Though he doubted Yrsa raining down her wrath at this very moment could awaken Veronica, he was gentle when he ran the pad of his thumb over her lower lip. Swollen from his kisses, beautifully curved, he continued to grin when her lips curled up in a small smile. She was very much asleep but still aware of his touch.
Raknar swallowed as unfamiliar emotions threatened. He had never felt this deeply about anyone save his son and truly feared that he might lose her. Disgusted with his lack of faith in his ability to protect her, he clenched his jaw. Never once had he doubted himself before and it was an appalling sensation.
So he pushed it aside and focused on her stunning face.
A face that he intended to look upon for the remainder of his life then at Odin’s table in Valhalla. There was no other option. At least not one he was willing to entertain.
No, it was best to focus on defeating Yrsa.
Yet as he gazed at Veronica, thoughts of what she and Megan were willing to do for him and his brothers haunted him. He might have loved Aesa and even Yrsa at one time, but it was incomparable to the way he loved the woman in his arms. She was not only incredibly courageous but good. The way she cared for his son warmed his heart far more than she knew.
Raknar couldn’t help but continue to stare at her for a long time before he at last kissed her forehead and pulled her tightly against him. He slept little and knew before the sun crested the horizon that the seers stirred.
It was nearly time.
Raknar kissed her softly then murmured in her ear. “Veronica, you must awaken.”
She stirred but didn’t wake, a whisper on her lips. “I love you too.”
He again pushed aside the sharp emotions her words invoked and stroked her cheek, his voice firmer. “Time to wake up, woman.”
This time her eyelids drifted. Then, as though she realized what day it was, her eyes shot open and locked on his. Caught as she was between deep sleep and sudden wakefulness, she couldn’t hide her fear.
Knowing full well that it was best to show her nothing but strength, he stood and started dressing. “We must ready ourselves.”
“Of course,” she murmured and sat up, still groggy. “Sorry, I don’t remember much after…”
When her voice trailed off, he offered a small smile. “You fell asleep sooner than expected but it was much needed.”
Veronica rolled her eyes and crawled out of bed. “Way to be humble, sweetheart.” Despite her apparent worry over the upcoming events, she grinned as she dressed. “You certainly know your way around a woman’s body.”
Raknar shrugged and eyed her as he pulled on his boots. “You have a remarkably beautiful body. One I intend to completely explore again and again.”
A blush stained her cheeks but at least she didn’t focus on how that might not happen, ever again, if things didn’t go well today. “I guess that means certain death by pleasure for me then because you seem to have it all figured out. Anything better would be downright torture.”
Veronica had just finished lacing up her dress when he pulled her into his arms. He didn’t kiss her right away. Just held her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. They stayed that way for some time before he pulled back. He was about to close his lips over hers but stopped, sensing they were being watched. When he turned his head, he was proven right.
The Unnamed One stood just outside their chamber completely motionless. Before either he or Veronica could say a word, she turned and started walking away. Not long after, Helga appeared. “Come. Break your fast. It is almost time.”
Raknar nodded and waited for Helga to leave before he cupped Veronica’s cheeks and met her eyes. “Today will not be easy but you're very strong. Remember to focus not on emotions or fear but strength alone.”
Veronica pressed her lips together, stood up a little straighter and nodded. “No worries. I’ll be all right.”
His eyes narrowed on hers and he liked what he saw.
Strength.
Courage.
Conviction.
Though he meant to simply brush his lips over hers, it was impossible not to kiss her thoroughly. By the time he pulled away, they were both winded and ready for far more.
But the time for that had passed.
At least for now.
Raknar said nothing more but pulled her after him. His brothers and Megan already sat around the fire. None ate but spoke softly. When they joined them, Naðr handed over some meat. He nodded at Veronica then met Raknar’s eyes. “Are you ready then, brother?”
He nodded, mildly shocked to see a flicker of not anger but something else entirely in Naðr’s eyes. Before he could further scrutinize it, Helga spoke. As she had the night before, the Unnamed One sat by her feet.
“When the sun has crested the lowest peak alongside Galdhøpiggen, our power will be at its strongest and we will cast a summoning spell,” Helga said. “Yrsa in her true form will not be able to resist the call of her blood sisters. But…” She paused. “Once the sun fully crests this mountain our opportunity to destroy her will be gone.”
Helga seemed to be aglow this morning despite what lay ahead. His eyes met Kol’s. Though his brother said nothing, it was clear by the exhaustion in his eyes she had kept him busy all night. But again, his brother was at his best after a solid night of romping and the wink Kol shot him confirmed that.
“What will you have us do,” Naðr said.
“Be ready to fight with the weapons provided.” Her eyes went to Raknar. “Do not embrace your dragon or your magic at all. If you do, things will become far worse than they already are.”
Raknar nodded. “I will not. You have my word.”
Helga held his gaze for a long moment before her eyes went to Veronica then Megan. “You should not be part of this battle. If you are, it will compromise the brothers. Do you understand?”
Megan scowled, sighed, and then nodded.
When Veronica said nothing, Helga arched her brows and repeated. “Do you understand?”
Tongue in cheek, his woman finally nodded. “Yeah, I got it.”
He didn’t much like the look she and her sister tossed one another. They were stubborn women to be sure. His eyes met Naðr’s and he knew his brother was thinking the same thing.
Raknar squeezed Veronica’s hand. When she glanced his way, he gave her a look that said exactly what he was thinking. Listen to the seer. I won’t have you hurt.
Her lips twisted, but she stayed silent.
All remained somber, eating and drinking very little as they waited. Suddenly, the Unnamed One stood, rocked her head back and forth then started rattling a strand of what looked to be human finger bones over the fire. Helga stood, flung up her hands, tilted back her head and started chanting.
Raknar continued to hold Veronica’s hand as the fire twisted and stemmed upward. Up and up it went until it swarmed over the ceiling high above. Foreign voices whispered and murmured through the cave. Then, as quickly as it rose, the fire sizzled back down and a large sack of fabric appeared by the Unnamed One’s feet. Though smoke rolled off it, Helga pulled it away from the flames and whipped it open.
Eyes narrowed, he and his brothers stood.
“You will fight with these,” Helga announced.
Drawn by the beauty of fine weaponry, the three of them moved closer. Glorious in their workmanship, three long broadswords lay next to three double-edged axes as well as bows and arrows, daggers and shimmering round shields. They crouched, fingering the glorious blades in awe.
“For you. From the goddess Freyja,” Helga murmured softly.
Like his brothers, Raknar grabbed the hilt of both a sword and axe then stood. He tested the weight of his blades. They were perfectly suited to him. First he swung the sword, thrilled at the feel of it slicing through the air. Then, with as much relish, he rolled then swiped the axe, an unescapable smile crawling over his face. His brothers were equally pleased as they swung and got the feel of their weapons.
Naðr held out his blades, flung back his head and roared, “Bless you, Freyja. I will do you proud!” before he fell to one knee and lowered his head.
Raknar did the same. “To Freyja!” Then, like his brother, he fell to one knee, bent his head and murmured. “Thank you for these gifts.”
Kol was right behind them. “To Freyja! My Queen above all others. I love you, my goddess.”
The fire crackled and the wind howled as the brothers kept their heads bowed in thanks and worship. Only once the Unnamed One shook her bones did Helga say, “Freyja acknowledges your thanks. You may rise.”
All three rose and grabbed the strappings to hold their weapons when Helga tossed them over. “Take the daggers and shields as well.”
“What about the bow and arrows?” Megan said.
Veronica had heard that her sister was very capable with the weapon so understood her curiosity.
Helga’s eyes narrowed on Megan. “Take them only if you can keep from using them.”
Megan frowned. “Then what’s the point of taking them.”
“Learning self-restraint.”
Veronica pursed her lips. It seemed Helga didn’t know Megan in the least. But then if the bow and arrows were truly provided by a Norse god and a seer suggested she take them, that had to mean something. And Megan wasn’t about to refuse the opportunity as she quickly strapped them to her back.
Naðr frowned and went to her, his words a murmur but loud enough for everyone to hear. “You are not to fight.”
“And I won’t,” she said, a little gleam in her eyes. “It just makes me feel better knowing I’ve got something to protect my sister with if push comes to shove.”
“If Yrsa defeats us she will not push or shove either of you, it’ll be far worse,” Raknar assured.
Megan quirked her lips at him. “Another one of those twenty-first century sayings, sweetie.”
Raknar frowned and shook his head.
“Where is the sun?” Veronica asked, anxious as the men tucked daggers all along their bodies.
Naðr eyed the mouth of the cave. “Nearly upon us.”
“It is time to summon her,” Helga said and led the way.
Raknar swung a fur over first Megan’s then Veronica’s shoulders. Before they followed everyone outside, he stopped Veronica, hands firm on her shoulders, eyes hard. “What's about to happen will be unlike anything you have seen thus far. Yrsa is not only ruthless but cunning. No matter what she might seem, keep your heart cold and believe nothing she says or puts before your eyes. She is a master at dark magic and will attack you not physically but mentally.” He squeezed her shoulders tighter. “Do you understand?”
“I understand,” she said, irritated when her voice sounded hoarse. So she cleared her throat and spoke more firmly. “I won’t let you down, Raknar.”
A muscle leapt in his jaw and not only his brows, but the corners of his lips pulled down. “You could never let me down, Veronica. You have faced more than any mortal woman should and made me so proud.” He pressed his lips against her forehead then met her eyes again. “You are logical and bright. Keep your wits about you and follow not your eyes but your heart.”
“Absolutely,” she promised, jaw set.
But he got the particular impression that she intended to take his words literally and follow her heart…which now not only belonged to him but was determined to protect him. Raknar looked at her long and hard before he kissed her again then pulled away. “It' s time.”
When she nodded, he took her hand and they followed the others out. Pale purple and deep orange lit the sky, casting errant clouds into twisting ropes across the lower peaks. The wind shear was strong as he pulled her against him and stood alongside his brothers and Megan.
The seers walked to the very edge of the cliff so that only their heels balanced on the jagged lip. Holding hands, they raised their arms in the air and lowered their heads as the first rays of sun shot over the lowest peak. Raknar felt the vibration of life fill him as warmth cascaded up and over the mountains then hovered above them.
Because he knew Veronica couldn’t see what he did, Raknar brought his lips close to her ear and murmured, “They are summoning power that brings forth what you cannot see or hear. The rock beneath vibrates. The air tastes of salt and pine, but fresher when caught within a new day. True colors show themselves.” He ran the back of his fingers up her arm. “Your skin is pink and pulsing with warmth. The mountains are full of every color that exists and the sky.” He shook his head. “Blue. Green. Black. White. Brilliant. It is everything.”
Her eyes widened as though she tried to imagine it.
“But it is the wind that makes it all so beautiful. It dusts off the sea and mountains and sky, swiping all of their colors into the air around us.”
He wished he could use his dragon magic to show her. But he could not. Would not. Still, she exhaled and squeezed his hand as though she could see through his eyes nonetheless.
The seers’ heads whipped back, their eyes glowed at the sky and their mouths fell open. Naðr and Raknar instantly covered Veronica and Megan’s ears moments before the seers released a loud, mournful wail that could have very likely caused their women to go deaf.
Raknar closed his eyes and ground his teeth as a loud roar filled his ears. His eyes snapped open the second he knew Yrsa’s did. The call from her sisters was unavoidable and though she tried to fight it, she had no choice.
Yrsa was coming.
Quickly.
Raknar and his brothers stepped away from the women and drew their weapons. Helga and her sister stepped back from the ledge and turned toward one another, holding hands.
They would fight with magic alone.
Naðr came close and though he didn’t look at him, his words were clear enough. “I'm sorry for my anger, brother. You did what I should have.” Then his eyes went to Raknar’s, hard though his voice remained soft. “And I am truly sorry for the pain I caused you in the past. I never meant any harm, only resolution.”
It was difficult but also freeing to hear such words. Though he’d harbored anger at his brother for so long because of Yrsa, knowing Veronica had made all of that seem trivial. What mattered so much a fortnight ago didn’t matter in the least now.
Though Raknar knew he would embrace the dragon again if put in such a position, he wanted to give his brother something in return for his honesty... his own apology.
“And I'm sorry for letting you down, brother.”
“No.” Naðr shook his head. “If you hadn’t acted to protect our women and Heidrek, you would have let me down and I should have seen it sooner. I just…”
Before Naðr could finish, a loud whoosh sounded overhead and wind whipped wildly. Clouds merged harshly from below and above, twirling around the seers in heavy gusts that had everyone lowering to the ground.
Raknar and Naðr peered at their women, but Megan and Veronica were holding their own, braced back and covering one another against the wind. A thunderous crash echoed as Thor slammed his hammer against the mountain. The rock underfoot continued to rumble as the seers kept their heads down, wind swirling around them.
The sky opened up. Air twisted so sharply and became so blindingly bright that they had to shield their eyes. When he looked back, Veronica and Megan had their hoods covering their faces and their eyes turned away.
Smart women.
When the light faded and the wind died down, Yrsa stood between them all, her narrowed eyes on her sisters, voice sputtering, “You dare!”
“Yes, sister. We dare.” Helga flung out her hands.
Whatever hit Yrsa had her staggering back a few feet. Blade swinging, Kol roared forward. Eyes never leaving Helga’s, Yrsa flung up her hand and he flew back, slamming into the rock.
When Raknar started forward, Naðr grabbed his wrist and shook his head. “Wait.”
The king’s eyes shot to Kol. Though bruised, he was all right. Naðr put a finger to his lips and urged Raknar
to remain crouched by his side.
Naðr might respond with anger and distrust behind closed doors but when they were confronted with true harm, he became deadly calm and protected wisely. This was why his brother was king…because he found patience when his brothers only saw pure fury.
“Go around to the left,” he murmured to Raknar then met Kol’s eyes and pointed to the right.
Raknar and Kol moved.
But not Yrsa.
Instead, her eyes tracked the brothers before swinging back to her sisters, voice low, collected and far too calm. “So you have summoned me. What now then?”
Helga and the Unnamed One kept their heads bent as Helga chanted. Her words seemed to summon energy that continued to whip around Yrsa. His former wife flung her head back, lethal eyes roaming her surroundings before finally locking on Raknar.
“My love,” she purred. “What are you part of here?”
Blade held in front of him, Raknar’s voice was just as cordial. “I am set to kill you, Yrsa.”
“Are you really?” She chuckled and walked toward him, hips swaying, confidence unending. Air seemed to thicken as she drew closer, but he kept his sword raised. By the time she stood before him, movement had become impossible. Yrsa ran her finger along his blade then licked its blunt edge, eyes sultry, before she brought her face within a fraction of his.
Caught in Yrsa's immense magic, he was powerless to stop her when her tongue flicked along his jawline then her mouth hovered over his. Her words were whisper soft when she grabbed his cock. “I’ll always love you, Raknar.” Then, as if to contradict herself, she shoved a dagger up against his balls, lips brushing his. “But do you still love me?”
He would never tell her what she wanted to hear…and it wasn’t that he loved her. No, she wanted to see him relent, weaken, give in. She wanted to own him.
The dragon reared up.
A red haze pulsed in his vision.
“Ah.” Her eyes widened and she licked her tongue along the seam of his mouth. “There is my dragon.” She pulled back, eyes narrowing as the magic her sisters threw at her swarmed around them both. “It was so good to see you again on the dock yesterday.”
Viking Claim (The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors Book 2) Page 23
