"Your girls?'
She gave an odd flinch, a shadow of curiosity skimming across her face before she gave a nod of acknowledgement. "I suppose I do think of them as mine. They were unaware of Gunilla's intentions and should not be made to pay. To leave them without a protector would be improper and heartless."
She lifted her chin. "Still, you must keep your word, or we will leave for Hedeby at planting time."
He nodded. He would abide her wishes, and by the time spring arrived, she would never want to leave his side.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Katrin paced nervously before the large bed. Despite her instinct telling her she would be safe, her gift remaining intact, she couldn't shake the fear that had been instilled in her over so many years. Yet, the usual ingrained concerns dimmed in comparison to the certainty that she wanted to give herself to Hradi.
Her dreams all these past months had been only the first indication that this was meant to pass. The gods had seen she had been brought here for more than one reason. While she had no answers as to why they had taken this long to make everything clear, she was grateful that all of the truths had been revealed. No more secrets hovered over her.
Despite the dark moments of their involvement, including the fact he had almost taken her against her will, she knew what had driven his actions. Though he had reacted in a way that many men likely would, there had been a deep hurt that controlled his anger. Once that had been assuaged, he had once more become the honorable man she knew him to be, though she still wondered if he would have been as accepting if his brother hadn't been so sure of her honesty.
No matter. They had resolved much. There would be trials along the way, but hope filled her that they would be few, and easily settled. For now, she must focus on the coming moments. Hradi would soon be here. She smiled, recalling his insistence on taking her to his home. She'd feared her eldest brother would take Hradi's heart from his chest with his bare hands. Somehow, she wasn't sure how, she had convinced her newfound family to allow her decision to accompany him willingly. She understood their need to protect her, having just found her again after all these years. While she felt a certain loyalty and eagerness to get to know them, she had lived her life as beholden to another and had no wish to do so again. At least, not for some time, and that time would come only with her choice. Thankfully, despite Henrik's clearlyapparent dislike for her demands, he had agreed with his brothers. She smiled. In the coming days, she would make time for all of them and give them a full explanation. She suspected they would be as rock-headed as Hradi, but her newfound confidence and strength tempered her apprehension.
She whirled about, a giddy laugh escaping. Her light step took her back to the main room, where she circled the table. She was truly, finally free. To make her own way, her own choices, even for the smallest things, filled her with excitement and a determination to never again allow another to determine the path her life should take. She didn't even care if the gods took away her gift. From this moment on, every one was for her to decide and no one else. Any consequences were hers to endure. She even welcomed them.
"You are quite happy."
She paused mid-step, her impromptu dance momentarily halted by his presence. With a grin, she once again pranced around the table, her gaze locked on his. He stood before the closed door, arms folded, a wary eagerness glowing in his eyes.
"I am free!"
She laughed and slunk toward him. Even with no music, her body swayed and bobbed. Another twirl. A moment later, Hradi caught her about the waist, pulling her close and twirling with her. They laughed together. When had she ever felt so carefree? Never, as far as she could recall.
Hradi slowed his step. "Come. It's time."
Her earlier worries returned, but remained tempered by her eagerness and good humor. She nodded, allowing him to guide back to the sleeping room. He pulled her near and took her mouth in a bruising kiss, stirring her desire to boiling point in no time. His tongue swept her mouth igniting a fierce ache, her sex swelling and slickening in anticipation. She ran her hands through his hair, holding him close. When he finally released her mouth, she hugged him close, resting her head against his chest. The wayhis arms tightened around her made her feel safe, even as worry still had a strong grip. Tonight would change everything she had ever known, challenge her beliefs, and perhaps prove her suspicions. But no matter what result, comeSól's rise, her life would be forever altered. How odd she found herself eager for that more than ever before. She raised her gaze to Hradi, meeting his dark stare, recognizing that he possessed as many questions as she.
"No matter what, I am sure of my decision. I only hope you will still find me worthy, even if the gods do see fit to take away my powers."
"I care not what the gods will do. I do not want your powers. I want you."
CHAPTER TWENTY
The excitement in her eyes mingled with worry. Hradi sought to reassure her and smiled, cupping her cheek.
“We'll go slow, I promise."
Katrin’s eyes glowed, the wariness fading. He noted the way her breath hitched, an eager smile curving her beautiful mouth. She reached for him, her hands moving over his chest. He closed his eyes, unable to completely suppress the shudder her touch elicited, her fingers scratching along his shoulders, sending his need to the heavens. Kissing, her, holding her, watching her body bared before him had made him ravenous. With her softly exploring touches, he feared he might lose control and take her before she was ready.
Gritting his teeth to hold back the ever rising desire, he determined to let her set the pace and tell him when she was ready. All the while he held her stare with his own. When her hands crept lower, seeking the proof of his need, he smothered a groan. The knowledge of her effect on him shimmered in her gaze. He had the errant thought that again she mocked him, but he didn't care.
With several steadying breaths, Hradi leaned over, claiming her mouth once again, pressing against her, his hand cupping her breast. He caressed, he teased, he pinched, each touch drawing a cry that vibrated through him, telling him that he affected her as much as she did him. At that moment, he vowed to himself he would never let her go.
Before her seeking fingers reached his cock, throbbing with hunger, he shoved her hands away.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and husky. Another pulse of need coursed in his veins.
"You drive me past temptation," he growled, leaning over to kiss her, claiming her with a masterful sweep of his tongue. A softmoan in the back of her throat revealed she was as hungry for completion as he.
He took her mouth again, sliding his fingers into her pussy, the flesh hot and quivering under his seeking touch. Her needy cry echoed throughout him, her hips rising toward his hand. For a few more moments, he continued to tease her, savoring the way her body trembled, her skin slick with the heat of passion. Still kissing her, absorbing each moan and gasp, he shifted. His cock now rested against her wet heat, tantalizing him and making it near impossible to hold back. Her hands roamed over him, stirring him further, her soft touch a delight to his senses. Still, he wasn't ready to have this end.
Hradi drew away, the tiny space between their bodies giving him the strength to contain himself. Instead, he contented himself with trailing kisses along her neck, loving the way she arched her head, giving him greater access to her desire-slicked skin. He needed to taste every bit of her, to mark her with his touch, his scent. He bit lightly, hearing her groan, then soothed the sting with his tongue, drawing a low moan. His name drifted on her sigh and the hazy need roared louder. Somehow, he pushed it back, wanting and needing to make her wild with hunger before he claimed her completely for his own.
***
