Copyright 2012 Camille Leone This story is a work of fiction.

All names, characters, places and incidents are invented by the author or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author.

CHAPTER ONE

It was the tallest tree in the whole park, maybe even in the whole city. From here Val
could see the highway leading out of town, the street lights flickering on and the clock tower at Cornell University. Her legs dangled over the branch she straddled, the euphoria of feeling somewhere between earth and sky only fueling an urge to scale even higher, to get a birds eye view of the land below. The scene before her was celestial and breathtaking. Being this far up made her feel close to the heavens, and nearer to her parents. Okay, you can come down now. Youve made your point, Iann shouted, doing jumping jacks to get her attention. Im promising you, someones gonna hurl . . . Iann was such a liar. He was the one looking sick at this moment because shed won the bet. Val could clearly see their pal Owen was grinning, especially when the girl he had a huge crush on kept pressing her face into his chest, afraid to watch her climb any higher. And the only other female, Miss Stick up her behind Sinead looked bored, which was her normal expression. Val decided to go for one more tree rung just to show off. She stood up, walking atop the thick limb, carefully positioning one foot in front of the other, arms outstretched at her sides, stopping only to balance herself when she teetered. Jalissa squealed and Owen held her tighter, more than happy to give comfort. Sinead popped in the earbuds of her MP3 player, tuning out Vals high wire drama. Look, what do I have to do to get you to climb down? After all his hollering, Ianns flushed cheeks rivaled his cheddar cheese colored hair. Hey, are you even listening to me? Val leaped for a higher branch, barely making a fingertip grab. Swinging to gain momentum, she released just in time. The limb shed used as gymnasts bar snapped, falling to the ground with a heavy thud.

Iann gaped at the shattered bark and wood, and then cast a frightened stare upwards. Val please! Im sorry! Please come down before you get hurt! I heard you the first time. But fair is fair, she called down. I told you I wasnt chicken. Hey, I said I was sorry. He always did that. Whenever shed prove him wrong hed claim to be sorry, but he never meant it, not really. What was that word Sinead used? Oh yeah, he was only humoring her. Ill be down in a minute. Especially since a storm was on the way, and not just the one in his eyes. After one more longing glance at the hills, waterfalls and bustling college crowd that made up Ithaca, Val shimmied down the tree, ruining another pair of leggings, her hands calloused and raw from the unforgiving roughness of the bark. Much like shed done to climb up, she could sense which knots and curves in the trees design to use in order to make her descent. The last few feet she slid down a split in the trunk before jumping into Ianns waiting arms. Val went round and round in his grasp as he spun her until she cried out for him to stop. He wasnt angry, and he didnt seem relieved. He acted as if he was proud of her, especially when he exchanged high fives with Owen. Iann was practically beaming with joy for her, almost as much as Jalissa. I was so scared for you. But that was like the coolest thing ever, especially since you looked so fierce, Jalissa said, hugging and babbling. Then it was Owens turn, and he imitated Jalissa with more hugging and babbling. It was a good thing too, because Val was wobbly from Iann swinging her around like a top. Sinead simply rolled her eyes and yawned at their show of affection. Personally I was rooting for the tree. Aw come on, that was awesome, Iann said. Admit it, Val was awesome. Girl falls from tree, goes splat! Friends look on in horror. Film at eleven. Now that would have been awesome, Sinead said, shutting off her phone. I could have gained a million views on YouTube with footage like that. Youre so weird Sinead. Jalissa was holding onto Owens arm, because Sinead was just that scary. You must have been a Ghoul in a previous life.

Jalissas statement really seemed to stun Sinead. Instead of getting mad, to everyones surprise she gave Val a hug. I guess I should be glad youre okay. It proves you really arent TSTL. Leave it to her foster sister not just to think it, but to say she was too stupid to live. Val made a goofy face as Sinead awkwardly squeezed her. Iann, Owen and Jalissa couldnt help laughing at such an unwelcome sight. What? What did I miss? Sinead asked when they finally separated. Hello? Is anybody listening to me?

This was their park, especially after midnight. Middle schoolers and even some of the
college crowd would hang out around the benches near the new pavilion during the day, but after twelve at night it was all theirs. Theyd smoke, drink beers and down Red Bull, and some kids would pair off. Iann, with his shaggy hair and saggy jeans had his rear parked on top of a picnic table. Val giggled because his underwear barely covered his butt crack. Unofficially the two of them were an item. But with all the arguing theyd done lately, being a couple seemed like a bad idea. Just like coming here tonight, when a storm was definitely on the way. Wicked weather was never a good thing for a girl who attracted lighting. And thunder. And gale force winds. As if things werent bad enough snarky Sinead had invited herself along so Val would be stuck with her all night, at least until the storm passed. But the two really cute boys whod seemed to come from out of nowhere, hoping to blend in with their group would also witness Val getting drenched in rain she could never seem to escape, even if she took cover. Wisely, the new kids had brought along a six pack of beer. Cool, now youre talking my language. Owen pulled off a can for himself, practically draining the thing in one gulp, leaving a foam moustache that dribbled down his chin. You are such a pig, Sinead teased, glancing over at their visitors. Next came the chewing of her bottom lip and finger combing her hair back. Somehow those were the go-to moves whenever a hot guy made eye contact with her. The newcomers briefly gazed over each of

them. Instead of dipping her head and giggling like Sinead, Vals stare was cold and direct. The two strangers were otherworldly beautiful but creepy, especially the way they kept studying her, like she was a science project they needed to dissect. Sure, they were welcome eye candy, probably not much older than her, maybe even juniors or seniors. But their body language said something else. Sort of like they were hanging out with them but it wasnt because they wanted to. When Owen told one of his seriously gross jokes, they didnt do a ha-ha, thats so funny man, but gave more of a you annoy me and I just wanna rub your face into the ground smirk. So why were these totally hot guys sticking around? Val, are you wearing some kind of tinted makeup? Jalissa said. She was a cute fourteen year old who was the newest member of their little group, a girl Val had befriended when she spotted her crying at her locker. Your skin is so pretty. Youre . . . youre actually glowing. Vals stare never wavered from the two strangers. Its just the park lights bouncing off my cheeks. And youve had two beers so youre probably seeing things. Iann squinted. Nope, I dont think so. Cause Im seeing the same thing. He pulled out his phone, jiggling it to get her attention. My phone needs re-charging. Think you can hook me up? Whatever, Val mumbled, reaching for the hood of her sweatshirt. Oh no! Shes going nuclear! Owen said, throwing up his hands in mock fright. That was funny coming from him, because Owen was a big bear of a guy. Sinead joined in, which wasnt unexpected. Gawd Val, Ive warned you about using my moms face creams. Those jars have weird chemicals in them. Val tugged the hood of her sweatshirt down over her forehead before she became a human glow stick. Jalissas expression went from interest to sympathy, so Val played along. This is uh, sort of a condition I have, she said, more for the strangers benefit than her friends. Sinead slapped her shoulder. Condition? OMG, sometimes I never get to sleep because shes one big night light. That generated a fresh round of laughter so Sinead kept it up. Feel her hands. When shes like this shes really warm and its great whenever our room is cold. I can just crawl into her bed cause its like a sauna.

Unable to take anymore, Val angrily yanked her hood down further and walked away, ignoring Sineads pleas to come back. Val gave them her middle finger, stomping off as the rain began to fall. Better to let them think she was pissed than having them witness what came next. It wasnt as if she could huddle under the pavilion with them. Moving away from her friends was for their own protection.

Trying to draw the storm her way seemed like a good idea at the time.
If only those new guys hadnt followed her. Every now and then a flash of lightning illuminated the sky and the park, so she tried to stay behind some overgrown bushes, keeping her face hidden so that she didnt give away her position. From her hiding place she got a good look at her pursuers. The blonde had to be the leader, because when the other one was all set to walk away, the blonde kid said something in his ear. The skinnier, darker haired kid spun around, cocking his head to the left, making her think hed walk in that direction and shed be safe. Willing herself to stay calm, her breathing slowed. Even the storm had quieted down. Suddenly he was heading straight for her hiding place, bending down to push some branches out of the way until they were almost face to face. She yelped in surprise. Ummm, He gave her a lecherous grin. You smell so good. Good enough to eat. She scrambled to stand up. Look, Im not interested okay? Especially not in a couple of freaks. No answer, just another stupid look between them. The bonier one nervously glanced around, like he was expecting someone to interrupt them. His eyes were bloodshot when he turned back her way. But Im hungry. So very hungry. A crack of lightning that was dangerously close confirmed what shed just realized. These were real, honest to goodness vampires. And they were eying her like a midnight snack. Fat drops of rain began pelting them, urgent and blinding. In the distance her friends were yelling and running for cover. Sinead called her name, and Val hoped she wouldnt come looking for her. There were times when Sinead got on her nerves. They all did. But shed protect them with her very life, because they were the closest thing to a family shed ever had.

Val ran deeper into the park toward a thick copse of trees, hoping to draw the vampires away from her friends. But they were fast, cornering her in a clearing as one stood in front while the quiet blonde stood behind her. The anorexic one grabbed hold of her collar. Pitching forward all she saw were yellowed canine teeth growing longer and scarier. And his breath! She almost fainted from the smell. Hed forced her hood down far enough to get at her throat, but with her wet skin all he did was get a nasty shock when he leaned in. No matter where he tried to take a bite hed get zapped. Screeching when his fangs were jolted one too many times, he flung her away like a rag doll, raging because he couldnt connect with her jugular vein. Instead of being terrified Val was calm, her skin glowing brighter, anticipating the storms fury to unleash at any moment. The hairs on her arms tingled as she rose from the ground, her hands curling into fists. Go suck yourself, because Im not letting you take a single drop of my blood. Thunder boomed, hovering right over them. The sound was deafening as Val stepped in his face. Her attacker hadnt expected this show of courage from a human. She could tell by the way those glassy, ruby red eyes of his widened just before a lightning bolt struck him in the back, passing through to its intended target. While she absorbed its white hot power, vampire boy was history. Vaporized right where he stood. With her clothes singed and smoldering, Val knew her perm was nothing but frizz. Good thing she kept a bunch of rubber bands for occasions like this. As she pulled her hair back, the other vampire stayed crouched, hissing loudly. Cracking her knuckles in case he decided to avenge his friend, she was charged with enough juice to fry him too. I told him he wouldnt get none. So you did, daughter of Asgaard. His accent was really sexy. But right now she was more intrigued by his whole daughter of Asgaard thing. You know who I am? I not only know who you are, but what you are. He said some sort of chant, and then one of the biggest swords shed ever seen appeared in his hands, a sword that gleamed like a diamond and was headed straight for her! Val threw her hands up, lightning shooting from her palms. The sword easily split through it, stopped only by the brilliance of a golden blade more

than twice its size. She landed flat on her butt from the ensuing explosion, hastily crawling backwards on her elbows and heels to get out of the way as the teen fought an older male, their massive blades clashing in a shower of fireworks. Her rescuer was good, schooling the younger one with his acrobatic spins and swagger. Even the rain abruptly ceased on his arrival. Like a maestro at the podium, his long black trench coat billowed in the wind as he fought to his own music, making the vampire teen use his sword on defense most of the time. There was power in his strokes, and when he charged forward the vampire scrambled and slipped to get out of his way. The vampire just wasnt as fluid with his sword, or as experienced. Its like he was telegraphing where hed strike, and the man was ready for it. When the guy dressed in all black was finished toying with the younger male, he simply knocked the teens sword out of his hand and used the tip of his blade to tilt the kids chin up. The vampire was on his knees, weaponless, so there was nothing he could do. His blonde hair began to darken and his eyes faded from red to black. Somehow hed morphed into a whole different kid. When the victor finally spoke his voice rumbled like a bowling ball powering down a lane. Go back to your father. Tell Loki that you failed. Tell the usurper that Heimdallr spared your life this night. The teen glared at him for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he cast a withering glance her way, and disappeared. Holy . . . What had she just witnessed? The man walked over, offering his hand. As he pulled her up electricity coursed from her fingers through to her arm, settling in her shoulders. He was pure power. And his skin was radiant, like dark wood buffed to a deep, reflective shine. The same eyes that were shrewdly tactical moments ago now softened as he looked her over. Hed kicked butt on her behalf, yet she didnt know why hed done it. Instead of feeling grateful, the whole thing felt . . . awkward. Are you hurt? The concern in his voice only made her put up a wall, a defense mechanism shed relied on for most of her life. It came in handy after being shuttled from one

foster home to the next. The years of waiting and wanting someone to adopt her, to make her part of their family had long been buried. Nope, but if youre here to give me a Luke, I am your father speech you can stick it up your deadbeat a- Im not your father. Bummer. She wouldnt even get the satisfaction of telling him off. Okay if youre not my real dad, then who are you? Im . . . someone who cares about you, and whos watched over you. Oh. Rightttt. My life is now complete. Ive had two vampire pervs and now Ive got a supernatural stalker. He didnt or wouldnt bite at her insinuation. And deep down, her gut said he was only interested in her well-being. Ive wronged you by not making my presence known years ago. I should have been there for you. But I thought my gifts . . . would suffice. Huh? Was this the person who always sent cards and presents when she was feeling down? Was he the invisible caretaker who managed to get her shuttled from one foster home to another whenever things got real nasty? Like the time her foster father tried paying her a late night visit. In her bedroom. So maybe the lightning bolt that tore through his hand wasnt a coincidence, especially since he was reaching to pull down her bed sheet. She awoke to his screams of pain as he clutched his hand and tried to cover his head while his wife beat him with a frying pan. The kicker was her foster mom blamed her for coming on to the guy. Which meant she was shipped back to juvie and then to another foster home, and still another, until she landed with the McGills, her current foster family. The really good part was that her foster dad worked at night and it was easy to climb out the second floor window with Sinead. Youre cross with me, he said, complimented by more sound effects, just not as loud. It was like thunder that was far off in the distance. Not angry, just kinda confused. Okay, and Im annoyed. I just wish you could have waited because he was about to tell me something important. He was trying to harm you.

Yeah, but at least Id die knowing who I really am, she grumbled. The story of your origin was not his to divulge. But I guess its yours huh? Her voice dripped with sarcasm. After what? Almost fifteen years? You couldnt have come any sooner? No. Just like the face changing teen had done, he said some kind of incantation and that gleaming sword faded from view. Those massive shoulders of his rolled as he straightened his coat lapels. You are Valkyrie. His words were punctuated by a fresh round of thunder and lightning. She should have been impressed, especially with the booming sound effects. Sorry, wrong answer, but thanks anyway. Your name is Valkyrie. Verily, you were named what youre destined to become. Gee thanks. Now why hadnt I thought of that before? She could tell he didnt care for her snarkiness, but he didnt interrupt her rant. Im a Valkyrie because some stranger says I am, even though my birth certificate says my name is Valencia Perez. That was the name your father gave you. Your mother gave you a second name, and its by this title you will be known in the halls of Asgaard. Now she knew he was completely full of it. Uh . . . okay. I think I need to leave now. My friends are probably looking for me. Oh, and thanks for saving me from whatever that kid was. Like the many totally weird things going on in her life, instead of walking away from him, somehow she wound up walking straight into him. The elevation change didnt feel good after he effortlessly lifted her off her feet so that she didnt tumble backwards. Dang but his grip was strong. At times like this the only thing she knew to do was make a joke. A Puerto-Rican Valkyrie. Come on, theres no such thing and you know it. He smiled just then, and her knees got weak as he placed her back on terra firma. Shed always thought that her dad had to be his kind of handsome. And just as tall. Did you . . . did you know my dad? He shook his head, his eyes misting with a sad, faraway expression. I only knew your mother. I learned of your father after he was killed. He was in the Air Force, along with my mom. They told me they were both heroes. Her voice trembled with pride. How well did you know my mother?

We were very close once, before your father came along. She nodded, figuring he must have been the one her mom didnt choose. You really loved her huh? Is that why youve been watching over me? He didnt answer right away, just reached into his pocket. I promised your mother Id give this to you when it was time. Time for what? Before she could get an answer he looked past her. Sinead and Iann were stepping out of the brush with Iann brandishing a tree limb. Who were you talking to? Sinead asked, surveying all the storm damage that Val somehow had survived. Weve been looking all over for you. And Ive been looking for you guys. I guess I got lost. Iann poked a finger through the hole in her sweatshirt. Did you know your clothes are burnt? I was just trying to keep warm. So I started a fire but I had a little accident. He didnt believe her. You started a fire in the rain? Before it started to rain Duh. Obviously the downpour put it out and saved me from getting seriously burned when my clothes caught fire. Iann snorted. Guess youll never be mistaken for a Girl Scout. His voice got soft, just like the look in his eyes. If Sinead wasnt there she had a feeling hed kiss her. They kept staring at each other until the voices of Jalissa and Owen, hollering for them to hurry up broke the spell. I uh, I think I dropped my house keys. Ill catch up with you guys in a minute, she mumbled. You better find them, because youre not borrowing mine, Sinead said, ducking out the way of Iann swinging that tree branch like a baseball player at bat. She tried to snatch it away from him but he was faster. Iann hung back, but she expected that. He liked her, and she kind of liked him, but it was complicated. As she stubbed her toe around in the wet dirt, searching for God knows what, her gaze fell upon a shiny object Iann walked right past, as if it were invisible to him.

Can you go look over there? she pointed to a spot heavy with brush. I think when I was looking for wood to make the fire I may have dropped them over there. Iann shrugged, turning to do as shed asked. As soon as he was far enough away she reached for the item Heimdallr had left. It was a bangle of some sort that shone as bright as the silvery moon. The inscription inside was in a language she couldnt read. It took all her strength to pull the ends apart and then snap it tightly in place. Did you find your keys? Iann said, now twirling that tree branch like a baton. Cause they werent over there. Yeah. She walked towards him, playfully knocking into his hip as he grabbed her around the waist. I was worried about you. Jalissa said we needed to find out where those guys went, because you were out here alone. His heart was beating fast. Was it because of her? Didnt even see em. Its like they just . . . disappeared. She gave him an innocent flutter of her lashes. Wonder what they wanted? I guess well never know. As they made their way to the others, Owen was leaning into a cool looking Mustang. He slammed the door shut, giving off what she could swear was a roar of anger as the car quickly took off. Guess Jalissas older brother tracked us down, Iann said. Uh oh. How those two guys hadnt gotten into a fight was a miracle. Jalissas brother was a big guy, and he was a jock. Ooh I just wanna punch that guy, Owen shouted. I just want to trap him in my bare hands, I wanna rip him to shreds- Owen, not now. Iann nodded her way. Oh bloodly hell with this charade! Tell her! Sinead screamed. Im dying for a pipe with honest to goodness tobacco in it, so just tell her and lets be done with it.

Of course Iann disagreed, and Val had no idea what they were arguing about, since they were speaking in a language shed never heard. Iann finally had enough, walking away from the group, shaking his head and muttering about not being responsible for the consequences. All right then, Ill tell her! Sinead had a hand on her hip, her eyes literally boring holes in his retreading back. Look, shes ready. You saw her. She took out dead man walking. Who couldnt take him out? Iann countered. Did you see how decrepit that vampire was? Geesh. I thought the older ones were the strongest but that one was already a goner. Must have been one of them sparkling pure bloods. Val turned to Sinead for some sort of translation. Some vampires still insist on being kissing cousins, if you know what I mean. Its caused lots of problems with their offspring by doubling the weaknesses in the species. Ewwww. Just ew. Wait, why were her human friends talking about vampires? As if she read her mind, Sinead flipped back her hair. Next she pulled at her ears. Off popped a pair of flesh colored coverings. Instead of rounded ear lobes hers were pointy, both top and bottom. Mouth agape, Val watched Iann do the same thing except he offered an explanation. Were Woodland Elves. The closest thing to the woods we love are these parks, thats why we hang out here. Finally. Sinead slapped her thighs in relief. I dont think I could have kept up pretending to be a teenager one moment longer. Val looked at at her, incredulous. Youre not sixteen? Sixteen is still an infant in our world. Im one hundred and twelve. Her smug expression said it all. She might as well have added, and I look damn good at my age if you thought I was a teenager. Oh. But that meant Iann . . . the boy she had a massive crush on . . . Shes exaggerating, Iann said. Im really sixteen. Do I look like an infant to you? No. Clearly relieved, Val couldnt help putting the situation in perspective. Its just icky to think about you being in high school but youre, you know, really old.

Gee thanks, Sinead said, not waiting for Val to apologize. We try not to pair elder guardians with youngsters. But your case was special. And I had not only you, but I had to look after Iann too. She understood now. The frightened stares, skittish departures of those whod come in contact with them. It was because they knew. They could see the others for what they were. Owen was just standing there, watching Vals reaction. Somehow she didnt think he was an elf. Youre not one of them are you? Nope. Plan on telling me what you are? Only if you promise not to freak out. Im not freaking out. Im not freaking out. Im not - Oh God, what are you? Im a bear. A Werebear. Val gulped. Okay, she could handle that. But bears were meat eaters. Do you eat . . . people? I like my meat well done, not raw. And Im part human, all Weres are, so that would be cannibalism, so no, I dont particularly like eating people, though I suppose I would if I were hungry enough and there were no Cheetos available. Hed been fooling with her, so they both had a nervous laugh. Is your name really Owen? Yes, its a favorite name of my kind. The way he said it made her think he was kidding again. She turned to Iann. What about you? Aquenas, thats my real name. Oh uh- Iann sounds ever so much better, he said, as if he were pleading with her to understand. And um, Sinead? You dont wanna know. Because if I told you, Id have to kill you. And I dont want to do that, in spite of having to repeat high school again because of you. Besides, I really like having my own personal night light.

Thanks . . . I guess. Val put her head down, not sure how she could approach saying her next question, which was really a request. Could you do me a favor though? Could you cut out the jokes about my skin glowing? Oh. Sinead slapped her hand against her mouth, looking horrified. Im so sorry. Im never been any good with being politically correct. Never ever been one to filter my mouth, so dont take it personally. Elves are sort of the bigots of our kind. Val stared at her. So now Im one of you? Sure. Elves and Valkyries get along great. She threw her arm around Vals shoulders. Youll learn, once you visit your relatives in Asgaard. If you think Im bad, just wait until youre around them. Wow. She was so not looking forward to this family reunion. Two down, one to go, Iann said, marking an imaginary number one in the air. W-what? Theres another one like me? Yes, Sinead gave her a sad look. Theres another clueless one. Who? Jalissa. Vals eyes rounded. Wow. So what is she? A bear or an elf? Much worse. Shes human. And simply irresistible to Owen. Our big Poo bears got it bad for her. Havent you noticed how aggressive he is to other males whenever shes around? Tonight I thought hed blow our cover when that vampire looked at her. Poor thing. All that burly stuff just scares off girls like her. And Werebears arent known for being cuddly Carebears. But they like each other, and sometimes opposites attract and-and people can change. Sinead gave her a wider than usual smile, and for the first time Val saw how her back teeth, both upper and lower were pointed. Funny, but shed never noticed that before. I know shes your new friend and all, but youll have to ditch her. We cant afford to look after her, especially now that youre notched your first kill as a Valkyrie. Which means other beings will probably gravitate to you, especially vampires wanting some sort of revenge for their dearly departed.

Owen didnt say anything. He just looked off to the side, as if it were a foregone conclusion that he and Jalissa wouldnt stand a chance. But that was so wrong, because she knew Jalissa was crazy about him and he felt the same way about her. Im glad you finally know youre one of us, Iann grinned, while Sinead gave off another loud sigh of annoyance. Well, youre not really one of us, I mean youre not an elf. But I wont hold that against you. What about that other guy? Val asked. All three answered in unison. What other guy? The other vampire. The really cute one with the light hair and blue eyes, but when the mystery man defeated him, he changed into a whole nother dude. Sinead exchanged confused grimaces with Iann. Val recognized that look. It was her very own what the flip is she talking about? face that Sinead had copied to perfection. I only saw the vampire. Iann seconded Sineads statement. He was riding solo. Owen shook his head, agreeing with elves. Val, are you sure there were two? I wouldve scented out another being but I only got a read on one other netherworlder besides us. Of course Im sure. He called me daughter of Asgaard, whatever that means. Sorry babe, you were probably glamoured. Vampires are really good at making girls believe stuff thats not true, Iann said. She hated when he did that. Maybe it was something elves enjoyed, feeling superior to others. Hed been right about one thing though. She really wasnt like them. Because shed been able to see not only the son of Loki, but Helmdallr, and they hadnt.

CHAPTER TWO

School was never a place Val enjoyed being in. It was a noisy holding pen for six hours a day. She enjoyed classes like art and music, but was bored in math and history, already knowing the answers while the other kids were scratching their heads. After last night she practically flew into the building, wanting to get her hands on everything in the library that referenced Asgaard. It would have been easier to use the computer at home, but then Sinead and her mom would know what she was up to. There were things she wanted to find out for herself, so she went straight for the books on mythology, immersing herself in a drawing of a young warrioress clad in a breastplate while holding up a sword. Val leaned across the table, speaking loudly to a boy whod been engrossed in a number of reference books. Hey, do you know how to pronounce this word? Pushing owl round glasses up the bridge of his nose with his index finger, he asked her to lower her voice. So did the other kids spread out at another table. I can hear just fine you know. No need to holler. I wasnt hollering. Uh, yes you were. He went back to reading his book. Val was taken aback. Guys didnt usually ignore her. Most times they were only too glad to help her. Curious at what he was reading, she was struck by his collection of Norse mythology, browsing through cultural legends and lore, something titled Thors Little Black Book of Centerfolds. . . whoa . . . now that couldnt have been on the shelves of her high school unless hed put it there . . . What are you? she blurted. He lowered the book, peaking over the top with one thick, orangey brown brow raised. His hair was almost the same color, and he had a serious cowlick that no gel would tame. It should be obvious . . . Valkyrie.

Instead of groaning out loud she just stared at him really, really hard. Sinead was right. Now that shed been revealed all sorts of other worldly characters felt safe enough to nag her. Look, I just found out last night what I am. Now Im trying to figure out what Im supposed to do, so could you cut me some slack? He stared back as if he wanted to offer some cheese with her whine. Why should I? Huh? He closed the book, neatly stacking it with all the others. You cant be an elf, because theyre way more snooty, she said. And youre not tall enough to be a vampire. Plus its daytime and youd be broiled just like a lobster in direct sunlight- His brow rose higher at that, but his lips quirked into a smile. Are those the only creatures you know? Cant that puny Valkyrie brain of yours come up with any others? Or is true that you shield maidens are all brawn and no- Hey! Her fist slammed down on the table. Even with a boat load of thick books, his side lifted off the floor. Miss Perez, the head librarian, Mrs. Ramos warned. Ive never seen in you the library before, and if you keep this ruckus up, you will be escorted out. Do I make myself clear? Yes Maam. Im sorry but he- Miss Perez, youve been sitting at that table talking to yourself since you got here. B-but he was right there . . . Her voice trailed off. There was a kid darting out the door, but he was taller than the boy shed been talking to at the table. He swiveled his head and gave her a mischievous wink. Dark hair, black as night eyes. It was him! The kid from last night! Val did a springing handstand over the table, sticking the landing as she chased after the kid. Mrs. Ramos shouted about the library not being a gymnasium. Once Val burst out the double doors, she didnt have to search far, because he was strolling down the hall, casually looking back over his shoulder to see how close she was. He ducked down one hallway, and then another, keeping her just far enough away. All right, she gritted out between clinched teeth, planting her feet by the boys lavatory and a bank of peach colored lockers. I refuse to chase you.

The rest room door swung open and out he walked. Or basically glided. From head to toe, he was the finest boy shed ever seen, with shoulder length hair, a killer bod and upturned eyes with lashes so long and thick she couldnt help being jealous. But he wasnt really there. He was just trying to trick her into thinking he was. Or wasnt. Whatever. So she turned her back on him, folding her arms with a shoulder against the nearest locker. Ignoring me wont work daughter of Asgaard. His lips were much too close to her ear. And her cheek. And her mouth as he circled her. They were almost nose to nose as he leaned over to smile in her face. Keeping her voice low, she tried not to let on just how he was he was affecting her. You really like fooling people huh? He cupped an ear. Sorry, I cant understand you. Could you speak up please? This whole thing was infuriating! So much so that she didnt care who heard her talking to herself. I said YOU REALLY LIKE FOOLING PEOPLE. His eyes twinkled. Well, thats what I do. Im kitsune-tsuki. A who? A kitsune. A trickster. Who tried to kill me- Aw, I was hoping you wouldnt hold that against me. Why shouldnt I? And do you even have a real name? She got bumped from behind. Some girls rudely asked them to move because they were blocking their lockers. Wait . . . you can see him? Val asked, shocked at the thought that he could appear and disappear on a whim. One of the girls grunted. Of course we can see him. Now will you move? I mean, he can stay but you need to go. Im just saying. Fine. You guys deserve whatever he does to you. They exchanged sneers as Val took off down the hall. It was sweet payback when they opened their lockers and a bunch of spiders came out. Their shrieks and screams of horror had her laughing. She so hated high school.

Val was just rounding the corner when he popped up next to her. Now, where were we? he said. Do you know how annoying it is when you do that? Jumping in and out of corners. I remember now, you wanted to know my name. I already know your name. Its Lucifer, she cracked. No, its Kai. So youre Kai, son of Loki. Kai Loki. No, he corrected her. My last name is a combination of my parents. Im Kai Ioki. Why are you here? Why arent you back there playing more nasty jokes on those girls? She shook her head. And why were you messing with them anyway? They liked you. Im the one they ran off. I didnt care for the things they were saying after you left. He stuck his bottom lip out. They called you a stupid bit- Her fingers pressed against his mouth, silencing him. Dont say it. When she tried to remove her hand he started to repeat it, and she glowered. Finally he just shrugged his shoulders. They walked along the hallway in silence, heading for the front doors. But it rhymes with witch, he insisted. Tell me something I dont know. I like you. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing on him. Well I dont like you. Give it time and you will. God, you are so conceited. He brushed her insult aside. Conceited, confident, its all the same thing. Val could see Iann and Sinead waiting at the bottom of the steps. Iann kept checking his watch and Sinead was yawning. She couldnt afford to have them see her with Kai. I think you better disappear. My friends wont like me talking to you. I think Id like to meet your friends. We werent properly introduced the other night.

That was her cue to turn around and shove him back into the lobby. Oh, no you dont. Im not gonna get stuck explaining to those prissy elves about who you are and why youre hounding me. Too late. They already saw us. Which reminds me, now that youve finally met your Uncle Heimdallr, what did you think of him? Nothing like a little bonding time between long lost relatives. Uncle? Heimdallr was her uncle? She just stood there, her mind spinning, anger building, wanting to smash that smug look off his face, to grab all that perfectly coifed hair and dunk him in the nearest water fountain . . . You-you sneaky big headed trolling bastard! A soft draft of air tickled her ears. The word kitsune was whispered to her and she ended up wildly swinging where Kai had been. Hey! You almost knocked my head off! And whyd you call me that? Well, that voice sure sounded like Ianns. And Sinead was probably stuck to his side. I . . . uh . . . And youre glowing again. Poor Iann was holding the side of his face, right where shed connected with a good one. Yeesh. Are you planning on taking me out right here in public? I mean, I know things havent been great between us lately- She wasnt talking to you. Sinead had her hands on her hips, one foot tapping. Were you Val? Uh . . . Oh come on! I saw him. Its bad enough you were walking the halls with that gnome. What next? Are you gonna share a kiss with a goblin? I guess I should be thankful he wasnt a troll. Whew. There was no telling how Kai had done it, but Sinead hadnt seen him in his true form. Hey wait a doggone minute. Trolls really exist? Ack! Oh yes. Theyre so backwoodsy. Sinead lowered her voice in case there really were a few trolls attending their school. Moonshine is their thing. That and video games. And getting government assistance. And free internet. Maybe you should tell me what the rules are.

The rules are simple. You stick with your own kind, Sinead said. A groan escaped from Vals mouth. Great. You mean cliques are big with you guys. We invented the term. Dont worry, youre a Valkyrie so youre prime stuff. What about Kitsune? Kit who, what? Iann asked, looking seriously confused and incredibly cute at that moment. Kitsune? Sinead had a terrible habit of appearing bored even when she was paying attention. Havent seen one of those in ages. I think theyre extinct. Oh. But it wouldnt surprise me since this is Ithaca, and Ithaca is really Mythica, home to the largest population of paranormal beings in the United States, Sinead added.

Thank you for reading this excerpt. For more information on this book, please visit http://wikkidsexycool.com

Deutsch Gothic font on chapter headings created by Mr. James Fordyce

More heroines from the Alpha Girls Series:

Upcoming releases: