Page 254 of Dark Haven Omegaverse

“That was only because Stravos and Layne helped,” he admitted. “I also wanted to swim in the ocean.”

“We can do all of those things still. As long as I do my job, we can go anywhere. To the ocean, visit big cities, take random vacations. We can have whatever life we want afterward.” I don’t know how long we can be away from the portal but I’d be willing to find out. “Odin gave us the ability to leave. It was part of the deal I made with him to stay in Helheim and fix this mess.”

For the first time in our entire existence, we had control of our future. It was a strange feeling, but an amazing and freeing one, too.

“Only if we do his bidding,” Hiro pointed out.

“Let’s not anger the gods tonight with our words,” I said, turning to Hiro. “What’s on yours?”

“Driving.” Hiro laughed. “I never got the chance to learn. They don’t let you get a license with all the meds I had to take. I’d be a danger to society.”

“I bet Drake would get behind that one,” I said with a smile. “He’s a big softy these days, I bet he’d be a patient teacher. Especially if you give him road head.”

Hiro burst out laughing and Roman and I couldn’t resist joining in. The warmth of our bond grew a bit more between us and I loved that we were forging all these intricate webs inside the bond, strengthening it in ways normal packs could never experience.

“It’s stupid, but do you know what I always wanted to do?” I added.

“What?” they asked. Their voices were eager and I didn’t hesitate to answer. Even in this new life they were my safe space.

“I want to go back to my grandma. Show her that she didn’t break me.”

There was silence after the words fell from my lips. “See, I told you it was stupid. And honestly what I’ve become is exactly what she feared.”

“Dead?” Hiro questioned.

I laughed. “She wishes. No, she thought I was a demon, or rather I was possessed by one. Little did she know I was going to give my soul to the demons and become their leader.”

Roman was the first to speak. “So, you’re telling me you want to pop in on dear old grandma and scar her for life? I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with you.”

A startled laugh escaped me, shocked they weren’t just laughing me off. But out of all the things in my life I couldn’t shake or move past, it was how shitty I was treated by the ones who were supposed to take care of me and love me.

Though, I suppose if anyone could relate, it would be Hiro and Roman.

“I’m here for it,” Hiro agreed. “I vote that we pop in at the dead of night, really shake the old woman.”

“Even better,” I agreed. The image was playing out in my head, and I could almost hear her terrified screams.

Maybe it was wrong for that vision to satisfy me so much, but it settled something within me. It would honestly be the final bit of closure for my humanity.

But it would have to wait.

Our conversation was cut short by Loki popping in and sitting across from me. His legs were crossed like mine but there was no amusement on his lips. I was just glad he didn’t pop in an hour ago while I was being railed by a demon and gargoyle.

“We need to talk.”

Harlow

Dark Haven Institute

“I’ve come to collect my favor.” Loki’s words fell in the room like a bomb. Whatever he was about to demand couldn’t be good and it also couldn’t have come at a worse possible time.

Regardless, I owed him an insane debt for what he did.

“What do you need?” He almost seemed surprised by my answer, likely expecting me to beg for mercy or weasel my way out of it like most did.

Gods probably didn’t like to repay debts; they were far too proud and selfish for that.

“The gods are closing in on Hel. I have no doubt she has mere days left. She’s being careless. Apparently, she’s found a human she’s fond of and is risking it all,” he explained with a sigh.

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