by Fabio
Meanwhile, Reyna, alarmed, heaved her trembling, yapping pet into her arms and joined her husband in chastising the wolves, who were now jumping on her, their bared teeth aimed at Freya. "Down, Geri! Down, Hati!" she scolded. "No, you may not eat my fox!"
The wolves barked ferociously and continued to lunge at Reyna, trying to wrest the fox from her arms.
"Enough!" cried Viktor, flinging open the front door and vigorously shooing the wolves with swats on their rumps. "Out of here, all of you! And don't come back until you have learned some manners!"
At last the rambunctious pack was chased out the door. Viktor turned apologetically to his wife and petted Freya. The little animal's ears were perked, her gold eyes wide, and she was still quivering.
"I'm sorry. I hadn't counted -on the reaction of those mutts."
"Mutts?" Reyna repeated confusedly.
Viktor chuckled. "Is your pet all right? I'll be very upset with those uncouth mongrels if they've scared Freya into premature labor."
Stroking Freya, Reyna smiled. "She seems fine, if shaken. I had not realized bringing her here would so upset the household."
Viktor winked at his wife. "'Milady, don't you know by now that you have already turned this household—and the entire village—on its ear?"
Reyna fought a smirk.
Bringing along Freya, the couple headed to the dining chamber, where Orm, Rollo, Canute, Ottar, and Svein had already gathered for the evening meal, along with the captives, Harald and Ragar. All glanced with interest at the little fox in Reyna's arms.
"What have we here, jarl?" Canute greeted Viktor insolently. "Did you bring back a live morsel to add to the evening's stew?"
As a wild-eyed Reyna clutched her pet possessively and Rollo and Orm chuckled, Viktor leveled a glare at Canute. "We brought home my wife's pet fox, which will be staying with us from now on—and will be well treated by you all."
"Why 'tis no more than a scrawny mouse," mocked Orm. "We should put the mite out of its misery and skin off that pelt."
Hearing Reyna's cry of dismay, Viktor spoke adamantly. "The fox is pregnant, and any man who dares to harm such an innocent creature will have me to reckon with. Is that clear?"
Rollo, Orm, and Canute grumbled to one another, but did not further challenge their jarl. Tossing her husband a grateful glance, Reyna headed toward her place with the vixen still in her arms. She paused by Ragar's chair, leaned over, and whispered in his ear.
"Are you and Harald well treated?" she inquired tensely.
Ragar smiled and reached out to pet Freya. "Yea, we are fine, my sister, though bored spending our tune locked in die shieling cottage. But 'tis you we fret about."
"Do not worry," she replied. "My husband has been kind." She nodded to Harald. "I want both of you to leave this village before Viktor the Valiant's warriors lose patience and harm you. My husband has told me you are both free to go."
"We would prefer to stay and make certain you are safe," Harald insisted.
Reyna heaved an exasperated sigh. "Do not concern yourself—I am in no danger," she replied firmly, and moved off to take her seat.
As everyone began the meal of stew, bread, and mead, Reyna set Freya down, and the little fox amused most of those gathered by roaming around the table begging for morsels. When she nudged her head against Canute's leggings, he started to backhand her, then evidently thought better of the impulse as he caught Viktor glaring at him.
Cutting off a scrap of mutton with his knife and tossing it to the animal, he drawled, "Your lady's fox is well tamed, jarl. Tell me, is the Valkyrie herself just as docile after the wedding night?"
At Canute's bawdy jeer, Orm and Rollo roared with laughter, while Svein, Ottar, Harald, and Ragar all appeared embarrassed, and Reyna angry.
Viktor ground his jaw. 'That's none of your damned affair."
Canute shrugged and swilled his mead. The fox moved on to Rollo, who leaned over and petted her, then looked up with a leer 'Tell me, jarl, is the lady now breeding like her fox?" he asked.
Amid more ribald mirth, Viktor surged to his feet and pounded his fist on the table. "Stop it, all of you! I have put up with your taunts toward my bride long enough! Reyna is now my queen and I will not have you insulting her in this manner! You will treat her with respect!"
"Mayhap the Valkyrie needs to earn our respect," sneered Canute.
"She has pledged her fealty to our tribe," Viktor argued. "She no longer taunts any of you, and you will treat her with equal deference. And, by Odin, any man who thinks otherwise may step outside with me to settle this—now."
Rollo, Canute, and Orm received this dictate in smoldering silence.
Svein sought to defend Viktor. "Our jarl speaks the truth. We must listen to him and honor our new queen."
"Yea," seconded Ottar. "To insult our jarl's bride is to insult him.'
Viktor's other three kinsmen consulted among themselves; then Orm spoke for the group with surprising humility. "Jarl, 'tis true you have won our esteem anew by wedding and taming the Valkyrie. " He stared pointedly at Reyna. "You are right that we should treat with greater respect the woman who will bear your son—and thereby help defeat Wolfgard."
At this new, more subtle insult, Viktor groaned, and Reyna stared daggers at Orm. Abruptly the tense moment ended as Viktor's three barking wolves bounded into the chamber and lunged for Reyna's fox. Pandemonium erupted. The wolves howled with bloodlust, and the terrified fox jumped on top of the table, landing in the serving bowl of stew. The wolves pursued the vixen, all three animals vaulting onto the table, sending dishes and tankards crashing in all directions. Freya dug in her paws, flailing about in the huge, greasy bowl and spewing meat, vegetables, and gravy all over the flabbergasted supper guests. At last the vixen leaped off the table, barely escaping the wolves' descending teeth and digging her claws into Rollo's shoulder as she sailed over him. Rollo yelled his outrage, only to freeze in horror as the wolves followed the fox's lead, bounding over his head and shoulders.
The wolves continued their furious chase. Rollo, Orm, and Canute bellowed cures and wiped stew from their faces. Ragar and Harald appeared transfixed, amazed. Reyna, frantic, tried to grab her pet. Viktor tried to corral the wolves, only to get scratched by their claws and showered with more stew.
"Who in Hel let these beasts in?" he cried, making a dive for Hati.
In answer, a wild-eyed Sibeal dashed into the dining hall. "I am sorry, jarl. I was leaving the longhouse to shake the rugs when the three beasts raced past me."
"Never mind!" Viktor cried, struggling to hold a slippery, squirming Hati. "All of you—help me corral these monsters before milady's pet becomes the next dinner course."
There followed much confusion as everyone sprang up to pursue the wolves, overturning chairs and sliding on the greasy floor. Rollo and Orm crashed into each other while trying to nab Thor; Freya ran under Canute's feet, tripping the giant and sending him crashing to his buttocks. Harald and Ragar struggled to contain a spitting, snarling Geri. By the time Freya was safely in Reyna's arms, and Geri, Thor, and Hati hustled out the door, the chamber was in a total shambles, the supper guests seething.
"Jarl, your lady's fox has demolished our peace!" shouted Canute as he rubbed his sore backside.
"Yea, the Valkyrie's pet has provided naught but vexation!" seconded Rollo.
"We are all wearing our supper, and verily, we are still hungry," complained Orm.
Viktor, also at his wit's end, snapped back, "Don't tell me three mighty Viking warriors can be defeated by one tiny vixen? I thought fearless warriors such as yourselves laugh in the face of adversity."
Glowering silence followed his comments.
"Jarl, we are all unharmed,' said Svein. "And we can survive one night without our supper. Attend to your lady, and the other warriors and I will see that everything is set to rights."
"Thank you, Svein."
Leaving the others to nurse their wounds and straighten the furniture, Viktor escorted his wife and her pet to
their chamber. Looking at the two of them, their faces and bodies speckled with stew, he had to chuckle. He went to the basin and wet a cloth.
"Now hold still, both of you," he said, and began blotting Reyna's face and arms, then dabbing flecks of food out of her hair. Once his wife was reasonably clean, he wiped the sticky mixture from the fox.
"Verily, we have upset the peace in your household," Reyna murmured drolly, watching her husband wash Freya.
"Y/e shall all learn to get along in time," he replied with determination. Having tidied the fox as best he could, he took the animal from Reyna's arms, grabbed a blanket from the nearby bench, wrapped Freya in it, and set her down near the fire.
Reyna fetched another cloth, wet it, and went over to Viktor. "Now you, my husband. There is stew on your face and in your hair." She stretched on tiptoe to cleanse his face, then scowled. "You are too tall. Sit down."
"Your wish is my command."
"Viktor folded his frame onto the bench, enjoying his wife's attentions as she wiped stew from his face, hair, and arms. He also enjoyed the view of her shapely bosom, and soon grew impatient, grabbing her around the waist and hauling her onto his lap. While she straggled to cleanse him, he pawed her breasts and tried to raise her skirts.
"Stop this," she protested in a trembling tone.
"I am just trying to be cooperative, putting your delicious person in closer proximity to my own so you may attend me." He nibbled at her lovely throat and ran a hand possessively over her bottom.
Reyna squirmed. "You are brazen, my husband."
"Yea."
Meanwhile, the little fox, curious, came over to watch the two grapple. When Reyna slapped away her husband's roving hands, Viktor moved her hair to one side and perversely blew on the back of her neck.
Reyna wiggled out of Viktor's lap. Her expression haughty, she tossed the damp cloth at him, "Here, finish the task yourself. You seek to take advantage of my kindness."
"Your kindness and a lot more," he rejoined, raising an eyebrow wickedly.
She thrust her tongue out at him.
Viktor chuckled, wiping stew from his face and cleansing his hands. He watched his wife pick up Fieya and take her back to her place by the fire, carefully rewrapping her in the blanket and speaking to her soothingly.
As Reyna straightened, Viktor came over to lay a hand on her shoulder. "You are going to make a wonderful mother.'
She eyed him mutinously.
"What did I say now?" he asked, "Are you still upset about the wolves?
She shook her head. "Nay. 'tis only instinct for a wolf to want to devour a fox."
Grinning, Viktor pulled her close. "Just as it is instinct for me to want to devour you."
She stiffened in his arms. "Yea, so you can get me breeding—just as Orm said."
Viktor groaned. "Darling, I'm sorry my warriors goaded you again tonight. In time, I'll convince them to cease their taunts, for I'm determined to ensure that you'll have the revered place you deserve among our people." He sighed. "In the meantime, please don't let their crude comments come between us."
His wife, blinking rapidly and clenching her jaw, appeared unconvinced. "There is still much looming between us, Viktor the Valiant."
He ran his finger over her pouty lips and spoke huskily. "Then come to bed. We'll get very naked—and very intimate—and tear down some of those barriers."
At his titillating words, she blushed and caught a sharp breath. Yet she moved away, her mien proud.
He followed her, touching her arm and pulling her against him. "What is wrong, Reyna? I want you terribly, you know. Don't you want me?"
She pivoted to face him, her eyes gleaming with hurt. "I want to be wanted for myself—not to stop the feud."
Viktor sighed again, his heart twisting with compassion for this proud girl. "Darling, do you really think I don't want you for yourself?"
Her voice rang with accusation. "When you spill your seed inside me, you do so to bring our peoples to peace."
"Hardly, Reyna," he replied. "When I make love to you, I do so to bring you and me closer, my love. And if our union provides a child for us to love, and a greater peace for all of Vanaheim, then so be it."
She was silent, still appearing uncertain.
He tilted her chin with his fingers and stared into her bright, confused eyes. "Reyna, I want us to be as intimate as a husband and wife can be. And don't you think a child will bring us even closer?"
The sudden softening of her features told Viktor that his wife was clearly wavering, her emotions torn.
Bitterness darkened her gaze. "A child to end the feud."
"A child to give us both happiness," he corrected her solemnly.
She fell silent
"Don't you want my child?"
Glancing up at him, she bit her tip. "If we were a world away and this feud did not exist, if you and I were not enemies, then mayhap I would want your child. But a child only for you and me, Viktor the Valiant—not to be used to provide the peace."
He drew his wife into his arms and kissed her troubled brow. "I wish we could have such a world, Reyna—and perhaps we can, when this feud ends/'
She pulled away, moved toward the fire and stared down at the little fox dozing contentedly in her blanket.
Viktor followed, touching Reyna's shoulder. Encouraged when she did not move away, he slipped his arms around her and nestled her against his chest. "Do you want me to leave?"
She was silent, but shivered when his hands cupped her breasts and his mouth nibbled at her throat.
His voice came out taut with longing. "Reyna, tell me the truth, please. Do you want me to leave? Because if I stay—"
"I want the pleasure you bring me," she confessed quietly. "But I do not want to be used as your device, your pawn to bring the peace."
"Darling, that is the last way I see you," he protested plaintively,
"I am not convinced."
His expression perturbed, he turned her in his arms. "And what if I can bring you pleasure without spilling my seed inside you? Would you want me then?"
Her face grew hot. "I do not know what you mean."
But Viktor knew, and the very possibility filled him with powerful excitement. "Then I will show you, love. For I think you are correct about something. You have every right to be wanted for yourself. And I do want you—so much that I'm more than willing to give you pleasure without taking mine."
"But how?"
He pinned her with an earnest glance. "You'll just have to trust me. Will you?"
She hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Yea."
"Then come with me, milady."
Reyna remained confused, but also eager and curious, as Viktor took her hand and led her to their bed. She reclined first, and she felt longing suffuse her as Viktor gently covered her with his large, hard body. For a long moment he merely stroked her hair and stated down into her eyes, his gaze probing hers deeply, as if he were trying to meld their very souls. Reyna could not bear the intensity of it and soon glanced away. Al once Viktor's fingers grasped her chin and he turned her face to his.
"Viktor, pray—"
"No," he cut in firmly. Look at me, darling."
“Why?” she cried in anguish.
"It's part of the sharing."
Reyna still would have glanced away, but Viktor's fingers at her chin forbade her from withholding even this part of herself. She found herself again pierced by his gaze, drowning, riveted by his incredibly blue eyes as he slowly lowered his face toward hers. Soon she was breathing in pants, and when their lips at last touched, she was set on fire, moaning deep in her throat. He kissed her with incredible, devastating tenderness, again and again and again, until she was mindless. Then, just when she was certain she could endure no more, his kiss abruptly went from sweet to savage. He ground his mouth into hers and drowned her with his thrusting tongue. Reyna was swamped by sensations so shattering, they frightened her. Yet her torment had only begun. Pulling his lips from
hers, Viktor undid the ties on her bodice and freed her breasts. Again, for an infinite moment, he simply stared at the smooth globes, burning her with his fiery gaze. Reyna could feel her nipples tightening painfully without her husband's even touching her.
Soon she felt ravenous for that touch. She gasped, "Please ... please/ and drew his face down to her breast.
With a groan of delight, Viktor obliged her, nibbling, sucking, blowing at her breast, then drawing the nipple into his mouth with fierce hunger. Reyna writhed and raked her fingers through his hair. She pulled his chin up and kissed him fervently.
He smiled and began tugging up her skirts, until her hands stayed his. She glanced at him, still uncertain how he meant to bring her pleasure without taking his own.
He smiled at her and stroked her lush cheek. "You do it, then. Raise your skirts for me."
"So you may take me?" she asked with lingering hurt.
"No. So I may give you ecstasy."
She hesitated, still confused. But his patience, his ardent gaze, weakened her resistance. With trembling fingers she did his bidding, raising her skirts to her trembling thighs.
He stroked her soft thigh and smiled at her. "No. Raise your skirts higher. To your waist."
Breathless, she complied.
He stroked the downy" mound between her thighs. She gasped and tensed against his fingers.
"Now spread your legs," he whispered.
"Why?"
"So I may look at you there, too. It's part of the magic, darling."
Viktor's words and the sexy images they evoked were driving Reyna wild. She eagerly spread her legs, and thought she would die of the rapture when he feasted his gaze on her so thoroughly, yet with such reverence.
"You're beautiful, milady," he whispered. "Do you know how it felt to be inside you last night?"
She shook her head. By now she could barely speak. "Nay. Tell me."
She could have sworn his eyes were stroking her now, for she felt the heat that deeply.
"As if I were a part of you/' he whispered. 'That's how tightly you held me. As if you would never let me go."
Remembering, Reyna writhed with pleasure. It took ail her remaining will not to invite her husband inside her again, not to promise she would hold him there forever.
