Chapter Seventeen
The Report of My Death
Has Been Greatly Exaggerated
Alayna is sitting at her desk working on her malfunctioning earpiece when her personal phone rings with a number she does recognize. She answers it with trepidation. On the other end a deep voice greets her with a strange message. "Do not trust my brother's intentions." Such a statement with no context confuses the hell out of her. "Excuse me but who is this and how did you get this number?"
"This is Loki." Alayna rubs her eyes just waiting to see how surreal this conversation is going to get.
"Okay Loki. Does this mean I am forgiven?" She can almost hear him thinking. "I am not sure yet. I simply called to warn you about Thor's intentions."
"Loki would you like to clarify your statement? Is he planning on killing me? You might want to be a little more specific." He pauses for a moment. "He expressed interest in you." Alayna just rubs her forehead again. "So let me get this straight. You called to warm me that your brother likes me." The situation was becoming too puerile for her to handle. Loki responds with all seriousness. "Yes and that he cannot be trusted." Alayna wonders if she should humor him or fuck with him at this point. She decides to wait to see where else this conversation leads before deciding. "Well, thanks for the warning Loki. I'll take it into consideration." Loki responds. "I know it might be difficult to stay away from him since he stated that you two had a moment between you at Stark Tower."
Alayna's lets loose a string of curses directed at the God of Thunder. "He actually said that to you? Well I can assure you that your brother is being delusional." Losing patience with both Asgardian princes she abruptly ends the call only to call him back when an important question crosses her mind. He answers and before he can complain about being hung up on she demands an answer. "How, exactly, did you get my private number and address? He sighs and responds in a clipped tone. "I asked your publisher for the information."
"And why would she give you my confidential information?" She suspects she will not like the answer. "I informed her of your demise. You might want to call to inform her that you are very much alive." She hangs up the phone completely exasperated. Instead of calling she sends an email.
Dear Elizabeth,
The report of my death has been greatly exaggerated. The gentleman to whom you have spoken is a stalker. If by chance he contacts you again please call the police. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Alayna Eastland