All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Thirty

CHAPTER THIRTY

"Mommy!"

McKenna crouched to catch Selig as he broke free from Sif's grasp and ran smack into her. She scooped him up, squeezing him tight, "Hey, baby... were you good for Aunt Shay?"

"I was, Mommy." Selig wrapped his arms about her neck. "Where is Daddy? Aunt Sif said he was hurt."

"He is in with Eir. He was hurt, sweetie, but he's going to be okay."

"What happened?"

"He just ran into some trouble, hon. That's all." She rubbed his back gently. "Sif, does Aislinn need to be fed?"

Sif shook her head, rocking the carrier she held in one hand. "Your friend, Shannon, gave her a bottle. She's asleep right now. Shall I bring her to the nursery?"

"Please. Tell Tyra I'll be in as soon as I can."

"Of course, my lady. How is Loki?"

"He was awake earlier, but kind of overdid it trying to sit up."

"Mommy, is Daddy going to die?"

She smoothed Selig's hair away from his face. "No, love. Daddy isn't going to die. He's hurt pretty badly, but he'll be okay in a few weeks."

"Can I see him?"

"Sure. But he might be sleeping." She smiled over Selig's head at Sif. "Thank you so much, Sif. For everything."

"Think nothing of it, my lady." Sif winked. "I will be in the nursery with the little one."

McKenna nodded and reached for the door handle. "Now, remember, Daddy might look a little different, but he's going to be fine."

"Different? How?"

"He's very pale and still. And you can't climb on him. Not yet, anyway."

Selig nodded solemnly. "Okay, Mommy."

She brought him into the room and as he snuggled closer to her, she whispered. "It's okay, baby. There's nothing to be afraid of."

They drew near Loki's bed and as she gazed down at him, his eyes opened and a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. "Selig," he murmured.

"Daddy?" Selig's voice was barely a whisper as he wriggled away from McKenna. She set him down and he approached the bed, setting both hands on the edge of the mattress.

"It's all right, little man," Loki replied softly, his hand covering both of Selig's. "Give us a kiss, Sel, won't you?"

"Why?"

"Because I need it, little man."

Selig pushed up onto his tiptoes to brush Loki's cheek gingerly. "Are you hurt, Daddy?"

"A little. But I will be all right in time." With a soft sigh, Loki sank back into his pillows. "I'm sorry, Selig. I'm so tired."

"It's okay, Daddy. I brought Cap to keep you company." Selig tucked the German shepherd into the crook of Loki's right arm. "He'll watch over you."

Loki smiled. "Thanks, little man." He squeezed Selig's hand. "Where's Mommy?"

"I'm right here."

He turned toward her. "There you are."

"Selig," Thor drew him away from the bed, "why don't we go and find Bestefar and see if you can ride Cap?"

Selig nodded, biting his bottom lip. "Can I, Mommy?"