Page 13 of The Barbarian's Claim
“That is also a problem,” Uttin butted in again. “He is your tribute, not your claim. He has been introduced to the clan. He issupposed to be meeting potential suitors. Should he not find one soon, he can join the warriors on the next journey to the Halleik clan to try his hand there.”
An unfamiliar feeling roiled in my stomach at the thought of handing Matthew off to another. He had already been neglected once. Not many knew of his condition, either. Once they knew, they might not accept him readily. Orn was proof of that.
“He is not ready. He does not understand our tongue.”
“He has been here for weeks!” Uttin snapped. “He must go before the weather turns!”
“Watch your tone, brother,” I growled. I was not afraid to put him in his place. He might be a strong warrior, but I was stronger.
Orthorr put up his hand, stalling us both. “What does Matthew say about this?”
All eyes swung to my tribute, and he shrank back under the scrutiny. Orthorr switched to the common tongue, speaking to him directly.
“Matthew. Have you found your match here among us?”
His eyes flicked momentarily to me before he shook his head.
“Are you ready, then, to move on? You will be introduced to other clans to see if you can find a bondmate who suits you. You are not required to find one here.”
Matthew’s eyes grew wide and fearful. He had not reacted well to his last introduction. It was too overwhelming for him. He opened his mouth to share his thoughts, but the words did not leave his throat. I could see it on his face when he gave up. Tears filled his eyes, and that tug I felt in my gut at his introduction pulled again. I despised that look in his eyes. Defeat. He would go along because he did not believe he had the voice to argue.
Someone would use that to their advantage. I knew this. Matthew was gentle and good-natured. He would agree towhatever was asked merely because he was ashamed of the tremor in his voice. From the way he reacted to my actions, I knew he expected harsh treatment. He was ready to accept that treatment as his only option.
I couldn’t allow that.
“I will claim him,” I said, interrupting Uttin’s attempt to coax Matthew into agreeing to be introduced to the Halleik clan. The tent went quiet at my words, and Orthorr looked shocked.
“What did you say?”
“I said I will claim him,” I growled. I would not allow another to hurt Matthew. Innocents had to be protected. I’d believed this my whole life. Matthew needed protection.
“It is not your decision to make!” Uttin shouted, making Matthew jump and me snarl. He was scaring him.
“Uttin, quiet,” Orthorr ordered. His gaze locked on me again. “He is right. It is not your choice. It is Matthew’s.”
Jerking my head around, I looked at the little tribute half hidden behind me, his hand clutching my tunic. Even with us speaking the common tongue, he still looked confused and afraid. I reached for him, gripping his chin to force him to look at me.
“Do you wish to stay with me? I will protect you.”
His eyes searched mine, looking for the right answer. He wouldn’t find it in me. It was his choice. But I could not protect him if he left. To follow him would create strife between clans. Orthorr would not allow it.
He nodded once, but Orthorr would need his words.
“You must say it. Yes or no.”
A pained look passed over his face, his discomfort over speaking clear. It was one word. He had to get it out. I would not ask him to say more.
“Y-y-yes.”
MATTHEW
I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. They only spoke in the common tongue for part of the conversation. What little I did know scared me. Uttin wanted to take me to another clan and introduce me to more barbarians. I would leave the safety of Einar’s care. Given my luck in life, I didn’t think it would go well for me. So when Einar offered for me to stay with him, it was the only choice. It wouldn’t be what Finn said happened here, but I didn’t expect that in the first place. I’d never dared to hope to fall in love. Staying with Einar, basking in the security he offered while learning to hunt and protect myself, was more than I’d ever hoped for. It might not have the warmth of love, but there were much worse things than a loveless bonding.
“You cannot allow this!” Uttin argued, looking at Orthorr. “He is frightened! He chooses out of duress! He deserves the right to choose someone more!”
More? What more could I ask for? I felt spoiled to be so protected already.
“Uttin, enough. You cannot argue his choice any more than Einar can. It is Matthew’s choice to make,” Orthorr said, an air of authority in his tone.
