Blessed by Ann Mayburn Read Free Book Online

I'm unsure if she's mentored yet and would ask how you would like me to continue.” He kept his eyes to the ground even as his heart beat faster.
    In front of him, the edge of leather boots filled his vision, and next to the boots, the tip of an iron staff inscrolled with silver images that seemed to shift and transform. He glanced away to the staff so he didn't become distracted and felt the light touch of the god looking through his memories.
    Embarrassment filled him as Oden looked through his memories and laughed. “She is rather beautiful, isn’t she?”
    “Yes, she is.”
    Moments passed, and he tried to remain patient.
    “Here is my judgment. You will mentor this woman-child and teach her what she needs to know to survive. You will obey the rules of mentoring, and you will do your best to prepare her for the time of Choice ahead.”
    “Your will is my life, my Lord.”
    Excitement filled him as he fought a smile. It was a great honor to be a mentor and this would be his first time being picked to help train a potential Chosen. On a more personal level he rejoiced at having an excuse to be around this young woman, to figure out why he was so attracted to her, and to keep her safe. The time of Choice was very dangerous and a fierce protective instinct rose within him. As long as he lived he would make sure no harm ever came to her. Now he just had to figure out how to train her properly while keeping his hands to himself. The last thing she needed was the distraction of a sexual relationship with her mentor, so though it pained him, he would have to try to control himself.
    Yeah, right. He’d be lucky if he managed to make it through their first meeting without falling on her like a rutting beast. Maybe Odin could fashion some kind of magical chastity belt for him. Then again his cock was so hard at just the thought of touching her that it could probably break free of any kind of restraint.
    A laugh resembling rolling boulders shook the ground as Odin read his mind. “We're aware of the charms of this particular woman. She calls to you and intrigues you, and your fascination with her will only grow stronger. But you must not let your attraction to her cloud your judgment. Your job is to keep her alive long enough to survive her time of Choice, to give her the knowledge and skills she will need to fight. Take care of her, Aiden. She is a very special young woman and I am trusting her to your care.”
    Aiden nodded in agreement his mind racing as he began to plan her training. “I will, my lord.”
     
     

 

Chapter Four
     
    Even with her shaded sunglasses on, the bright light of the day seared into Eliana's brain like a baseball bat studded with nails. Rusty nails. With a groan, she picked up the bottle on the ground next to her, chugged more water, and leaned back against the tree trunk. Both she and Chrissy were hung over, and Chrissy's way to combat her hangover involved going to McDonald’s and getting a big, greasy breakfast to bring back to their room. The food quickly drove Eliana outside in search of air that didn't smell like deep-fried pork and cheap syrup. Drinking excessive amounts of water helped, but she kept having these nasty, fruity burps that made her want to throw up.
    Fluffy white clouds floated across a surreal blue sky, and a soft breeze stirred the leaves of the trees. The open grassy area, called The Green, stood in the shadow of the philosophy building. A popular place for students to relax in-between classes, it was a great spot for people watching. To the west, a small man-made pond with a bridge lead to the religious studies hall. She shoved another cracker into her mouth and chewed it, forcing herself to swallow it down.
    Crossing her legs, she groaned and drank more water. Doing anything with her hair, other than putting it in a long braid, had been beyond her this morning. In a perfect world she’d still be in bed, sleeping it off. Instead she had to be a responsible adult and