Brienne of Yester approached and Will watched as she glowed with the power of fire in her blood. An aura of orange surrounded her. It was her love that allowed him to control the awesome power that now seethed within him and his for her that gave her control over the fire. His blood heated for a different reason now as he felt the berserker rising and as his gaze turned red. She could bring it forth with but a word, calling to his blood.
“You still question his loyalty, Roger?” she asked as she replaced Roger at Will’s side. Her touch brought warmth to his skin. “I vouch for him now.”
“And that is the only reason he is tolerated, Brienne. You must know that,” Roger explained.
“Aye. A time will come when all will see his loyalty, my love,” she said to Will.
The words sounded almost as a prophecy, even Roger noticed it, and Will watched her face for some sign of a deeper meaning. It was there and gone as soon as he studied her. She knew more and kept it from him. Their marriage, their trust in each other and their abilities were all new, and still growing and being tested. But Brienne absolutely knew something she was not telling him. The more important thing was that he trusted she would share it when she could.
“Are the women ready to sail?” he asked, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and walked with her toward their tent.
“Aye. All we need now is for the clear weather to continue. The priests offer their prayers for that now.”
“So your duties are done then, wife?” he asked.
Before they began this next battle, one in which the outcome was in no way guaranteed, he needed his mate. Will and the Warblood craved Brienne and the fire she bore. He needed to taste every inch of her skin and feel her release against his mouth. He needed to fill her body and mark her as his. He wanted to claim her in every way he could. His male flesh rose and his vision turned red once more.
“Everyone can see the change, husband,” she said with a laugh. “And the Warblood is loud.”
“He wants his mate,” the Warblood replied, as Will’s body grew larger. He tugged her closer, leaned over and inhaled her scent. He touched his mouth to her neck, tasting and smelling her arousal and whispered gruffly. “His mate wants to be claimed.”
“Aye, she does. Come, Warblood, let us seek some privacy in the woods there.”
William pulled the Warblood back into his blood, wishing to join with Brienne as a man, as her husband. When he entered her body, he loved her as though it was their first and last time together. She opened her body and soul to him, giving him comfort and pleasure and her love. And he gave her all that he was—man, husband, lover, warrior, Warblood.
By the early light of the approaching dawn, the Warblood in him had been satiated and rejuvenated by the fire and passion and love of his mate. William watched as the boats were loaded and all of them readied for the battle of their lives.
Gods help them all.
North Sea between Papa Westray and Westray Islands
Hugh peered out over the flat piece of land and searched for any indication that the stone circle he needed to find was there. So far from a place where he could commune with the goddess and restore his powers, he worried to himself that he would not be able to sense it if they did arrive at the correct place.
But to those who were in his control, nothing appeared to be different. He waited as the man in charge brought the ship in as close as he could and dropped the weight to keep it here. They would have to use smaller boats to row into the shallow waters near the beach.
“You think this is the place?” Eudes asked from behind him.
“Svein reported several ancient ruins and possibilities.”
He did not trust Svein Ragnarson at all. But the man could sail and owned the ships that brought them north. Hugh’s message to the earl, or the earl’s man since the earl wintered with his king in Norway, was that he sought those responsible for King Alexander’s death.
Since he had the king’s seal in his possession and was known as one of the king’s councilors, the lie had been believed and he’d been granted access to all the islands. Only he knew that the men responsible for the king’s death were already dead themselves and could never reveal the true plan of it.
The captain walked toward him now, hesitation in his step. Not the most optimistic of approaches. Ragnarson nodded to him.
“Well?” Hugh asked. “Any sign here of what I am seeking?”
“Just over that rise,” the man said. “Some half-buried stones.”
“I think you are leading me in circles, around these islands that you know well and I do not,” Hugh said, pleased by the worried expression in the man’s eyes.
“You asked me to take you where the ruins are. I have done that, my lord,” Ragnarson said, trembling.
“I will kill one of your crew every time you take me to a place that is not what I am searching for.” Hugh let the words sink in before nodding to Eudes. “Let us have a show of good faith now so you understand my meaning.”
With a nod of his head, Hugh designated the one and Eudes stabbed him in the chest. As Ragnarson howled, Eudes dumped the body over the side. The captain charged at Hugh, but he used his other power, to compel people to his bidding, to stop him.
“That was not good faith,” Ragnarson said through clenched jaws.
