All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Twenty-Two

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

They landed in Asgard, where Loki said, “We need Eir at once, Heimdall.”

“Lady McKenna?” he asked, and as Loki nodded, several of Eir’s helpers suddenly appeared. A golden web enveloped them both and whisked them from the gatekeeper’s chambers and into Eir’s.

“What is the matter, Lady McKenna?” Eir asked, as serene as always.

McKenna drew the back of her hand across her sweaty forehead. “My water broke about half an hour ago, but she isn't due for another six weeks.”

“She’s early, but not dangerously so.” Eir glanced at Loki. “You should leave now.”

“No,” McKenna caught Loki by the hand, “I want him here this time.”

“Lady McKenna—” Eir began.

McKenna cut her off. “No. I am not arguing about it or debating it.” She gritted her teeth as another pain seized her and growled, “He. Stays.”

Eir scowled, but nodded. “Very well, my lady.” To Loki, she said, “You stay up here and do not move.”

Loki curled his fingers about McKenna's hand and without taking his eyes off her, said, “I have no plans on moving, Eir.”

McKenna panted through the pain, squeezing her eyes shut as she said, “Son of a bitch, I forgot how much this hurts…”

One of Eir’s helpers brought over a stool for Loki, who sank onto it without taking his eyes off McKenna or letting go of her. His free hand came down to smooth her hair away from her forehead and he murmured, “What can I do, love?”

She shook her head. “Nothing, Loki. You’ve done quite enough already.” As the pain ebbed, she drew in a deep breath and added, “And I didn’t mean that. It just really hurts.”

“So I see.” His eyes softened and he continued stroking her hair. “I love you, darling girl, and you may say anything you wish right now. I’ll probably deserve it.”

“Oh!” Her hand involuntarily tightened about Loki's and she heard him suck in a harsh breath and mutter something, but she neither understood nor cared.

The pain intensified, the incredible pressure urging her to push even as Eir said, “Not yet, my lady. Breathe. Breathe through the pain.”

“Eir… are you nuts?” McKenna growled, going limp as the pain passed. “I have no say in this, you know.”

“You are doing just fine, my lady,” Tyra said, bringing over a small golden bowl and a soft white cloth. “Loki, if you would, wipe her brow. Keep her cool. It helps.”

McKenna could feel the sweat trickling along her temples, could feel it in her hair and everywhere else. Still, she shook her head. “No, please don’t. I’m damp enough without adding to it.”

“Let me know if you change your mind—ow!” Loki yelped as her hand clamped about his once more, her fingernails now digging into the back of his hand.

“Oh…” McKenna couldn’t hold back her low moan. She didn’t see the point in yelling, since it certainly didn’t make the pain any less, but at the same time, keeping completely quiet was impossible. She knew that from Selig's delivery.

Above her, Loki was pale—much more so than normal. Still, the hand on her hair never went still and he didn’t try to pull away from her. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper as he said, “I love you.”