Page 52 of Outcast

My eyes drifted to Stravos who stood by the doors, watching them fight with a conflicted expression on his face.

“You may as well come and join the circus,” I called out to him. He hesitated until I pointed to the empty spot beside Roman.

Crew’s expressions darkened at the mere sight of him. You’d think death would cure his jealousy but clearly, he wasn’t one for letting go.

“See, how can I compete with that?!” Crew demanded. He turned to the rest of us like we’d give him an answer, but he would get no sympathy from any of us. We worked this out with far more dicks than Layne was asking for. I might not have had a normal human choice, thanks to a prophecy and a bond being involved, but I don’t regret a single one of them.

“You don’t,” Hiro said. “It’s not a competition. If you want to be with Layne, be with her. Your relationship has nothing to do with Stravos, just as theirs has nothing to do with you.”

“Exactly!” Layne said in exasperation. “It’s like explaining things to a brick wall. You guys talk some sense into him.”

Layne stomped over, snatched my hand, and dragged me off with her. We made it as far as the throne room before she ran out of steam.

“Hey, this isn’t on you. You were clear in there and now he has to figure it out,” I said when she closed her eyes in defeat.

“You know what’s wild... Even after that whole thing, I don’t feel so overwhelmed I want to scream. It’s just a normal range of emotions. I never thought I’d get to experience that.”

“It is weird. It took me a while to adjust to my lack of hallucinations. They were a constant feature in my life and now it’s just reality or magic,” I agreed. “But that aside, I don’t blame you for being mad. I’m sorry your afterlife is starting with a fight.”

“I am too because this is wild. And we’ve got time to actually spend together without meds or shit getting in the way,” she said. “Thanks, Harlow. For being the one person who actually cared enough to get to know me. You’re the only real friend I’ve had. The guys were friends, but not like this.”

“You were the same for me,” I promised. “We’ll figure this out. Who knows what we can do when I actually understand my powers and this realm.”

She flopped down on the floor, spreading her arms and legs as she stared at the crystalline ceiling. The clicking of claws on the ground announced Sköll entering. I hadn’t seen the demon dog since we’d been back, and I felt bad I’d been so in and out.

“There’s a good boy,” I cooed as I crouched down and scratched his flank. Layne froze at the sight of him, but seeing my reaction, she didn’t freak out when he went to investigate her. I’d watched him avoid all of my guys, so when he curled up at her side, resting his skull-clad head on her stomach, I couldn’t help but smile.

“God, I need a drink. Why is there no booze in this realm?” Her eyes were wide but her hand went to the creature, petting him and slowly relaxing.

A loud burst of air announced an intrusion, Loki popping in beside us. Sköll let out a grunt but didn’t stir more than that.

“I’m surprised he’s out of hiding. He didn’t take to Hel for a solid year,” he noted. “And ask and you shall receive, my newly dead friend.”

The God of Chaos enjoyed the show and loved to show up just at the right time. At least this time he came bearing gifts, holding what looked like a wine bottle with a language I didn’t know adorning the bottle.

Layne sat up and took the offering, not even asking a question before popping off the top and chugging. Sköll moved again to snuggle in beside her, only giving a brief side-eye for moving on him.

When Layne came up for air, she swiped a hand across her mouth, eyes wide but excited.

“Holy shit, that’s amazing. If this is what booze of the gods tastes like, sign me up,” she said with a hiccup. Clearly the alcohol was strong.

“Glad to see you out of that place,” Loki said. “And don’t worry, I can send more.”

She blew him a kiss before taking another long pull of the dark liquid.

I shifted as Loki turned his attention to me. I knew what was coming and I wasn’t ready for it at all.

“Did you figure anything out about our arrangement?” he asked.

“Well, I know I can put souls back in their bodies and create wraiths. I told you before, if there is a soul to be found or some way to save her, I’ll try,” I told him. “What’s the urgency, have they closed in?”

“Odin and I may not be the best buddies in the world,” he snarked, “but the gods talk. He’s getting closer every day and has the entirety of the godly realm looking for her. I don’t think I can save her. She’s a pain in the ass but she’s my daughter. All she wanted was a chance at freedom and love.”

“Helllll, even I cannnn sympathize with that,” Layne slurred, wobbling as she tried to stand up next to me.

“Why don’t you sit,” Loki said as he conjured a chair and gently pushed her into it.

“Good idea,” she agreed. “Hey, you want some, bestie?”

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