All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

It was the longest night of McKenna's life, but she refused to move, refused to leave the chair at Loki's bedside. Darkness faded, pale gold light filtered in to shatter the night. She sat up, wincing at the ache in her back, as Eir came into the room. “My lady, why don’t you go and get something to eat?”

“I’m not leaving, Eir.”

“Then allow me to have someone bring you a tray.” Eir reached out to touch her cheek. “You look exhausted.”

She waved the healer off. “I’m fine. I just need coffee, please.”

The door opened and she turned to see Sif coming in. “May I?”

McKenna nodded. “Of course.”

“Lady McKenna, how is he?” Sif pushed the door closed behind her and came over to kneel beside her chair.

“He’s still alive, but he hasn’t so much as moved the entire time I’ve been here.”

“May I bring you anything? Breakfast, perhaps?”

McKenna shook her head. “I’m not hungry. Has Thor returned with Coulson yet?”

“I don’t think so. It took him some doing to convince the Allfather to allow him entry into Asgard. Although,” Sif lowered her voice, “I think he permitted it only to see you junk punch him. Might I ask what that is?”

McKenna managed a tired smile. “It’s Midgardian slang for punching a guy between the legs. His junk. Where it hurts the most.”

Sif smiled. “I do not fault you your anger, my lady. I should like to junk punch him as well for this.”

McKenna sighed softly, rubbing her tired eyes. They stung, felt red and puffy, and her head ached from a night spent hovering between helpless fury and childish sobbing. “Sif, could you do me a favor?”

“Of course, my lady. What is it?”

“Go and check on Shay and the kids. Let her know what’s going on, but try to keep Selig in the dark for now. I don’t want to upset him.”

“Do you wish me to bring them here?”

McKenna pressed her lips together for a moment, and then nodded. “Yes, actually. Selig has Cap here to distract him and I’m sure the Allfather and Thor will help there.”

“Of course they will.”

“Thank you.”

“There is no need for thanks, my lady. I will do whatever I can to help you.” Sif's hand came to rest on her shoulder, and the lady warrior leaned over to kiss the top of her head. “Hang in there, as you would say. He is a fighter.”

“A fighter, yes, but not immortal.” McKenna gazed down at Loki. “I feel so damn helpless just sitting here, Sif. When Coulson gets here, I’m going to hit him twice and it still won’t help.”

“Perhaps by then Loki will be awake.” Sif squeezed her shoulder and then rose. “I will be back as soon as I can with the children.”

McKenna nodded. “Thank you.”

“Of course, my lady.”

With that, Sif left and when the door opened again, it was a maid bearing a tray of Asgardian breakfast pastries (a thousand times more sinfully rich and delicious than anything on Midgard) and small pot of Midgardian coffee.

McKenna couldn’t stomach the thought of eating, but the coffee made her sigh with relief as she took a long swallow. Then she set the cup down and leaned over to brush the backs of her fingers over Loki's non-bruised cheek. “I love you, Jötunn,” she whispered. “And do you remember that night when I got all morose and asked you if you’d ever remarry if something happened to me? And you said no, you wouldn’t. Well, if the Allfather will allow it, I will remain here as long as I can. I will see to it that Selig and Aislinn learn all about where they come from, about you and your heritage—their heritage.