Page 54 of Shared By the Vikings

“Stop. Stop now.” He reached out and dragged her close, snapping her up against his body. “I have explained we all care. And if you’re confused in your head because you have feelings for us all, forget those thoughts.”

She studied his face, his dark bearded chin and his eyes narrowed against the glare of the sun. “Are you certain of that?”

“Ja, get used to it. And having your ass reddened is part of being a Viking’s woman. Had you married Raud, he’d have done the same thing if you’d stepped out of line.”

“I dare say he would have.” She paused. “Erik, I also saw a seer.”

“You did?”

“He told me about a broiling ocean, an angered Aegir. I should have taken heed. I should have listened to the warning.”

“How could you? It’s destined. Every action and decision that put you there also put us here. It’s the will of the gods.”

She pondered that for a moment, then, “He also told me there would be big change ahead.” She reached into her pouch and pulled out the bloodstone. “He gave me this to give me strength.”

He took it and rubbed it between his fingers and thumb. “It’s a fine rune.”

“When I saw the man my father wanted me to marry I knew I’d have to take control of that change. I wanted to be with Raud. The thought of lying with a man so much older than me... so...”

“So what?”

“Revolting.” She shuddered. “I couldn’t do it, even if it meant angering my father, who I love very much, and leaving my home.”

His jaw tightened. He handed her the rune back and she put it into her pouch.

“The seer,” she went on, “also said a bear wishes to marry the wolf, a wolf that is wild and free.”

“And you understand his meaning?”

“I know now Bjorn Har was the bear and I the wolf. I want to be free and Gunnvar even calls me little wolf.”

“And you are somewhat wild.”

“Maybe.”

“There’s more, isn’t there?”

“He said no man or animal can tame a wolf unless the wolf wants to be tamed.”

Erik smiled suddenly and cupped her face. “The seer speaks wise words.” He dipped his head and touched his nose to hers. “You are the type of woman, Ingrid, who will choose to be tamed. It is only when a man—or men—is good enough will you allow him to assert dominance over you.”

“You mean take a spanking?”

“Ja, that, and respecting his wishes. Doing your best to please him, not anger him.”

“I don’t want to anger you.”

“You also don’t always want to do as I say, aswesay.”

She was quiet, then, “Maybe I will.”

“Maybe you will.” He kissed her. “And you will then understand how it is to be loved by a true Viking, and not an ogre who only wants you to sire him sons.” He held her face a little tighter, as though she were all he needed. “I can make you happy, in this life and the next.”

A swell of emotion rushed through her. She pushed up onto her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. She poked her tongue between his lips and her chin scratched on his beard.

She found the same passion in his lips as she had in Raud’s and Gunnvar’s. These men were right for her, their names put alongside hers by the gods.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

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