Page 36 of Claimed By the Viking

The taunt burned in Viggo’s ears as the cur strode away.

If Rangvald ever gets close again, he’ll taste my fists alright. Then we’ll see who’s laughing.

And yet, every word Rangvald had spoken was true.

Signy did warrant better than him, and Viggo knew it.

She was wasting her time with him.

With my sight, I might be able to provide for her, but like this…

Is there anything I can offer?

Andwhat of Rangvald’s threats?

If he tries to take her, can I prevent it?

The thought of her being forced into the bed of another brought a wave of revulsion.

If I’m to lay down my life, better to do so in defense of Signy. I’ll kill any man who mistreats her!

Another voice, equally as steely, nagged at him.

Or simply kill yourself before you endanger her.

Trust in the gods to protect her and all the women of this place. ‘Tis not your destiny to watch over them.

One thing was irrefutable.

Signy deserved a man far better than he.

She deserved better than all of them.

“I’m so glad you came.”Standing outside the hut, Signy clung to Elin. There was much she needed to share, to unburden herself, and to ask for advice.

She ought to turn to her mother, she supposed, but what solace would she find there? Ulva had little patience and even less empathy—at least where Viggo was concerned.

Signy’s head was spinning. There had been no tenderness in her coupling with Viggo the day before. The passion he’d shown had been brutal and frightening, as if he hated both himself and her.

Afterward, guiding him down the hillside, he’d spoken not a word and had scarcely acknowledged her since.

It had been good for him to share more with her of his past and the sorrow he carried in his heart, but with that had come an anger she couldn’t understand.

Would time with Rangvald help—a man who’d surely known Viggo’s brothers and father? From the grim look upon Viggo’s face when his shipmate had arrived, she wasn’t so sure. She’dassumed they must be friends, but ‘twas possible she was mistaken.

Gently, Elin extricated herself from the lengthy embrace, looking slightly perturbed.

Embarrassed, Signy looked away.

I shouldn’t be such a child, looking to others for answers. Elin surely has her own worries.

“How goes it?” Elin seemed to adopt a forced cheerfulness. “Not just for Viggo but for yourself?”

Signy attempted a returning smile.

I can’t tell her the truth. Not without crying, and I don’t want to do that.

“I’m fine, more content than I’ve ever been, though so much is different.” Signy bit at her lip. It wasn’t exactly a lie or, at least, not entirely.

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