Read Online Yuletide Mischief by Dahlia Rose - Free Book Online Page B

match. Santa was a looker, that was for sure.
    “Serves him right too,” Lucy muttered. “We’ll have a talk about it later.”
    “Hey, who said it was gang-up-on-Jack day?” Jack demanded to know.
    “I taught you to think before you speak,” Joko murmured. “Now accept it.”
    Vivi watched Odin’s smile widen, but he had yet to speak. She wondered uncomfortably what he might be thinking and what he would say.
    “I’m Nick, and this is my wife Neeva,” the man in the red pants and coat said. He motioned to his wife who was sitting close by sipping from a cup. “Looks like you have got yourself a mate there, Loki. I never thought I’d see the day.”
    “You know I live to prove you wrong,” Loki said drily.
    “I’d get up, but the morning sickness is kicking my ass,” Neeva said and Vivi instantly fell in love with the lyrical melody of her voice.
    “Is the tea not helping?” Nick was instantly at her side, looking worried. “Mother—”
    “Give it time,” Joko said. “She just started the cup.”
    “Bring your woman here,” Odin said to Loki in a commanding voice.
    Vivi watched Jack roll his eyes and Lucy pinched him this time. Nick grinned all the while rubbing his wife’s shoulders.
    Loki took her hand and together they moved toward Odin. They stood in front of him silently for what seemed like minutes, and Vivi shifted uncomfortably.
    “Stop it,” Joko commanded her husband. “You’re not fooling anyone with that scowl.”
    Odin’s face split into a grin. “Finally brought home a woman, and a fiery one at that. I approve.”
    “I’d be with her even if you didn’t,” Loki replied.
    “That worked real well last time,” Jack said drily.
    That’s it! Vivi whirled around and pointed directly at Jack. “Okay, Snow White, I guess you have never made a mistake in your life. If I recall correctly, I’ve seen you in your glamour around New York City being playboy extraordinaire. If you or anyone has a problem with Loki, then you have a problem with me. We can take our happy asses back to New York and you can sit here stewing in your pious self-serving soup. I rightly don’t care. But, if we’re staying, enough with the little caustic remarks.”
    “I forgot to mention she can see the second natured,” Loki said mildly.
    Odin roared with laughter. “I like her.”
    “Serves you right,” Lucy said. “And if I wasn’t your assistant before we got married and set up most of those dates she’s talking about, we’d be heading to our room for a talk.”
    Jack held up his hands and a smile hinted at his lips. “Loki, you seem to have a defender. I’ll refrain from the caustic remarks as she said. My apologies.”
    “Loki, you’ve chosen well, but there may be a problem,” Odin said. “In trying to find unity, an invitation was sent to Madge for the great feast. I do not expect she will attend, but you should know.”
    The name from his past made her heart lurch. Did he still have residual feelings for the woman who almost cost him his life?
    “If she stays out of my way, I’ll stay out of hers. She no longer has the control she had over me from long ago,” Loki answered.
    “Well, then, with that said, let us pay homage to the fallen and invite them into the halls for the feasting,” Joko said with a smile.
    The ritual was a simple one. Odin sat at the head of the table and the men of the family took their seats on either side. The women set the table and since Neeva was not well, Vivi took her place. Empty chairs were left in front of plates piled high with food. All the food on the table was for the fallen warriors. Mugs were filled with ale and Odin invited the fallen to eat at his table. No one touched a piece of food, but stood and left the plates where they were. This was the one day the spirits were allowed to take corporeal form. Odin and Joko left first while the others followed behind. Vivi looked back just before the doors closed, and she swore she could see men