by Kate Pearce
“Ah, by Odin…”
Einarr groaned against her throat and then came deep within her, each hot pulse setting off another climax for Frey and prolonging his release. He lowered himself over her and laid still, his heart pounding against her breast. Her hand remained tangled in his long black hair.
Silence enveloped them, and Frey let it consume her as her mind slowly and reluctantly detached itself from Einarr’s. She sensed that even if they were apart, she would never be completely alone again. She’d always believed that would be terrifying.
It felt…wonderful.
Einarr rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, aware that during their coupling he had somehow lost himself again, but gained so much more.
“You will come back to me,” he said the words out loud rather than in his mind.
“Yes,” Frey said. “I don’t think I could stay away.”
He drew her against his chest as a wave of thankfulness swept over him. The days ahead would be difficult, he had no doubt of that, but at least he would have Frey and Aki at his side. She nuzzled his chest.
“TSA law also states that if I go into a mating phase, then I have to be given leave to be with my mate or mates.”
“What does that mean?”
“Every so often the female in a triad gets the urge to breed. She doesn’t actually have to have a child, but the desire for her mates becomes paramount and it is their duty to serve her.” She sighed. “That’s why a lot of females end up with two males.”
Einarr opened his eyes. “One man isn’t sufficient to satisfy his woman?”
“Not during a mating phase. A man might have to work very hard if he ends up with two women.”
Einarr considered that information. “I cannot decide which I would prefer. Two females to satisfy, or the prospect of competing with another male in my bed.”
“You might be grateful to have him there.” Her fingers spread out over his chest. “But the idea of a third doesn’t bother you?”
“Why should it?”
“I thought Vikings became Christians.”
“Most of them did. My family also kept up the old ways. We knew magic existed and we were unwilling to give up our traditions.”
“That’s good.”
He kissed her hair. “Because you are already wishing for another man? Perhaps Aki—”
She slammed her hand over his mouth and came up on one elbow. “God, no, that would be far too weird. We can wait until we can both go before the Oracle of Pavlovan. Sometimes she will give you the name of your third. I think she would like to meet you anyway. She is a magical being.” She hesitated. “My mother said the Oracle told her to call me Frey after the Nordic goddess. I wonder if she knew I would find you?”
“If she is a seer, then I would imagine she did know. I would like to meet her.”
“Then we shall go to the temple when you are free to leave here.” She smiled down at him. “And I also think Aki is far too interested in my friend Slavin to want to share your bed.”
“I noticed that.”
“She is a wonderful person. He would be lucky to have her as a mate.”
“As I am to have you.” He reached across and lifted her over him so that she straddled his lap. “Now I am tired of talking, woman. Perhaps you might consider sitting on my cock and riding me?” He smiled into her beautiful, flushed face. “I do have four thousand years of no fucking to make up for.”
She squirmed against his stomach and then raised herself to take him deep. He held his breath as he slowly filled her.
“You hold my heart in your hands, Frey.”
She sighed. “You do say the most romantic things.”
“I mean them.”
“I know.” Her mouth trembled and a tear dripped down her cheek to land on his chest. “I just hope I can be worthy of you.”
He hooked his hand around the back of her neck and brought her face down to his. She was his lodestone, his guiding star.
“Trust me. You already are.”
THE END
Want more space Vikings and Triads? Then join Kate’s mailing list here and turn the page for an excerpt from “The Power of Three.”
MORE FROM KATE PEARCE
If you enjoyed Viking Unbound, join my mailing list to be the first to read the next book in the Triad series coming early next spring.
Viking Aki Bloodaxe knows what he wants, but in a society four thousand years ahead of his time how can he woo his fair maiden without falling foul of all the new rules? Simply throwing his woman over his shoulder and escaping to his longboat isn’t going to work… Can Pavlovan Elli Slavin convince him that she’s worth adapting his skill set to achieve true bonded love?
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EXCERPT:
The Power of Three.
(Triad series #1)
@Kate Pearce 2013
Planet Pavlovan, Trios System, 229982
“One moment, sir. I’ll go and find Senator Ash.”
Esca focused his gaze on the distant lights of the military base where he’d hoped to begin his career. His throat hurt and his gut was tied in knots. But he had to do the right thing, the reputation of his family depended on it.
A slight sound behind him made him turn. His gaze took in the long fair hair and perfect features of the man who studied him with equal interest. And frek, not only was his face good to look at, but his mind… the psychic power emanating from him called to something deep inside Esca, made him want to move closer…
“Esca? I’m Ash.”
Swallowing hard, Esca moved forward and fell to his knees in front of the other man. He formally kissed Ash’s fingers.
“First Male.”
“Thank you for observing the traditions. I appreciate it.” Ash withdrew his hand. “Now will you come and sit down? Let me offer you a drink. We have a lot to discuss.”
Esca rose to his feet aware that although he was as tall as Ash, he was already broader, and going to get even bigger.
“But aren’t you going to—“
“Take you straight to bed and ravish you?” Ash’s smile was sweet. “That isn’t really my style.”
Esca subsided into the nearest chair and waited until Ash gave him a drink and took the seat opposite him. “You don’t want me?”
“You’ve just graduated from military school, and you’re due to attend the space academy, correct?”
“That’s what I wanted to do, yes.”
“Then I suggest you go ahead and do it.” He looked up and Esca noticed how blue his eyes were. “The only difference will be that instead of going to your parents when you’re on leave, I’d like you to come here. I’d like you to start thinking of this as your home.”
“I don’t understand.” Esca tried not to scowl. “You could make me live here permanently, and stop me from being anything, but your mate.”
Ash raised his eyebrows. “Why would I do that? Don’t you think you deserve to fulfill your dreams?”
Esca let out his breath. “I want to be the best space fighter pilot our military has ever produced.”
“Then do it.” Ash toasted him with his glass. “We have all our lives to get to know each other.”
“I never imagined I’d have to—to—“
“Submit to another male?”
“Yeah.” Esca raised his chin. “I always thought I’d be First Male.”
“I can see why. From what I’ve read, you have extraordinary potential both in the military and as a psychic match for me.” He hesitated. “Do you feel that, at least?”
“That I’m drawn to what’s going on in your head?” Esca nodded. “Yeah, I get that loud and clear. It’s the other stuff I’m not so sure about.” He looked hastily down at his empty glass. “I’ve never been in a physical relationship with a male.”
“I know, which is why I’m not pushing that on you right now.”
“Right now?”
Ash smiled. “One day, I hope you’ll come willingly to my bed.” He shrugged. “I can wait.”
