Hug said, his eyes bright in the dim light of the tavern.

“You promise?” Muni whispered, her fingers curled around her brother’s. “I don’t think I could ever live without you.”

“You could,” Hug reassured her. “One day, somehow, you might have to, but no matter where the wind takes us, I’ll always be with you, just as you’ll always be with me.”

Muni smiled despite the darkness they’d found themselves in. “What if we get separated? What if death takes one and not the other?”

The smile on his face was all Hug, the slight tilt to his head that was as much a part of his personality as it was hers. “Well, then, sister, even the distance between Valhalla and Earth couldn’t tear apart our bond. We are one. But if I die, I expect you to avenge my death while singing. Really fuck with the enemy.” Hug winked. “It’ll make for a dramatic story later.”

Laughter tumbled from her lips, the love for her brother squeezing her chest. “That’s a promise I intend to keep.”

Hug grinned and lifted his tankard high. “To the inevitable death of our enemies!”

She followed suit. “To the sound of my song as they meet their end!”

They drank deeply, and all was well. . .