The Valkyrie’s Ghost

Author's Note:Welcome to Part 2 of The Valkyrie's Ghost. If you somehow landed here first, I strongly recommend starting with Part 1 unless you enjoy narrative whiplash and asking "Who is that?" every three paragraphs.

This version has been fully edited by two of the community's finest grammar‑assassins, Dimitri and Dee, who bravely hunted down and eliminated my many gramatical crimes. I appreciate you more than caffeine.

A quick reminder: TVG is not a book. It is a multi‑season series still in active production, complete with moving parts, evolving arcs, and the occasional author meltdown. If you came looking for a short, tidy, slightly naughty romance... this is not that. Not even close.

All characters, events, locations, and questionable decisions are products of the author's imagination and are not intended to reflect real people or real situations. Any resemblance is accidental, coincidental, and probably caused by my brain free‑wheeling at 2 a.m.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the chaos.

PHD

Chapter 06Riley RiversTuesday, December 9thThe Five House8755 Ridgeline Hollow RoadGrants Pass, OR

Chapter 06

Riley Rivers

Tuesday, December 9th

The Five House

8755 Ridgeline Hollow Road

Grants Pass, OR

Riley----------

Riley Rivers walked purposefully to the kitchen in response to the female voice that repeatedly chanted, "Riley, your cinnamon rolls timer is complete."

He glanced into the oven and was pleased to find the tell-tale signs of perfect timing. He grabbed a mitt and moved the deep, glass baking dish to cool on the stove top. He took a deep breath and the aroma of cinnamon, bread, and sugar danced about his senses, teasing him with the breakfast's promised deliciousness.

Riley looked at his watch as his security system pinged: someone had entered the drive. He walked through the kitchen to a massive main living area where a large wood fire crackled in an oversized, stacked rock fireplace. He circumvented the leather couches and arrived at a glass front door that opened onto a six-foot wrap-around porch. A Toyota Highlander with Oregon plates slowly pulled up the asphalt-paved drive and stopped in front of the stone pathway. The driver jumped out and jogged to the rear hatch and pulled out four bags. Meanwhile, both backseat doors opened and two women stepped out, gently closing the doors and turning to accept their luggage.

Riley's eyes jumped to the familiar form of Jordan. While much more casual than her typical designer suit, her slacks, oversized, solid gray sweater, and overcoat gave Jordan the same presentation of elegance. Her dark hair was in its trademark braid. She carried a briefcase and accepted a dark carry-on suitcase from the driver.

The second woman manhandled a pair of massive suitcases across the gravel. The driver held out a large metal box that was an amalgamation between tackle box and toolbox, which Jordan stepped in and accepted. It took him a minute to find the name, but as she moved alongside Jordan, the name popped into place: Leona Glass.

Riley smiled and announced as if the pair were boarding a yacht, "Welcome to the Five House!"

He gracefully tapped down the stairs and with a silent offer, grabbed Leona's--er, she prefers Leo--Leo's pair of large suitcases. "It is great to see you, Jordan," Riley said with a smile to his boss. He then turned to Leo. "Leo, it has to be four years since the Prague gig."

Leo smiled and nodded, stepping to Jordan and taking the metal case.

Jordan stopped and looked over Riley's place. "Riley, the Five House is looking better than ever!" She looked over at Leo, who was almost stunned as she gazed at the massive, three-story property, surrounded by towering pine trees and a series of smaller, dull green buildings.

"Riley, it's good to see you again," Jordan chimed. "Can you give poor Leo here the ninety-second history of the Five House? I haven't seen her so flabbergasted in years!"

"Flabbergasted?" Leo asked, looking at her current contract holder with a smirk. "Ok, well maybe I am. It is a really, really large house, Riley."

"I have some fresh cinnamon rolls hot out of the oven and your choice of coffee or tea." Riley directed them up the front stairs and into his home. "This structure was a part of FDR's Works Progress Administration, used to pull the US out of the Great Depression. It was called the Five House because you can view five different ridges of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, which covers southern Oregon but also sneaks into the northern part of California."

He dropped the cases by the door and took their overcoats, which he hung on a series of hooks by the front door, and led them back to the kitchen. Their eyes roamed the living area and its décor.

"The Five House was initially a lodge for a new national park and was finished in the summer of 1939. In 1978, the property was donated by the US government to the State of Oregon, who retrofitted the house and made it a home for boys and girls without a placement in the foster care system," Riley narrated as he pulled out small plates and served his guests a steaming hot cinnamon roll and their choice of coffee or tea. Once everyone was served, Riley started to dig into his own plate.

A chorus of oohs and aahs echoed as the trio enjoyed the warm drink and snack. Riley continued, "I was in the Army at the time, lived on base, and didn't have many expenses. So, when I was told they were going to auction the property in the spring of 2018, I had someone represent me, and I was fortunate, or unfortunate in some eyes, to have the winning bid. I've spent the last seven years restoring the Five House to its original glory."

Leo smiled. "It is stunning. This kitchen looks like the set of a cooking show."

After finishing the cinnamon rolls, they decided to move to the living area and enjoy the fire.

"Jordan, it is always nice to see you," Riley said wryly. "Leo, the Prague project was beyond interesting." He paused looking between the women. "So who is going to tell me why I am going under cover...and do I need to be pregnant?"

Jordan and Leo looked from Riley back to each other before they burst out laughing. They stopped. When they caught each other's eye, they started laughing again. Riley just sat patiently in his leather chair.

"I guess bringing in Leo was beyond obvious." Jordan confessed. "Well, I have a protection detail with some significant caveats, and we thought of you. I assume you've heard about the attack on Lysandra Vale?"

Riley's hands tightened around the arms of the chair he sat in, and he leaned forward in anticipation.

"I have," Riley offered almost shyly, but as the most patient of hunters, he let Jordan continue without any urging.

"Her manager, Octavia Cross, and I met yesterday morning, and Nike is going to pay for the top-shelf service of a full personal protection detail." Jordan explained. "However, she had one requirement: that no muscle-bound man marches around her sanctuary. She will only accept a woman protector."

Riley looks between Jordan and Leo. "So, it's your idea to have me present as a woman?"

"It was actually Octavia's idea that we both ran with," Jordan offered, a bit embarrassed. "I was trying to sell that our top asset is not a muscle-bound chest thumper."

Riley smiled. "You mean, I'm a 5'5" man who has the body of a pre-teen girl."

"I said the best of the best at everything he does. Protection. Field. The best." Jordan looked offended. "You know what I think about you. I was the one who recruited you and I did so with my A game."

Riley grimaced. "Sorry, Jordan. You are the best of the best bosses. You're way too generous and you treat me like a king. I really was trying to be funny."

"Well, I had prepped a whole dog and pony show to convince you what a brilliant plan I had, and you figured it out at hello!" an unsettled Jordan offered. "I'm all on edge."

"Well, let's step back from the edge. I must admit that I have never contemplated a time I would dress in women's clothes." He paused. "I think I may have got the horse before the cart. What do you have in mind? Are these clothes, prosthetics, what?"

Leo leaned in. "What we heard from Vale's team is that she's showing signs of PTSD and they'll be connecting her with a mental health specialist when she gets back to Seattle. So, we're thinking you go hard with the first introduction. Present as full female, which I can help you with, by the way. Then, after a bit of time and she gets to know you, she'll feel more comfortable with you as an onsite protector and the crossdressing can end."

"When you say 'go hard,' what do you mean?" Riley asked with a smile.

"You, me, tweezers, wax, glue, hairspray, and lots of tape." Leo smiled with an evil glint in her eyes.

"Ouch," Riley said with a raised eyebrow. He glanced to Jordan. "If I agree to the torture that Leo is kindly offering, what are the next steps for this devious plan of yours, Ms. Hallowell-Kierce?" Riley smiled to let Jordan know he was not upset.

"Octavia Cross and Lysandra Vale are expecting us at ten a.m. tomorrow at her home in Seattle Washington, if you agree to allow Leo to do a makeover," Jordan confessed.

Riley looked between his two guests and sighed. He closed his eyes and flashed back to the countless taunts he endured throughout his life about his short stature and slight build. Did he want to step over the line and allow a professional to transform him into a woman? Then, he thought of Lysandra Vale. The biography he could not put down that documented her pathway to becoming the best woman athlete in the world. How she overcame so many hurdles in her life.

He looked back down at Jordan. "If Lysandra agrees, what resources will I have access to?"

"Riley." Jordan leaned forward and focused on his eyes. "If you ask for the moon, I will get Mags to build a rocket and get it for you."

"How are we getting to Seattle?" Riley asked.

"Really?" Jordan asked, bubbling with visible excitement.

"Yes," Riley confirmed, then continued, "Really, how are we getting to Seattle?"

"A great, big, corporate jet." Jordan assured him.

"Well, that's a good thing." Riley smiled, "Leo has not seen a canvas with as many scars, bullet wounds, and knife cuts before."

"Riley, there is a reason Jordan calls me..." She smiled. "I am the best."

Chapter 07Riley RiversTuesday, December 9thThe Five House8755 Ridgeline Hollow RoadGrants Pass, OR

Chapter 07

Riley Rivers

Tuesday, December 9th

The Five House

8755 Ridgeline Hollow Road

Grants Pass, OR

Riley----------

Riley carried the larger suitcases up the stairs to the second floor guest rooms. Each room had its own unique, handcrafted furniture that filled a small living room, bedroom and spa-like ensuite. Leo had him drop her large bag on the bed and then proceeded to march around the space with a critical eye.

"This will work fine," she said to herself before turning to Riley. "I sent Jordan to her space and asked for privacy for the next three hours." She paused and looked Riley up and down. "I want you to think of me as a medical professional, and understand that I am going to see and interact with parts of your body that may make you uncomfortable."

Riley just focused on her. "Leo, I grew up in foster care and spent time in a group home that afforded zero privacy. My modesty died many years ago."

"Excellent." Leo looked at Riley with a slight smile, she had not seen a single client who was completely comfortable with her work. She took a second breath. "Ok, then on to my last warning. I am in a committed relationship. I will need to see you fully nude, and I will be in contact with your penis, scrotum, legs, chest, arms, and buttocks. While it's very common for you to become erect during the procedure, there will be zero sexual acts included in this service."

"I understand," Riley said with his own smile.

"Perfect," Leo said, clapping her hands together. She went to her suitcase and unzipped it, carefully laying the top half onto the bed. Riley could see a neatly packed, multi-compartment case. She pulled out what looked like a small crockpot and looked around the room. "I need to get the wax heating."

She looked around. She moved to the nightstand and found an embedded electrical receptacle. She plugged it in and set it on the table.

"Do you have any older towels? I need enough to protect the bed and the nightstand," Leo explained.

When Riley returned with an armful of towels, Leo was laying different objects from her suitcase out like a surgical nurse setting up for an operation. Leo smiled, accepted the towels, and carefully positioned them on the bed.

Riley led her into her ensuite. There was a massive, seven-foot soaker tub in front of a picture window, a two-sink vanity, and a large, walk-in shower with multiple shower heads. Without being asked, he started to undress. Taking time to carefully fold and stack the clothes on his shoes.

"Ok, it is time for you to jump in the shower. Just a wash with soap to get all the oils off." She turned and grabbed a cordless trimmer. "I am going to trim all your body hair, so the waxing is slightly less painful."

Leo----------

As a thirty-eight-year-old woman who worked with all types of organizations, Leo loved her work with Aegis especially. It felt as if she was with the CIA, helping a spy infiltrate the enemy's secret fortress. She still had dreams about the Prague adventure, and several of them starred the dangerous and mysterious Riley Rivers, with shoulder holsters strapped over a bare chest, losing his battle with the animalistic attraction they shared.

She had sent signal after signal on the trip that she was up for a short tryst, but he was exceedingly kind, strangely funny, and ultimately professional. She spent weeks after the contract had ended acting out fantasies with her hand and favorite toy. She glanced into the mirror and noticed a slight blush on her cheeks.Fuck that, I'm a professional, too.

Leo looked at the canvas that Riley unwrapped in front of her. On one hand, his body was perfection that a Greek sculptor would celebrate by carving it into enduring stone. His muscular tone was perfect, with muted, but well-defined muscle groups rippling with supple grace as he removed, folded, and stacked his clothes. The body of a marathon runner or martial artist, versus linebacker or body builder.

On the other hand, the body was a roadmap of pain and trauma. She did a quiet count as Riley pushed down his black briefs and stood naked in front of her. She stopped at fifteen.

He had a rugged scar on his central sternum, the telltale sign of a circular impression of a bullet on his left upper ribcage, and a four-inch scar on the midline of the right thigh. More scars on his lower back, left collarbone, upper left scapula, back of right hand, right lower jaw, inner left wrist, and mid-right back. Each scribed a violent act into Riley's flesh.

Two scars caught Leo's attention. One, a thick, rope-like scar snaked itself from behind his left ear and plunged down toward the back of his neck. While it looked extremely old, as the scar had turned white, it cried for attention and probably accounted for Riley wearing his hair long.

The second scar was transformed from shadow to trauma before her eyes. There were two-foot-long stripes that started at his left underarm area and plunged down his side to warp around his abdomen. The white stripes suggested something broke the skin, but the jagged nature suggested blunt force and not a straight blade.

"Oh, Riley." Tears burned Leo's eyes.

"I did try to warn you," Riley smiled, warmly. "I have a scar or two. I am not sure you have enough magic in your hat to pretty this body up."

Only then did Leo look down at his genitals. She almost choked to find a flaccid six-inch cock that looked massive on his body. While not a slut, she had played with a number of cocks in her time, and six inches soft suggested much, much bigger when excited. She swallowed and forced her gaze to his and smiled.

"We got this Riley," Leo said confidently, "Jordan did mention your scars, so I have a case of scar tape that we'll use on exposed skin."

Leo stepped closer and raised her hand to the scar behind his left ear. She saw his eyes blink rapidly, "Do you mind?" she asked as she showed her hand slowly approaching.

He shook his head and closed his eyes. Her fingers traveled the scar's path. "This is the one that is most visible, but if we get the tint right, the tape will do its magic."

"You might turn on the shower to get it warmed up, but don't get wet." Leo advised as she stepped into the room, grabbed a towel and returned. She spread the towel on the floor. "Climb on." They arranged the guide to provide the perfect length for waxing and flipped on the power. The hum of the trimmer announced she was ready. "You don't carry much body hair except around your pelvic area. I'm going to buzz the areas you don't see."

"I am all clean," Riley sighed, "so buzz away." He paused and looked into Leo's eyes. "Hair only please, I am partial to a few things here and there."

Leo burst into laughter and dropped to her knees. She ran her hands up his legs, but the hairs were sparse and not that long, so there was no need to trim those. "Your legs should be fine."

She moved to his crotch, and as with most men he was fairly native. Coarse pubic hair surrounded his cock and balls. She looked up and smiled. "Just hair, I promise." She brought the trimmer close and with small, economic strokes, the hair began to fall onto the waiting towel.

"Sorry, I might have cold hands," she warned as she grabbed his cock and tilted it up, dragging the trimmer up his balls and to the base. She felt no reaction. Often, when she handled a client's genitals, man or woman, their body would react. She always added the disclaimer that she was in a relationship. She wasn't, unless her cat Cuddles counted. Any arousal is just a physical manifestation of the intimate grooming process.

After she was finished with the immediate front, she turned off the trimmer and looked up to find Riley with his eyes forward. "This is where this can get a bit intimate."

Riley looked down with an eyebrow raised. "There is more to intimacy?"

"You have no idea." She smiled at him. "Can I get you to rest your right leg on the edge of the bathtub, so I can get underneath?"

Riley looked down at her, sighed, and whipped his right foot to rest on the side of the tub. The click of the trimmer and its humming was followed by Leo moving to the left side and reaching to the back of his scrotum and trimming towards the anus. After a simple switch, the left foot was on the bathtub and Leo finished the grooming.

"I did promise more intimacy," Leo laughed as she reached for the bag with the trimmer and switched out heads. The two-inch head was replaced with a half-inch wide trimming head. "This position is uncomfortable for everyone involved, no matter what the gender. I am going to ask you to lean forward and, using both of your hands, spread your buttocks apart so I can trim this final place."

It took all of Leo's professional training not to react to the scars that surrounded Riley's anus. It was a lesson she learned early in her work. A misplaced smile at a small cock or wide eyes at an ill-considered tattoo could ruin the trust the client had placed in her. She paused her trimmer, closed her eyes to gather her composure. A deep breath and she opened her eyes to see her steady trimmer do its work.

"Leo, if I have fashion police check this area, I will be outed as a man," Riley warned as he assumed the position.

Leo's belly laugh echoed in the tiled restroom. "True, but I wax everywhere, just in case you are asked to wear a swimming suit." The specialist used three economical swipes of the trimmer and stood up. "Perfect. Jump in the shower, leather up with soap, and rinse. Dry off and I'll get the wax ready."