Limina Mortis

*    *    *

They came to rest in the foyer.

It opened up at the end to what could have been a hunting lodge. Ancient wooden logs were used in the olden style, exposed above.

On one end of the massive communal family room, a primordial bearskin rug lay in front of a vast fireplace. The brutish bear had to have been twenty-five feet tall when it was brought down. The deep burnished brown fur was scrunched a bit, as if Byron walked over it and didn't bother smoothing it out that often.

There were others. A couple primordial wolverine furs, some ancient elk skins. Here and there, black and red silk shimmered, covering the skins and furs. He must like laying on them in front of the fire.

Nїx shivered at the sight. She'd almost lost her mind, seeing her sisters closer to death than she'd ever remembered. Foresight wasn't there to save them. But they'd lived. They'd survived. And then his words had taken something inside her and breathed life into it.

Staring around at the abode, her mind uttered, Mother, Mama, I think I found heaven...

Byron stripped off his armor and shoved it into a closet on the left. Then he kicked off his shoes without untying the laces, settling them in the scant cubby on the right.

Once he'd gotten the tattered silk socks off, he threw them in a hamper adjacent to the cubby. A dozen such pairs were there as well. He walked over to the fireplace, leaning down and lighting a match. The prepared kindling and firewood there flared.

Nїx soaked in the sight of him leaning against the fireplace while it crackled to life. The flames reflected back into his jade eyes.

It reminded her of when she'd caught sight of the sizzling inferno in his eyes. A passion he kept in check by sheer will alone.

This image she never wanted to forget. And for a resounding moment she realized she never would. Then Nїx found herself curious. "You have servants?"

"Nope."

That meant... "You prepare the wood before you leave?"

"Yep. Gives me something to look forward to."

All this time, all he'd been able to look forward to was lighting a fire. His eyes lingered on the flames licking over the wood.

Did he dream about consuming and licking a female like that? The diamond in her mind shrieked YES.

Byron looked over at her. "You want, you can drop the armor there." He pointed to the closet he'd dumped his own armor in. "It's enchanted to repair damage to wargear, even the kind with heavy magicks in them. From what I see, your armor is a little busted up."

He had a blacksmith's closet? Wicked!

"There's a main shower back adjacent to the bedroom. On the left."

He pointed past a rather quaint kitchen with old mahogany drawers and a black marble island. When she saw the diabolically large refrigerator, stove, and the sink, her mind registered that these were rather high-end pieces.

Her voice turned observational, admiring, "You made renovations."

"Modern conveniences. Helps keep me grounded in the now. And the shower isn't half bad."

She dropped her armor in a rush inside the closet and was off. The hallway had several doors leading to a weight room, spare bedrooms – did he picture having guests, or kids? – and then into the main bedroom.

Her lips parted. Another fireplace was on the right, an elk rug lying in front of it. Again, the wood was prepared. Behind it, a massive library of hide- and scale-bound books loomed.

Those tomes spoke of knowledge. Knowledge she desperately wanted to get her claws into. And the smell of the pages was something she craved. She'd never admitted to her sisters, but she was a book-sniffer. There was just something amazing in the tone of ancient parchment that made her want to linger in the libraries and quiet places.

Directly opposite her, an entire glass panel acted as the far wall.

The four-poster bed in the center was king sized, its headrest facing the glass wall. Black silk sheets and what looked like a very thick gravity comforter joined several smaller furs and five big pillows. Cozy, made for couples to love and snuggle deep for hours.

She could imagine what it would be like to leave some of those pillows and sheets scattered on the floor after making love...

And beyond that glass wall... autumn. Her heart opened at the sight.

Far distant mountains overhung by crisp blue sky, rivaling the greatest ranges in the realms. An ancient forest of moonrakers was miles deep from where they were. Interspersed with oaks, and some deep green juniper trees. She spied several delighted bunnies darting around at the forest edge. A male cardinal flitted into one juniper.

"Mama..." she breathed out.

You would have been pushing the bonding ribbon in my hand for this one so fast, wouldn't you?

The warmth in her heart spilled out and she choked back a tear, shaking herself. Gods, I am nuts. There was an open door to the left. Entering, she was rewarded with the sight of a glorious black marble tub inside to the right.

It was large enough for two, modern in its design, and those jets would be perfect for her aching body. A pair of sinks, a toilet with a heated seat – he still had to do that business, apparently – and...

She gasped. Oh. My. Gods.

The shower took up the rest of the room to the left. Separated by a wall of frosted glass. Nїx peeled back the sliding entry door and stepped into a shower stall fifteen feet by ten feet.

In the center, the shower head was built to drip or pour water down like rain. Underneath it, a wide bench allowed one to sit or lay down under it.

There was a control on the wall to her right. Modern. She swiped one dial. The water began dripping a slow, sensual beat on the floor. A heavy faux rain, the absolute best kind for soaking under. His last setting was perfection.

The clothes went out the frosted door with a fwap and a couple clunks. Nїx slid the door shut, then slipped under the end of the showerhead. Standing there was delicious.

But to sit down on that bench and let all this soak on her would be...

Her eyes closed, lungs letting out a soft moan of wanton ecstasy. "Heavens..."

She opened her eyes and looked at the items he had on the shelf. He didn't have feminine products.

Nїx's mind lit up. That gave her an idea.

* * * * *

The reaper in Byron was howling. She hadn't even noticed him following her. Every sigh and jitter of joy she expressed made him proud.

It wasn't a king's castle or a billionaire mansion, but he liked it, and his ego liked that she liked it. That coo of hers nearly made him tackle her into the bathtub.

Could this woman be any sexier? Not woman, demigoddess. He shook his head. Goddess. She's a goddess already to me. But still all woman. All female...

And watching her strip behind the frosted glass?

This close, now his ears had heard her little grumbles while she'd gotten the garments off. The clothes lay forgotten, and her murmur of "heavens" had him take a step inside. Then he'd grabbed the door panel, arguing with his desires. Focus, you idiot.

"Byron?"

Nїx was halfway out of the shower stall door. His eyes widened when he saw every visible curve, every inch of her with water slicking down. Rivulets and drops going... down...

He flipped his head away. "H-Hey, you, you okay?"

"There's plenty of room. Aren't you going to join?"

Oh, God. Grim. No. No, he wasn't. He clenched his jaw and shook his head fast, "No, no, no-no, I'll grab one after you. You just let me know when you're done."

Her eyes were shining with those silver beads in the pupils again, and her head quirked to one side, "I don't want you wasting water though."

Wasting water? No one else was here. What was she talking about? He blinked hard, brain fuzzy.

"Water's fine, Limina Mortis has a solid water table, you'll be fine, take your time." He wet his lips with his tongue. "I'm gonna get something to drink."

He turned, giving her his back, and pointed off to his left to the corner nearest the glass wall. "Right here's a chest, name Chest. Tell it what wardrobe and items you want, it'll get it for ya."

His finger was shaking. Dammit.

"Byron?"

He swallowed, tucking his arm back to his side, "Yes?"

Had she seen that?

"Thank you."

He glanced over his shoulder, keeping her only in his peripheral. "For what, Phenїx?"

"Just thank you," she murmured. "For getting us away from the dragon. For covering me on Earth. For helping me fight the wendigoes and those bastards. For helping my family. Thank you for deciding to escort me."

That made him feel halfway decent for a change. He gave her a smile, keeping his eyes off-center of her body. "You're welcome, Nїxie."

She came out from behind the glass a little more. "One other thing..."

Too much temptation. He gazed a long second, twitching with desire.

I want HER...

Nїx's lips curved more sinfully. Then she stepped out fully in view, leaning against the glass.

He stopped breathing. Mercy. Woman, mercy.

Every curve of this female was absolute perfection. Sure, the other Valkyries were drop-dead gorgeous, but Phenїx the Ever-Knowing proto-Valkyrie was a whole different level.

Glimmering midnight hair flowed in gentle curls all the way to the cleft of her ass. It was clinging to her smooth back. Her lips were perfect bows, full, pouting, and kissable as eternity was long.

Sinful, deeply wise eyes, too wise after too many years of staring ahead. And still they glittered when she laughed or when she spoke of things she loved very much.

The little crinkles that appeared when she giggled... Those said she knew how to have the best time ever and never regret it. He could find himself obsessing himself with those eyes.

And the rest of her?

All the goddesses themselves had to be envious. A complete punch to the libido. A perfect column of a neck and slim, feminine shoulders dipping to gorgeous full breasts, dusky rose nipples now out in full force.

Little ones would never go hungry if Nїx ever bore a child.

Perfect, toned stomach, just the right curves in them to show she had the muscles for killing off threats, or for bearing life into the worlds. All the way to those flaring wide hips.

Those hourglass curves were so perfect for a male to grip. Shapely thighs and calves arching down to perfect feet. She even painted her toenails pink, the same as her claws. She was girly girl through and through, and he loved it.

She'd shaved and formed her curls between her legs just prior to being frozen in her immortality. It was a perfect little line over her mons.

He bit down on his lips, choking the hard groan in his throat. Ooooh, Almighty...

Wóden and Freya must have used her for the template for all Valkyries, but they sure as Heaven broke the mold afterwards. There wasn't a thing about her he'd change.

Lord, if those two hear you, please give them my utmost and highest regards and respect.

He finally came to. His eyes dragged back up to her face. Instead of seeing hatred or revulsion, Phenїx looked... happy. That glow had overcome her face. He could scent her arousal. Honey. Mouthwatering.

Wait. She'd asked for something. He scarcely croaked the words out. "What's wrong?"

Nїx's Most Innocent Face made an appearance, pink pouting lips quivering. "I forgot shampoo, my reaper."

That phrase set his mind on fire. A quake shot down his spine. His mind skittered around and landed on the underlying truth.

Dammit it to hells, you didn't forget, you exquisite, sexy vixen, you knew, oooooo...

Why was she getting all playful now, of all times? They needed to meet the wyrms! But... he mentally crashed his fists through his brain. No! No buts! Stop it! He cleared his throat. "Ahhh, what's your favorite?"

"Giovvanni Smooth as Silk."

Byron marched over to Chest, ears burning at her purring the words. God, she was better than smooth. He was going to have a heart attack. Oh wait, he couldn't have one. He was immortal. Grim, damn it!

He took a few deep breaths, desperate, then told Chest what to deliver. Chest dutifully produced a thunk when the bottle landed in its center. Then he paused, thinking. Tricksy goddess. He called over, "Body wash?"

Byron heard her cluck her tongue with annoyance. He lofted his brows to himself in victory. Checkmate.

"L'Occitanne Almond Shower Oil and Sol de Janierro Brasilian ForePlay," she purred in answer.

Foreplay. Of course, you would use that word. He stifled a growl. Chest rattled. He prompted again, "Moisturizer?"

Another tch. The sound of feet gently padding over the floor made him tense. Then she appeared at the bathroom door, golden skin wet, tendrils of steam coming off her hair. He shot up to attention.

"You are taking the fun out of this, reaper."

Nїx's gaze was lingering over his frame.

"I already saw your tastes." She ran that talented tongue on her fang, just the way she knew to send him into overdrive. "And I like them. Just come inside."

Come inside? Umph. He looked down, ordering with more volume, "Chest, best moisturizer for normal hair, please! Uh, three large fluffy towels." God, he was shouting at Chest like a fast-food restaurant microphone. He blinked hard. "And uhhhh, a fluffy cotton robe, size small, red, long."

"No!" Phenїx snapped.

Her protest made Chest open and clamp in another heavy thunk. Nїx caught his gaze and held it, crossing her arms huffily under her breasts. He clenched his right hand hard enough to feel his nails bite into his skin.

God and Grim, why couldn't he have the claws of a demon right now? It would make refocusing so much easier for him if he could just get the blood to well up somewhere else. His eyes flicked down to those dusky nipples. Barely stifled another heavy groan.

"Chest, pleeease make the robe silk... and microskirt short," she cooed at the box.

Byron gaped fully in her face, blood shooting south. His head slowly swiveled.

"No freaking way. Chest. Make it fluffy and long."

Chest shook on its ends. If an inanimate object could say "Make up your mind!", that would be it. He stared at her, almost baring his teeth.

"I know what you're doing, Phenїx."

Those pouting lips melted to a wicked-as-sin smile on her. "Do you, Byron?"

Want, want, want. Can't. Chest thunked. Oh. Please. Please, Chest, pleeease be long and fluffy.

Byron passed the items over to her. The robe was short. It would barely cover her ass if she were standing. He almost pounded his fist on the table. Damn it! Chest, why'd you take her side on this? I thought we were buds, old wood!

Byron rubbed a shaking hand over his mouth. He looked between all the items she was now curling against her bosom, then back up to those glowing eyes.

Phenїx knew.

He grated, "Let me know when you're good. Then we'll go see the wyrms."

Her breath hitched just as her voice dipped to a swelteringly breathy murmur. "But what about your shower, reaper?"

"Changed my mind. I'll just swap clothes."

He practically ran out of the bedroom into the adjacent closet, shutting the door behind him hard. He beat his head against the wood a couple times, letting out a heavy groan.

Motherfucker... I'm running from a naked woman in my own home. A naked, immortal, Valkyrie goddess-to-be...??? Yup, this is the real Hell, right here.

For what felt like eternity he breathed, arguing with himself, begging for control. Then he heard thunder in the distance. His mind froze, then went to blazing fire.

No. No, she wouldn't... couldn't!

He opened the door and went back to just outside the bathroom. A glorious goddess was moaning like she was touching herself in his own shower.

Byron's eyes squeezed shut. Fuck me!!!

*     *     *     *    *