Chapter Twenty-Two

Thor's pov

I strode into the field, my boots sinking slightly into the grass and dirt, barely noticing anyone.

The teenagers, my rough-edged charges, were deep in their training, their focus split between combat and stealth.

They expected me to encourage them and blow my whistle as I did every other day, but my mind was elsewhere.

All night I couldn't stop thinking of what Adora said. Who was her second mate? Who was the fucking bastard?

The need to know every detail about him ate at me, turning my mood dark.

I caught the wary glances the teen boys shot my way. They were used to my high fives and words of encouragement.

Today, they'd find none.

My gaze was harsh, my mood fouler than the cold biting at the air. I couldn't care less about them. Without warning, my anger found its voice.

"Enough whispering! Get back to training, you pussies!"

My command echoed, harsh and unwarranted. A kid, barely sixteen, flinched at my tone but quickly resumed his stance, his sword wavering sl