Page 48 of Claimed By the Viking

“How much farther?” He hesitated. “The call of gulls is louder than I remember from before.”

Ulva released his hand, her heart speeding as the fruition of her plan neared. “Not far now.”

He looked around like a small child, helpless without supervision. “Where’s Signy?”

Ulva laughed. “You won’t be seeing her again! Not that you ever did lay eyes upon her beauty.”

His head jerked around as though she’d slapped him.

“Why have you brought me here?” He spoke quietly and with resignation that suggested he knew the answer. He couldn’t really be so dim-witted that he hadn’t yet deciphered her ploy.

“You know why.”

The breeze was strengthening, tugging at her shawl as she circled him. With luck, the sound of her voice from all directions would help disorient the brute. He might stumble and dive over the edge himself.

If not, she was prepared to offer him the final push.

Dark clouds were rolling in from the sea, approaching fast, indicating a storm to come. It wouldn’t do to be up here, so exposed, when the tempest made land.

There was no time to waste.

“I’ve taken you to the brink of the island so you can do what’s right by Signy.” She moved intentionally toward the precipice, smiling as her voice guided him closer to his end. “She’ll be better off without you. You know that, don’t you?”

“She says not.” Tears brimmed in the fool’s eyes. “She loves me and says we can build a life together.”

“She’s too young to know anything!” Ulva retaliated.

It was one thing for Signy to be stupid—she’d never lain with a man before—but surely the oaf before her was not so heart-soft.

He should know better.

“Keep walking.” She slowed her words, luring him onward. “A few more paces, Viggo, and all of this will be over.”

A stronger gust whipped her plait around so that it stung her cheek. Cursing, she grabbed hold of it and planted her feet firmly, swaying as the wind pushed against her skirts.

She held her breath.

The simpleton was doing as she bade, approaching the edge. Excitement crept throughout her body as, little by little, he stepped toward his fate.

So,this was the end?

The darkness had never seemed so black, as if the shadows raged with the wind, dragging at his body and mind. Another gust pulled at him. A gull screeched close.

He’d merely to surrender, to let himself be taken and hurtle to his demise. Viggo had long hoped for death, but he’d never foreseen that it would wear the face of Signy’s mother.

What difference does it make?Misery stabbed at his heart.I sought this, and Ulva offers it to me.

But deep down, he acknowledged that itdidmatter.

He’d made a promise to himself and a vow to Signy that he’d protect her. He’d heard the way she’d spoken about her mother, and given where he stood at this moment, her suspicions were well-founded. He could not trust that Ulva had Signy’s best interests at heart nor what would become of the woman he loved if he toppled to his doom.

His heart swelled with love.

He would not abandon Signy, nor his child, to such an uncertain fate.

“Come on, you fool!” Ulva’s voice was cruel. “Are you so weak that you cannot do this one thing for Signy?”

It was difficult for Viggo to know where Ulva’s voice came from. The blasting wind swirled on all sides.

---