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for Brunhilde. I didn't have high hopes, it was early evening and she likely worked the late night shift.
    “Hey, Kylie ,” her voice drifted through the small crowd, and I looked at her, smiling. She bounced over, lovely red locks in a ponytail as jaunty as her personality.
    “Evenin', Bru.”
    “Let me grab you something to eat, you look starved, then we'll talk. I understand you have a new follower.” She winked and went behind the main counter.
    I covered my face with a hand, shaking my head. I heard her plop into the booth and smack her arms on the table. With a quick glance, I knew she wanted to talk. At least she'd carry on a conversation instead holding an inquisition. Maybe.
    “How'd you hear about Aki?”
    “The secretive bastard didn't tell you, huh? Not surprised. The promise was to me,” she grinned.
    “ He really a Berserker? The ones of legend?” I leaned forward, waiting for the answer.
    She laughed. “Good, you know about them. For the most part. They are my father's chosen. Some, like Aki, were gifted with the spirit of a bear.”
    “He's a shapeshifter?” I gave her a skeptical look.
    “Oh, heavens, no. Only the spirit, as in the strength and cunning. Aki, however, stole something sacred. He's been wandering ever since. I found him some time ago, saved his fungus filled hide and as repayment, made him promise to protect you. If nothing else, he will uphold the promise to his death.”
    “Well, that does explain a few things. Where do you come in?” I raised an eyebrow.
    “I have given you my loyalty. I know you will do whatever is necessary to protect mortals.”
    Food and drink arrived, the smells prompting me to dig in and prove my earlier conversation with Aki. No words were spoken, instead an amicable silence descended as I cleaned the plate and several glasses of Pepsi. Full, I sat back after stacking everything neatly and wiping the table clean. I noticed Bru’s expression of approval.
    “Bru, you're not going to move into my hotel room too, are you?”
    Her laughter rang through the diner, catching the attention of several men. I couldn't blame them, her laughter carried an innocence with a promise to be naughty quality. Add those immortal good looks and she had groupies in the making.
    “I need to complete a ceremony which will bond us. Are you up for it?”
    “I'm sorry. What?”
    “Ceremony. Bond. Complete. Yes?”
    “I, uh, have to think about it. I need details, not vague answers. I'm already having a hard time with the bloody Berserker barging into my life.”
    “Good answer. Many say yes , wanting to use me for their own interests. Listen, meet me here tomorrow afternoon. And yes, Aki will come. He's stuck to you like white on rice.” She jumped up and left me sitting with a dropped jaw.
    I paid the bill and headed to the room. My mind floated around the information gathered all afternoon, pushing even my ability to accept the strange.
    Valkyries, Berserkers and gods, oh, my! Blech.

Chapter Six

    Though I was armed with information from a Valkyrie and several hours of research, Aki refused to talk. I wanted to bounce his arse out the door, but considering he topped me by eight inches and a good hundred pounds, the likelihood of succeeding was nil. I left it alone and changed into Deputy Dog pajamas, piled the pillows against the headboard, snuggled into the duvet and proceeded to watch TV.
    “Why does Artemis hate you?” Aki leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed.
    I shrugged.
    “Does she know about Modi?”
    I didn’t turn away from the TV.
    “Are you going to ignore me all night?” His tone carried an exasperated quality.
    I held back a giggle.
    “Damn it, I need to know what exactly I’m protecting you from!”
    I changed the channel to the Science Channel and Morgan Freeman, turning up the volume. Aki turned four shades of red, contrasting beautifully with his blue eyes, slammed his palm against the doorjamb and left. The grin escaped, and I glanced to