To be Claimed by Her

Chapter 73

"Ahem," I cleared her throat again, "Please put the jerk down, North." He mumbled as he put Axel down, then grabbed me in his arms as I wrapped my legs around him as he walked into the kitchen. He placed me on the counter and stood between my legs panting, his eyes closed tightly.

I reached up and ran my fingertips over his skin and horns. He flinched, "I'm sorry, I didn't want you to see me like this," he gruffed.

"Why not? It was bound to happen eventually - forever is an awfully long time, mo chosantóir," I giggled, "Besides, you're beautiful." His eyes flew open. He watched as I traced the curve of his horns, then ran my fingers down his cheeks and jawline. His eyes followed my movements as I pressed the palms of my hands against his chest, then let my fingernails graze across his skin.

He let out a low growl, "Queen" My skin heated at that single word. He nuzzled against my neck, running his tongue across the place he had bitten me. "My mark looks good on you, my Queen," his voice sent vibrations to my core. He momentarily tensed and looked towards the other room. "Damn Lucien," he mumbled, then yelled, "I heard that!"

I burst into laughter, "Did I just get ignored for Luke," I gasped as I laughed harder. North froze realizing what he'd just done and then started to laugh at himself.

"I'm sorry, baby, I guess old habits are hard to break. He was talking about his hidden candy stash again," he gave a sheepish look.

"When our connection opened, I saw several memories about hidden candy stashes and his obsession with sugar. I love you, North, but you have been a bit overbearing about it at times." He gave me a shocked look. "But I also get that it was never really about the sugar, mo chosantóir." His eyes softened and he wrapped his arms around me. I leaned against his chest and felt his human form return. His skin felt warm against my cheek.

"I should probably get dressed," he said, clearing his throat. I opened my eyes and leaned back, realizing he was naked. I know I should have been embarrassed, but damn he looked good. I let my eyes continue to enjoy the view when he spoke, "Unless you'd like to come upstairs with me and fill me in on everything I've missed." Oh, I wanted that very much.

I nodded my head and he lifted me off the counter, slowly sliding me down along his body. We both let out a moan. We'd taken two or three steps towards the stairs when there was a loud crash from the living room. Our heads swiveled and we both headed in that direction. Just before entering the room, I put my hand on North's chest and looked down. "Um, you're sexy as hell, but I think your brothers might prefer you to be dressed." He chuckled, kissed my forehead, and went upstairs.

I walked into the room to find Axel passed out on the floor with Loki standing over him asking, "Oh dear, is he dead?"

I giggled, "Loki, did you break Axel?"

He gave me a mischievous smirk, "Ástvinur, you wound me. I simply tried to introduce myself, and the poor creature fainted."

I rolled my eyes at the trickster, "Well he's had a rather eventful day and was just threatened by North earlier."

"Ohhh, the vampire's back," he squealed like a child, "I'm dying to ask him some questions. Fascinating creatures you know."

I gave a sly grin, "Oh, I'm well aware of exactly how fascinating he is." Loki gaped for a moment, sputtered, then let out a howling laugh. I noticed the others were watching us closely. "Did any of you plan on helping Axel?"

"Not particularly," Gabriel answered in a huff.

"M'anam, shame on you," I admonished him, making his cheeks tinge. Silly men, so stubborn and territorial. I bent down to push Axel's hair out of his face. The moment our skin touched I felt my senses overload. I let out a moan as I started to fall backward. Apparently, North had heard me, and quicker than anyone else could react, he had come down the stairs, catching me, supporting me in his arms.

The shock had affected Axel as well. He laid on his back breathing heavily, looking like he was trying to focus his eyes as he held his chest. "What was that?"

"That was fascinating," Loki mused. "Have they all been like that?"

"No, they seem to be getting stronger the more of us there are," Sean replied. "Marc and Axel were strong enough to make her swoon. For most of us, it was a jolt or arousal at her touch."

"Keep this up little wolf and by the time you meet Raven and Corey, you'll have a spontaneous orgasm the first time you touch them," Gabriel teased me. I started to stick out my tongue but he raised his eyebrows and I quickly pulled it back, only to have him chuckle softly. Good girl - he whispered in my mind. I shivered. North looked at him quizzically.

Little wolf is a natural sub. Thanks for helping her discover that trait, brother - he said to both North and me.

North chuckled, Anytime Gabe, oh and she really likes spankings, don't you little girl he growled in my mind. I felt heat flood between my legs and made a small sound. My cheeks flushed crimson as I realized they were all staring at the three of us.

Axel sat up finally asking, "What was that all about - the whole Gabe and North thing just now?"

"Telepathy. Once we are claimed we can communicate telepathically. Except for Gabe. He and Eveleen started communicating before he was claimed by Odin. I wonder why that is," Owen mused.

"His soul had called me before we met," I answered. "I'd had premonitions about the car wreck, but it was always about Gabriel." I saw the tears edge his eyes. I made no secret about the connection we shared. He knew I loved his brothers equally, but there was no way to deny the connection the Fates had created between the two of us.

"So what now?" Axel asked. "I get the feeling I don't have much say in this."

His words hurt. I knew I felt a connection to him, but I didn't want to force it on him. "Actually you do. Correct me if I'm wrong, Loki, but doesn't a person have the right to refuse a claim if they want to?"

"She's right. A claim cannot be forced. It must always be a choice. That's the whole reason any of you have been claimed. It is in an effort to save her from Erebus forcing her to be claimed." He looked around the room, his gaze landing on Gabriel, "I know the son of Odin realizes it, but do the rest of you understand that your connection - that jolt and attraction has nothing to do with the claim? You feel that because she is your soulmate. The Fates have crossed pantheons to join her with those she is destined to love and build a life with. As Gods and Goddesses, we have all stepped forward to offer you our claim so that you may protect the one you love - the one who loves you enough to sacrifice her own life and soul to save you." He turned a harsh gaze towards Axel. "Be careful how you speak, human. You treat this bond as a burden and speak to her as if she is trying to trap you, when twice now she has given you your leave, yet you remain."

I made a move to touch his shoulder, but he pulled back. "Forgive me, ástvinur, but I will take my leave now." Then he simply vanished.

"Oh, he's got it bad," Luke whispered softly.

Author's Notes:  Loki's got a crush...and Axel is being an ass...