“No.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “No.”
Because whatever happened, one thing was certain.
Something deadly would soon befall him.
Chapter Four
LOKI’S BALLS, IT was difficult to keep his eyes off of Cybil and damn near impossible to think clearly with her so close. While Heidrek knew she was beautiful, he hadn’t expected her loveliness to intensify in person. They shared not only a physical but chemical attraction. One that appealed to a part of him that had never surfaced, that would always remain locked deep inside.
Or so he had assumed.
“I should start at the beginning.” Heidrek handed her a mug of mead then sat beside her in front of the fire. “Which means explaining how I came to know your cousin, Erin.”
Cybil nodded. “That would be a good place to start.”
“I met her in medieval Scotland when I helped her and her friends fight evil.” He turned his gaze to the flames and debated just how much he should say but decided since she would find out eventually, he’d tell her everything. “Her friend Jackie had stayed here at the fortress for two fortnights, and we became close. When I traveled to Scotland with Jackie to help keep her safe, I finally met Erin.”
“Ah,” she said softly. “So you had feelings for Jackie. The woman whose inheritance was miraculously left to me.”
“I did. But the feeling was not mutual. She was meant for another.” His eyes turned to hers. “As am I.”
Cybil didn’t seem put off by his honesty but then she could see things most could not.
“We’ll get back to that,” she said. “For now, I need to understand everything else. Is Erin okay?”
“The battle was won, and the evil in Scotland defeated, so yes, Erin is safe,” he said.
Her steady gaze ensnared him. Those fiery eyes. As if a dragon peered out from somewhere deep within.
“When I met Erin, I was inexplicably drawn to her,” he continued. “Or should I say to who she was connected to. It was then that I knew change was coming. That you were out there.”
“But Erin and I aren’t blood-related.” She shook her head. “So how could you sense me?”
“Because amongst other things, I am just like you, Cybil,” he said. “I am a seer.”
Yet he suspected she already knew that.
Cybil contemplated him for a moment before she murmured, “What other things are you?”
“I will share all that after we speak about why you might be here.” His eyes returned to the fire because he couldn’t hold her gaze when he said, “And how we might get you home.”
She took a small sip and remained silent as he went on.
“Because of what the king and I did to keep Erin and her friends safe, we angered certain Norse gods and their earthbound minions. To what extent is still unknown. One thing is for certain, they are out for vengeance and the destruction of anyone dragon born. More so, anyone close to Naðr or myself.”
A frown drew her brows together as she listened.
“When we learned of this, Grant MacLomain made sure you and your sisters ended up at the house in Winter Harbor where he believed you would be safe,” he said. “My Uncle Kjar, a demi-god, saw to the ash tree out front. As a means for me to make contact with you. To warn you away.” He sighed. “But it seems the tree only pulled us together.”
“Your uncle is a demi-god?” She didn’t sound all that surprised. “Isn’t it a little risky to have him involved at all? Especially considering the tree might be…” Her eyes narrowed. “Is the tree itself a Yggdrasill? And if so, wouldn’t that help the Norse gods find us?”
He liked not only her logic but that she’d educated herself about his culture.
“Yes, to an extent the tree is a version of a Yggdrasill, but it is of Kjar’s making. A bridge across time. A means to protect you and yours,” Heidrek said. “So though it connected our worlds, it should not connect to any others, especially not Helheim, or Hel, where these rival gods likely hail from.”
“Hel,” she whispered. “No, that wouldn’t be good.”
“What happened before you arrived?” he said. “I sensed you were coming. As did others. But I had no forewarning except our last encounter at the tree…when you said my name.”
Heidrek listened quietly as she told him about her photography and the pictures she took of the tree that captured an image of him. Then the glowing Yggdrasill carved in the root and how the whole tree glowed before she traveled back in time.
“So there can be no doubt that the tree is to blame,” he said. “I will speak with Kjar when he returns. Perhaps he can shed more light on this.”
“Why was Matthew there when I arrived?” Her eyes stayed on his. “When I’ve only ever made contact with you?”
“Because he is not only my brother but also half dragon. Our bond is strong.” Heidrek tried to mask his aggravation. “He could sense you as quickly as I could.”
“I can’t say I’m overly thrilled,” she said. “No offense, but your brother doesn’t strike me as being all that nice.”
“He is bitter,” Heidrek said softly. “And though it might seem otherwise, he will not hurt you.”
“No, he’ll just watch to see if I drown,” she said dryly. “Then proceed to claim me.” Her brow swept up in question. “What exactly does that mean, anyway? Claim me?”
Heidrek kept his anger and confusion well hidden. How had Matthew known exactly when and where she would arrive before he did? That his brother allowed Cybil to struggle in rough seas infuriated him. But then that was precisely what Matthew intended.
“Typically, when one of our men finds a woman not of our tribe, he has the right to claim her,” he said. “But that does not apply to you or your sisters in the same way it does others.”
She frowned. “What way does it apply to us?”
“If your sisters end up coming here, they would eventually be claimed, but it would likely have to be by their own kind…a fellow dragon.”
“Excuse me?” She shook her head. “They’re not being claimed by anyone, shifter or otherwise.” Her eyes narrowed. “And what about me? Why do I get to avoid this claiming thing?”
“I never said you did.” His voice deepened as flashes of what they would share flickered through his mind. Her legs spread beneath him. Her groans of pleasure.
He knew she saw the same images when her eyes snapped back to the fire, and she swallowed.
“Just tell me what I can expect outside of being disliked by your family,” she said.
“Svala and Matthew do not dislike you. They are just conflicted. You will meet others who will be as hospitable as Naðr and Megan,” he said. “As to what else you can expect? If I cannot get you home, I will claim you, Cybil.” He purposefully softened his voice. “You already know what is to come between us so you know it will be pleasurable.”
Expression neutral, her gaze remained trained on the flames. “What I do or do not see doesn’t hold sway over my own fate.” Her eyes turned to him, and he swore he saw a spark of fire in them. “Sorry but no man claims me. Not even you.”
Heidrek barely recognized what flared inside him in reaction to her defiance. A strange, burning mix of determination, lust and a need to dominate. While he was more than familiar with the first emotion, the other two were never intertwined like this. He had spent more than half his life learning to control the darker side of his personality. A side affiliated with his dragon seer magic.
Though tempted to tell her he would claim her despite her wishes, he forced himself to remain civil. “I will never harm you, Cybil. But that is not for you to worry over because I will find a way to get you home.”
“You say as much, but I don’t think you will,” she murmured, still watching him closely. “Based on what I’ve seen in your mind, I think you’re getting ready to face a side of yourself you’re not overly familiar with. I think it’s going to affect your ability to reason,” she cocked her head as if sensing so
mething, “and your ability to rule.” Her eyes took on a haunted look. “I’m at the heart of this…because you won’t let me go.”
Now it was his turn to narrow his eyes. She saw things that even he could not. Which meant she was more than just a prophet. But then he had sensed that all along.
He tried to say he would let her go to protect her, but couldn’t manage it. Things were changing and fluctuating quickly, and it set him on edge. He didn’t like the lack of control he felt. Not at all.
He was about to respond when a rap came at the door. “Heidrek, might I enter?”
“Come,” he called out before his cousin came in.
Now it would begin.
Though he knew it would be difficult controlling his brethren around her sisters if they traveled back in time, he suspected it might prove somewhat difficult controlling them around Cybil too. She might not be a dragon, but she was something more, something overly alluring. And while Matthew hadn’t shown his attraction yet, he suspected his brother would be the biggest challenge of them all.
“Cybil, this is Bjorn.” He gestured at his cousin. “First born son of King Naðr.”
Cybil smiled. “Nice to meet you, Bjorn.”
His cousin didn’t respond but stared in awe at her before a small smile curled his lips, and he nodded hello. It was so out of character for Bjorn that Heidrek swiftly realized how much he had underestimated Cybil’s possible impact on his kin.
Heidrek frowned as Bjorn kept gawking at her. “What brings you here, Cousin?”
Bjorn blinked several times as if snapping out of a spell before his eyes shot to Heidrek. “Erin and Ronan have arrived.”
“What?” Cybil sprang to her feet. “Where is she?”
“In the main lodge.” Bjorn’s eyes stayed on her. “Might I escort you there?”
First he smiled—something Heidrek hadn’t seen his cousin do in far too long—now he was being gallant? Something was very, very wrong. His eyes went to Cybil. Or something was extremely right.
Too right.
Baffled that he was unable to foresee any of this with her, he acted out of character. “Thank you for letting us know, Bjorn.” He held out his hand to her. “But I will escort Cybil.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I think it might be best if Bjorn does.” Her eyes went to Heidrek. “But thank you.”
Bjorn might seem smitten, but he knew better than to go against Heidrek’s wishes. “Perhaps it would be best if we both walked you there.”
Heidrek’s mood grew darker as he swung a fur around Cybil’s shoulders and eyed Bjorn. “Who is with Erin and Ronan?”
“Just the King, Queen and Tait.”
Of course, Tait would be near Erin. But then it turned out his overly flirtatious cousin’s feelings toward her weren’t half as intense as Bjorn’s. Therefore, Bjorn should be moodier than ever given Ronan had arrived with her. Which made Heidrek all that much more curious about Bjorn’s reaction to Cybil. Because it wasn’t just the man in Bjorn attracted to her, but his dragon.
Though Cybil didn’t allow him to take her hand, Heidrek kept a hand to the small of her back as they walked. Bjorn didn’t miss it. Nor did he miss the words Heidrek spoke within his mind. “She is mine, dragon.”
Surprise flashed in his cousin’s eyes, but Bjorn of all people, knew better than to push it. Despite the fact King Naðr had decided Heidrek was best suited to become king next instead of his son, Heidrek and Bjorn had remained close. There was no bitterness between them but a mutual desire to see their people well protected and strong. He was as close with Bjorn as he was with Naðr.
At one point in time, he was closer with Matthew than anyone else but those days were long gone. Now all that existed were the high walls his brother had built between them. Walls he doubted would ever crumble.
By the time they entered the main building people were filtering in to break their fast, and his mother stood by the doorway. Having aged as beautifully as her sisters, it would always be safe to say that Veronica was his closest friend. Though they weren’t blood-related, she meant far more to him than his actual mother ever did.
“There you are, Heidrek.” She embraced him before turning to Cybil. “Hello, Cybil. I’m Heidrek’s mother.”
Cybil’s eyes widened. “I saw a picture of you…” She shook her head, smiled and held out her hand. “I’m sorry. Hi, nice to meet you.”
Veronica embraced her, whispered something in her ear then took her hand. “Come. Erin’s eager to see you.”
Heidrek and Bjorn followed.
“There is something very different about Cybil,” Bjorn said softly.
“Yes.” Heidrek cast a sidelong glance at his cousin, curious about his take on things. “What do you sense?”
“You would not like the answer,” he grunted, returning to his normal self now that she wasn’t with them.
“I do not like any of this,” Heidrek said. “But I still need to know.”
Bjorn sighed. “She draws my dragon much like Erin did.” He frowned. “Yet somehow the need to mate with her is far stronger. There is a power inside her that is irresistible.” His eyes slid Heidrek’s way. “You would be unwise to let her out of your sight. Tait and I would never cross you but your brother would.” His gaze returned to Cybil. “Especially for her.”
Heidrek nodded and clasped Bjorn’s shoulder as they walked. “Thank you for your honesty, Cousin.”
Bjorn nodded. “It will always be yours.”
Though it was only morning, he was well aware of the subliminal changes the King had made because of Cybil’s arrival. Where usually they sat at a table placed equally with everyone else, that had changed. The table was raised even at this hour. Not much but enough so that their people knew someone important had arrived.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Erin said, her eyes widening on Cybil. “You really are here.”
“And so are you,” Cybil said before they embraced. “Now this is something I never would’ve anticipated happening to us when we were kids.”
“Isn’t that the truth.” Erin introduced Ronan and Cybil. “We’re here to help out any way we can.”
“Thanks.” Cybil shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know what that means. I don’t even know why I’m here. But I’m grateful to see a familiar face.”
“I’m sure.” Erin gestured at the table. “Let’s sit.”
As always, one of the chairs next to the King was open for Heidrek, but he was surprised to see his mother lead Cybil to the one next to it. A firm declaration. If she was here for anyone, it was Heidrek.
Erin and Ronan sat across from them, and his mother sat next to Cybil.
When Heidrek sat, Naðr’s eyes went to his. “How fare you, Nephew?”
Heidrek had never been less than honest with his King but considering Megan’s circumstances, he refrained now. “I am well, Uncle.”
Megan leaned forward and propped her chin on her fist as her eyes met Heidrek’s. “You’re well, are you?”
He knew exactly what she was saying in that look and in those few words. Now was the time to lean on Naðr not be evasive for the sake of her health.
As if she followed his every thought, Cybil’s words trailed off. When he glanced her way, he knew she sensed something. Where before, she had been defiant with him now there was a softening in her gaze. Compassion. Though he meant to speak, he was too caught off guard yet again by how quickly their connection was progressing.
“Are you okay, Cybil.” A slight smile curled Megan’s lips. “Because you look like you just got horrible news.”
“No,” Heidrek said a little sharper than intended. He frowned before his gaze swung to Megan. “Cybil is fine. She is still trying to adjust.”
When Megan’s eyes met his, he bit back emotion. She said nothing, but knew. He wasn’t handling any of this well. Not Cybil’s arrival and certainly not Megan’s illness.
“Come here, wife,” Naðr murmured and pulled Megan onto his lap. “L
et the lad have his day.” He offered her a warm, knowing smile. “Do you not remember our first day here together?”
“I do.” She cuddled back against him. “Nothing but strife.”
Naðr chuckled and kissed the top of her head as his hand rode her thigh. “And more, my love.”
“There’s our new arrival,” came a firm declaration before Tait appeared and plunked down on the table in front of Cybil with a wide smile. He eyed her and held out his hand. “Welcome. I’m Tait.”
Ronan mumbled under his breath. No surprise. He hadn’t been fond of Tait’s prior interest in Erin.
“Hello,” Cybil said to Tait but when she took his hand she froze.
Heidrek frowned at the images that flashed through his mind. Images she saw of a petite blond woman. Tears. Joy. Misery. A dragon falling from the sky as it met its death. When Tait met his death.
“No,” Heidrek said abruptly and shook his head.
Under the assumption Heidrek was speaking to him, Tait pulled his hand away. Though accustomed to obeying Heidrek, Tait was as confused by his uncharacteristic outburst as everyone else.
Naðr released a low growl into Heidrek’s mind then a few short words. “Pull yourself together, Nephew. If you mean to rule, you must set an example.”
“My apologies, Uncle. I do not know what came over me.” Heidrek inhaled deeply, smoothed his expression and addressed Tait. “People should be able to say hello to Cybil and get to know her better.” This just about killed him, but it was best for appearances. “I have things to attend to. Take my seat, Cousin. Spend some time with our new guest.”
Tait’s eyes narrowed slightly at the unexpected gesture, but Heidrek nodded and stood. “I insist.”
“I meant no harm,” Tait said into his mind. “She’s just…”
“Sit.” Heidrek strode away. “Protect her until I return, dragon.”
Tait didn’t respond, but Heidrek felt his continued hesitation as he strode outside. He would not go far. Could not. Because despite his best effort to do otherwise, he was just as drawn if not more so to Cybil.
She was his.
What he needed to keep in mind was that only applied so long as she was here. Because if he didn’t find a way to get her home, the risk to everyone would be tenfold. Or so he assumed. Or so Kjar had told him. Heidrek leaned against the side of the building, inhaled the cold, refreshing air and closed his eyes.
Rise of a Viking (The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors' Kin Book 1) Page 6
