Mark of Odin: The Awakening

Chapter 10: Happy Birthday

37º 23' 53" North, 5º 59' 37" West
Alameda de Hercules, Seville
19 October 2012
19.45 GMT+1

The bar was packed. People were standing elbow to elbow and spilling out onto the outdoor terrace along the Alameda de Hercules. There was a buzz of enthusiastic chatter as beer, tinto de verano and other cold drinks were enjoyed on a warm autumnal evening. Luis's group was spread over most of the terrace and had managed to grab several bar tables outdoors. Almost all his closest friends had put in an appearance, including pals from school and university. It was wonderful to see how everyone had been rounded up for the party, especially when it had been such a surprise.

Eva had completely pulled the wool over his eyes. An hour ago, she had asked him if he didn't mind swinging by the Alameda after the EAC because she had something important to do. It had been his turn to drive that afternoon so he told her it wasn't a problem and they had left the complex together at seven o'clock sharp. After what had happened between them the night before, he was more than happy to spend as much extra time with her as possible. He felt as though he were walking on air.

That morning, they had woken up in bed together, their bodies and arms entwined. They had gazed long into each other's eyes, deep pools simmering with emotion. Showering together had led to another irresistible moment of passion. There was no forgetting the intensity of the night before. Then Luis had driven Eva back to her house so that she could change while he had stopped off at the swimming pool for some exercise. It had given him a chance to think things over, to take it all on board. Although the funny thing was, it didn't feel remotely strange. Quite the opposite, in fact. He felt totally relaxed about the situation. It all seemed so natural. They had met up again in class and greeted each other as if nothing had happened. It was too soon to face their classmates' curiosity and gossip at university was rife.

But by the afternoon, when they were working on the Hermes Project, they had found it harder to keep their composure. Every time their hands brushed against each other or their eyes met, they had blushed and smiled like love-struck teenagers. Even Steinwall had realised and given them a sharp warning, telling the pair to concentrate.

By the time they were in Luis's car, driving to the Alameda, he had known for certain that his feelings for Eva were special. This relationship was different. Worth fighting for. No sacrifice would be too great. And Eva's behaviour made it clear that she thought the same. He knew his friends would be delighted when they found out. In fact, there was just one big stumbling block: Marta. Luis knew she was going to take it really badly and was bound to cause trouble. Thinking back over their relationship, their fling had obviously been going nowhere for some time now. He didn't love her and Marta only wanted to be with him so she could show him off like a trophy or new toy. There was no doubt in his mind that she would replace him with someone new in a flash. Still, these things had to be handled properly. Luis had decided to meet her that very evening to explain things to her in person. Then he could start his relationship with Eva without anyone else muddying the waters.

How could he have known that the 'quick thing' Eva had to do on the Alameda was actually just an excuse? And in fact she was tricking him and leading him to a bar where all his friends were secretly waiting? When Luis and Eva had arrived and he had been met by a sea of familiar faces, he had broken out into a huge smile. Laughing, he had told the gang that they were unbelievable. And that Raquel was bound to be behind all this. When she had popped out from behind the group with a big wink, he knew for sure. He had turned to Eva in surprise, only to see her grinning at his astonished face.

After saying his hellos, the drinks had started to flow and by now everyone was in high spirits, chatting and swapping stories. Luis approached Raquel.