Valhalla Hott

VIKING WARRIORS BOOK 1: VALHALLA HOTT by

Constantine De Bohon

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright  2011 by Constantine De Bohon Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61160-138-1

Credits Cover Artist: Gemini Judson Editor: Eva Jones Printed in the United States of America

Dedication For Sean

Prologue The charred remains of his home stunk like death. With one powerful hand, he threw the obstruction leaning against the door off to the side and staggered into the wood and sod hut. Hott swallowed hard against the burning tears building in his throat. He moved slowly to the body lying on the dirt floor. His hand rubbed at his face as he dropped to his knees. He lovingly fingered the silken strands of his wife‟s hair, while he cradled her head against his bare, filthy chest. He rocked his body while he held her. The bastards who had done this had sealed her and their child in, and set the home to flames. Because of the rain, the hut hadn‟t burnt to the ground, and his wife and child were unmarred. Thank the Gods she hadn‟t been burnt, but the smoke had proven to be too much. In death her features were as beautiful as ever. In her arms she held the body of their six-week-old son, Biorn. The babe‟s eyes were closed as if he slumbered. The rabbit skin he was swaddled in still had remnants of heat. The hearth simmered near where Hott knelt. The remains of supper in their black cauldron smoldered over the smoke. Cries of the survivors could be heard all around their village. The men had been away hunting reindeer. The attack against the village had been unprovoked and carried no meaning. They had taken the livestock and killed the few dogs they had. The three 1

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott older Vikings left behind to protect the village had been slaughtered. Why had the raiders not just stolen the women and children? What was the sense to this brutal murder? Why would anyone wage war on defenseless females and their young? Most assuredly Odin would retaliate in fury. It made no sense. How could it make sense when his Drifa lay so cold in his arms? She could never have hurt anyone. She was sweet and kind…or she had been. And his newborn son, Biorn could have wreaked no havoc. No, whoever had done this was evil to the core, and they would pay. Hott hung his head. He wished he could go with them, his wife and babe, to protect them on their journey into the afterlife. But if he took his life he would be unable to travel to Valhalla. He would be branded a coward by the Gods. Gently he picked up his wife and son, cradling them against his chest. He stood then remained motionless for a long time, simply holding them. He couldn‟t bear to part with his family. “Come, Hott,” said a voice from the doorway. Hott lowered his head and breathed in the fragrance of his wife one last time. Only now her sweet smell of beauty was marred by smoke and death. Hott felt his heart break within his chest. There was no purpose to his life. How could Odin have allowed this? Hadn‟t he been a brave and faithful warrior his entire life? “Please, brother. There is nothing that can be done for them. We must give them and the others a proper and respectful burial.” Hott turned slowly. He didn‟t bother to wipe the tears from his desolate eyes. There was no shame in mourning. His brother stood near him. Ulfr placed his hand on his shoulder. He reached to take the babe, but Hott took an unsteady step back, refusing to part with his small son, his only child. How desperately he had wanted this boy. A child named after his father. Hott had seen his 2

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott father in the boy already; he knew he had come back. The boy would have made a fine warrior, and Hott would have been honored to teach him. He would have taught him as well as he himself had been taught. “Biorn was like my own,” his brother reminded him. It was true; Ulfr had been convinced the boy was also their father. Nodding reluctantly, Hott relinquished his hold on the babe. Together the brothers walked from the charred hut. They joined a procession of men carrying their deceased wives and children, making their way to the burial site. **** “We must retaliate,” Ulfr demanded. His powerful fist slammed into his open palm. “We will, but first we must grieve,” stated another man. “But their trail is all ready growing cold,” Ulfr argued. “Look upon your brother, does he look ready for battle or for death?” snapped the man. “If he goes into battle like this, he will be the first to fall and do so happily. Are you so ready to lose the only family you have left to death?” Ulfr looked at his brother with guilty remorse. “I am only anxious to avenge our people,” he mumbled. “What of you, Hott? Are you ready to battle like a warrior?” the man asked. Hott looked at the older man. He was a dear friend of his late father‟s—a man who had lost his wife years ago and now recently his only daughter. He was a man ready and eager for his last battle and the reward of Valhalla. “I am ready for battle, Alfarin.” But in truth, Hott felt dead. He wanted to battle, but he couldn‟t battle with these men at his side. He had no thirst for blood or revenge, just death. He was too honorable to not give his best to his people. Hott looked around the thatched hut. There were perhaps six handfuls of men. Only four women had survived by fleeing into the 3

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott forest. Of those women, one had turned twelve in the spring only a few months ago. She was a beauty and buxom, but shy and skittish, like a young filly. The poor thing had watched her mother fall from a distance during the brutal raid. Already her father had been approached by half the men wanting to wed with her. Even the older woman, Bera, with the graying hair, had been sought after. The other two women were guarded closely by their husbands. No children remained. It was a sad day for his people. “It is harder to live than to die, my friend,” Alfarin said kindly. He placed a hand onto Hott‟s shoulder. “I will not dishonor my family,” Hott replied in a choked voice. The group began to disperse. Hott rose and wandered slowly into the night. The dark sky, alight with beautiful stars, fell on blind eyes as Hott raised his face to the Heavens. All around him was the lingering scent of smoke and burned flesh. There were men, his friends, with wet eyes. He was not the only one to have lost everything. But he had also lost his faith in Odin. Again he wondered how his God could have forsaken him. Hott turned when he felt a strong hand on his arm. Alfarin was beside him. “How could Odin allow this?” Hott asked. His open hands fisted in his frustration. “I do not think he allowed this at all. I think he rages in the Heavens. Go, my friend, seek your answers. You will not find them in battle. And you will be of no use to us if you are already dead inside.” Hott nodded. He looked towards the dense woods and then began walking. The answer was out there. It had to be out there. **** Hott wandered throughout the long lonely night. He envisioned his large hands gently cradling his small son to his chest. He could still taste the sweetness of Drifa‟s lips against his own. 4

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Her touch had always been so tentative, but she had been young, much younger than himself. He had captured her from a distant land. The ocean voyages held such mystery, yet Hott was ready to settle down and begin a family. Hott had never seen such a stunning dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty. She had been terrified of him at first. He couldn‟t blame her. He was a powerful Viking, a warrior. His chest was broader than a horse, she had laughingly told him once, and he appeared taller than a tree. He had patiently taught her their language and chosen a new name for her—a decent Viking name. She had been offended at first, but in time she accepted her fate, she accepted him into her bed, and then into her heart. Especially once Biorn was born. Theirs had been a sweet love. Because he had stolen her from her family and homeland, Drifa had been as angry with him as she had been frightened of him. Understanding of the village ways was hard on her. Everything was so different from her previous way of life. She had felt so alone and lost. Eventually she had had no choice but to turn to him. He protected her. He took care of her. Hott had hoped in time their love would grow deeper. Now he would never know. Hott wondered if he would ever have been gifted with the overwhelming love his parents had for one another. His parents could show love in a touch, a glance. Hott had hoped it would be the same between him and his wife. Now she was gone. There was no chance for their love to alight and become more. As morning approached, the mist rose from the land to swirl around him. The massive trees reached the Heavens and once more Hott thought about his betrayal by his Gods. By stealing Drifa away so many thoughts of „what if‟ tumbled in his thoughts. With the arrival of his son there could have been so much more to his family. With each step, with each passing moment he felt cheated. 5

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott His hands fisted and he let his anger fuel the raging emotions. It wasn‟t long before his sword found its way into his hand. “What am I to fight?” he shouted. “What have I not done for you? What wrong did I commit?” Hott was a man of strength, and yet he couldn‟t fight this feeling of loss. What weapon could he use to battle this? He could not slice the emotion of rage from its head with his battleaxe across its neck; he couldn‟t run the emotion of hurt through with his heavy blade, nor stab it with his knife. There would be nothing to strike. How could he battle such a desolate feeling that was without any substance? “Odin!” he bellowed. Suddenly the ground beneath his feet shook. Hott stumbled and swayed under the shifting earth. Never before in his life had he felt the earth pitch to and fro. Something huge must surely be approaching to cause such an awful shudder. He gripped his sword within his hand while his body was tested to remain standing. As quickly as it had started it stopped. The mist before him grew heavier, and he peered to see further into its surreal rolling billows. “I will battle!” he roared. “Bring forth a giant and let me slay my emotions with it.” The mist churned as he stalked on, enveloping him. He raised his sword in anticipation. There must be something in the foul breath of the forest smog. Something so hideous a lesser man would die of fright just to gaze upon it. And as though thinking it conjured something before him. An apparition formed in the distance. A creature was moving towards him. An outline of something approached. Hott‟s heart hammered in his chest in eager anticipation. Today was a good day to die.

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott

Chapter 1 “All men are assholes!” Valerie muttered aloud and jumped to her feet. Her bikini was soaked. The short beach towel resting over her shoulders was soaked. She was soaked, courtesy of her asshole boyfriend and his stupid friend, James. She had been sunning herself by the lake, not bothering anyone, thank you very much, when the two jerks had dumped freezing water over her. They had snuck up on her like chickens. They knew she could floor them, if they didn‟t catch her by surprise, with a single defense move she‟d learned on a blind date with a very nice cop named David. Who was, unfortunately, not her type. It was too bad he hadn‟t been. The guy had been nice, but had nothing really in common with her. Conversation eventually turned to his job, an area they were both comfortable discussing. One thing led to another and the next thing she knew they were at a gym, exchanging dress clothes for sweatpants. David had spent most of the evening teaching her about the element of surprise, moral and intellectual strength, and one very handy way to use a man‟s weight against him. Archimedes had once said: “give me a fulcrum and a lever and I will move the world.” Now Mark and James took great pains to dance around her angry prowl of retribution. Knowing if she got close enough to grasp a wrist, they would be done for. Valerie had learned over 7

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott time to perfect the move David had shown her. With one spin to a vulnerable arm, she could cartwheel a man onto his behind. Unfortunately, she could only concentrate on one man at a time. Water dripped from her sodden hair down her face into her eyes, and she blinked. The first time Valerie had tossed Mark on his ass was on a dare. He hadn‟t believed in her ability. After his numerous taunts, she had finally obliged. She‟d grabbed his wrist in both hands, yanked back and up in a quick fluent motion, and viola! He‟d spun forward onto his ass with a thump. The move had apparently deflated his ego and challenged his manhood. It probably hadn‟t help that she‟d laughed and said those four taboo words—“I told you so!” The juvenile jokes had begun shortly thereafter and ended with her getting doused while she‟d lounged unknowingly in the sun. It now appeared the men weren‟t finished. It was also apparent they had been drinking. “Come on, baby, we‟re just playing,” Mark said, grinning stupidly from ear to ear. “Why must you insist on behaving like children?” Valerie snapped. With her concentration on Mark, Valerie lost track of James. The next instant, she was grabbed and lifted off her feet from behind. Damn them! Mark moved in and they each grabbed an arm and leg and tossed her into the lake off the dock. All the while giggling like two schoolgirls, instead of behaving like grown men. And that was the problem. There was no such thing as a grown man, just overgrown boys. Valerie swam to shore. Both men dove in after her, but they climbed onto a floating raft, taunting her to join them and make them pay. Valerie wasn‟t in the mood. 8

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Barefoot, she swiftly walked up a moss and rock-covered path. She was dripping wet, freezing, and on her way to find the cottage they were renting in a last-ditch effort to save their failing relationship. Well aren’t we off to a great start? It was bad enough that Mark had brought his friend along on what was supposed to be their private get together, but to have them gang up on her was just one of the ridiculous games they played. The only reason Valerie even tried was because she was so tired of the dating scene. It came at women from all directions, bars and clubs, in the paper, on TV, the computer—Meet your perfect match my ass! Every man she had met was such a letdown. Some were plain vermin. In the beginning, Mark had been sweet, but over time he‟d changed—or perhaps she had overlooked his failings because she had wanted it to work so desperately. She wanted what her parents had been gifted with, God rest their souls. Her mother had told her she had just known her father was the man for her the moment they met. Valerie stopped at a small stump and sat, resting her head against a nearby tree. The anger she was feeling seemed to drip away with the water droplets that glistened on her body. Her eyes closed, and she envisioned her mother stroking her father‟s hair from his eyes after he‟d had a long day. One touch could make him smile, and that smile could light up the room. He would gather her mother close, nuzzle her neck, causing her to giggle like a girl, and then he would kiss her. Valerie sighed as her mind played the scene in her head. They had been such a beautiful couple, perfect for each other. The warmth of the sun beating down on her was heavenly, and she sat for awhile feeling content to think of her parents. Her memories always had such a lazy calming effect that she could lose 9

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott herself in. That kind of relationship was what she wanted. But you had to work at it, which was why she tried so hard with Mark. Only lately she seemed to do most of the giving while he did most of the taking. Just once in her life it would be nice to have someone guide her in a useful direction. The serenity of the peaceful moment was what she had needed to compose herself. Finally Valerie opened her eyes feeling warmer and a bit more content and a great deal calmer. Her trek for the cottage began again at a much less harried pace. Before long she stopped at a fork in the path. She didn‟t remember it being here. Which way was the cottage? For heaven sakes she was lost. “Damn,” she mumbled. “This day keeps getting better and better.” Taking a deep breath, refusing to let go of her calm feeling just yet, she chose a direction and set out down a path. They were in cottage country after all; she would run into someone eventually. But as she walked, her content turned slowly to concern, and she grew wary. She had been on the path far too long. Her gait became slow and cautious. The farther she went, the more eerie the path became. A heavy mist rolled in to surround her. The trees seemed to grow in number and in height. A few were gnarled and ancient. She didn‟t remember this much foliage. The path beneath her feet had disappeared, and she climbed over a log and pushed at some heavy branches to step into a clearing. She then spotted the outline of something. Something very very large. “Oh God, please don‟t let that be a grizzly,” she whispered. Valerie stopped dead in her tracks as the creature came forward. Her heart pounded in her breast. She swallowed hard. Her feet were frozen in fear, and her teeth began to chatter. The apparition came into the clearing, and Valerie almost dropped to the ground in relief. It was just a man. She squinted as he came 10

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott closer, and the mist cleared around them. He was odd to look at, dressed in fur from the waist down, bare from the chest up. She shrugged, thinking he must be a hunter. She personally could care less about fur, but really this was overkill, literally. His legs and waist looked to be encased in a wolf pelt and leather. The closer he came, the more her woman‟s intuition rose to proceed with caution. She took a step back but stopped when he raised his splayed hand. He was a handsome brute. His blond-white hair touched the tips of his broad shoulders; he had strong, rugged, remarkable features. A generous amount of darker blond stubble covered his face to show he hadn‟t shaved in at least a few days. His chest was massive, his arms and legs like tree trunks. And in one hand he held a sword. A nasty-looking, huge weapon. What on earth do you hunt with a sword? “Valkyrie,” the man whispered in awe. She wasn‟t certain she had heard him right, but she thought he‟d said her name. How could that be? She would remember having met him. She was also startled with the way he was staring at her, as though she were some kind of goddess. She straightened her shoulders and stretched out a hand for him to shake. “Yes, I‟m Valerie. Have we met?” she asked. “You are a gift,” he replied. Valerie felt a blush forming. She knew she was beautiful, enough men panted after her, but she had never been called a gift before. The man suddenly dropped to his knee before her, his head bowed. Valerie cleared her throat with embarrassment and pulled her hand back feeling awkward. This was going a bit far. “I am honored you will escort me to Valhalla,” he said in a clear voice. “Valhalla?” she asked. “Is that the resort you‟re staying at?” The man looked up at her with clear blue eyes. He really was very handsome, odd, but in a cute kind of way. “May I rise?” he asked, his voice sounded humble. 11

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Sure, knock yourself out,” she replied. He looked at her stunned. “You wish for me to pummel myself?” he asked. “Huh?” The man rose before her and raised a fist. Valerie took a step back, eyes wide. His hands were huge. She splayed her hands before her, thinking he was about to strike her. To her surprise, he hit himself in the cheek, hard. Valerie screamed at him to stop. “I am worthy then?” he asked, looking relieved. “More like Looney tunes!” “Are you not Valkyrie?” he asked in confusion. “Valkyrie? My name is Valerie,” she said her name slowly, thinking him to be nuts. “Look I gotta go, but it‟s been fun, really.” She spun around to leave, thinking she would find her own way back without this nut‟s help. She didn‟t get far, before the man grabbed her arm. His long strong fingers wrapped themselves completely around her upper arm. Valerie had had enough of men and their juvenile games, first Mark and the water now this. No way! Pulling free, she grabbed his wrist with both hands, pulled his arm back and straight up sharply behind him in a smooth motion, and with something akin to a battle cry, she flipped him onto his ass. His body cartwheeled in the air, and he made a loud thump as his butt hit the forest floor. His breath was knocked out of him, and he groaned. She would have felt sorry for him, from the bewildered look on his face, but he grabbed her ankle and down she went. He lay with his huge bulk on top of her. Valerie moaned. Good God he is heavy. Damn it. Why did she never remember to run like hell after knocking a guy down? “Get off me, moron,” she demanded. The man rose, taking her with him. When she pushed at his chest he released her. He seemed to be thinking. 12

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Ah, now I see,” he said as though a thought had occurred. “I am not this, Moron you speak of. Is it him you wait for?” Valerie rubbed at her eyes. Good grief, he really is nuts. “Listen, I don‟t know who you are, but I‟m leaving,” she said. “I‟m Hott,” he declared with his arms spread wide. Valerie‟s eyes rose, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Well you‟re certainly full of yourself,” she said dryly. “I have not eaten since yesterday,” he replied, then scratched at his head. “Your clothing is very odd. Do they wear this in Valhalla? Or do you have an angry master? Or perhaps you can not afford to clothe yourself?” he added. “I have no master,” she said in outrage. “And you should talk. You look like something the cat dragged in or coughed up, fur ball! I‟ll have you know this is designer bikini wear,” she snapped. Stepping forward and with his hand splayed over her one breast, he touched her bikini top. Valerie slapped him across the face. He didn‟t flinch; he just stared down into her eyes then grinned. “Do you wish to toss me on my ass again, Valkyrie?” “Valerie,” she ground out. Then bold as can be, she pressed her hand onto his crotch refusing to be intimidated. She immediately wished she hadn‟t. His penis hardened under her fingers. It was huge. “If you wish to name my cock I would prefer something more manly. Not Valerie,” he replied. “My name is Valerie,” she howled. “And mine is Hott.” “You‟re really called hot?” she asked. Then remembering where her hand was she snatched it away. He looked disappointed. “I am truly named Hott, Valerie.” Valerie stepped back away from him. His hand remained splayed in the air, as though touching her in thought. He was still grinning. Valerie didn‟t know what to make of him. The guy 13

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott looked like he had just walked off an erotic novel cover. Standing at least six foot four, every ounce of him was solid, bulging muscle. And his dick was straining against the wolf hide. He was studying her. “You are my gift from Odin,” he declared. “Your what from who?” she asked eyes raised wide. Isn’t Odin a God? “Alfarin was correct. Odin is angry at my loss and has replaced my sweet Drifa with you. I have been given a great gift. It will not be long before you are with child, and I will have my Biorn back as well.” “I beg your pardon?” she squeaked. “You do not need to beg, unless you feel the need…” “Buddy, I don‟t care if you are hot. I want to sleep with you like I want a good case of the clap.” “The clap?” He looked at her with puzzlement, then smiled. “Do not worry, my little Valkyrie, you will be applauding when I finish.” “Screw off,” she snapped. “What is a screw? Is that the name of this odd-looking breastplate you wear? Then of course it must come off,” he said. His hand reached out quickly and before she knew it he had her bathing suit top in his hand. Her generous breasts sprang free, and he looked at them in approval. When she reached for her top, he held it above her head. Losing her temper, Valerie grabbed for the hand with the sword. She flipped him onto his ass again. She then placed her bare foot onto his solid chest. “If it is your wish to be on top you need only ask,” he declared with surprise. Hott dropped his sword and lifted his arms to her. Valerie released his wrist. “You really think I‟m just going to fall on top of you and have sex with you?” she asked. 14

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Of course, you are my gift from Valhalla. All night I walked and prayed for a sign that things would be set to right. This is my answer. You are my answer. Most certainly the Gods would not send such a tempting woman so scantily dressed if not to appeal to my manhood. You will not anger Odin by refusing, nor would I,” he replied. She detected a warning of sorts. “So, Odin is your God and I‟m your gift from him and you think I‟m a Valkyrie?” “Yes. Do not fear, little Valkyrie. I would never harm such an honored gift of the Gods.” He grabbed her ankle, and flipped her off her feet. He was on her in seconds. Valerie groaned as his bulk settled onto her. He shifted slightly, taking more of his weight onto his hand. She could feel his huge cock press against her. For one terrifying moment she thought he would rape her. She pressed both hands against his rock- hard chest and pushed, preparing for a battle. Instead his mouth settled over hers in the sweetest kiss she had ever experienced. The warmth of his mouth heated her insides. His tongue danced across hers. His breath traveled down her throat like a caress. It was the most undemanding kiss she had ever experienced. It was as if he were giving something to her instead of taking. When the kiss ended and his face rose to gaze into her eyes, she was panting. Her hands had dropped to the sides of her head. Valerie didn‟t know whether to knee his balls or fondle them. “What do you want?” she whispered. “I am a Viking warrior. Since I cannot go to Valhalla, it would seem Odin has brought Valhalla to me,” he said gruffly. “It would have been a good day to die, but now it is a better day to live.” When his head dipped again, Valerie raised her hand to stop him. Unsure what was happening, she didn‟t know if the man was deranged or if this was some kind of a joke, but he honestly seemed to think he was a Viking. Truth be told, she was ready to believe 15

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott him. The way he was dressed, his mannerisms, he even smelled like he was from another time and place. What was going on? “This can‟t possibly be real. I‟m dreaming, aren‟t I?” she said. “That‟s it. I‟m dreaming. I must have seen you on a cover of a book or something and just forgot. I fell asleep on the log while I was daydreaming in the forest about the perfect man and relationship and I‟m still safely dreaming.” She smiled feeling very relieved. A dream would explain the sudden fork in the pathway and all the surreal mist flanking their little cozy area. It would explain why she thought she was still in the forest since she had fallen asleep in the forest. Her smile deepened. She had been privy to a few sexy dreams. They could be fun. And the guy on top of her was hotter than hell and sexier than any man she‟d ever seen. It must be a dream. Her boyfriend had been such a jerk lately, and she was always complaining about wanting a real man, so here he was, conjured from her lonely thoughts. “If I am dreaming, I do not wish to awaken,” he replied. His eyes were intense as he gazed down at her. “I want you, I ache for you. Please let me have you.” She swallowed hard and nodded her head. Once more his mouth claimed hers. This time Valerie joined his tongue in the dance. Her hands explored his wide chest, touching his rock-solid hardness, and she shivered. He was steel covered in satin. Her fingers trailed over the few scars he sported. She reasoned further it was a dream—of course a warrior would be scarred. She was panting again when he trailed fiery kisses to her bared breast. His mouth latched onto her nipple, and he suckled most of her breast into his mouth. He tongued her nipple, working the bud. She moaned. “Do not clap yet—there is more,” he said when he released her. Feeling this must be some crazy dream, Valerie gave in to her hidden desires. Things she would never do with her boyfriend, she 16

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott wanted to do with Hott. She reached for his penis, fumbled for the zipper or buttons to release him and frowned, wanting him before she woke. All she felt was some sort of tie. Hott reached down and struggled out of his clothing. He stripped her bikini bottoms off her with his teeth, grazing her hip. As her bathing suit slipped off, Hott lifted her ankle and sucked each toe into his mouth. Mark had never done that. Hott licked her instep to her calf. His tongue trailed its way up between her thighs and all thoughts of what Mark did or didn‟t do vanished. When his lips tasted her heat, she jumped in surprise. She was no inexperienced virgin, but she wasn‟t prepared for such an experienced man. He laved every inch of her, over and over— until finally his tongue dipped within her. Valerie grasped his hair and whimpered. His fingers were stroking gently deeper, as though searching, and she cried out when one large finger delved into her ass. No one had ever done that! She wiggled under him uncomfortably, and he removed his finger to wipe drops of spilled cum onto it to moisten it, before he continued his exploration. It was an odd feeling of both pleasure and pain as he slipped one then two fingers in and out, but before she could decide if she liked it or not he removed his fingers from her and settled over her. She groaned under his weight, and he settled his bulk more evenly. Valerie tugged on his arms to encourage him as he slid two other fingers up into her heat. His fingers were so thick and long, and she wiggled her hips against him wanting more, feeling hotter. His mouth latched onto hers in a demanding kiss and when they broke free he was panting. “I can wait no longer,” he declared, his voice was a rough throaty growl. “Thank God!” Valerie reached down to guide him inside her. She was wet, hot and very willing. Her hand wrapped around his huge, swollen 17

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott cock, and she shuddered. He was much bigger than any man she had ever been with and for a second she panicked. Then remembering it was just a dream, she spread her legs for him. His large calloused hand squeezed her bottom, lifting her hips to meet him. The head slipped inside her, pushing deeper without stopping until he filled her. He felt good as she closed around him, feeling her insides stretch to accommodate him. He grinned down at her when she accepted his entire length. Her back arched as he pulled free of her. She felt his grip tighten and more of his weight settled onto her. He then mounted her with the enthusiasm of a denied man. When he thrust back into her, she gasped, then choked on a scream. His power was overwhelming, and she had no doubt it was a warrior who was taking her. Further and further he rammed himself inside her. She thrashed beneath him. His one hand held her two wrists high over her head, pressing them into the grass. His arm pulled her waist higher, and her legs wrapped around him, bucking up to meet his heated thrusts. His head bent to capture her mouth as she yelped and moaned beneath him when again his finger slipped into her ass. He was relentless. She had never been taken with such brute strength. He was overpowering and commanding and she was having the time of her life. She was so hot and sweat ran down their bodies as she bucked against him. He grunted like a wild animal as his hips rose and fell, and again he pushed his fingers into her ass. She came hard and fast with his last brutal thrust. She groaned underneath him. His entire weight was on her, and she found it difficult to breathe. “Hott?” “Mmm?” “Will you move please? And get your fingers out of there.”

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott rolled over, taking her with him. “That was indeed a good warm-up. But now the fun really begins,” he said. His deep voice washed over her. Valerie shuddered at the look in his eyes. He looked like he was about to devour her. More startling was the fact she had an ever growing worry this was not a dream. It was too vivid, more vivid than anything she had ever felt. She had experienced a few moments of real pain; she had never done that in sleep. She could smell the grass beneath them; she could feel a small stone pinching her tender skin. She had tasted the man who she lay across. Hott was real. And as his semen ran across her thighs, she realized she wasn‟t going anywhere until he was done with her.

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott

Chapter 2 Hott used her towel to clean them both of his seed. He had checked before he took her to make certain she wasn‟t a virgin and had been delighted she wasn‟t. It had taken him days to coax his skittish Drifa. She had been young and inexperienced. She had been fearful of his huge sex. But this little Valkyrie was not skittish. Her green eyes had filled with passion, and he hadn‟t been able to control the lust he felt for her. When she had moaned beneath him he had almost come undone. She hadn‟t whimpered pitifully or lay prone and unmoving as Drifa had the first few times he had taken her. Valerie had reached for him in a way his mother had reached for his father before Hott had been shooed outside their hut when he was a boy. Before Hott had clasped Valerie‟s hands over her head, she had touched him, caressed him in a way that showed him she wanted him. Drifa had never encouraged his touch. She had been taught very young it was a man‟s place to decide where and when a sex act was to take place. And though Hott knew he had stirred feelings for her, an outrageous procedure had been performed on his poor little Drifa in her country making the sex act painful. Hott had thought it a barbaric ritual, and he was greatly relieved it wasn‟t something his people believed in. Valerie exhibited no signs of distress; no mutilation had been performed on her. That he had been the first to touch her inside her behind was another gift. Odin must certainly hold him in great 20

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott favor for replacing his family so quickly and with a woman with such passion. Hott could feel the life he had been so close to, cheated of, return. Only this one had the promise of heated excitement. Hott lifted a handful of Valerie‟s long, silky blonde hair to his nose and inhaled. Her scent replaced that of poor Drifa and her smoke-filled death aroma. He swore he would have his babe again in nine months. When he looked down into the woman‟s green eyes he saw many emotions—panic, which made him chuckle— and desire. The latter made his cock jump with excitement. “Do not fear me, little Valkyrie. I have not harmed you, nor will I.” She gazed up at him with a mixture of dread and anticipation. “What year is this?” she asked. “It is the year eight ninety-two,” he replied. He looked at her puzzled. “Either you‟re a brick shy of a full load, or I‟m not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” she whispered. “What is this Kansas?” “A place,” she mumbled. His hand stroked her breast, and she stilled his movements. “Do you not find me pleasing? I had hoped you would. Either way you are my gift.” Her eyes narrowed. “You say that like a threat.” “You may not anger Odin. I will not allow another wife to be taken from me.” “Wife?” she squeaked. “Of course. You are mine now. We will join. My village will be very happy when I return with a woman. Almost all of ours were killed in a raid by dishonorable raiders. Do not fear, I will allow no other to harm you.” “Um, now may not be the best time to tell you this—but I have a boyfriend.” 21

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “A boy for a friend? You play with children?” “Sometimes I think so,” she replied and her eyes flashed in disgust. “You do not like children?” he asked with concern. “I love children,” she said. “It‟s just sometimes my boyfriend acts like a big jerk.” “If this boy twitches, he had best seek a healer,” Hott said with unease. She looked at him for a brief moment then giggled. “No, no. He doesn‟t jerk, he‟s a complete asshole.” Hott blinked hard at that. “How is that humanly possible?” She laughed. “Never mind. The fact of the matter is, I‟m taken.” “This boy is a man,” Hott said, beginning to understand. The word asshole had been used in a derogatory sense. Though feeling relieved, as the image in his mind alone was disturbing, he also felt annoyed. Why would Odin send him a willing woman who was taken? Perhaps this asshole boy friend who jerked should be killed. “Yes the guy is a man,” she replied. “That is good to hear because I do not harm children. Take me to him at once, and I will kill him.” She looked horrified. “It will be fine. He will be killed by a warrior and sent to Valhalla. A great reward. I will even be merciful and make it quick.” “You are not going to kill him.” “You fear for me? I assure you he will not best me.” “Are you serious? If Mark were to get one look at you with your massive body and that sword, he would drop dead from fright.”

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Hm, that would be a problem. I am uncertain if they would allow a coward into Valhalla, although technically he would have been killed by a warrior. I do not envy Odin these decisions.” “Good grief,” she muttered. “His death can wait. I would rather hear your applause,” Hott declared. She offered a protest when he settled himself over her, but silenced her misgiving when he kissed her. Her tongue felt like the softness of a horse‟s muzzle. He refrained from mentioning this though. He had once said the same thing to Drifa, and she had almost run him through. Woman could take offense at the slightest compliment. His hand squeezed over her high, firm breast, and he released her lips to suckle her nipple. The bud hardened as he laved it. He nipped her with his teeth, and she cried out and arched her back. For a moment she struggled beneath him, and he was confused when she wiggled out from under him. “I‟m still a bit sore; give me a few moments,” she said. He felt his disappointment rise. Although he had no intention of hurting her if she was already sore. “Let me take your behind,” he suggested. “With that foot-long cucumber? I don‟t think so,” she replied with a saucy air. “I do not think my cock cares for the name cucumber either,” he said. She laughed and bid him to stand. Still wondering what she was about, he stood. She went onto her knees before him and gripped his cock in her hand. He groaned. His body shuddered when her lips closed over his head. Her tongue licked the tip of him. It had been so long since he had felt a woman‟s mouth on him there. Drifa was so sweet and innocent. She had never wanted him this way. She claimed he would choke her. Keeping that in mind, 23

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott he rocked against his little Valkyrie slowly. She took more of him in, and he was amazed so much of him went past her lips. Her small hands worked with her mouth and tongue. She fondled his globes and even sucked one into her mouth. She ran her tongue up and down the long length of him before sliding him back into her mouth. His body shuddered, and he felt himself wanting to give in to release. She licked at him again as small drops of his seed slipped out in anticipation. It was Odin‟s way of readying a woman to take a man harder. His juices would make her insides slick and willing. But he wanted her mouth on him. When her lips closed over his erection again, her hands clasped his hips and he was ready. Perhaps he should warn her. Pull out before he came. But it felt so good to have her pleasure him like this. Would she like his taste? The thought alone made Hott want his seed to explode within her, wanting her to taste more of him. Hott gripped her silky hair and head within his large hands, holding her in place, pushing more past her lips. His rocking increased. Her mouth felt so warm and inviting. Her small hands tightened on his backside, her head tilted back, and her eyes closed. His one hand cupped the side of her face, and he could feel himself moving inside her mouth. With a howl of release, his cock burst his cum into her mouth and down her throat. She gagged for a second and tried to pull away, but he held her still, forcing her to swallow. When he finally released her, she didn‟t turn away. Her eyes, open now, gazed up at him, and he knew in that second she had never allowed another to have her that way. When she released him he allowed her to pull away. She smiled; he felt relief and thanked the Gods. Hott was astounded when she returned her grip to his cock and licked at him again, her tongue lapping his flavor. She mumbled that she had never known a man could taste so sweet. 24

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott His hands fisted as she licked and tormented his manhood all over again. Yea Gods but she was a true gift. His heart filled with joy when she smiled cheekily up at him. He could feel himself harden again, and he pushed her back onto the grass. “You have two choices,” he declared. “Your front or your behind. But either way this time I will be buried deep inside you when I come again.” “My front,” she whispered, her eyes were filled with passion. Hott rammed his cock up inside her, and she cried out. Her back arched, and her nails dug into his flesh. He removed himself and plunged again. She gasped for air. Her long slender legs lifted to wrap around his waist. Green eyes looked worriedly into his, and he immediately gentled his thrusts, wondering why she suddenly seemed so concerned. She must know he would never harm her. Did she need proof? “Do not fear, little Valkyrie, I can be very gentle.” “You can‟t do that to my behind,” she pleaded. Ah, now he understood. Of course there would be fear if was to be her first time. He had explored her with gentleness with his fingers only briefly. Only a brute would take a woman roughly her first time. But there was also curiosity behind her worry. His large hand, calloused from his many hours of wielding his sword, ran up and down her velvet hip to soothe her. “I will be gentle when the time comes,” he promised. His thrusts slowed when he remembered she had pleaded soreness. His erection glided within her, and he felt her relax under him. Ever so gently their hips rolled together as he made love to her. A careful finger once more dipped into her behind, and she groaned. He was to be her first. Perhaps it would be best to explain again almost all the women in his village were killed. His brother would ask that he share her. And Ulfr would be enchanted by her the moment they met. At least Hott hoped he would. Perhaps 25

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie could help his brother settle from the lost longing need he knew his brother suffered from. Not one woman in the village had managed to keep his interest in the past. Another of his fingers delved up into his little Valkyrie‟s behind, and she wiggled against him. Hott should explain to Valerie his brother would not be allowed to take her the way Hott was right now, vaginally. Any child born would be Hott‟s. Nor would Ulfr be allowed to do anything Valerie didn‟t want to do. Hott would remind him of this, but Ulfr was his brother. Hott would share her with his brother. There was passion in his little Valkyrie, perhaps she could be persuaded, to some extent, into easing a few of his brother‟s needs. After all, she was Hott‟s first. There had been no need to share Drifa, there had been many women to accommodate the other men. Regardless she would have been too frightened, and he was pleased his brother had others to occupy him. Besides, Ulfr had never seemed interested. There was no doubt in Hott‟s mind his brother would want to taste his little Valkyrie. There was also no doubt in his mind he would need to protect her from others. The way she moved beneath him was like riding an ocean wave, temperamental. The idea made him smile as she moved faster beneath him. Praise to Odin for sending him such a gift. She felt so small beneath him. His arms wrapped around her, protecting her. Hott lowered his face into her hair. This new scent was life‟s breath, and it was the sweetest nectar. **** Valerie lay in Hott‟s arms exhausted. Her behind was sore from his probing fingers, but she felt more sated than ever before in her life. She had never been with such a man. This was no boyman. Hott was gentle yet powerful. When she rode him, his enormous hands almost spanned her waist. She slid up and down on him until she felt like a wet dishrag. When her head slumped to 26

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott his chest, he rolled her over and bucked into her until she thought the ground would open and bury them alive. Valerie groaned when she rose to her wobbly legs. She cleaned herself with her towel and slipped her bikini on. Hott was watching her. His head was propped onto his hand. She gazed at his long length and smiled when she saw it twitch. She swore it was motioning her to come back. It was tempting, but she was too sore and tired and she was famished. “I‟m starving,” she said. “If you wait here I will catch us something,” Hott said. He donned his wolf pants. Valerie grimaced. “I don‟t suppose you could barbeque us up some burgers?” she asked hopefully. “Bar-be-que,” he said, trying the obviously foreign word on his tongue. “I suppose burgers are out of the question,” she said and sighed heavily. Hott rose and gripped her hand. “It is time I take you home, little Valkyrie. I am anxious to get you into my furs.” “Furs?” She chuckled and rubbed her hands against his crotch. “I‟ve already been into your fur.” He grinned down at her. “I am anxious to see you snuggled under my bear.” “I‟ve already been under you bare,” she countered. “Perhaps you would like deer.” She laughed. “Dear? Now who‟s nicknaming whom?” “Come home with me.” His look was serious, and she was tired of the word play. “I would love that, but first food,” she demanded. “I am hopeful that Ulfr has caught a buck,” Hott replied. “Wolf?” she said. His word had sounded a bit strange to her ears. “My brother. You will like him.” 27

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Is he as big as you?” “Yes.” Hott began moving with Valerie clutching his hand. It was growing dark and once again the mist was swirling around them. The heavy vapor rolled in, and it was hard to see. Valerie looked back and was confused to see their little area was clear, but beyond them in the other direction more mist cut off the forest from her view. Suddenly Hott was gone, and Valerie stopped. His hand was behind him, still holding hers, but his body had vanished. “Hott?” she called fearfully. Hott pulled on her hand but something was stopping her from going forward. Again Hott pulled on her, and again she was unable to follow. It was as though a door was in front of her, barring her entry. She called to him once more. Ever so slowly he reappeared before her. “Why do you not come with me?” he asked. “I tried, Hott. I couldn‟t go in farther. It was like I was stopped. What‟s going on?” Hott frowned. “We must try a different way then.” Valerie turned and led them back through the clear area into the mist on the other side. She walked into the heavy fog, but stopped suddenly when Hott jerked on her hand. When she looked back he was gone, but his hand still remained in hers. She could feel his hand, but she couldn‟t see hers. She pulled again, but she was unable to pull Hott with her. She walked back into the mist. “Hott?” she asked with building fear. Hott starred at her with an odd expression. “Where you come from, what is the time?” he asked. “It‟s the twenty-first century,” she replied. Hott hung his head. When his face rose to look at her, he was devastated. “Odin has shown me I want to live, and now it is his cruel joke to punish me.” 28

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “I don‟t understand,” Valerie whispered. “I have said my wife and son were killed in a murderous raid. I came out here to die, but found you instead. I must have you. There must be a way.” Valerie didn‟t know what to think. The fine hairs on the back of her neck were standing tall, and she shivered from the cold. Could this man really be a Viking? Could he really be from the era he claimed to be? How was it possible she couldn‟t move with him through the mist? She needed to think about this. The concept was as eerie as the fog. “Hott, I need to go back to the cottage. I need to eat and change my clothes, it‟s getting colder. I will come back if I can, I promise.” “I will wait here forever,” he declared. Hott released her hand. He looked so devastated Valerie didn‟t know what to say. She turned and walked into the mist, when she looked back, Hott was gone.

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott

Chapter 3 Valerie lay quietly in her bed beside her boyfriend. Upon returning, she realized he and his jerk friend hadn‟t even noticed she was missing. She had been gone for hours, how could they not have known? From Mark‟s cavalier attitude it soon became apparent he didn‟t care enough to go looking for her. Both men were drunk and rowdy. Both smelt suspiciously like perfume and it wasn‟t her brand. She had just had sex with a Viking…so much for them trying to repair their relationship. Valerie knew it was as much her fault as Mark‟s. After being with Hott she just couldn‟t bring herself to be with another. That night she somewhat smugly told Mark she had her own „friend‟ visiting and she couldn‟t have sex with him. Mark had looked at her with some relief and claimed that explained why she was being so bitchy to him. After giving her a fast peck on the cheek, he had rolled over and promptly fallen asleep. Valerie was furious, why did men always assume women were only bitches when they were on the rag? Oh no, it couldn‟t possibly be that the men they were with were behaving like assholes. Now Mark was snoring, and all Valerie could think about was Hott. Never in her life had she felt such strong emotion after such a short time. She could still feel his warm flesh under her fingertips. His taste lingered on her lips. As though thinking of the word linger, a noxious smell reached her nose, and she realized the two 30

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott guys had been into the Mexican food, beer and chili—soon the entire room reeked. Gross! Valerie tossed back the covers and waved her hand in front of her nose. She opened the window, air conditioner be damned. She would rather be hot and have clean air than cool air and risk being asphyxiated. It would seem everything Mark did annoyed her and she was finding excuses to be away from him. The full moon had settled over the dark water. The moonbeam was so beautiful she wished she could dance on it. The gentle rustling of the trees below offered her a sweet clean smell of fresh air. A loud snuffling came from behind her, invading her thoughts. Mark rolled over and farted again, it was followed by a loud belch. Now that’s attractive. For the thousandth time her mind wandered to Hott. Had he been real? Her crotch ached enough, and it hadn‟t been her that had gotten up close and personal with herself. Hott was real all right, and he was waiting for her. Valerie quietly got dressed. She packed a duffel bag with a warm blanket and food and water and a bottle of wine. She left a note on the table telling Mark she was through with him. They had been on again and off again so she doubted he would even care. She should have known they were through when she‟d started calling him the expletive a month ago. Always a good indicator she needed to move on. She was hanging on to the concept of a boyfriend. It wasn‟t fair to either of them. She walked out the door after grabbing a flashlight. The path she was on went for a small distance before branching off in a different direction. Valerie knew which way to go because she had ripped part of her towel and tied it to the tree. Even in the dark she could see the mist rolling around. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, goose bumps dotted her arms, and 31

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott she shivered as she stepped over the fallen log, parted the branches and slipped through the fog. “Hott?” she whispered, feeling a little foolish. What if he had gone home? What if it had really been some crazy dream after all? “I am here,” came a deep reply. Valerie spun around and ended up in his arms. He was kissing her until she was breathless. The duffle bag dropped and the wine clanked against a tin of homemade cookies. Valerie ended the kiss reluctantly. After all, she had eaten today, Hott had not. When Valerie backed away from him, Hott gave a shout of surprise, scaring her. His mouth hung open in fear, and he took a step back. It didn‟t take her long to realize he was afraid of the flashlight. She waved it at him. “What trickery is this?” he demanded. “How do you make light burst forth from your hand?” Valerie laughed lightly at his indignant glare. “It‟s called a flashlight. And it‟s harmless.” She used the light to see into her duffle bag and pulled out the blanket. Hott fingered the material looking amazed. He declared it to be the softest texture he had ever felt. Even in his travels there had never been a finer material. Strong fingers squeezed the material into a bunch, then was released and it sprung back into place. Valerie told him it was one of the softest fleece blankets she owned. Soon she had a variety of food spread out for a feast. She handed him a plastic fork which he studied with interest before tossing it aside. He attacked everything with his mouth and fingers. Valerie smiled with pleasure when he raved over her homemade potato salad, deviled eggs and cornbread. She wiped the grease on his cheek and mouth from the fried chicken with a paper napkin. Hott took the napkin into his hand and studied it carefully, turning it over, running his fingers over the flower pattern. She 32

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott opened the wine and offered him a Styrofoam cup full. Hott sipped at the liquid, while keeping a wary distance from the flashlight. “This is good,” he said. “Worth a whole eight bucks.” “I do not think it is worth eight, perhaps a single buck and a few fowl. It is best I do our bartering in the future.” Valerie laughed so hard she almost choked on her drink. “Not real bucks.” His look was skeptical. “In your time they have fake bucks? How do the does conceive?” “I was talking about money, like cash, you know, coins.” “Ah I see. What a strange name for wealth.” “I guess it is,” she replied, then pondered. “Why do you suppose we can‟t go into each other‟s era?” “I am uncertain. But I will not leave you behind with a quivering asshole boy friend.” “He‟s a jerk, he doesn‟t quiver and I ended it between us.” Hott brightened. “That is good. This boy friend appears to have enough trouble without dying of fright.” Valerie began cleaning up the remains of their meal. She packed away everything except for dessert, the wine, and the blanket. She watched as Hott picked apart his cup. Each time a piece came off he held it up and looked upon it with amazement. “It‟s called Styrofoam,” she informed him. “An odd substance to be certain. A container not made for a warrior.” He then crushed it in his hand. Valerie watched the look on his face when she pulled a small object out of her coat pocket. She thought perhaps they might need a fire. When she flicked the lighter and the flame burst forth, Hott bellowed like he had seen a ghost and jumped to his feet. “Witchcraft,” he whispered. “No, I‟m no witch,” she said a bit tightly. 33

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott She noted the sword he now held up in his hands. She swallowed a bit uncomfortably, thinking maybe teasing him wasn‟t such a good idea. “Remember I‟m from the future. We have invented certain things to make our lives more comfortable. This lighter can make a quicker more efficient fire in less time. If you were to stumble onto a relative of yours from a thousand years ago they might think you were a warlock if you had something they hadn‟t invented yet. Maybe some kind of new weapon.” He seemed to be pondering her words. To her relief he relaxed, and lowered his sword. Then he approached her with trepidation as well as an air of eager excitement. “Let me see this magic fire.” She handed it to him. Hott shook it, then pushed down on the button, but it wouldn‟t work. Valerie took it from him and showed him how to strike it to cause a flame. Once shown, he played endlessly with the object. Valerie just sat back and shook her head at his enthusiasm. She reached around him, opened the tin of cookies, and handed him one. One bite of the chocolate chip cookie, and he abandoned the lighter. “Easy now,” she cautioned. “I‟m guessing you‟ve never had chocolate.” “Is that what this is called?” he asked, poking at the brown pieces on the cookie. Another disappeared into his mouth. “Yes.” “They are delicious,” he said, his eyes squeezed closed as he savored the taste. “I thought you might like them.” “Are you not having any?” he asked and downed his sixth. “No, I‟m watching my waist.” Hott looked at her then looked down. He leaned in closer to stare hard at her belly. “What exactly is it you are watching your waist for?” 34

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Expansion,” she replied grimly. “You will expand when you are pregnant. Do you think you carry my child?” he asked excitedly. “One thing at a time, cowboy.” “Cows are not boys, they are female. Should the term not be cow girl and bull boy?” “Never mind,” she said before laughing. Apparently having satisfied one appetite, Hott was anxious to partake of another. He placed her now empty cup of wine off to the side. Valerie stilled his hands. “Shouldn‟t we start a fire? I mean there could be wild animals out there,” she said, casting her gaze around worriedly. “The night is warm and I have seen no sign of any creatures. Do not fear, I have my sword.” “Yes you certainly do,” she mumbled. Reaching down, Valerie took his hard length into her hand and stroked up and down. She smiled inwardly thinking he had removed his clothing in record time. He was tugging at her t-shirt. She had forgone a bra. His large hands found her full breasts, and he kneaded them and worked the nipples. The pad of his thumb rubbed across her bud, and she hardened. His head bent, and he suckled one then blew on it. Her pants, shoes and socks soon followed until she lay nude in his embrace. “Taste me again,” he commanded. She did as he asked. Her hair trailed a lazy path down his bare flesh to tickle him in intimate places. She licked the tip of his head when she reached it. Kneeling beside him, she sucked him into her mouth to lave until she felt the gentle rise and fall of his hips. Her tongue glided up the full length of him, from his sac to the head of his penis. Droplets of cum spilled; his taste was sweet. She had hated doing this with Mark. But Hott was so hard and long and thick, and she had never been with an uncircumcised male before. 35

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott She gripped his shaft with her hand and rubbed up and down. He tensed. His powerful hand roamed over her bare backside sending a shiver down her spine. Hott groaned and pushed her over. She rolled onto her belly and he pulled her onto her hands and knees. Then he pressed intimately against her behind. “Hott?” she said with growing uncertainty. “I will be your first,” he said throatily, and she wondered just what that meant. “Wait,” she cried out. “I will have you,” he demanded. “Take this.” She had been wondering if he would want to do this, and because she was curious she‟d come prepared. She handed him a plastic vial of lubricant, and spread it on him. “At home I have used grease, but this smell is much more pleasant. And such an odd-looking container,” he said, turning it over in his hands. He turned her again, and she dropped her head wondering what to expect. He fingered her first. She shivered beneath him. His slick fingers slid in and out of her ass. It was a bit uncomfortable, but she decided it wasn‟t painful, and he was being very gentle and coaxing. When he positioned himself, she tensed when she felt the tip of his head enter her, and she groaned. “Relax, little Valkyrie. You will grow accustomed to this.” She again wondered what he meant. Did he plan on doing this often? His body began straining towards her, and her moan turned to a guttural groan. He pushed into her and pulled out a bit before pushing more inside her. Inch by inch he delved deeper, and she felt herself stretch to accommodate him. He was so big and there was so damn much she couldn‟t stand it. Another inch slid inside. “Oh, wait. Let me get used to what‟s in there,” she said. “It is your first time. There is bound to be a little pain.” “A little! You‟re killing me with your huge watermelon dick.” “Nonsense. And stop naming my cock.” 36

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott He plunged deeper, and Valerie gasped. Her hands dug into the grass beneath her, her fingers clawed the dirt. Hott remained still behind her when his entire cock rested up inside her. She was panting heavily, trying to recapture her breath. His hand caressed the swell of her rump while his arm was locked around her waist holding her in place. He began to pull out, and she moaned loudly. Right before he was to exit he plunged, only swiftly this time with his entire length. Valerie cried out, and on impulse tried to pull away, but he was too strong. It was such a strange feeling of both pleasure and pain. Hott removed himself completely this time, but entered her again slowly. She moaned deep within her throat. Her elbows buckled, and she pitched forward in submission. She could feel the cool grass beneath her cheek. Slowly he rocked against her. She got used to the feeling and tentatively met his easy thrusts. It was such a vulnerable position, and it felt odd for her because she was normally always in control. For her to give complete control to another was foreign, and somewhat exciting. Just the thought made her wet between her legs. “Do you give yourself to me?” he demanded. “Yes,” she whispered. Hott took her faster. He rubbed more lubricant onto himself, and pumped within her at a steady pace. She could feel each hit of his pelvis against her hips. She panted and gasped and whimpered. Just when she thought she could take no more, his fingers found her clit and then they entered her. His cock and fingers worked together, and Valerie came harder than she ever had in her life. She slumped before him, but he wasn‟t finished. He removed himself, flipped her over, and she watched as he wiped himself on the blanket. But Valerie had come prepared for that as well. Instead she reached for the wet wipes she had brought. She could feel Hott shaking under her hands as she ran the moist 37

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott towelette up and over him in a sultry fashion. A low growl came from his throat, and she knew she hadn‟t much time. “I will not waste my seed,” he declared. Valerie‟s legs parted, and he entered her vaginally. The feeling was so different. This way heat crept up throughout her belly and over her thighs. Even though his weight was on her, she didn‟t feel as vulnerable when face-to-face with him. She felt his sweat drop onto her forehead. His hands crushed her back to his chest. Her head dipped to lick at his nipple, and he groaned when her teeth grazed him. His smell was intoxicating. He wore no cologne; it was the smell of a viral man. Finally she lay beneath him feeling too spent to do more than whimper. He pumped wildly within her, and it felt so satisfying. His arm had her legs wrapped behind him around his waist. His hand captured her ankles. He kept his heavy weight on one powerful arm to keep from smothering her. His look was so intense she was frozen to the spot by his delving eyes. Her breath came in short, quick pants. When he howled his release, she shuddered under him. He sounded like a huge feral being. She was at the mercy of a man-beast. Yet, when he collapsed on top of her, he didn‟t crush her. Her eyes closed as his body heat and strength lulled her into a restful slumber. Somehow Valerie had to be with this man. She decided he was her gift, too. **** Valerie woke to the feel of Hott stroking her hair from her eyes. She smiled up at him and yawned. She stretched beneath him. “How do you feel?” he asked. “My ass hurts,” she complained and rubbed her bare bottom. He chuckled. “You will get used to it.” “Why do you keep saying that? Is it some kind of fetish with you?” “You will see when I take you home,” he said evasively. 38

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott rose and pulled his wolf pants on and she decided to drop the subject for now. She slipped into her jeans and t-shirt and wrapped her jacket around her waist. The area they were in was still clear, but the mist rolled heavily in the distance. Valerie packed up her items into the duffel bag. When she finished she saw Hott watching her. “You must come home with me,” he said. Valerie frowned. There was no doubt in her mind now that if she went with him she would be heading into the ninth century. She would be giving up civilization as she knew it. She didn‟t know much about Vikings. All she had read described them as barbaric warriors who invaded lands and took what they wanted. Was it true? Their lives were such speculation. Did they wear hats with horns or was it a myth as some suggested? How hard could it be getting used to a different time? There was something to be said for the simple life, but how simple? No technology, no plumbing, no electricity. Maybe she could persuade Hott into going home with her. But looking at him she realized there was no way she could picture Hott in a corporate suit returning with her to her world, her time. He would no doubt be lost without his sword. She couldn‟t have him decapitating the helpless men of her era. That was even if the mist would part and allow her through. But the alternative was unacceptable. She needed to be with him. The feeling in her heart was too strong to ignore. She pictured herself, in her mind‟s eye, simply walking away from him. The emotion almost brought her to her knees. No, she couldn‟t just walk away. “If I am able to go with you I will, but you have to promise to take care of me. I‟m not sure I won‟t be afraid where you come from.”

39

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott dropped to one knee, and clasped her hands. “I will allow no one to harm you. You will be given free choice on everything. I swear on Valhalla I will protect you.” Valerie knew he was serious. She nodded her head. Hott rose. With a deep breath the two walked forward into the rolling dense fog. Hott put his arm around her for reassurance and gave her a fast kiss and a quick smile. He looked towards the Heavens. “I am your loyal servant, Odin.” Hott walked them both into the mist. It swirled and billowed around them, engulfing them until Valerie almost lost sight of Hott. She breathed the vapors into her nose only to expel it from her mouth. It was almost intrusive, as though searching her. She stumbled for just a moment on unfamiliar ground. Valerie remained beside Hott, but her left arm and hand were stopped from entering the deeper surreal mist. She tugged and pulled on her duffle bag, but it wouldn‟t come through. The grip on the other side was too intense. “Release the tote,” Hott demanded. Reluctantly Valerie complied. It was the last remnants of her home. Once the bag dropped to the ground they were free to move forward. Valerie walked with trepidation into her new life. She belonged to a powerful Viking warrior. What was in store for them both? She felt an odd sensation of things slipping off her to the ground. Her body shuddered with a cold chill, and Hott pulled her closer to his warmth. When the mist cleared she was beyond amazed. The vegetation was more full and robust than she had ever seen. The air was clean and sweet. She had walked most definitely into the past and—she was completely nude!

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Chapter 4 “Hott, I‟m naked!” Hott looked at her with astonishment and said something to her that she didn‟t understand. “Stop talking gibberish, this isn‟t funny,” she demanded. Again he babbled something, and Valerie felt her heart race in absolute panic. He wasn‟t speaking gibberish; he was talking in his own language. Oh good God, why had she not seen that coming? And her clothes, she had to have clothes or every barbarian around would think she was Hott‟s sex slave and free for the taking. Oh no wait…was that what he meant when he said she had best get used to her ass being screwed? He wouldn‟t, would he? Valerie felt the blood drain from her face. She turned and grabbed his arm. “You can‟t let others do that,” she howled. Hott shook his head looking perplexed. He didn‟t understand her. She took her hand and shoved it over his cock then pulled his hand onto her ass. She shook her head so hard negatively his hand released her bottom and he cupped her face, stilling her movements. He said something to her in a gentle tone. She caught one word, Ulfr. It had sounded more like wolf at the clearing. Wait, this wolf or Ulfr was the name of his brother. A sneaking suspicion rose in her mind. Hott had said almost all of the women in his village had been killed. Did he think to share her with his brother? 41

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Oh no,” she stormed angrily. Hott was once more speaking to her in a gentle tone, obviously trying to make her understand his words. But she didn‟t. And she was panicking. She was in a different time, with a Viking warrior who would let his brother have her, and God only knows who else, she was naked, and she didn‟t understand a word Hott was saying. Worse, he couldn‟t understand her. How was she to make him understand no? Valerie turned and would have raced back into the mist, but Hott stopped her. She struggled free of his arms, flipped him onto his ass and took off on terrified feet through the thick vegetation. Valerie searched and searched for the opening into her own world. Tears streamed down her face. What was she to do? She knew Hott was close, but he kept his distance. She waved her arms wildly back and forth through the heavy fog. There was nothing, each time she looked back she could still see Hott. He stood watching her. Her world was gone; the opening was no longer there. She had made her choice. Valerie slumped to the ground. She had worn herself out. It wasn‟t long before Hott came to kneel before her. He wrapped his huge tree trunk arms around her and rocked her. Before long he stood her up. Her head barely reached his shoulders. She lifted her woe-filled eyes up at him. He smiled gently and, using his thumbs, he tenderly wiped at her tears. He placed his arm around her and led her away. She had no idea where he was taking her, but she had no choice. Hott was all she had. **** They walked silently along for some time. Valerie‟s teeth were clacking together. She was both cold and afraid. Hott was taking her somewhere; she refused to think he would parade her nude around his village like some war prize. When they came to a group of caves, Hott urged her within. The air smelt strange and warm. Looking around she could see clear pools of steaming 42

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott water. Valerie had never before seen hot springs, it was beautiful. Hott removed his clothing and slipped into one of the pools. The water was over his hips. Valerie stood unsurely for a moment, but was feeling so chilled and the water looked so inviting. Hott lifted his hands towards her with encouragement. He was hard to refuse with his roguish smile. Hott grinned wider with approval at her when she entered. She stepped gingerly into the heavenly warm water. It rose higher as she moved down, to cover her calves, her thighs, her waist. It was under her breasts when she touched bottom. Hott pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. He said something that she took to mean an endearment, and she settled against him. He cupped water within his hand and trailed it over her breasts and shoulders, warming her. Her face rested against his wet chest. “Hott?” she asked with trepidation. “Wolf?” Hott smiled at her. He shook his head no and then repeated the word Ulfr and then said something like a question. Valerie wondered. She shook her head no and said his brother‟s name trying her best to repeat the correct pronunciation. Hott sighed but nodded. He cupped her chin in his hand. “No Ulfr,” he said. When he said something else, she didn‟t understand the words, but she understood his meaning. He was willing to share her with his brother, only if she were a willing participant. Valerie settled against him with relief. He had promised to protect her and he meant it. Besides, if she had to she would toss Ulfr on his ass and remember to run. Before long, Hott pulled himself out of the water. He motioned her to stay put. Then he mimed he was going hunting. Valerie grimaced, another thing she would have to get used to. No more pretending t-bones and prime rib magically appeared in the grocery stores already packed as if they were grown that way. 43

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott When Hott walked from the cave she felt some apprehension. She was alone. But it wasn‟t as if Hott could take some naked chick hunting in the woods. Wouldn‟t that be a sight? That would give a whole new meaning to the term “a real nature girl.” She settled back to wait. Before long she could feel herself getting pruney. Her fingers were wrinkled, and she climbed out of the pool slowly. She settled her behind onto the cold stone ground, wishing she had been at least allowed to take a blanket or jacket with her through the mist. It seemed as though hours passed. She alternately climbed into the steamy water when cold and climbed out when wrinkled. Her thoughts wore on her nerves. Where on earth was Hott? She was starving and worried. What happened if he got hurt or killed, what on earth would she do? To her horror she heard a gruff voice from behind her. Her eyes widened in fear. A bear of a man was grinning as he moved stealthily towards her. His hair was to his shoulders and his blond beard was thick and full. He was gigantic! Valerie wondered if there was such a thing as a small Viking man. He licked his lips when his eyes devoured her bare breasts. Valerie swallowed hard and broke into a cold sweat. She rose unsteadily to her feet and backed away with her hands splayed. Remember to run, remember to run… She found most men considered her to be beautiful and weak because of her voluptuous breasts but slim waist. They considered her curvy and fragile. She had been told she had an angelic face with the look of an innocent, delicate flower—boy were they wrong. This man, no doubt, would be unprepared for an assault. When he came close enough, Valerie smiled sweetly. He lunged for her. She grabbed his wrist and sent him sailing, big ass first, into one of the pools. Then she ran. Out of the cave and pounding into the forest, she ran as fast as she could. Small sticks and stones cut at her bare feet, but she 44

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott didn‟t stop. She could hear the angry howls of the man running after her. She turned briefly to see how close he was then slammed into what felt like a brick wall. She was caught up into powerful arms. Valerie kicked and screamed but was held too tightly. The man who held her had shoulder-length dark-as-night straight hair and deep brown eyes. He wasn‟t clean shaven, but had at least two days growth of beard on his chin. He was as big as Hott. His chest was bare, and he held a sword in one hand, her in the other. Callously he flung Valerie to the ground when the other armed man came closer; she curled herself into a tiny ball. She remained unmoving but quivering in fear and cold. The one man whom she had tossed onto his ass into the pool was approaching angry and dripping wet. The younger dark-haired man had his sword raised. The two exchanged heated words. To her surprise she caught the word Hott and then Ulfr. She looked up at the man standing before her. There was a resemblance to Hott. “Ulfr?” she whispered. The dark-haired man grinned down at her. He then shifted his concentration to the other man and snapped a few words. Again Hott was mentioned. Both men argued vehemently. Valerie guessed running into the older man had been a coincidence, but Hott must have sent his brother to her for some reason. She rose to unsteady feet and hid behind Ulfr. More heated words were exchanged then, to her horror, Ulfr pulled her out from behind him. He said something to her, but she didn‟t understand. Ulfr gripped her tightly to his chest when the other man reached for her. Swords were raised. With her panic rising and both men shouting, she cried out for Hott. Immediately both men quieted. The older man narrowed his eyes onto her. Filled with panic, she again cried out for Hott to come. Ulfr looked very smug. The older man glared at her. He asked her something. She caught the word Hott. She pointed at herself and said Hott‟s name. She wanted him to know she belonged to another. The man threw 45

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott back his head and howled loudly. Valerie jumped, at the god-awful noise; a fine layer of goose bumps dotted her arms. She felt a large hand placed onto her shoulder as Ulfr curled her tighter into his broad chest. The older man then stormed off. Ulfr turned her in his arms and held her by her shoulders. He studied her naked form until she blushed all the way to her toes. She went from fearful to angry. She stomped her foot and declared she was Hott‟s. Ulfr just nodded and smiled. He released her after he gave her a huge bear hug, lifting her from her feet. He then grabbed up a hide pack of sorts and sifted through it. He tossed her a garment which she donned eagerly. It was soft leather, she slipped it over her head and it hung just under her behind, barely. She had a sneaking suspicion part of it was missing. Her eyes narrowed onto Ulfr. He just shrugged. It was impossible for Valerie to know that most of the woman‟s clothing had been sent with them to Valhalla when they died. It had been a chore to just find this. Nevertheless Valerie was grateful for something to cover her. Ulfr led her back to the cavern. He sat her down on a rough piece of leather, also produced from his pack. He then handed her a hard piece of what she assumed to be some type of bread. It was a bit stale, but she was hungry and she wolfed it down. “Valkyrie,” Ulfr said. “Valerie,” she corrected. Ulfr nodded in understanding. He handed her a leather flask and bid her to drink. She did and choked on a substance that wasn‟t water. It was something obviously fermented. She was thirsty though and downed a few large gulps. She handed the flask back to him, but Ulfr urged her to drink more. The taste was sweet and enjoyable and so she drank more. She realized soon it was a mistake. She grew very lazy very soon after and her insides felt warm and tingly. Obviously Viking booze was a lot more potent than the stuff she was used to. That and the fact she had hardly 46

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott eaten had her belly doing summersaults. This time when she handed the flask back, Ulfr took it and drank some. Valerie was still hungry. She asked him for more food. He shook his head not understanding. She motioned to her mouth. Ulfr said a word and she understood he wanted her to repeat it. But had she asked for more food or said please, or was it the word for mouth? She frowned. She took the flask from his grasp and held it up. She pointed it at him. He cocked his head for a moment then said a word. She repeated it, and waved the flask, and he nodded. She then repeated the word he had used that she thought meant food. Again he cocked his head as though thinking about it. Finally, as if making a decision, he handed her some dried meat. She bit hungrily into it. It was good! She ate two large pieces before her belly stopped feeling like it was on a rollercoaster. She yawned tiredly. “Hott?” she asked. Ulfr imitated a bow and arrow being used. Hott was hunting and he had sent Ulfr to guard her no doubt. But would she need guarding from him? He was watching her steadily with a somewhat predatory gaze. Unconsciously her thighs and knees pressed tightly together. She studied the man before her. He was dressed almost identically as Hott. He was as handsome as his brother with a uniquely different look. She could believe they were brothers, but Ulfr‟s look was darker, with the same flattering chiseled features. Whereas Hott looked like an archangel of God, Ulfr looked like a demon demigod. She shivered, wondering if that were a good thing…or a very bad thing. This was the man Hott wanted her to have sex with. Valerie felt the blush creep over her face just thinking about this wild, massive, primitive brute behind her thrusting his huge sex into her. She wondered if he would be gentle or if he would like it rough. She could picture him with his hands on her waist, holding her in place while his big cock slid inside her ass. She 47

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott almost moaned aloud. Valerie put her hands to her face mortified. What was she thinking? She couldn‟t do that…could she? It had to be the alcohol talking. She heard Ulfr laugh, and she just knew he was aware of what she was thinking. She cleared her throat. Ulfr handed her the flask. She knew she shouldn‟t, but she did. She was in an untamed, ancient place, and she was beginning to feel wild and primal. Hott didn‟t think there was anything wrong with sharing her with his brother. A thought occurred to her. Ulfr hadn‟t allowed the other man to touch her. They both could have held her down and taken her, but instead he had chosen to protect her. If she allowed this man to have her, she would be doubly protected. Valerie gave her head a shake. She was trying to rationalize in her mind why she should have sex with this man. He was hot and growing sexier by the second while her mind flashed images of heated sex scenes. And she admitted she was curious. Besides she knew Hott wouldn‟t mind. She swallowed more of the beverage. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She was beginning to feel wet between her clenched thighs. She was feeling woozy when Ulfr took the flask from her hands. His finger traced her jaw line, and he said something in a deep melodic voice that sounded very sweet. He took her hands into his own and lifted her to her shaky feet. She didn‟t protest when he pulled her clothing over her head. Admiring her body openly, he undressed slowly in front of her. He looked as broad and as strong as Hott, and she felt her insides melt. Ulfr took her warm hand in his cool one and led her to the pool of steamy water.

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Chapter 5 Careful of the various jutting rocks below the surface, Valerie eased her way into the steamy water. It lapped at her thighs, then waist, as though caressing her with many hands to prepare her. She heard Ulfr enter the water behind her, and turned into his arms. She could feel his hands on her breasts. She watched him take one bud into his mouth and suckle it. He pulled her higher up out of the water with his hands cupping her behind. She moaned as he tugged at her and grazed his teeth against her skin. Her hands buried into his thick mane of hair, and she kissed his neck feeling complete wild abandonment. He tasted wonderful. She knew part of what she was feeling was the alcohol and the other part was just because she wanted to. She didn‟t care why, she just wanted more. Ulfr lowered her back to the balls of her feet and then turned her in his arms. His hand pushed her hair aside, and he kissed and sucked leisurely at the nape of her neck. It felt so good. His hands wrapped themselves around her breasts kneading her flesh as he continued to taste her, trailing his lips and tongue over her neck and shoulders. When he had his fill, he pushed her gently forward so her behind was displayed before him, just out of the water on the pool‟s edge. Her feet rested on a protruding submerged rock so she matched his height. Her belly lay on the cold stone. Her cheek pressed to the hard ground. She shivered in anticipation wondering what he would feel like. 49

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Ulfr took his time with her, coaxing her with soft touches and words as one would a skittish filly. His large hands rubbed at her back and shoulders, kneading the kinks away. His hands lowered to gently massage her hips and behind. She relaxed. His fingers roamed to her front, and he rubbed and massaged first her inner thighs then her clit before his fingers slid inside her warmth for a few seconds before he removed them. And she thought perhaps she was mistaken; he only needed to mount her vaginally from behind, not take her behind. She gasped when she was proven wrong. His cock, as large as Hott‟s, began to push its way up into her ass. She tried to rise onto her elbows, but Ulfr held her down. She again heard his soothing, coaxing words when she whimpered. He bucked against her, filling her and she cried out when he buried two fingers inside her vaginal heat once more, pumping them deeper and harder. The vulnerable feeling returned to her. She was unable to look into his eyes and see his displayed emotions. She couldn‟t understand his words. All she had were her own feelings. He was neither rough nor brutal, but so large. Her wet hips settled against his powerful thighs when he pulled her into him. He felt warm and rock-hard against her tender flesh. Hands as huge as baseball mitts trailed her delicate back. The heat of his mouth sizzled over her. Valerie sensed from his actions he wanted to neither scare nor hurt her. If he had wanted to he could have already. Instead she felt savored, as though it had been awhile since he been with a woman. She felt like fine wine being sipped from a glass. Valerie felt herself pulled back and down into the water, she pressed one of Ulfr‟s arms close to her chest, feeling his rock-hard power before he bent her farther forward and she released him. Ulfr‟s cock remained buried deep within her, and she bit her lip. Long strong fingers slipped through her hair. Again he was saying foreign words that rolled off his tongue. Her hands pushed on the 50

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott sides of the rock to keep her balance. Ulfr held her still, his hands moved to her breasts. He fondled them like delicate petals. To Valerie‟s surprise a man was suddenly before her. His powerful bare legs bent, and he moved his hips between her arms. His huge dick slid into her panting, open mouth. It was Hott, and he was grinning down at her. She took him deeper and deeper into her mouth and throat. She sucked on him hard. Her mind felt so fuzzy and warm. Ulfr pumped slowly into her behind, making small waves that splashed up over the sides to wet Hott. Hott said something to his brother, and she was pulled farther back, she released his cock from her mouth and felt disappointed. Hott jumped into the water. Ulfr‟s hands were still on her breasts bending her back into him. She felt Hott begin to push his way inside her as well. Front and back both men took her. She gasped for breath. They were both so powerful, and they both wanted her. She had never had two men at once. She thought she had felt vulnerable before! She looked up into Hott‟s face and knew her emotions were an open book. His smile was gentle and his hand cradled her face against his chest. She heard him say strange words to Ulfr and both men rocked within her with care. Moments went by and her feeling of vulnerability changed to deep need. She felt sandwiched safely between two walls of steel. Valerie spread her legs wide and accepted them both. The water began to churn wildly as their pace increased with her acceptance. She gripped tightly to Hott‟s shoulders. They moved together against her until she was spent and collapsed. Her head rested on Hott‟s chest. She couldn‟t possibly keep pace with two of them, especially her first time. They held her up while they thrust within her. She shuddered when both men came at the same time and howled their release. It was a frightening sound to be sure, but strangely right coming from them. Ulfr was the first to remove himself. Hott held her for a few 51

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott seconds more, stroking her back and behind. He nuzzled her neck and whispered something in her ear. From his tone she could tell he was well pleased. Valerie felt herself lifted gently from the water. Hott dried her off with a leather scrap while her head nodded forward. She was completely exhausted. He wrapped her in a warm blanket near a fire Ulfr must have started, and she fell asleep nestled within his arms. **** Valerie was scowling down at Hott when he awoke. He chuckled when she waved the flask at him. He knew what she was thinking; they had taken advantage of her. The brew was indeed potent and an aphrodisiac. But Hott knew better. She was a very sexual woman and had needed a bit of coaxing to give in to her desire. Most women found it difficult to refuse his brother. Hott rose to his feet, and grinned at Ulfr who was cooking a haunch of deer meat Hott had caught the night before. “Our little Valkyrie is very beautiful,” Hott said. “Beautiful, a bit skittish and hot and very tight,” replied his brother. “My cock is a bit sore.” “You were only the second one to have her on her second time,” Hott replied. “It was her first time with two men.” “Really?” Ulfr asked looking very pleased. “We will be the envy of all the men.” “And we will need to guard her well,” Hott cautioned. “We will, you guard her front; I‟ll guard her back,” Ulfr said, and they laughed uproariously. “Have you ever tasted skin so sweet and soft?” Hott asked his brother. Valerie cleared her throat at that moment and came to sit beside Hott. She was dressed in the shirt Hott had borrowed from the older woman, Bera. Absently she tugged at the bottom of the garment to try and cover herself more effectively. It was revealing, but serviceable and he had been grateful to the other woman, 52

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott promising her some of the meat he caught. Valerie shivered in the cool morning air, and Hott wrapped an arm around her. She was looking a bit shy and out of place. His heart melted for her. His gaze turned to meet his brother. “We need to teach her our language quickly. It must be very frightening to her not to understand.” His brother‟s look was sympathetic. “She learned a few words last night. We must get her back to the village. I‟m certain your good fortune has reached the ears of others, and they will come looking for us. Rollo has no doubt told the men in our village. When I came across her she had been running from him.” Hott scowled. “You never mentioned this last night.” “I took care of it,” Ulfr said and shrugged. “It was the oddest thing, Rollo was soaked. He never bathes in his clothes. In fact he hates to bathe at all!” “Soaked?” “Mmm, and rubbed at his arm. Perhaps he fell into a pool? It‟s a good thing he did, since the little Valkyrie is so defenseless. She was very frightened when we met.” Hott looked at Valerie, sitting there looking so sweet and innocent, the image of a delicate angel. He snickered under his breath. His little Valkyrie had a temper. Pondering, he wondered if he should warn his brother then decided against it. Let Ulfr find out on his own what Valerie was capable of. “We will eat and set out,” Hott said. “I will need the deer hide to make her more clothing. The men will be panting after her like dirty dogs with a glance at her shapely behind in the garment she wears.” “She cannot make her own?” Ulfr asked in surprise. “I would be afraid if she did!” Hott scoffed. “You should have seen her in the tiny clothing she was wearing when I first found her. She informed me it was a designer bikini, whatever that means. I thought perhaps it was a cruel form of punishment, one 53

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott look at her mostly naked flesh, and she would be pounced upon by any and all eager males. I had thought her to be a runaway slave, until we spoke. I am positive I rescued her from a coinless, quivering, ass hole, boy friend, who could not even afford to clothe her properly.” “An ass hole that quivers?” Ulfr asked with genuine surprise. “It‟s a derogatory term she used.” “Then it‟s a good thing she‟s with us. We can make certain she eats and is covered,” Ulfr said. Hott handed Valerie some hot cooked meat. She blew on it once then attacked the food, eating like she hadn‟t had food in months. Both men took sympathetic notice; they looked at each other and nodded wisely. Hott was further convinced his little Valkyrie needed him. Pulling her possessively to his side, he tenderly kissed her forehead. In his mind he promised Odin he would care for his Valkyrie gift with his life. **** Valerie walked with trepidation through the quiet village. All eyes were on her, including those of the older man she had flung into the water in the cave. She clung to Hott as though her life depended on it. His look was almost as frightening. For a brief moment he picked her up and held her high, shouting something that sounded like a warning. She was then cradled to his chest before she slid down his body to her feet. He glared down each man that stared at her for too long and with too much interest. It was easy to see he was well respected…or feared, none challenged him. There were grown men young and older, most bare-chested, all huge and powerful-looking. No children played, no dogs barked. The entire village was a mass of burnt ruin. The huts were charred, too. Few had escaped the assault Hott had spoken of. Valerie shivered as the reality of her situation sank in. There was much danger. She wondered how Hott would keep her safe. It 54

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott was apparent each man who looked at her was interested. She would have been flattered under normal circumstances, but not now. There was a hunger to these men. She could see it in their eyes. There were few women in the village Hott had said. She felt like a lone coveted Twinkie amidst a sea of brussels sprouts. Movement caught her eye, a blanket pulled back from a hut window, and she saw a young girl peek out. She was pulled back in almost immediately by strong hands. The flap was sealed closed, and a shutter from inside snapped into place with a bang. Hott led her to a hut that was without most of its roof, centered near the middle of the village. The door was smashed in. The floor was dirt and damp in a few places. There was a mediumsized iron pot hanging in the hearth with the contents blackened, adding to the somewhat noxious smell of the place. Hott anxiously watched her response. Valerie took a good look around and tried not to cry. It was a fair size, but decidedly a desolate one-room hovel. She wasn‟t a wimp by any means, but she had given up her large, airy twobedroom apartment with running water, indoor plumbing…and a roof, for this. Sadly she realized there also wouldn‟t be any more eight buck bottles of wine at her disposal. Then an even worse thought entered into her mind. Oh God, no chocolate. What am I to do? “We will get to work on the roof right away,” Hott said when she glanced upward for the tenth time. He was motioning upwards as he said this. Valerie realized he was explaining he would fix it. “It‟s airy,” she replied with a wave of her hands, and tried to smile but failed miserably. “It will take a while to replace what has been lost, but we will do our best,” Ulfr said. Valerie didn‟t understand him, but she understood the sense of loss on his face. He was trying to be helpful. 55

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “We will cut wood for the roof now. Do not fear, none will harm you,” Hott said and placed his hands on her shoulders. His words were unrecognizable, but his demeanor and expression spoke words she could comprehend. He motioned again to the roof. He gave a fierce look beyond her, and she realized he was saying she was safe here while he worked. She nodded up at him. Valerie picked up a crude-looking broom when the men left, needing to do something to aid in the disarray. This was her new home after all. She took a quick sweep at the floor, but decided it was useless. It was a damned dirt floor! She took the pot from the dead hearth, and scratched her nail at the hardened burnt contents. It was disgusting and smelled noxious. “I wonder if anyone has any blasting powder,” she muttered aloud. “Soak in river,” came a voice. Valerie looked over at an older woman standing in the doorway watching her. Her long hair was graying, but her eyes were bright with a look of wisdom beyond her years. Valerie felt herself warm to her immediately when the woman offered her a welcoming smile. She was much taller than Valerie‟s five foot six. She also appeared very powerful. The woman entered the hut and gazed around. Valerie had learned the words soak and river already so she understood most of what the woman suggested. She tipped the pot upside down, and clanked it onto a charred wooden tabletop with a scowl and a shrug. The woman nodded in understanding. She took Valerie by the hand and led her outside. Valerie was dismayed to see a group of about six young men in their prime, each one colossal, all waiting to catch a glimpse of her. The older woman grabbed the wooden broom and swatted at them without a shred of fear. Valerie was impressed when they scattered, only to regroup at a safer and more 56

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott respectful distance, grumbling in annoyance. Once more the woman propelled Valerie forward, giving her a wry grin. When they reached the river‟s edge, Valerie looked around self-consciously. A few of the men had followed, but again kept their distance. The woman looked at Valerie then pointed to herself. “Bera,” she said. Valerie understood it was the woman‟s name. Valerie pointed to her own chest. “Valerie,” she said. Bera put the pot in the water and scooped up a handful of sand. Valerie bent over to help then heard a huge whoop come from the men. She realized she had just offered a good view of her bare backside. She turned crimson. She knelt onto her knees, and tugged at the skimpy material. She concentrated on scrubbing the pot and, with Bera‟s help, they soon had it scoured clean with the sand. With the cleaned pot in her hands, Bera led her to a small swamp near the river. They cut cattails and reeds, and Bera gathered some leaves. She gathered many things while showing Valerie. She patiently taught her new words that Valerie repeated until she had them right. Bera asked her to repeat things over and over until she was certain of them and comfortable using them. Bera‟s patience was limitless with her, an endearing quality and Valerie was grateful. She could tell they would be friends. They returned to her hut with their arms full. First Bera threw down the aromatic leaves, next came the soft reeds they had gathered. They had stripped off the heads of the cattails and Valerie wondered what they would do with them. She didn‟t wonder for long. Bera was pounding them on a stone in the hut. She gathered the thick inside and worked it into a mass with water and other flour she produced from a leather sack at her side. She used her hands to knead the dough with herbs she had collected, and broke off balls she worked flat and thin. They soon had the hearth 57

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott flickering with life and over long thin wooden sticks they had a type of flatbread cooking. Next Bera moved to the deer meat Hott had caught. She cut thick slices and skewered them to roast as well. From her pile of treasures, she produced roots she stuck in the fire ash. Valerie was amazed. When Hott and Ulfr walked in they were treated to dinner. Hott‟s stunned expression made her laugh. “Bera helped me,” Valerie said in his language. Hott smiled and cupped her chin with his hand. “Proud,” he said to her and gave her a good squeeze. She knew the word. Bera had pointed at the men often enough and declared this until she understood. “Thank you,” she replied, again in his language. **** After dinner, with the help of a few others, Hott and Ulfr had most of the sturdy roof in place. They had also fixed the door. A few bowls were lit with moss wicks and animal fat for light. Hott made a motion to her indicating he wished he had her flashlight, she silently concurred. Rising and wishing them goodnight, Ulfr discreetly left them alone. Valerie looked questioningly at Hott. She was still a bit sore and by no means disappointed Ulfr was leaving her alone, but she wondered if she had somehow offended the man. She supposed being such a handsome, viral man it might have been a blow to his ego needing to get her drunk before doing the nasty. Hott approached her smiling. He knelt before her small wooden bench that wasn‟t much more than a round stump, and pressed his head against her chest. She lowered her face into his silky hair. He smelt like a man, a grown, powerful man. When Hott stood, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to a pallet they would use as a bed. It was covered in a mound of different hides and soft furs. It was quaint, yet primitive. Valerie decided she 58

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott was going to introduce some twenty-first century comforts of home if she could swing it. Hott laid her down. He said again a word he had repeated often that she took to be an endearment. She liked the way it rolled off his tongue. His stunning eyes were bright with passion. She could see love in his eyes as well. She trailed the backs of her fingers down his strong face. He was so magnificent and it had happened so fast. Love at first sight. Her mother had been right. It could happen and it felt so right. She knew he was going to make love to her, and she couldn‟t wait to get her hands on him.

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Chapter 6 Hott pulled Valerie‟s short tunic over her head, and threw it onto the table. His wolf pants soon followed. He settled her under him and took one bare breast into his large calloused hand. Hott said a word to her and squeezed her breast. He said the same word and trailed the back of his finger around her other breast. She splayed her hand over his nipple and chest area and repeated the word. Laughing, he shook his head and placed her own hand onto her nipple and said a different word. Alright, she got it. Men don‟t have boobs. No matter what century guys were in, they were always so anal about tits. Hott touched his finger to her lips and said another word. She repeated it. He leaned forwards and kissed her very tenderly. It was the same type of kiss he had first coaxed her with— undemanding. Her tongue ran over his full lips in a caress, then explored deeper. The insides of his mouth felt so soft. He tasted sweet, like the fermented brew they had during dinner. His warm breath floated down her throat. Her fingers entwined in his silky hair. When the kiss broke, he whispered a new word and kissed her again. He touched every body part of hers and said the word, making her repeat it. She took her hands and touched his body, experimenting with the sounds that rolled off her tongue. She liked this language of his. It suited him—especially when she gripped his hard thick cock—that suited him too. 60

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Monster,” she teased. His brows narrowed in mock annoyance, and he shook his head and said a new word. But she smiled cheekily, and called his dick a monster again. He sighed in exasperation. She released him and indicated he was huge down there, and she repeated her word once more. Chuckling, he smiled and shrugged, indicating perhaps he didn‟t mind her name for his cock this time. She stroked him sensually. She leaned forward and said the word for kiss before their lips touched. She ran her tongue down his jaw line and nipped him. She licked him again and gave him a questioning look. He gripped her hair and turned her face exposing her neck. His tongue licked over her neck, and he said a word. He bit her and she winced and he growled a new word. She nuzzled his shoulder, and he nipped at her very gently this time, before laving and soothing the area with his tongue. Hott guided her head lower, and she took him eagerly into her mouth, loving his sweet taste. He was already hard and oh so hot. She mouthed him leisurely, licking at the few drops of cum that began spilling from him. She blew on his wet head, and he shivered, making her smile. Before long Hott lifted her off him and laid her back against the furs. She could see he was eager for her. It was her first time being with him in her new home. She could see the darkness as the leather flapped on the one lone window. She had seen burnt wooden shutters outside, the inside ones were charred. There was still a small section in the ceiling that needed fixing, and a few stars shined through. Hott moved between her thighs. One finger parted her and roamed up inside. Her juices flowed. She lowered her slender hand to touch the silky smoothness of his hair. His mouth was gentle on her, his teeth ever so carefully grazed her nub, and she shivered. She called to him, wanting him over her, but he took his time. Moist warm kisses were trailed up 61

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott her belly. The wetness of his tongue swirled in circles around her breast before he blew on her nipple, hardening it. Valerie placed her hand along his jaw and guided him higher, wanting him. His sweet lovemaking was beautiful, and she was ready for more. Hott entered her slowly as though savoring her. Her hips rose and fell to meet his tender thrusts. His hand massaged her breast, rolling and teasing the hardened nipple. He took her with gentle passion this time. She had known he would make love to her. This was the love her parents felt, she just knew it. She had found it…or it had found her. When Hott‟s pace increased he didn‟t slam himself into her in a mad frenzy, but rocked against her like a gentle rolling wave on a sandy beautiful beach. When she came it wasn‟t overwhelming, but it felt good, it felt right. When he rolled to the side and cradled her in his arms, she knew she was where she was supposed to be. “My little Valkyrie,” he muttered. She knew what he had said, and she smiled. She was his. **** Valerie‟s eyes fluttered open, and she yawned. She then screamed and scrambled backwards against a wall with a thump. Hott lunged, bleary-eyed, to his feet before her and reached for his sword. Ulfr came charging into the hut with his sword drawn in a mad frenzy followed by six other men. Valerie screamed again as the armed men came pilling in—each one bigger than the next. She was nude on the pallet, searching for a blanket or fur to cover herself, when she screamed yet again and pointed to the other side of the room with a shaky finger. Hott lowered his face into his hand when he spotted the rat. The men in the hut laughed and looked from the rat to the naked woman. Ulfr strode over to the rat and stuck his sword through it holding it up. Valerie screamed again. Valerie jumped up and pulled her tunic over her head, knowing all eyes were on her. There were even more men 62

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott standing in the doorway hoping to get a peek. She strode angrily over to Hott. “Today I want a lock on that door!” she shouted. Hott looked at her confused. Bera pushed her way through the men and stood before Hott. Even though she was a big woman, she was still tiny compared to the huge man and the other men in the room. She scowled at him and yelled something Valerie didn‟t understand. Hott nodded, and she was surprised to see him shuffling about with embarrassment. Bera then took Valerie‟s hand and pulled her outside past the gawking men. The two women were joined by the remaining women in the village, and all of them headed for the river to wash. Many men trailed behind, but kept their distance. Valerie looked at them in confusion, wondering why they followed and why it seemed a normal occurrence. None of the women looked concerned. Hott and Ulfr were two of the men. She understood why they were with them. At the riverbank, ten of the men stood nearer than the others and shuffled about within a few feet of the women. Their eyes were centered on various women of interest. The other women had stripped. Valerie could tell one of the women was no more than a girl really. Her breasts were just starting to bud. There was an older man and a younger man keeping an eye on her. She sent a questioning look to Bera who did her best to explain. Valerie had been taught the word for brother, but not father. It didn‟t take her long to figure out the girl was being closely guarded by her brother and her father. She understood then. The closer men were protecting their best interests, being the women. The farther men were either there to just gawk at them, or perhaps as the first line of defense. The latter thought was disturbing. The other women in the village had been murdered. Hott‟s own wife and son had been killed. Would those awful murdering bastards come back and try 63

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott again? Valerie washed quickly, using a root that soaped mildly, given to her by Bera. She was getting a headache just thinking about her situation. When she rubbed at her temples again, Bera strode over to her and gave her some leaves. Valerie wasn‟t sure what to do with them. When she just stood looking at them rubbing her temple, Bera took her hand and led her up the path past Hott. When they reached the hut, Bera handed Ulfr the iron pot and demanded he get something. She pointed at Valerie who was once more rubbing her temples. Hott hurried over to her and sat her on the bed pallet. “I‟m fine,” Valerie said, then used two words she had been taught. “Head, pain.” She didn‟t realize she had said head bite, but Hott understood. Apparently so did Bera, and she scowled at Hott who shrugged sheepishly. Ulfr rushed in with a pot full of water. Bera tossed the leaves into the pot and shooed the men out. She lay Valerie down on her pallet. “I‟m fine really,” she said again. “I‟m just not used to waking to a giant rat and a room full of massive, half-clothed armed men. I mean really, wouldn‟t that give any woman a headache?” Bera patted her hand and then brought her some tea. Valerie sipped at it. It was good. Bera then began slicing meat for breakfast. She left for a little while then came back with some flatbread she had cooked. She took a piece of the meat and wrapped the bread around it and handed it to Valerie. “Thank you,” Valerie said gratefully. Her headache was almost gone. “Thank you for being so nice to me.” Bera studied her for a moment. Using words she obviously felt Valerie would understand she spoke. “You little woman.” Valerie blushed. She had never thought of herself as little. She always considered herself to be of average height. But under the 64

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott circumstances she supposed it was now true. Even the young teen had been taller and broader than she. “Village need women,” Bera continued. “Hott need his Valkyrie. Need Biorn.” Valerie understood. Bera liked Hott and knew how much he missed his son. It was amazing to think these people actually believed she would give birth to a new Biorn. Would she? It was a mystery. It was an intriguing concept. If you thought you or your significant other gave birth to your reincarnated father or other close relative whom you loved, you would be more apt to be kind and gentle knowing that at some point they would return the favor and think you were a loved one reborn in turn? Valerie cocked her head to the side, shrugged her shoulders, and lifted her hands. “What if I have a girl?” she asked, using the word she understood to be female. Bera smiled widely. “Helgi,” she exclaimed and clapped. She then went on to do her best to explain that Helgi was Hott and Ulfr‟s mother. “For heaven sake,” muttered Valerie. “You people are really family orientated.” Hott chose that moment to walk in followed by Ulfr. Both men made a beeline for the food. Bera just shook her head at them. She once more patted Valerie on the hand and left. Ulfr sat at the table, his huge body and long legs dwarfing it. Hott settled himself beside her on the pallet. He ate his breakfast in three bites. He then kissed her and fondled her for a moment. She looked at Ulfr with unease. She wasn‟t in the mood for one of them, let alone two of them. She pointedly removed Hott‟s hand from her breast. He shrugged and grinned at Ulfr, and she got the distinct feeling they would try again later. Hott kissed her and rose. “Latch,” he said, but she didn‟t understand what he meant. He took his arm and bent it slowly at the elbow into his cupped hand. She smiled in relief knowing he would work on the door. 65

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott After the two men left, Valerie turned around the room thinking. Her toes scuffed the reeds and dirt. When Hott ducked back inside, she took his hand and told him she wanted a wood floor. It wasn‟t as hard to explain as she thought it would be. Hott seemed to think about it and finally nodded. She could have her wood floor. A gleam came into his eye. “Ulfr help,” he said suggestively. Valerie was about to get annoyed. For heaven sakes, he was practically saying they would exchange sex for the wood floor. Then she thought about it for a minute. Bartering might not just be a bad idea. Ulfr ducked his head in the door. She had to admit her first experience with a threesome hadn‟t been unpleasant at all. In fact it had been the sexiest and most kinky fun thing she had ever experienced. But perhaps she could negotiate a bit more. She lifted her fingers and began listing off items she wanted. “A huge bowl, a fry pan, oil, clothes,” she said, using words she hoped were right. Hott laughed and held up his hand. “Bowl?” Valerie made a round circle with her arms and indicated how deep she wanted it. When Hott cocked his head in question, she mimicked sitting on it to pee. There was no way she was going to go outside in the middle of the night only to have her ass bit by God only knows what when she dropped her drawers! Ulfr chuckled and nodded. “Fry pan?” he asked. “Yes and a chicken,” she insisted. She clucked for them. Then indicated the measurement of an iron pan and how deep and asked for oil. Both men looked confused at the word oil. She thought for a second. She mimicked cooking the chicken in the oil. They still looked confused. Turning red she imitated using it on her fingers and lubing her behind, which also wasn‟t a bad plan. They of course got the idea then. Hott kissed her hard on the mouth. “I find this oil we call grease,” he explained in his language. “I make clothes soon.” 66

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Both men left. Valerie went outside and began scanning the area for things she wanted. She was an enterprising young woman, she could think of something to make her life easier. She strolled down by the river and combed the banks, well aware some of the other men in the village were watching her. There was no need for her to feel any concern, though. She remained in sight of Hott who was diligently fixing the rest of the roof with Ulf. Both men glanced towards her often. Not too far was a clump of dried mud. After examining it she determined it was clay. Valerie gathered some in her cooking pot, thinking she could just rinse it out well later. She scooped up mounds of the clay and brought it near the hut. She mixed the clay with small stones and went to work. She spent most of the morning fashioning a very primitive barbeque. She asked Hott to light a fire inside to dry it out. He scratched his head at her contraption, but shrugged good-naturedly. When Ulfr approached her holding a live chicken by the feet, her eyes rose in horror. He made the motion of her killing it. He thrust it at her smiling widely obviously thinking she would be thrilled—he was mistaken! She ducked behind Hott. In her little world live chicken were meant to be fed, and actual dead chicken came plucked, packaged and fresh or frozen. There was no happy medium. Ulfr frowned and clucked at her. She did what she thought was a perfect imitation of miming. She pointed at the chicken, then to Ulfr and trailed her finger under her throat. “You kill it. And don‟t bring it back until it‟s a real chicken I can cook.” She stormed off with both Hott and Ulfr howling with laughter. Valerie wandered back to the river wondering if maybe later she could make some cups out of the clay. It wasn‟t a bad idea, and she had yet to see any utensils for eating, except long wooden spoons. She gathered up some lengthy soft leaves thinking 67

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott of toilet paper. She collected a few of the roots Bera had told her were edible and tasty. Later on in the day, Hott found Valerie three iron bars long enough to fit over her barbeque. She melted the fat Ulfr had given her into an iron pan and cooked the sections of chicken. She was happy to have the salt that Bera gave her, the woman had also added a few herbs to add flavor. The two men and Valerie sat down at a new larger and uncharred table the men had made eating fried chicken, cheese, flatbread and roasted roots. From their eager enthusiasm at downing the food, she assumed she had done well. The entire chicken was eaten as well as the few berries from a wooden bowl she had found while wandering, and hot cooked apples on a plate drizzled with a small amount of honey Bera had given her from their winter storage supply. When dinner was finished, Hott and Ulfr helped Valerie scoop up the wooden plates and bowls and her iron pot, and they headed for the river. She noted the other women doing the same thing as they all seemed to emerge from their dwellings. The villagers trailed down a well-worn path single file, or in pairs as though it were a nightly occurrence. It became apparent the village had a set time for eating. It looked to be about an hour and a half before dusk fell, and Valerie had understood from Bera in single words and hand motions earlier that morning the women gathered to wash at a set time. She wasn‟t positive, but felt they thought the women would be more vulnerable to prey—both man and beast—at a later time. Everyone gathered together to keep safe made perfect sense to her. Valerie enjoyed spending time at the river with the other women. She learned so many new words from them she was already starting to follow conversations. She knew two of the women were married. She also learned the young girl‟s father had put his foot down. No man was allowed to wed his daughter for a 68

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott few more years. Valerie found that to be a relief. She had been surprised the men would even ask—she was a little girl! Again she was reminded she was in a barbaric time, and she imagined the women in this village were treated like gold. Just shifting her gaze to Hott and Ulfr she could see the tension as Hott‟s jaw twitched when another looked her way. Ulfr‟s hand fisted when a head motioned in her direction. A quick glance at a married woman, and she could tell just by a certain man‟s posture he was ready to take action if anyone so much as approached her. It was a little overwhelming and a whole lot daunting. When the women finished, they gathered their things and said goodnight. Hott and Ulfr both met her at the top of the hill. Each took an arm, and she was escorted to the hut. Valerie felt her heart race. She had been thinking of this all day.

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Chapter 7 When Valerie entered the hut, she noted another pallet had been added to the floor with even more furs. She wondered if that meant Ulfr was moving in. She placed the clean dishes on the table and looked around thinking she would ask them tomorrow to fashion shelves. She had no doubt they would accommodate her, especially since she was about to accommodate them both. Although feeling a small amount of trepidation, she was also tingling with a certain anticipation. Still, she wanted to be completely relaxed. Valerie reached for the flask that hung on a wooden peg in the wall. She didn‟t want to get drunk, but it helped her to loosen up, and she downed a few big mouthfuls in a quick moment. Both men were watching her with some amazement, Ulfr with more concern. Valerie smiled a bit shyly at the man and his worried expression. She realized how it must seem to them, especially Ulfr. “You are handsome,” she explained as best as she could. “But very large, I don‟t want to be nervous.” She squeezed her hands together as though tensing up. Ulfr looked confused. Valerie walked over to Ulfr and put her hand on his cock. Then she looked pointedly at Hott and said, “Monster.” Hott laughed and said a few words to Ulfr who smiled broadly, obviously well pleased, and relieved. Ulfr then lifted the flask to Valerie‟s lips and encouraged her to drink more of the fermented beverage. She laughed, and downed more, enjoying the 70

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott feel of Ulfr‟s hand as he slid his fingertips up and down her arm. Hott had stayed back watching their exchange, and Valerie sensed he was giving them some time. The palm of Ulfr‟s hand rested for a moment on the side of her face in a loving gesture, and his voice was throaty when he spoke a few words. She knew by his tone they were endearments, he didn‟t want her to fear him—she didn‟t. It didn‟t take her long to feel in the mood. Her body grew warm and relaxed and she was ready to have them both. She placed the flask back on the wall peg and felt Ulfr lift her tunic over her head, her arms rose to aid him. Hott stepped forward and began massaging both breasts while her hands were still in the air. No doubt he was eager. His fingers rolled her nipples. Ulfr stroked her hair from her neck and kissed her nape. Valerie‟s hand reached back to stroke Ulfr‟s long hard length over his clothing, while her other hand moved to do the same to Hott. Ulfr‟s hands felt so good as he rubbed her back and shoulders easing any last feelings of reservation away. Hott‟s one hand slipped low to rub at her clit. He slid a finger inside and pumped her tenderly. He was saying sweet-sounding words. Valerie was guided to the pallets on the floor. Hott settled her to her knees before them both with his hands on her shoulders. Valerie looked up at the both of them, wondering where to start. This was all so new to her, and she had a misgiving of being awkward. Thankfully both men seemed inclined to let her choose the pace. Tentatively one hand lifted to slide up Ulfr‟s inner thigh, she felt his tremor. Valerie swallowed hard at the look in his eyes as she stroked Ulfr‟s hard cock. Intense dark eyes gazed down at her causing her to look away. Her heart skipped a beat, and she shivered sensing a predatory passion. Hott moved closer and with his hand to her head he eagerly guided her mouth over him. Valerie would have chuckled if she could have. It was apparent though Hott was willing to share—she was his first. Though eager and somewhat territorial, he relaxed 71

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott when Valerie gripped him in her other hand. She laved the tip of Hott‟s erection. Drawing him deeply into her mouth she sucked him hard, and he groaned. She ran her tongue up and down his long length until droplets of cum spilled. He tasted so wonderful. She wondered what Ulfr‟s flavor would be like. She turned her face and began doing the same thing to Ulfr while she continued to stroke Hott with her hand. It was Ulfr‟s turn to clutch her hair within his hand as Valerie gripped him and guided him into her mouth. She heard him groan as her lips tightened around him. The feel of his hot velvety skin against her tongue was as thrilling as Hott‟s. Ulfr moved against her more forcefully and she accepted more of him, and then more as her action encouraged him. She made little gasping sounds in the back of her throat as he became more and more demanding. Feeling a bit of panic her wild eyes lifted to Hott. Hott lay down on the furs and his fingers settled into her hair, tugging on her, taking control, he gave her no choice but to move with him, and she released Ulfr. Hott pulled her body up over him, and she straddled him. She felt his wet cock rub against her opening making her equally wet on the outside as she was feeling inside. She lifted her hips high and moaned as his hard length slid inside her. His hand released her hair and he gripped her waist and lifted her up then pulled her down. The sensation was as fascinating as it felt fantastic. He was being very gentle; the hands on her waist caressed her hip then ran up and down her spine. She felt Ulfr behind her. His hand settled between her shoulder blades, and he bent her forward. She braced her hands on Hott‟s chest for balance. Hott held her still, and she jumped when Ulfr‟s slicked finger slid into her ass. She groaned when she next felt his head push its way into her behind. She felt hot and slick and Hott was right, she was getting used to the feeling. But there was so much more. Ulfr‟s grip was harder, not painful nor possessive, just different from Hott‟s touch. 72

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Ulfr pumped in and out, slowly at first. The powerful movement rocked her back and forth onto Hott. When she looked down, Hott‟s eyes were closed. Ulfr had one of her breasts in his hand, Hott had the other. Both were squeezing and kneading her. Again each touch was different. Hott rolled her nipple in his fingers while Ulfr pulled on her other, again not painfully and the feeling wasn‟t unpleasant. Valerie tossed her head back, and she felt Ulfr‟s hand at her throat. He nipped at her neck painfully, and she cried out, then relaxed as he whispered soothing words and laved the hurt with his tongue. Hott had nipped at her, but not as painfully. Valerie was beginning to get the idea Ulfr liked sex with a bit of male dominance—but how much? She tensed. Valerie tugged Ulfr‟s hand from her throat and to her relief he let go. His hand was once again on her breast, only this time his touch was gentler. She relaxed, yes he did like rough, but not if it frightened her. Ulfr‟s moist lips kissed her back and shoulders. His touch was tender—restrained. She could feel it in the way his body moved behind her, as though pulling a taut leash on his demanding needs. But because of his control, she was safe to lose her own. Valerie could feel her desire build. Now that she knew she was in as much control as the two men, she wanted to experience their power—not dominance. Her hips moved forward and back, thrusting against them both eagerly. Soon both men were bucking against her. Valerie gripped Hott‟s hand that held her breast. He turned her hand and placed it over her so she was squeezing her own breast harder and harder. Her fingers pulled at her nipples much in the same way Ulfr had, while Ulfr moved his hand to her front. Ulfr worked his fingers against her clit, and she cried out. Her knees grazed back and forth over the soft furs beneath her. Her other hand found Hott‟s nipple, and she rolled it between her fingers as she rolled her own under Hott‟s demanding hand. 73

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott shuddered when he came. He released her hand, and she placed her hands on the pallet at either side of Hott for balance. Ulfr wasn‟t finished with her yet. He laid her over Hott‟s body and pumped into her. She could feel his pelvis slap against her behind. He was more demanding than Hott had been. She cried out as he thrust himself into her. She gasped for breath when she tensed and went limp. Ulfr came right after she did with a howl. He slipped in and out of her few more times slowly. When Ulfr pulled away from her Valerie collapsed, sated, between both men. Hott nuzzled her neck and kissed her long and deep. Ulfr‟s lips were on the back of her neck. She could see Hott grinning when their kiss ended. He said something to Ulfr who was still breathing heavily. Ulfr nodded and rolled over, his back pressed against hers. Hott kissed and caressed her, his thumbs stroked her cheeks, and his hot breath bathed her face in soothing words. Even she understood his meaning. She was Hott‟s. Ulfr could have her to ease his needs—if she was willing, and she was. But in the end it was Hott whom she belonged to. With Hott warming her front and Ulfr curled up to her back, she fell asleep feeling safe and protected. When morning came Valerie was relieved to find no vermin in the hut. Ulfr was gone, and Hott made sweet love to her again. Once more he touched and caressed her. It felt like her body was being worshipped by him. Powerful arms wrapped tightly around her. His stunning blue eyes looked so happy as he stroked her hair, kissed her eyelids. Though she didn‟t understand his words, she knew his actions. He placed her hand over his heart and hers over his—he loved her. She smiled just as brightly up at him, loving him back. Valerie arched her back when he entered her. His were gliding strokes, and her hips rose to match his gentle movements. They kissed, and she held tight to him, her arms wrapped around his broad back. Her release was sweet. 74

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott She dressed when they finished and went with the other women to the river. She laughed and splashed at Hott who was close and the other women laughed. The young girl‟s father glared and snapped at Hott who stepped the proper feet away from the other washing women. Valerie could have told the man he had nothing to fear, she was keeping at least two Vikings very happy. Feeling invigorated, Valerie trailed Hott back to the hut. She managed to relay to him she would make him some breakfast. He smiled and, after he kissed her, he left. Valerie bent over to pick up her iron pot, thinking to fill it with water. To her horror she felt a large hand go over her mouth and another around her waist. She dropped the pot, gripped the two hands, and flipped the man behind her into the wall. Ulfr lay looking up at her stunned. Valerie gasped in surprise. Ulfr rose and rubbed his behind. “I was playing,” he informed her. She caught the word for play in their language and realized what he meant. “Not a good idea to scare a woman in a village full of lusty men,” she snapped. He got the idea and looked at her contrite. “I am sorry, little Valkyrie. Some women like play.” She caught the jist of his meaning, and she felt a bit sorry for him standing there rubbing his butt. “Warn me next time.” “I am warning now,” he replied and winked at her. Valerie sighed. She guessed it would soon be her rubbing her behind. She wished Hott would just let his brother screw her pussy. Ulfr approached like a wolf. The thought made her smile. Hott had told her his brother‟s name meant wolf. He certainly was predatory enough with his handsome dark looks, and his hard as rock muscles. His smoldering gaze made her shudder with apprehension. She sensed a need within this man. A hunger that 75

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott craved satisfying, and her good judgment suggested he held back with her when he was with his brother. She had experienced a taste of what he craved last night. But now Hott wasn‟t around. She was feeling a little apprehensive, wondering if she should call Hott. Then she remembered Hott had told her it was her choice. If she told Ulfr to leave he would have no option but to go and leave her be. But did she want that? He hadn‟t hurt her, not really, and the feeling, although a bit spooky, was definitely intriguing. Ulfr lifted her clothing over her head. He then reached over and put the latch across the door he and Hott had made. When he dropped his pants, his huge hardened cock sprang free. Valerie groaned with another realization. There would be no time for any flask. His long legs were covered in black hair as was a small spattering on his chest. He grinned down at her. Valerie swallowed hard. She wondered if she should run or wrap her arms around him. The choice was made for her. Ulfr pounced. Valerie‟s heart hammered in her chest and she grew wet between her legs. Ulfr gripped her arms and turned her around, pressing her down over the table. It was smooth and she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was to be removing any splinters from delicate areas. Ulfr‟s greased fingers slid in her ass first. He lifted her hips until she rose on the balls of her feet and toes to his waist height. He rubbed his hand over her back when she shivered, and spoke to her in a soothing deep voice. She had a wary feeling she was about to find out more about this man and what he really enjoyed. Ulfr placed a hand over her mouth. She whimpered her surprise and fear, and again he spoke soothing words into her ear. She tugged at the hand for a moment. He kissed her back and shoulders gently then nuzzled her neck. He loosened his grip on her mouth, holding his hand an inch away and then very gently exerted the pressure back. She was right. He wasn‟t trying to 76

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott frighten her. It was his form of play, and she could stop him if she chose. She settled and allowed his hand to stay where it was. Her heart pounded in curious anticipation. What was he going to do? Ulfr pulled one of her arms down to her side, then the other. His powerful arm slipped around her waist, pinning her beneath him. Then his hand locked over her arm and wrist stopping any protest. His breath was hot when he again said a word she knew was an endearment. His penis nudged her opening. He said something else that sounded like a question. She wasn‟t certain what he asked, but she wanted him to take her, and she nodded. He grunted in satisfaction, and she wondered suddenly what she had agreed to. She heard his intake of breath, right before he rammed his entire length up her ass so hard his pelvis slapped against her behind like a small clap of thunder. It was a good thing he covered her mouth! Valerie screamed louder than she had ever screamed in her life. He removed himself completely, very slowly, and rammed in again. Her eyes opened wide at his roughness. Though his hands held her immobile, he wasn‟t gripping her painfully. She could pull away from him if she chose. She thought she might when he continued to buck furiously against her, but she remained still. Her screams turned to moaning pants. Her wild desire took over, and this time when he plunged, she met his thrust eagerly. She wiggled her behind at him, and he removed his arm from around her waist and plunged his fingers up into her wetness. That was what she wanted. Valerie moved her hips against him as he ground himself against her using his cock and fingers to screw her. With his hand over her mouth she screamed and cried out knowing that no one would hear her and try to stop him. He removed his fingers from inside her and he gripped her mouth tighter. She squealed when she felt his firm hand first squeeze her ass cheek, then connect with her behind, giving her a few healthy open-handed swats. She 77

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott shivered. She‟d never had a man spank her before. Each time his hand struck, he plunged harder. He was deliciously and naughtily brutal and animalistic, and it was as satisfying as the sweet lovemaking she and Hott had shared earlier. Ulfr came fast. Valerie was panting heavily. She took in great gasps of air when Ulfr removed his hand from her mouth. His body slumped over her for a brief moment while he controlled his breathing. He slid his penis from inside her. His lips trailed a path of tender kisses across her back and shoulders. Ulfr lifted her and turned her in his arms and cuddled her to his chest; his hand stroked first her hair, then her behind where he had hit her. He kissed her mouth lovingly, his hands reaching to cup her face. He searched her eyes and what he found must have surprised him because, he looked so happy it amazed Valerie. Excitedly he kissed her eyes, her cheeks and her forehead until she laughingly pushed him away. He helped her dress, cupped her chin and cheek for a moment, swatted her behind playfully, then left. Valerie stood starring at the closed door. She wondered if she would be angry when Ulfr got his own woman. She knew she loved Hott, but she was growing very fond of Ulfr and his wicked, wanton passion. **** Valerie took her pot to the river. She washed again, away from the prying eyes of the men. She found a secluded spot near covered brush, removed her tunic, and went waist high into the cool river trailing her fingers through the water behind her. She saw a flash of a shadow under the water, and when she looked harder she could see fish mulling curiously around her ankles and calves. Spying a large one near a group of clustered rocks, she lunged and, surprised, she lifted the large splashing salmon up by its gill.

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Well, you‟ll make a tasty treat for breakfast,” she said aloud. She was pleased with herself that most of her words were spoken in Hott‟s language. “Yes you will,” said a deep voice. Valerie spun and dropped the fish. Five young powerfully built men she recognized from the village were watching her from the riverbank. She was very aware she was nude. Valerie backed up, but noticed the other bank was too high to climb. The men waded into the water, flanking her. “We are not going to hurt you,” one of the men said. “You know what we want.” She wasn‟t certain of every word he spoke, but his eyes already had her pinned beneath him, and she could see his groin harden under his pants. So she knew alright! Since her ass was already sore, there was no way she was going to start over. “Get lost, moron.” “No, I am not named Moron, I am Volundr,” the man said. “Oh for heaven sake, you people need to learn some decent English!” she snapped. When Voundr reached for her grinning, she flipped him onto his ass into the water. He came up spluttering with surprise. His arms splashed the water as he tried to right himself. The other men laughed. Volundr looked at her angrily. “I said we would not hurt you,” he growled and rose, dripping wet, to his feet. “I don‟t remember agreeing to the same thing,” she retorted. “Give us what we want, and we will leave,” demanded another man. When he came close, Valerie flipped him, too. She stood before them smugly with her hands raised boxer style. “Damn you,” snapped a man. “Behave like a woman.” Valerie‟s eyes rose. “And just how does a woman behave?” 79

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “You beg sweetly, „please do not hurt me‟ and we tell you that you will be fine. You spread your legs and give us what we want and no harm is done,” said a man as though it made perfect sense to him. From his mannerism and the many words she caught, she understood a great deal of what he said. “You‟re serious? Really?” she asked incredulous. She had slipped back into speaking English she was so surprised. A man came forward looking relieved, obviously thinking she didn‟t know how to plead for mercy in their language so she was just using her own. Her raised fist shot out rapidly then retreated. She smashed his nose drawing blood with her quick precise blow, as he stumbled back another man lunged and grabbed her around the waist. “Twenty-first century women don‟t beg, because of Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality we know how to sing!” she bellowed, again in English. Her elbow smashed into his solar plexus. Her heel jammed down onto his instep and she spun out of his arms, punched his nose then hoofed her foot into his groin. He went down howling. The others came at her at the same time. But before any of them got their hands on her, a war cry rent the air, and Valerie would have screamed in terror if she hadn‟t recognized Hott and Ulfr splashing through the water barreling towards her. They looked murderous, and she thought for a second she was a wee bit wrong. She most definitely would have begged for her life if they had looked at her like that, as it was she spun and fled for the bank and her clothing. Valerie pulled her tunic over her head and moved to her left as a man was tossed onto the bank where he bounced, skidded, and then remained still. He groaned, and she sidestepped him. Ulfr had two men suspended by his large fists in the air and cracked their heads together. Hott had another up off his feet. He lifted him into 80

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott the air high over his head and tossed him onto the bank as well. Other men were shouting and running. Valerie wrapped her arms around her chest, and was grateful when Bera came forward and led her away. Valerie and Bera waited together a long time in the hut with the door latched. Valerie wondered what was going on and wished Hott would come and get her. **** The men were all gathered in a large hut. Everyone was speaking at the same time. Hott was yelling that the men should have known better. The others were yelling that the woman should be shared. This sparked rage from the men who had women and were already sharing with brothers or cousins. “Hott said it himself. His little Valkyrie was a gift from Odin and Valhalla. She should belong to us all!” a man shouted. “Why do you not marry off your daughter? She is old enough,” came another argument. “Your wife waves her ass at everyone knowing we can‟t touch her,” complained yet another. “Enough!” boomed Alfarin. Everyone quieted, though a few remained grumbling. “I understand your frustration.” “How can you, old man? Do you even rise anymore?” a man snapped. Alfarin glared at him. “I could still, at my age, take more woman than you, Geirr. It is obvious we need to make plans to find us new women.” A cheer went up. “But who will protect the women here when you are gone?” Hott asked. “The men who have access to them,” Alfarin replied. “But that means we cannot find our own woman,” Geirr complained. “I tire of using my brother‟s wife for my needs. I want my own woman.” “We will bring back enough,” Alfarin declared. 81

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Whose village do we hit?” asked a man. “The same village that murdered our women and children, Haki,” Alfarin said. “I will not wage war on women and children,” Ulfr snapped. “We will wage war on the men and keep their women and offspring. They will replace the ones they stole,” Alfarin declared. The men cheered again. “They are too far. You said you followed their trail, and they are heading farther north fast,” Hott began reasonably. “If they hit the pass first through the mountains you could be trailing them all summer or longer. They took most of our horses, while we would be on foot. We need all the hands we have for the harvest. We need to wait for the first thaw or we may be trapped in their village for the winter.” “Then we are back to the same problem!” Haki yelled. “I will share my wife,” a man offered, looking at the others with remorse. “She is barren and has told me she wouldn‟t mind having a few of you.” Alfarin placed his hand on the man‟s shoulder. “She is a good woman, Varr. Perhaps her selflessness will please Odin enough to gift her with a child.” “And if my wife wiggles her ass at you, and is agreeable, you may have her behind. But we are trying for a child to replace the one we lost,” another man said. “What of the Valkyrie, Hott?” asked another. “She is too small and still too skittish for the likes of you,” Hott replied. “And the next man who tries to touch her will be killed.” “By you or by her?” Geirr guffawed and everyone roared with laughter—except the men whom she injured. “And no one may touch my daughter!” There was agreement by most of the older men, resentment by the younger. 82

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Agreed,” Alfarin decreed. “You are to leave Hott‟s Valkyrie alone and Agnar‟s daughter, too.” The meeting broke up with Hott feeling very relieved and yet furiously angry. Ulfr had been the last one to be with Valerie, he should have protected her. A more frightened woman would have been raped repeatedly if they had not heard the howls of the man she had injured. Ulfr should have told Hott when he had finished with her. Hott had seen Ulfr go into the hut. That was the only reason he had left her alone. He had thought she would be guarded by his brother. Ulfr had a lot of explaining to do. **** Valerie was cooking porridge with Bera‟s help. The woman had originally left for a few brief moments only to return a short time later with sourdough, butter, some cheese, rye and oats. The men had been gone for close to what seemed like an hour now. Valerie was happy to keep busy, but she felt uneasy. The feeling magnified when she heard Hott and Ulfr arguing outside. As their voices rose she looked at Bera with concern. The older woman calmly broke a piece of bread and dipped it in the porridge. She handed it to Valerie and urged her to eat. Valerie caught few words. The men were talking too fast, but she heard her name mentioned often. She realized Hott was angry with his brother. She knew it wasn‟t because he had returned for sex, it was for something else. She cast a questioning look to Bera. Bera shrugged. “Ulfr should be more careful with you,” she explained. She sounded more than a bit annoyed. “He didn‟t hurt me, not really, and I agreed,” Valerie said in confusion and some embarrassment. Bera smiled. “He left you alone. You might have been injured, the men were eager.” Now Valerie understood. Hott was mad because he felt it was Ulfr‟s fault she‟d been attacked. She felt some annoyance at this. The only ones at fault were the men who would have raped her. 83

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott She rose angrily to her feet, placed her bread on the tabletop, and strode outside. She stepped between both men. She held out her hands, one on each of their heaving chests. “Stop,” she commanded. Others had gathered, including three of the men who had been at the river. She pointed at Ulfr and told Hott it wasn‟t his fault. She then pointed to the three men and glared. She did her best to indicate it had been their fault and only their fault. Voundr and the other two men now had everyone glaring at them. They shuffled about uncomfortably and mumbled a few words to Hott and Ulfr. Hott ran his hand over his face. He faced his brother, and Valerie knew he was apologizing. Ulfr nodded and the men clasped arms. Valerie breathed a sigh of relief. She grabbed Hott‟s hand and Ulfr‟s and led them inside. Bera was smiling widely. She hugged Valerie, leveled a finger and hard stare on the brothers, berated them for fighting and left. Ulfr walked over to the pot and helped himself to a generous amount of porridge. Hott sat at the table and broke off a hunk of bread. He was watching Valerie. “You are not to wander alone and away from our sight. There are rules to keep you safe from harm, little Valkyrie. You are strong but not nearly as strong as a determined warrior. There are other things you need to learn. Bera will teach you about our food,” he began. He used a few words she knew and a few she wasn‟t certain of. “It is time to teach you to be a good Viking woman.” Valerie wasn‟t certain but it sounded like he had just threatened her! Bera returned perhaps a half-hour later and took Valerie by the hand. She was feeling a bit full of herself. She had after all just kicked five warriors‟ asses—well almost. If she could manage in the twenty-first century full of technology and everything 84

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott confusing and high-tech and fast-paced, she could certainly fit in here in a primitive laid-back world that didn‟t even have watches, annoying computers, or deadlines. What could possibly be so hard about being a good Viking woman? **** Valerie lay face up on the pallet, she groaned unable and unwilling to move. She was exhausted. Her entire body ached, and she had been introduced to so many men her head was spinning. Thanks to Bera, she knew what men to avoid at all cost, who teased, and who was just downright annoying or dangerous. The young warriors were the most irritating. The poor women of the village put up with so much crap. She groaned again realizing she was now one of the village women. Never in her life had she expected people of the past did so much. During the course of the day she had learned to milk an unruly goat, a stubborn sheep, and a horse—the only three remaining animals the men had found in their search for the raiders. She had chased chickens and darted pecking beaks searching for eggs. She in turn had been chased by a huge, squawking goose that tried to peck her vulnerable butt cheeks and threw a stick at a man named Haki who motioned she should toss the fowl on its ass. She had gathered armloads of cut wood to stack at the side of the hut and hauled pots of water up from the river incline to be boiled for cleaning wool. She had helped the other women gather reeds and bulrushes. She had washed pot after pot for the men who needed them in their hearths, while they were busy rebuilding the village and lifting logs so big Valerie had gaped in open surprise. Valerie had learned to use flour and water as a starter for sourdough bread. And she had learned to make cheese that they would need stored for the long winter months. So much for her previous thoughts of, “how hard could it be?” It felt as though she had done a month of work in just one day. 85

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott In the evening, Valerie had partaken of eel stew, turnips, peas, parsnips and cabbage. The stew was seasoned with pepper. When Bera had informed her they were making skause, she‟d wondered what the older woman had meant. They had trekked to a large lake, where Hott kept a close eye on her. Bera had caught the eel and Valerie had shuddered. Ick! She soon learned the word skause meant stew. She had also learned she was to keep her pot on the hearth filled with something edible at all times. Valerie had shuddered at that. It gave a new meaning to the term “leftovers.” Valerie had been appalled when she had seen one of the men, Rollo, the man from the cave who had wanted her, take a piss in the lake near where they had been fishing. She‟d told Hott they would contaminate the water. Hott had just shrugged and said they could boil it and what did it matter? They drank ale or mead when thirsty. She had grown even more appalled to learn children drank the fermented beverages as well. An idea had come to her, and she had demanded Hott and the other men build an outhouse. They had scratched their heads at the term. With broken words and a lot of arm flailing she had gotten her message across, but no one had been willing to help her. The villagers preferred the woods in winter, or trenches were dug for summer use. Valerie had chosen a spot away from the village, but not too far and had begun digging. When Hott had seen her determination, and her sweet derrière show too many times when she bent over, he and Ulfr had enlisted a few men and had one built in no time. When it was done, Valerie had informed everyone they were to use the new facilities. When she had seen a young man, Geirr she thought his name was, pissing on a tree later in the day, she‟d kicked him in the ass and told him in no uncertain terms the world was not, in fact, a man‟s urinal. He‟d yelped, and she had determined she didn‟t care how it sounded, but she was going to be the poop police. She‟d be damned if she was going to end up 86

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott with worms, dysentery, or something equally foul because of these barbarians leaving their disgusting landmines wherever they pleased. Valerie groaned when Hott joined her on the pallet. He rolled her over and began messaging her back and shoulders. She had been given one of Bera‟s old dresses that was far too big, after Hott had found himself trailing after her because all the other men were hoping for a free peep show. It covered her effectively, but dragged on the ground tripping her. She had informed Hott she wanted pants like his, the dress was too scratchy. His eyes had raised, but she said she was more comfortable in pants—even if they were going to be wolf pants. Hott had agreed but told her it would take some time. He would need to go hunting. Hott lifted her dress and slipped the garment over her head. She felt like a wet dishrag. Soon Hott was rubbing her ass and thighs. It felt good, but she was so tired. She felt another pair of hands rub her feet. She groaned when Ulfr began sucking her toes. “You do not want to know where my feet have been today,” she mumbled in English. In fact she didn‟t want to remember where her feet had been. Ulfr worked his way up her body. They turned her onto her back. Both men were rubbing, sucking and kissing every inch of her. Ulfr moved away for a second, when he returned he handed her the flask and encouraged her to drink. He told her with movements and words she could understand his monster was starving. Valerie lazily sucked back most of the contents in the flask. The beverage was cool and sweet, it warmed her belly the moment it hit bottom and started to work almost immediately. Between the fermented brew and the men working their magic with their hands, she was starting to relax and feel better. Both men bent over her to take her breasts into their mouths and a groan escaped her lips. It felt strange to be suckled at the same time. Hott reached down and began to rub at her clit. Two 87

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott fingers slid inside her, and she moaned. His fingers were so thick. Ulfr began doing the same thing, and she squirmed uncomfortably. Pushing on their hands she indicated one finger only from each. Four was too much. Hott chuckled and said what she took to be an apology. They were eager. She could tell that they were by the way Ulfr still devoured her breast and his finger pumped into her. The man was always so intense. Hott laved at her nipple, rolling it between his lips and grazing the tip with care as though savoring a candy. His exploring finger dipped and retreated, testing her depths with care. Valerie knew where each man touched. She had come to know just by the strength and gentleness they exerted who was doing what. With both men latched onto her breasts and fingering her, she began feeling her anticipation build. Hott released her breast and pulled her leg up. He pushed his finger deeply into her ass and she bucked against him. Ulfr rose higher to straddle her chest. He pushed his swollen penis past her lips, and she sucked him in as deeply as she could, her hands stroked up and down him in a gentle motion. She jumped when she felt Hott‟s mouth begin to taste her wet heat. His tongue licked her insides, and she shuddered. Valerie‟s knees were pushed up, and Hott replaced his tongue with his hard cock. Inch by careful inch he pushed higher and her legs began to shake. Hott felt so good but she was so tired. She knew he sensed this as he rode her gently. His hips rocked against her. He was eager, and mildly persuasive, yet not demanding, and she was grateful he understood her needs were important as well. Ulfr moved to the side and turned her face. His hand gripped her hair, and he pushed his penis back into her mouth. His hand fondled her breasts. Unlike Hott, Ulfr was demanding. It was a bit annoying tonight because of her exhaustion, but he wasn‟t rough. Ulfr‟s hand released her hair and began to stroke the side of her face. His other hand was braced in the furs, gripping them and releasing, the look in his eyes was so intense. Valerie realized he 88

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott was using restraint, at least what he was capable of. When she understood this she sucked him harder wanting to give him what he needed. Hott lifted her legs higher until her knees rested on his shoulders. He began pumping harder. Valerie couldn‟t do much more than moan, her hands dropped to her sides, and she allowed the men what they wanted. Her own fiery heat built within her. Ulfr‟s hand was once again wrapped in her hair, and she knew he wanted to come in her mouth. Hott bucked harder into her. Every inch found its way inside. She sucked harder onto Ulfr. Both men came at the same time Valerie did. Both men howled their release while she felt the semen slide down her throat. Ulfr tasted as sweet as his brother. Valerie was completely spent. The day had been so long and hard. She fell asleep with Hott buried inside her and Ulfr removing himself from her mouth.

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Chapter 8 Summer began and moved on as though a blur and life was filled with living. There were so many things to learn to aid in their daily survival. As the season began changing and growing colder, Valerie was fitting in comfortably with her new life. To her relief she became quickly fluent in Hott‟s language, while instilling a few of her own words for the others to learn when the situation called for it. The other villagers ignored her little idiosyncrasies and grew accustomed to her strange ways and subtle differences. They had no idea what life was like in Valhalla and so they made excuses for her. She had everyone in the village washing their hands often and brushing their teeth. She had designed and, with aid of other men, built three more outhouses. She had also talked the men into building a huge wooden cabin out of massive logs. When they finished they were surprised at how comfortable it was. Their meetings were held there, as were a number of community dinners. There were three large hearths within the cabin. They stored their salted preserves in the high rafters and in a cold cellar dug deep within the ground. Valerie had insisted on a wood floor in the cabin covered over with many furs. She had wooden furniture built—couches and chairs that were made soft by stuffed leather cushions. She was learning to spin wool with a whorl spindle. The other women taught her how to make clothing for her and Hott 90

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott and Ulfr with hemp. She accepted her Viking life with open arms. Some of her favorite times were sitting, cradled against Hott while others told fantastic stories. She learned of their Gods and the respect they held them in. She shivered when they spoke of giants as if they were real. Valerie told them her own stories. Renditions of frightening bedtime tales, where people were swallowed by wheeled chariots and driven around at a frightening pace, faster and wilder than any runaway horse could charge. She called these horrid devils the dreaded taxis. Taxis devoured your coins and squealed away leaving you breathless and penniless. She kept them spellbound with tales of massive winged beasts that flew through the air high above the clouds, stealing people away like dragons to different lands, only these were called airplanes. Which, by the way, also stole your money and made you grateful to be standing on solid ground. She introduced them to hamburgers and shish kabob and coleslaw—finding wild carrots in the forest that were white not orange. She tried her hand at homemade eggnog flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon, and in turn was treated to the freshest honey and honeycomb she had ever tasted. They partook of mutton and lamb, fresh fish, and seaweed. They roasted chestnuts over their fires. She even tried squirrel when Bera insisted it would cook well in her pot, and the skins were worked into soft inside slippers. Her surrounding area, in her eyes, had been transformed into a grocery and retail store, only it was free—if she worked hard enough. Hott told Valerie he would wed her in the spring, when they could have a huge feast. Valerie didn‟t mind waiting. They were too busy for a wedding. All of the seeds needed to be harvested as well as wheat and nuts. She learned how to pull back the layers of birch bark on the tree and cut out the soft inner bark. It was then dried and ground into sweet flour. She learned to brew ale and 91

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott how to search for wild yeasts. Bera was a wealth of information and the two women could be found together most days searching the forest for food treasures. At night Valerie would lay in the arms of her two Viking warriors feeling loved and protected. She could sometimes hear the soft snuffling of a bear as one or two would roam the village at night looking for leftovers. She had been terrified to go out at night until Hott had hand-fed one of the bears in front of her. She got used to these gentle giants ruffling around, astounded to learn the Vikings had thought of them as pets—if they were captured and gentled at a young age. The bears were then left to wander free when they became too large. It was a different life to be certain, but Valerie was happy she had followed Hott into the mist. **** Valerie watched one morning in midsummer as Ulfr appeared to be stalking something. His intense gaze was settled on the horizon. “What are you doing?” she asked him. “Shh, I am watching that bitch,” he said and pointed to a huge dog. Valerie had seen her before on occasion from a distance. The animal seemed to be coming around more often. Today she wove back and forth near the village as though desperately wanting to come close. “What‟s she doing?” Valerie whispered. “She wants to come home but is afraid. She ran away when the raiders came. She is ashamed. She probably feels like a traitor because her master was killed. She should have gone with him to Valhalla. Under normal circumstances she would have fought by his side, but it wasn‟t her time. I am pleased she is back.” Valerie took a closer look at the dog that was edging forwards. “She‟s had pups!” she said in surprise. She could see her hanging teats. 92

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Yes, and I want them. But I don‟t know where her den is. She is cunning, and I tried before to follow her, but she hasn‟t stayed around long enough. If I can get her to feed from my hand, I can follow her back to them. They must be getting bigger and will need meat. I am guessing her visits here are more frequent because her need for solid food is growing. It must be hard on her to hunt when she is used to being fed. “Instinct draws her home. Because I am upwind she can smell the blood on the meat I‟m holding. Stay back,” he cautioned her when he moved quietly towards the dog. He spoke to the bitch in a gentle voice. Valerie watched as Ulfr handed the bitch a generous hunk of raw deer. The dog whimpered and dropped down in submission. She looked half-starved, poor thing. She was beautiful though. She looked like a massive husky. Her coat was dull, fluffy and matted, but her eyes were sharp with intelligence. Ulfr talked to her in a soothing voice, and Valerie smiled. He had a way with coaxing skittish females. When the bitch came close enough, she snatched the meat and slunk away. Ulfr followed from a distance. Valerie followed him. She kept him well within her sight. None of the men had gone after her again, but she was still fearful of raiders. She trusted Ulfr with her life. She had smiled proudly when Finna, the young girl, had asked her how she had tossed a full grown man onto his behind. With her father‟s encouragement, Valerie taught the young girl her moves. When Finna had tossed her brother onto his butt, Agnar, her father, had howled with pleased laughter and given Valerie a skinned and worked elk hide. “Stay here,” Ulfr directed her sternly. “I need to know where you are.”

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Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott They weren‟t too far into the forest. The bitch had stayed close, but cautious. Her den had been concealed well. Ulfr settled Valerie onto a fallen log. “She knows me, and I don‟t want you bitten when I pull the pups from the den.” Valerie waited with eager anticipation. The first pup emerged howling, as though Ulfr was killing it. The mother whined, but didn‟t interfere. The pup was big, and he snapped at Ulfr‟s hand. Ulfr chuckled and shook him by the scruff of his neck. The pup whimpered when Ulfr growled and taught him he was the dominant Alpha male. The pup settled and, smiling, Ulfr brought him over to Valerie. “He‟s beautiful. Will he bite me?” she asked. Ulfr placed him near Valerie. The pup bared his teeth at her, and she shied back. He was small, but still a good enough size to take a chunk out of her. Ulfr grabbed the pup by his scruff and shook him again, exuding his authority and growled deep within his throat. The pup turned onto his belly when Ulfr released him. “Rub his belly,” Ulfr directed her. Valerie did as she was told and soon the pup was wiggling happily beneath her hand. Ulfr returned with two more pups. Both were female. One was smaller than the others. Ulfr told her there had probably been more, but these were the strongest. That‟s why they had survived. He hefted the smallest into his arms, and she licked his chin and cheeks and made tiny whimpering sounds. Ulfr pulled meat from a sack and fed her a few small pieces, telling her what a good girl she was. She gobbled them down and begged for more. Ulfr handed the pup to Valerie. “You may have this one,” he told her and she squealed in delight. He bent to grab the male by his scruff. “And you, my little friend, are mine. I will call you Sultan.” 94

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Ulfr retrieved the last pup and they both walked back to the village with the bitch trailing them. The pups were fawned and fussed over and a discussion began on whether the bitch should be killed and sent to Valhalla to be with her master. Valerie hoped not. The man had already gone on his way. She argued he must have had a dog before this one who could walk with him into Valhalla. On reflection they reasoned she was right—it was a good argument. Perhaps when her heat was upon her again the bitch would breed with a wolf. It was obvious her pups were part wolf and the village needed the dogs. Valerie was delighted to have the puppy trail her around, until the animal pooped in the large cabin. One of the men asked her if she was going to teach the dog to crap in the outhouse. The other men found this hilarious and slapped their thighs at the joke. Valerie rolled her eyes and told them she was, in fact, going to make her a place to do her business away from everything else. This resulted in more laughter until Valerie soon had the puppy scratching at the heavy wooden door only a week later when she needed to relieve herself. Hott had looked smugly at the amazed men. Valerie named her puppy Petal, saying she was as delicate as one. Hott told Valerie he was very proud of her. That she was becoming a good Viking woman because when she undertook a task she stuck to it, but that she needed to accomplish one more thing. So far, Valerie had refused to kill anything. She had insisted the meat they brought to her be dead and prepared for cooking before she touched it. Hott and Ulfr now insisted they had indulged her long enough and demanded she learn to clean the game they brought back like the other women of the village. Today they were adamant that she kill a small pig. The warriors had killed the mother that morning and had given each of the women a piglet for their stewing pots. 95

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie stood there looking at the sweet face of the pig. His fur was striped, and he had the cutest little feet. They were so dainty, just like a baby‟s. Ulfr handed her a hatchet. She gazed at the deadly looking weapon horrified. They actually expected her to kill something? Her belly rolled with the thought. “One good clean strike and it won‟t suffer,” Ulfr said. “Don‟t worry, we will be close.” Hott handed the piglet over into Valerie‟s arms. She stood starring into the adorable face that gazed up at her with huge solemn eyes as though sensing its imminent demise. She ran her cheek against the piglet‟s rough fur. The poor little baby had lost his mother. She had been taken from him. He was all alone. If not for Hott she would have been all alone at one time. The poor little piggy must be so afraid. Valerie felt her tears build. She couldn‟t do it, everyone in the cabin was watching her, and a few were chuckling. She had eaten pig before. But the thought of killing this tiny, utterly defenseless creature was too much. She started crying. Hott sighed heavily with Bera berating him and the others for their cruelty to her friend. With a shrug Hott reached for the animal, telling her never mind, if this was the only thing she refused to do, he could live with her kindheartedness. Valerie stepped back away from him, clutching the piglet to her chest possessively, refusing to part with it. It needed her, she felt it in her heart and though she knew it was an odd feeling, she didn‟t care. “You will cut your hand off if you‟re blinded with tears, little Valkyrie,” Hott stated with concern. “I want him!” she sobbed loudly. Both men looked at her astounded, more laughter followed. “What do you mean, you want it?” Ulfr exclaimed. “He‟s mine and his name is Porky not „it‟,” she howled and sobbed louder, and could have cared less that she sounded unreasonable and petulant. 96

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Give me the animal. I will make certain he feels no pain,” Hott said kindly. He moved forward, Valerie howled, she released the hatchet and it clattered harmlessly to the floor. Then with one hard grasp of his wrist, Hott went sailing out the open cabin door onto his behind. He stormed angrily back into the cabin while the others laughed uproariously. “Stop tossing me on my ass,” he demanded with a hard scowl. Valerie sobbed loudly and buried her face into the piglet, soaking the animal with her tears. Petal sat at her feet and added her own howls. Soon Sultan and the other pup joined the chorus. Hott dragged his hand over his face. Finna began crying. “Why are you crying?” her brother demanded. “Because Hott is being mean to my friend,” Finna wailed. Soon the other women were crying. “Look what you started,” Alfarin snapped at Hott. Hott‟s mouth dropped open. “Don‟t cry, child,” Alfarin soothed. He stroked Valerie‟s back in a fatherly gesture. Agnar moved to put his arms around his daughter who wailed louder. He glared daggers at Hott. “You may keep the pig!” Hott shouted to be heard. Valerie brightened immediately. “Really? I can keep Porky?” “Yes,” Hott said. He hung his head looking as though he didn‟t know whether to laugh or to be angry. “This is a great day,” Bera said. “Why? Because we now have a pet pig?” Ulfr asked. “No,” Bera chided. She went over to Valerie who was drying her tears on her sleeve. “Our little Valkyrie is with child.” Valerie‟s eyes shot up in stunned surprise. “Are you certain?” Hott asked with sudden excitement, his annoyance obviously forgotten. 97

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “I‟ve been certain since she came here with you,” Bera said smiling widely at Valerie. It was impossible not to return her friend‟s smile, and Valerie smiled back. “Why didn‟t you say something?” Hott demanded. He looked at both women. “Isn‟t it obvious to you Valerie had no idea? And I said nothing because she needed to learn to be a good Viking woman. If I had mentioned the babe, she would have been too restricted, and there was already so much she needed to overcome. How would she have felt to be hand motioned to she was expecting a baby when she couldn‟t even speak our language? It would have made any woman fearful. Besides, I have been keeping a close eye on her,” Bera reasoned. Hott grasped Valerie to his chest and the piglet squealed. He tossed the animal to the ground where it was immediately inspected by all three pups. Ulfr came over to hug them both. A great whoop carried through the huge cabin. A new life would indeed be welcome.

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Chapter 9 Valerie and Finna were outside in the cool autumn air playing with Petal and Porky. They chased the animals around the field. Some of the villagers were a short distance away collecting wheat, while others were farther down the field. They were harvesting turnips and cabbage to help them through the long hard winter ahead. Valerie had insisted she could help, after all she had only started her second trimester and she wasn‟t even showing. Hott demanded she rest. The only thing he wanted her doing was cooking and warming his bed. Both men continued to make love to her, but it was sweet and controlled. Valerie missed their passion. She had found her sexual lust to be in overdrive. She couldn‟t get enough. To her shame she had begged Ulfr one day to give in to his desire for rough sex and just screw her brains out. He had looked utterly appalled with the idea until she explained it was just a manner of speaking and her brains would remain safely in her skull. He had then, more than agreeably, bent her over the table, grabbed her wrists, covered her mouth and took her like a wildman denied something he‟d needed for too long. It had been bliss feeling his hard massive cock slamming into her ass. She screamed her muffled release over and over craving more, bucking against him until Ulfr had laughed and swatted her behind. Her ass had ached, but it had been worth it. Ulfr told her he would have 99

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott her when she needed it, but once she was showing he would stop. She hoped she wouldn‟t show until her ninth month. Finna dragged her from her thoughts by squealing in laughter. Porky was stuffing his nose under her dress. Valerie chuckled remembering Ulfr howl one night when while during sex the piglet had stuck its cold nose almost right up his ass. Served him right! She giggled. She grabbed the piglet, which did his own squealing and tossed him aside. His little feet flailed for a moment before righting himself. Valerie continued chuckling until she looked over at Finna. The young woman who had agreed to keep her company had gone a deathly pale. Valerie stared in the direction she was gazing. Barreling down on them fast was a group of men on horseback. Finna whimpered, and remained frozen in fear. Valerie screamed for Hott. She grabbed Finna by her wrist and dragged her into a dead run. Hott was yelling. The other men raced towards them, but it was too late. A man reached down and yanked Finna away from Valerie, despite the girl‟s kicks and screams. Another man pulled Valerie into his arms. She didn‟t know whether to beat at him or hang on for dear life. In the end she clung to him, not wanting to risk the life of her child by falling. Farther and farther the men rode until Hott was just a small speck in the distance. Soon he was gone. She could hear Finna sobbing and begging for her life. Valerie was also wondering what these men would do to them. **** Night had fallen, and Valerie sat quietly in a dirty hut. It had been thrown together days earlier she learned. The other women were quiet and moved about slowly and fearfully. The men who had kidnapped her had been the same ones who had killed Hott‟s wife and baby. She asked one woman why they hadn‟t just taken them too instead of murdering them. Another woman explained in 100

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott a tiny tired voice that they had all been kidnapped by these men, and their babies had been butchered. These men had no mercy for their own offspring. If they cried too much they were considered weak and were left behind to die on the trails they wandered endlessly, always moving, always stealing, and killing. They had attacked Hott‟s village for the livestock. They had wanted the horses mostly. They didn‟t need the headache of more women and children. In truth they had been killed because the idea entertained the men. Valerie and Finna had been taken on a whim, just to prove they could. Finna rocked back and forth near where Valerie sat. She recognized one of the men who had killed her mother. He seemed to be the leader of the band of murderers. He was filthy and slovenly. He was also as big as Hott and appeared just as powerful. Each time he approached Finna, she screamed and cowered. Valerie wrapped her arms around the girl. “Stop your wailing or I‟ll cut your tongue out,” the man snapped. Finna looked at him horrified. She sniffled, swallowed her sobs, and quieted but Valerie felt her shaking. “All of you women finish what you‟re doing, it‟s time for bed.” The Viking gave a suggestive look at the men who smiled. Each man moved to take a woman into their furs. The huge Viking grabbed a young woman to his chest. “But there are others,” she protested. Valerie could see the woman‟s fear build as the Viking fondled her roughly. The man grabbed her hair and bent her back to look into her eyes. “But you know what I like. I‟m not in the mood to teach another right now,” he snarled. It wasn‟t long before Valerie heard the moans and grunts of many engaged in sex. For now she and Finna were spared from an assault. 101

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott **** In the morning, Valerie and Finna were forced to cook and clean and help the other women with daily chores. There had been some surprise at seeing children milling about helping. Valerie hadn‟t noticed any in the hut. Although upon reflection it had been dark and her concern was solely dedicated to her welfare and that of Finna‟s. She wondered where they had been, yet dismissed the thought for a moment when another stunning realization hit. There were no supplies for when the colder weather would set in. “How will you eat when there is nothing stored for winter?” Valerie whispered to a woman. The woman looked hesitant to answer. Looking cautiously around, and seeing no men close enough to overhear she replied, “They steal what they want. They will bring more women to warm their beds as soon as the snow falls.” “Why do you stay?” Valerie asked. “They will kill us if we leave, and it‟s not a pleasant way to die. They beat and raped one woman to death in front of us when she escaped and they brought her back.” Valerie shuddered. She felt nauseous, and she knew it wasn‟t due to her condition. She couldn‟t imagine one of them touching her, let alone all twenty of them. She could see the men leering at her and Finna. “Why don‟t you fight? You outnumber the men,” she whispered. “Fight how?” the woman asked with remorse. “One blow from a heavy fist would kill us. They have weapons.” “So do you,” Valerie insisted. “What weapons do we have?” the woman asked curiously. “Surprise,” Valerie whispered and smiled. It took a small amount of coaxing to gain the women‟s trust. She could see hope and desperation in the eyes of the women who weren‟t completely broken down. During the day Valerie took 102

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott each woman aside, and taught her how to flip a man to the ground. She encouraged Finna to aid her. Soon the women were taking turns flinging each other to the forest floor. It was done goodnaturedly and a few of the women found themselves laughing and smiling—something they hadn‟t done in a long time. Their confidence built with some semblance of new power. One woman asked what were they to do once the man was on the ground. Valerie thought for a moment. She looked around knowing they would be disarmed if they grabbed the men‟s swords. If they scattered, a few hapless victims would be caught and killed. What would the children do? She strolled around the perimeter and was soon back. “We have our own weapons,” she informed them. The women looked at her curiously. “Grab whatever pot or pan is closest and give them a solid whack across their murdering, raping foul heads!” That night Valerie watched warily as Anki, the Viking leader, kept gazing over at Finna. There was no way Valerie was going to let him get his hands on the vulnerable girl. The women had agreed on a certain time they would stage their coup. Valerie told them they just needed to bide their time; she knew Hott would come. One of the women worriedly asked her if Hott and his men would kill them in retaliation. Valerie assured all the women Hott and his men didn‟t wage war on women and children. A few women looked relieved as they pulled their youngsters closer. Soon the children were gathered by the men and sent outside. Valerie had learned earlier that the children slept in another hut away from the adults, thus explaining their sudden appearance in the morning. She hadn‟t noted the other hut in the darkness when brought in by Anki and his men. As it was, the hut housing the children was a ramshackle piece of work and set away from the main lodging. Anki didn‟t want to be woken by some sniveling brats wanting their mothers. It was also odd that all of the children 103

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott were close to the same age. Some were younger at five and six, most were between the ages of eight and ten. When Valerie asked why one of the women explained. “The little ones cry too much and are of little to no use and are killed or left for dead on the trails we follow. The older ones were either killed in the camps on the raids or slaughtered when they reached camp if they were male. Anki doesn‟t want anyone‟s son taking revenge. The others are forced to work as hard as us women, and they are easy to control.” The woman pointed at a filthy child of perhaps five, he was sitting quietly near a woman. “He is Anki‟s son. The boy is the youngest here, and he has been permitted to live. Although except for life, Anki shows him little mercy and barely tolerates him. The woman beside him isn‟t his mother. His mother tried to run, and Anki killed her.” “The woman who was beaten and raped to death?” Valerie asked appalled. “Yes,” she replied sadly. Valerie‟s anger rose and her blood boiled. She wanted Hott to come and slice Anki‟s foul head from his shoulders. But she waited, biding her time until the right moment. **** Finna sobbed when Anki approached her, and she huddled closer into Valerie‟s embrace. Both women stood. “She‟s a child,” Valerie snapped at the man. “Not when I‟m through with her,” he drawled. Valerie shoved Finna behind her. She put on her best flirtatious smile. She reached out and ran a hand across Anki‟s chest. She slid her hand slowly down his bare chest to his groin and squeezed. “Wouldn‟t you rather have a woman?” she asked in a sultry voice. “I can do things that will have you falling on your ass.” She heard a quickly muffled chuckle. Anki looked interested. “Show me here what you can do.” 104

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie gave a quick look to the other women who had strategically positioned themselves around the hut. She took Anki‟s wrist into her hand. “You‟re so powerful,” she said. Her other hand gripped the same wrist. The next thing Anki knew he was sailing in the air and landed onto the open fire on his ass. The women attacked. Anki had dumped a pan of cooking grease onto the fire when he had landed and he was howling in agony as his clothing caught fire. He ran out of the hut flapping his arms wildly while stripping. Valerie saw a woman usher Anki‟s son out of the hut soon after. She should have known the boy was the man‟s sooner when she had noted he was the youngest, and the only child allowed to sleep with the adults. A man landed on his butt right in front of her with a hard thump. He began to rise with a growl of rage on his lips. He faced the woman who had tossed him with a snarl when Valerie‟s finger tapped his shoulder. He turned, and she slammed the fry pan into his nuts. He screamed. “Any head you hit is fine,” Valerie said before chuckling. She then whacked the bent over man over his blond head. The warrior went down hard and was knocked out cold. Valerie smiled down at the pan and spun it around. “A handy weapon in any century!” Valerie heard a loud bong and turned to see Finna dump a stewing pot and its contents over another man‟s head. The girl then walloped him again with a piece of firewood. Everywhere she looked men were flipping and flopping to the ground. She heard a tremendous battle cry from behind her that was cut short. She turned and looked into the stunned face of Hott as he and the other men barged through the open hut door. A man went sailing through the air, and Hott ducked as he flew by. “They‟ve all gone mad!” a man howled and tried to flee past Hott, who ran him through with his sword. 105

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie grabbed Finna and sent her into the waiting arms of her father. Valerie raced to Hott. Hott‟s men overtook the renegades, and Hott dragged Valerie outside. She could hear the screams of the men as Ulfr and the others killed the raiders. A few escaped, but Hott looked unconcerned. Hott‟s men had secured the horses and dispatched the few remaining raiders. **** Hott chuckled when he heard a few of the men grumble that Valerie and a bunch of women had spoiled what could have been an amazing battle. He didn‟t care as long as his little Valkyrie was safe in his arms. Hott looked around at the women shuffling their feet uneasily, watching him. Valerie approached him. “They‟re a bit afraid you‟ll kill them and their young for revenge. They were prisoners here. Used and abused, their children murdered in front of them. Please use your indoor voice when you speak to them,” she pleaded. Hott rolled his eyes, thinking it one of her more annoying terms. “You are all free to go!” Hott yelled as quietly as he could, he looked at Valerie who nodded with approval. “Now wait a minute,” Geirr snapped. “I came here looking to find a wife.” “I will wed you,” a woman piped up quickly, and stepped forward for his inspection. She was a full-bodied buxom blonde with a girl of perhaps nine clinging to her skirts. “I have no home to go to. I will give you many children, and I will warm your bed.” Geirr looked pleased and went to her. He eagerly reached out and tested her breasts weight in his open palms. She immediately flipped him on his arse onto the dirt. “Damn you, Valerie. Why did you have to go and teach them that?” he shouted, rubbing his behind. “Welcome to my world,” Hott muttered. A few of the men sniggered. 106

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott The woman looked down at the fallen man with a stern look. “There will be none of that in front of the wee ones,” she said. But when she held out her hand, he sheepishly took it with a shrug. Most of the women were agreeable to accompanying the men to their home. A few wanted to go home and set out together as they were from the same village. “What of him?” a woman asked. “His father is the one who murdered your wife and boy.” Anki‟s son stood sucking his thumb, swaying with his eyes downcast. Hott went and stood before him. He squatted down. “What‟s your name, boy?” “He has no name,” a woman said sadly. “Anki declared him to be an idiot. He doesn‟t talk, he used to at one time, but well with all he‟s seen, why would he make any noise? He didn‟t want his father‟s attention. No one did.” Valerie came over to place her hand on Hott‟s shoulder. Hott picked up the child. “Anki took my son, now his son is mine. We will teach him to speak, and he will be a great warrior.” Valerie looked at Hott with a strange expression. He wondered if she were annoyed. “And what will you name our new son?” she asked to his relief. “Hrolf.” Hott lifted the boy high into the air under his arms for all to see. “My son, Hrolf!” A cheer went up. Hott smiled at the boy when he lowered him onto his feet. He ruffled his hair. He kissed Valerie hard on the mouth, and she kissed him back. Odin was indeed smiling on him. He had his little Valkyrie, a baby on the way, and now a new son he could train to be a great warrior, like his father—him.

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Chapter 10 Hott took Valerie and their new son home on Anki‟s horse. Valerie heard the men discussing Anki from their new mounts on their return. The remarks were heated with fury. The women, settled on the horses before or behind them, remained quiet and fearful. The children, too, were terrified of the unknown. A hunting party would set out in the morning. The loud chatter of many warriors voicing their opinions was an awesome thing to be privy to. Valerie‟s ears rang and she cringed when more than a few men explained in vast detail what should be done to Anki and the other men who had escaped when they were apprehended. The images conjured in her mind made her gag and her belly heave in revolt. Hott did some yelling of his own when he noted her distress. “Enough!” he boomed. Though he had leaned back away from her ear, Valerie jumped, as did Hrolf. “These women and children have seen enough without your graphic mutterings. Warrior talk should be done among warriors. Which woman before you do you think will jump into your furs with images of Anki‟s head on a pike or his flesh peeled from his bones or his eyes gauged? No doubt they think he deserves it, as do we all, but we can continue the discussion tomorrow amongst ourselves while we search.” 108

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Many agreed and though there was still the occasional grumble, the men settled their ranting. They rode throughout the night and, succumbing to exhaustion, and the lulling gait of the horse, Valerie fell asleep safe in Hott‟s arms. The boy slumbered in hers. When they reached the village it was decided many of the women and children would sleep in the large cabin. They would be too vulnerable outside and had no knowledge of the men. For now they wished to stay together under one roof. The men had no intention of losing their great fortune and many stayed to keep guard, both inside and around the grounds. They had no concern the women would run. They had agreed to accompany them of their own free will, but there was a chance danger lurked. Anki and his lust for killing coupled with revenge could prove volatile. The cabin was made of wood, and Anki‟s weapon of choice was fire. Valerie was simply grateful to be home. She was concerned about the child. He had jumped fitfully, awaking from sleep many times. She wondered if he was just frightened, or if he had trained himself to sleep for only short periods of time. He was small for his age and malnourished. After being at the camp only a short time she knew why. The men ate first, the women second, and the children were given scraps, if anything was left. She had been told on many days there was nothing. Valerie had been appalled and wondered why Anki had kept the boy. Why not feed your own son? The man was a monster. She was angry he had gotten away for the women and children‟s sake. She was also fearful. What if he followed them seeking revenge? She had burned him, and made him look like a fool. She couldn‟t see him letting her get away with that. He would kill her if he got the chance. 109

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie carried the sleeping child into their hut and placed him on the pallet. She curled her tired body around him. She felt Hott crawl into the furs beside her and Ulfr on the other side. She pointedly removed Ulfr‟s wandering hand. He muttered an apology and said it was an accident. Accident or not she determined this sleeping arrangement would never work and needed to be changed in the morning. The boy couldn‟t possibly sleep with them. Even if Ulfr decided to have another woman and leave their hut for his own, the sleeping arrangements wouldn‟t work. The chaos had been too confusing to get a sense of whether or not a woman had turned Ulfr‟s head, though Valerie doubted it. When the men had found them, Ulfr had looked as relieved as Hott to have her back. No the sleeping arrangement just wasn‟t plausible. No child slept with their parents every night—right? But for tonight she was too tired to think about it. Valerie closed her eyes but sleep was a long time in coming. **** Valerie woke to find the men gone. She heard Hott call to Ulfr from outside the hut and knew he wasn‟t far. Hrolf stood beside the bed with his thumb stuck in his mouth quietly watching her sleep. She heard his stomach rumble and smiled at him. “Somebody‟s hungry,” she said. She rose, still fully clothed from the previous night. Her mouth felt stale from the dry disgusting scrap of bread she had been given in Anki‟s camp, her only meal. She ran her tongue over her teeth and made a face. She needed to find a wet cloth to clean her teeth and something to rinse her mouth out with. But first the boy and his needs. She went to her cooking pot and was happy to see leftover porridge. She never would have thought she‟d be so grateful for leftovers. She plopped a gob of the cold porridge into a wooden bowl and grimaced, her belly rolled. It was congealed, and there 110

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott was only enough for one person really. Perhaps she had best eat later and see if the boy could stomach this better than she felt she could. Hrolf stood looking up at her hopefully. She led him to the table, and sat him down. She placed the food in front of him. He then looked at her sadly. “I know it looks gross, but it should hold you until I can make some bread.” Still the boy looked at her. Valerie took a small wooden spoon she had demanded Hott make. She took a bite of the porridge, grimaced, and smiled. “Mmm, yummy,” she declared, almost gagging. And mentally called herself a liar. She passed the food back to Hrolf. He dipped his finger into the bowl, ignoring the spoon. He was still watching her warily. “Poor boy. Were you beaten for eating?” she muttered aloud. She smiled at him and encouraged him to eat. All at once the boy attacked the food as though it might disappear. Valerie watched horrified as he took the gob of mush and stuffed it all into his mouth, practically choking on it. She wondered if she should take it away from him and decided she might lose a limb. When finished, the boy sucked his fingers and licked the bowl clean. Valerie studied him carefully. He was filthy. His face and neck were almost black from grime and his ears were dirty. Her eyes narrowed onto his hair and in a closer inspection she thought she saw something. A few strands of his hair were moving. Swallowing hard Valerie leaned forward. Oh my God, he was infested with lice. Valerie scratched her head. She suddenly felt like the bugs were all over her. She jumped to her feet, grabbed the boy, and raced to the river. It was warm for a fall morning thankfully. She stripped both the child and herself and dragged him kicking and screaming into the cold water. 111

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “What are you doing?” Hott asked, appearing with Ulfr and many more. Valerie was struggling with the boy. “Shopping,” she snapped in irritation. Why did men ask stupid questions? “Get your clothes off, Hott, you too, Ulfr, and get in here.” Hrolf continued to scream bloody murder. “Are you drowning him, woman?” Afarin asked with worry. “He‟s full of bugs. Now I have to wash everything in the hut. And if he can scream, he can damn well talk!” she howled to be heard. “All right there‟s nothing to be seen here,” Bera said, moving in and taking over the situation. “I have some herbs to get rid of the vermin. I‟ll grab you a cloth and some soap roots.” Thankfully Hrolf had quieted a bit. He splashed Valerie with a scowl on his little face. She splashed him back and smiled smugly. She then, with a gleam in her eyes, wildly soaked Hott and Ulfr who were standing on the riverbank. The men yelled in mock horror. The boy looked terrified until Hott laughed and joined them. The entire family was soon frolicking about in the water. Bera joined them and between the two women they were able to clean the boy of lice and nits. When they finished, Valerie picked up the boy and wrapped him and herself in a warm leather blanket Bera had brought. She borrowed some clothing from another mother and dressed the child, keeping up a steady stream of chatter while the child remained silent. “No wonder he doesn‟t speak,” Ulfr said. “With your continuous yakking he can‟t get a word in edgewise.” Valerie threw a fur at him. “Take it outside and beat it senseless,” she said to him. Ulfr was laughing as he left, saying there was nothing wrong with a few bugs. She yelled back she had enough bed companions. She then eyed the boy critically. He was clean, but what to do with 112

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott him at night? He couldn‟t sleep between her and the men. He could have his own pallet but they had only one room, and she would be too embarrassed to have him in the same room when she and the guys were getting up close and personal. Hott walked in. “Hott, you and Ulfr need to add an addition,” she declared. “To what?” he asked. “To the hut. Hrolf needs his own room.” “We can put a pallet on the other side of the room.” “But he might see us.” “I‟m sure he‟s seen others.” Hott was probably right, but she determined Hrolf wasn‟t going to be watching them. “A new room with a door.” She stood before him with her arms crossed. Hott sighed dramatically. “You‟re a lot of trouble.” She sidled up to him suggestively and placed her hand on his crotch. “I‟ll make it worth your while.” “We‟ll add the room tomorrow,” Hott said. **** Hrolf was napping in the hut later that day. Valerie was outside with Bera shelling nuts in the afternoon sun. Hott took Valerie by the hand and asked Bera to keep an ear out for the boy. She smiled and nodded. Hott took Valerie into the woods following a path to the springs. Valerie followed him eagerly. He had been busy all day with the others making new fences to keep the livestock contained. A few men were arguing over some of the women. New huts still needed a bit more reinforcement before winter came. The cave was delightfully warm with the steam coming off the water. Hott undressed her slowly. He chuckled at the leather underpants she had made. 113

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “What?” she asked cheekily. “Designer panties in the ninth century, I‟ll start a new trend. I might make fur ones for the winter.” Hott took her in his arms, his head lowered to smell her hair. “I‟m sorry, little Valkyrie.” “For what?” she asked with surprise. “For not protecting you. How many men were you forced to submit too?” Valerie looked him directly in the eyes. “None.” He looked confused, yet hopeful. “There were none who touched you?” “No, and no one touched Finna either. It seemed none of them wanted to hassle with a screaming, fighting woman. They were tired and wanted someone already used to them.” Hott thought about that. He had waited for Drifa to be ready, although the raiders were without honor. He doubted they would have been tender or caring when they chose to bed with a woman. He pressed Valerie harder to his chest. His hand slipped into her panties and he gently squeezed her behind. “I want you,” she whispered. “I had been afraid you wouldn‟t want a man‟s touch again. I love you.” His hand stroked her hair and he pressed his forehead to hers. “And I love you.” Hott knelt before her. He licked at her belly that was just starting to round. He moved lower and removed her panties with his teeth. Valerie shivered in anticipation. She pulled her shirt off over her head in eagerness. She had thought she might never feel his touch again. She shrugged out of the bra she had fashioned. Hott moved between her thighs, cupping her bottom. Valerie leaned into him as he began tasting her. She buried her hands into his long silky hair. He used his fingers and mouth and tongue to 114

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott work his magic. Valerie groaned and tugged on his arms; she wanted him. Hott rose and took her to one of the pools. He went in first and then lowered her down, sliding her the length of his body until her toes reached the pool bottom. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed. Hott‟s mouth was warm and soft. His tongue danced with hers. He pulled Valerie lower into the water, and he was soon sitting on a smooth rock. Valerie dipped her hand lower and began rubbing his hard penis. She stroked him while his fingers delved within her. “I don‟t mean to move so fast, little Valkyrie, but I want you now. I missed you. I worried until I thought I would go mad.” Valerie could see how worried he had been and offered no protest. Hott lifted her, and she slid slowly down his huge length. There were two protruding rocks on either side of him, and she used them for leverage. She pushed at his shoulders gliding up over him. His firm hands pulled her ever so slowly back down onto him. His one hand released her to play with her breasts under the water. He rolled the nipple until the bud hardened. He lifted her higher and dipped his head to suckle from her when her breasts rose out of the water. She tilted her head back. Every touch to her body was a caress. It was as though he explored her for the first time. Only this time his gentleness was unsurpassed. It was his way of showing her the agony he had suffered at her absence. His hands glided up her wet back, massaging her. She relaxed against him as she slowly rode him. She loved his gentleness, his fierce protectiveness. He buried his hands into her hair and kissed her, drinking the sweetness of her lips and tongue. He kissed her cheek, her neck. “I am a lucky man,” he whispered. “I too am lucky,” she whispered back. “I love the feel of your touch.” 115

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott They continued to make sweet love until Valerie could feel herself begin to prune. She loved the hot springs where she could wash herself afterwards and not have to worry about cleaning the mess from the furs. “There you are!” Ulfr exclaimed. “Alfarin has been looking for you, Hott.” Valerie, who had been climbing out of the water smiled and slipped back in. She gave a seductive look to Ulfr who smiled back. She could see him harden right in front of her. “I‟ll head back. Make certain Valerie gets home safely,” Hott said and left. Ulfr‟s clothing slowly dropped to the cavern floor. Valerie shuddered in anticipation. She didn‟t mind having them both at the same time, but she loved feeling each man individually, and she was hot again already. Making sweet love was wonderful, but now she wanted something different. She knew Ulfr was a sex maniac and would give her what she wanted next. When his huge body slipped into the water the waves slapped at her breasts. Ulfr wasted no time and pinned her to the pool wall. She gasped when he entered her vaginally. “Ulfr, Hott?” she said, eyes raised. Ulfr groaned and pushed in higher. “I‟ve been dying to do this to you. I talked to Hott. I can‟t get you pregnant so he said it was fine, and I didn‟t think you would mind. Do you?” She gasped as he slid his cock deeper. “No, I don‟t mind,” she muttered. And she didn‟t! She had also wondered how it would feel. “But I thought he didn‟t want your seed inside me.” “He doesn‟t want my seed left in you up here,” he said and pumped against her with meaning. “It won‟t be. My seed will not be left in here. But in here.” He grinned roguishly at her when his one finger slid to her behind, then retreated. She grinned back and grabbed his ass cheeks and rammed herself against him. He returned the gesture. 116

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “I‟ve been dying for you to do this,” she gasped. Ulfr pulled her arms around his neck, she gripped his hair. Her mouth locked onto his and he devoured her lips in a lusty assault. His passion was unleashed from the start, still controlled, but fiery hot. He rocked against her steadily. He felt so good. She wiggled against him wanting him harder. But he shook his head at her, teasing her, and she gripped his hips with purpose and did a little taking of her own. He delved a finger up her behind and she moaned wanting more. “Ulfr,” she begged. “You like it hard, don‟t you?” he asked. “I can‟t seem to get enough,” she purred. Her fingers slid down his back to his behind. When she prodded him he removed himself. “Oh no, little Valkyrie.” He turned her sharply around. Ulfr lifted her half out of the pool onto her belly. Her legs dangled down. Ulfr rammed his cock up her ass, and she cried out. “I‟ve wanted to hear you scream my name,” he said gruffly. He removed himself and thrust again. She screamed his name in response. “Good,” he said. S he knew he was grinning. He took her harder and faster. She wept and moaned beneath him. Her fingernails slid across the smooth rocks as the water splashed over her. Ulfr‟s arm was around her waist, protecting her belly from the hard stone. Removing himself, he turned her and rubbed his cock in the water. Carefully he entered her vaginally again and rocked against her slowly. She gripped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. Once more their mouths locked together. Ulfr sucked her tongue and she pulled his head closer. Valerie was panting. She was ready for a cold shower she felt so damned hot. She could feel her juices as they slid over his cock 117

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott when she came. Ulfr had his hand tangled in her hair as his other hand cupped her behind. His heated mouth trailed hungry, hard kisses down her neck, then trailed up again until he nipped her jaw. She yelped. “Are you ready for me?” he demanded. His eyes were intense. His smoldering need was reflected back into her own eyes. “Yes,” she whimpered. Ulfr removed himself and turned her. He lifted her gently half out of the water again. He entered her behind slowly. She could feel the front of his thighs quiver when they touched the backs of hers. He wrapped his arm around her waist to cushion her belly. He remained motionless. “I won‟t stop until I‟m finished,” he warned, his voice was throaty and deep. “Good,” she panted. He removed himself and rammed up into her behind. She cried out and bit her lip. He did it again. He pulled her up a bit, bending her back. One hand was wrapped around her waist, the other he placed over her mouth. She shivered in anticipation. Ulfr began bucking into her. Valerie screamed under his hand, and it felt so good to howl a primal need. He turned into a crazed sex machine. Valerie had felt him get rough with her before, but she heard him speak. He was telling her he would make her forget any man who had touched her in the renegade camp. She had no way of telling him no one had laid a hand on her. She knew what he was doing, branding her. She felt a shiver of fear as he slammed more forcefully than he ever had before. Her eyes squeezed shut as she felt his power. She relaxed beneath him knowing he wanted her submission. She gave it to him eagerly. He claimed she was his and Hott‟s, only theirs. She knew that already and whimpered. Both brothers were so different. Hott took her sweetly and gently, his own way 118

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott of branding her his. But Ulfr, the wolf, was so demanding. She was unable to move against him, he held her too tightly. She wasn‟t concerned for the baby. He was being rough, but not vicious. She gave in to her desire and just felt him move. She could feel his muscular arm bulge against her. He tensed behind her and when he howled his release she shook, he sounded predatory. He slowed his movement and held still. Her mouth was released. “Ulfr?” “Mmm?” “No one touched me at the camp.” “I‟m happy to hear that. Anki‟s men are fools. I would have had you the second I saw you.” She smiled, and when he turned her around to cuddle her against his chest she leaned into him. “I would have been happy to have you.”

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Chapter 11 As the days past, Valerie grew larger. Her heated sex with both men turned into gentle lovemaking, and she was content to have them that way. She was showing now, her belly huge and round, and her hand loved to caress the swell of her baby‟s rump. She moved awkwardly around their two-room hut. She reached a hand to ruffle Hrolf‟s hair while he ate a hearty breakfast. The boy was thankfully filling out. None of the children looked so painfully thin, and it was a joy to hear them playing without fear. There was a big celebration in the spring for weddings planned. Valerie was happy and content. She wasn‟t certain if she felt annoyed or not when she saw Ulfr give his attention to a few of the other women. But he kept coming back to her, only he seemed different. He seemed restless and in need of something, Valerie was hopeful he would find what he was looking for. Hott on the other hand was deliriously happy. He was smitten with his new son. He took Hrolf with him whenever he was able. Hott said it was to give her some peace, but she knew he loved to spend time with the boy. When Hott climbed into bed beside her at night, he placed his hand on her belly. He would laughingly alternate from wanting a boy to a girl. Hrolf spun his bowl on the table. She had taught him to use a spoon, and eventually he stopped attacking his food with his mouth on his own when he realized he would get enough to eat. The bowl 120

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott spun again. It was his subtle hint he wanted more. Valerie took his bowl and squatted as best as she could to his eye level. “Say, more please, Mother,” she encouraged. He had yet to speak. One of the sweetest things she had heard was his laughter. Hott had made him laugh when he tossed him in the air and captured him to his chest. The boy also loved to sit on a horse before the large man and ride through the hills hunting. Hott was teaching him a great deal. The boy learned quickly and had already brought home a dead rabbit he had killed with his little bow and arrow. How quickly Hrolf had become their child. It was hard to remember a time when he wasn‟t theirs and living with them. She loved him as her own. Both she and Hott did. Hrolf just smiled at her. He cocked his head to the side in imitation of her. He took the bowl and handed it to her again. Valerie sighed. When she stood she could hear Petal‟s tail thumping on the wooden floor. The bitch had grown very large in a short time, and she was pleased the dog had grown to the fair size of her littermates. Porky lay beside the dog for warmth. Both animals had become fast friends, and they were good companions to both Valerie and the boy. Valerie ladled more porridge into the bowl. Hrolf loved it best with a bit of milk, when she could get it, and some drizzled honey. She straightened, and then dropped the bowl to the ground. Her hand clutched her belly and she gasped in air. A pool of water suddenly formed beneath her feet. She had taken to wearing dresses as her pregnancy progressed because they were more comfortable. Her hand rested on the tabletop to steady herself. Both Petal and Porky had jumped to their feet when the bowl clattered to the ground. Petal whimpered. Hrolf watched her with fear. She attempted to move to a chair, but another contraction seized her, and she yelped in pain. Her legs buckled, and she dropped to the floor. Petal moved close to lick her face. Hrolf was in front of her. 121

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott His anxious little face was close to hers, his hand resting on Porky‟s head. “Hrolf, my son, get your father,” she pleaded, then doubled over in pain. “Hurry.” Hrolf raced from the hut. **** Hott was in the cabin. The men had been discussing a hunt. There was too much snow, some argued. Alfarin was listening quietly to everyone‟s opinion when the cabin door slammed open, and Hrolf came flying inside followed closely by Petal. Hott smiled at the child until he noted the boy‟s wild frenzied look. Petal was barking out a rapid series of high yelps, which was odd for the dog as she was normally quiet. Hrolf raced to him and tugged at his wrist. Petal grabbed his pants and assisted the boy. Hott‟s concern intensified when he saw the boy wore no warm outer clothing. Valerie would never have allowed him to come outdoors without proper clothing. Hott pushed the dog away and knelt before the child. “Where is your mother?” he asked. Hrolf‟s terrified pleading look settled onto Hott. He was making odd sounds in the back of his throat, whimpering. Again he yanked on Hott‟s wrist. Petal lunged forward and grabbed Hott‟s other wrist. Her teeth were gentle yet the strength of the pup was amazing, and Hott actually found himself pulled to his feet. The dog and the boy then shoved his behind in the direction of the door. Sultan and the other female pup began bouncing and barking. Sultan lunged at Ulfr‟s behind. He had been standing watching the scene with confusion near Hott. The dog‟s huge paws landed on Ulfr‟s ass, and he spiraled forward into motion. “Damn, man! Are you dense?” Ulfr yelled, stumbling to keep his feet. “Would it take a toss on your ass to see something‟s happened to Valerie?” 122

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott raced out of the cabin followed closely by Ulfr and by every man, woman and child who had witnessed the scene. Many paths in the snow had been made but everyone ran single file down the main path to Hott‟s hut. Hott reached his hut in record time. Valerie was panting on the floor with Porky standing guard. Hott raced to her. “Is the baby coming?” he asked with concern. “No I just enjoy laying down here,” she ground out through clenched teeth. Her hand clutched her belly, and her face contorted in pain. She gripped Hott‟s hand tightly until his fingers actually squished together. Almighty Odin, she was breaking his hand! Valerie screamed and squeezed tighter. “The pain is awful!” Hott yelled. “She will be fine. Don‟t panic,” Bera soothed as she entered the hut. “It‟s my damned hand! I think she‟s broken it!” Hott bellowed. He pried his fingers loose and shook his hand out. Valerie scowled at him. “Get her up. We can take her to the cabin where the other women can help,” Bera said calmly. Hott scooped her up and Ulfr took Valerie‟s hand for support. “You are brave, brother,” Hott said grimly. Ulfr looked at him questionably until another contraction seized Valerie. Valerie screamed, Ulfr howled, and Hott yelped as the hand she had slung around his neck gripped his hair and skin. “Oh,” Ulfr gasped. “I never realized having a baby could be so painful!” He pried his fingers from her grasp and shook his hand out. 123

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott They reached the cabin, and Hott strode with Valerie to a large room. She had insisted a bed be made up off the ground for when her time came. He placed her gently onto the furs and prepared to leave. “Where the hell do you think you‟re going?” Valerie ground out. “Well I…we were just going…” Hott muttered. “You‟re not going anywhere!” she said between gnashed teeth, her eyes narrowed dangerously onto him. “She‟s a bit spooky,” Ulfr whispered to Hott. Bera came forward and checked between Valerie‟s legs. “This is an impatient child.” Hott went to stand at Valerie‟s head. She reached up and grabbed his fur vest, pulled him close and growled. “Get me drugs.” Her words were in her homeland language, and he didn‟t know what she meant. “What, Valerie? What do you need?” he asked her with concern wondering if the pain was driving her mad. “Booze,” she howled. “The flask?” he leaned in closely and whispered. “I don‟t think now is a good time for sex.” The look she leveled on him actually made him jump in surprise! “There now, dear,” Bera soothed. “I have something for pain made up.” “Well that‟s a relief, my hand is killing me,” Ulfr stated. “Get me booze, damn it! Shake a leg!” Valerie screamed. Both men stood awkwardly for a second, looked at one another, shrugged, and each shook a leg in the air for her approval. “Oh my God, I didn‟t mean jerk around. I meant move faster,” Valerie said with a look of disgust on her face. Ulfr raced from the room. Hrolf was standing in the doorway, one little leg in the air, wringing his hands with concern. 124

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Ulfr grabbed the boy under his arm. “This is no place for an unarmed warrior, boy.” Ulfr practically tossed the child to Alfarin who grabbed the boy in surprise. Ulfr raced around the cabin frantically. “For the love of Odin! Someone find me some mead or ale.” “Calm down, man,” said Finna‟s brother. Ulfr stopped dead and narrowed his eyes onto the young man. The smile died on the man‟s lips as Ulfr slowly stalked him. “What‟s in your mug?” Ulfr snarled. The young man gulped heavily, pinned to the spot with Ulfr‟s wild-eyed stare. “Ale,” he squeaked. Ulfr pounced. He snatched the drink and held it high. “I‟m coming, little Valkyrie.” **** Valerie screamed when she pushed. Bera was between her legs waiting to catch the babe. Hott had one hand under her knee lifting her while she strained. Ulfr charged into the room with a sloshing mug. Valerie‟s eyes lit up. “Hurry, moron, I need that!” she howled. Ulfr blinked. “Don‟t you know me, Valerie?” he gasped. “Just give it to her,” Hott snapped. Valerie downed the entire contents in just a few swigs. Another contraction seized her. Ulfr held her under her other knee as she pushed again. It felt like her pubic hair was on fire! Good God how did women ever manage this all these centuries? She groaned loudly as she struggled for breath and pushed again. “Push, Valerie,” Bera encouraged. “Push,” chanted both men. “I am pushing!” she bellowed. Idiot men, what did they think she was doing? Her face must be as red as a baboon‟s butt! Now there was an attractive picture. She pushed again until she could push no more, and just when she 125

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott thought she would die, she heard a small mewling noise, that turned into a robust cry. She had done it! “It‟s a boy!” Bera cried. Valerie strained to see him. “Is he okay?” she asked, struggling to rise higher onto her elbows. Hott was before her. His eyes were wet. “He‟s perfect. Biorn is perfect.” Valerie smiled at him. He looked so happy she felt her own eyes overflow with emotion. Bera brought the cleaned and swaddled child to her. He rooted around until he found her breast and began suckling. “A lusty boy!” Bera crooned happily. “Just like his father and uncle,” Valerie said. When the boy fell asleep, Hott very gently picked him up into his arms. Valerie looked at him with some surprise as he turned to leave the room. He winked at her. Not long after she heard his giant bellow of pride from the other room and could picture him holding their son high when he yelled: “My son, Biorn!” There was a great cheer, and Hott was soon back in the bedroom handing the babe into his mother‟s arms. Biorn had slept through the entire thing. The bed was large enough, and Hott crawled in to bed carefully beside Valerie. Ulfr smiled at them before excusing himself. Again he had a look of need in his eyes, and Valerie felt sorry for him. She realized then she wasn‟t enough. Ulfr needed more. It was just a matter of time before he sought what he was looking for.

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Chapter 12 During the cold winter months the Viking village enjoyed gathering in the large cabin. Many nights the heavy snow had them all spending the nights on various pallets, with the massive hearths blazing to keep all within warm. The women cooked and laughed together. The men told hunting stories. Numerous times an entire pig or deer was cooked in one of the roaring fires. Their devastating loss had been hard, yet their new beginning looked prosperous. Many of the women were now carrying, including the woman thought to be barren. Alfarin had been correct. Odin had smiled on her selfless gesture and blessed her with a child of her own. Her husband Varr couldn‟t have been happier, thinking the child was a great gift. Biorn was a strong babe and was soon sleeping through the night and growing in size. His parents couldn‟t have been happier, although his uncle was restless. Valerie had left Biorn in the capable care of Bera, Petal, and Hrolf. Porky was outside rooting around in the muck as Valerie made her way to their hut. She was in need of some quiet time. Though she loved the boisterousness of her Viking family, she had need of solitude at times. The hut was warm, and she was surprised to see Hott stirring the charred wood in the hearth, bringing the fire once more to life. He turned and without a word she was in his arms. Their kiss was long and deep and sweet. They hadn‟t made love since Biorn‟s 127

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott birth. Hott latched the door, and then strode over to Valerie. He picked her up and settled her onto the pile of furs. One by one her pieces of clothing hit the table where he threw them. Hott suckled from her breast and her milk soon flowed. “I just want a taste,” he told her. Valerie knew he would never deprive Biorn of anything, and she let him suckle first one swollen breast, then the other. He asked her if she was still tender. “My breasts aren‟t as sore, and Bera gave me something to help keep my nipples from cracking. As for down there…we could always find out,” she replied playfully. Hott smiled and took up the challenge. His hand dipped lower and he cautiously explored her. She wiggled a bit under his fingers. She felt tight, like a virgin and she felt a moment of worry. Hott seemed to sense her distress. He stuck his fingers in a leather pouch. When he touched her again she realized he carried grease in the pouch. He fingered her again very gently. Round and round his slippery fingers slid against her nub, then one delved with caution inside. Hott was watching her face for her reaction. It wasn‟t painful but did indeed remind her of her first time. But on her first time she hadn‟t known what to expect; there had been fear of the unknown. There was no fear now. Her Viking warrior was patient and loving. She adored this man so much. She couldn‟t stop the single tear that slid down her cheek. She was still feeling very emotional. His thumb captured it. She had been so lucky to find this man. He had given her everything she had dreamed of and then some. Watching her parents and the love they had wasn‟t like experiencing it. It was a thousand times better living it herself. Valerie‟s breasts had stopped leaking, and Hott lapped at the remaining milk, but he didn‟t suckle her again. The tone of his voice was so wonderful and caring when he asked her if she was ready for him. She was. He eased his body over her, and Valerie 128

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott pulled up her knees. Hott kissed her forehead and began sliding inside her. She moaned. It was like the first time, only better because it was with Hott, the man she loved more than anything. She pulled him by his arms wanting him to fill her. He obliged, but did so with caution, testing her depths, watching for her reaction. Want filled her eyes and she encouraged him on. Soon he was rocking slowly within her, loving her. Valerie carefully raked her nails across Hott‟s back. He felt so good after the initial discomfort. It felt wonderful to have his massive bulk blanket her again in safety. His kisses were fiery and yet controlled. He was tender and patient with her as though it really were her first time. She loved this side of him, and she was feeling a bit melancholy. She cared for Ulfr, but at this time she had no interest in his hot demanding lust. She supposed she was feeling too maternal. As Hott moved over her his lips lowered with each thrust to steal sweet kisses, leaving her breathless and wanting more. Her insides closed around him, squeezing and releasing, trying to draw him back when he moved away, then clenching tight as though to capture and keep him when he was deeply buried inside her. The warmth of the furs heated her backside. She couldn‟t imagine returning to silken sheets. Their surroundings matched her warrior perfectly, and she wouldn‟t want to change anything in her life. Especially the way she was feeling. Valerie moaned when the fire in her belly built. Oh God she loved that. The heat, the flames of desire. Hott move faster and she knew he was going to come. She was ready. Her legs lifted higher as he grunted. Hott kept his body from pinning her, but closed her tightly within his embrace as he yelled, and she cried out. He was panting heavily and Valerie smiled up at him, knowing half his exertion came from controlling his impulses. She loved him even more at that moment. 129

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “The weddings are soon,” Hott said. He rolled to his side pulling her with him. There were ten couples who would wed on the same day. A huge feast was planned with games and gifts and Valerie couldn‟t wait. She couldn‟t wait to have the sunshine warm her skin once more, and she was looking forward to Hott taking her to the springs as soon as the snow cleared enough to make the trip. “When will you and the men go hunting?” she asked eagerly. “Soon,” he replied. “A few of the children in this camp are young boys who want to learn to hunt. Every year close to this time a herd of elk come through the pass and it‟s an easy kill. We are able to get many. It‟s a good day to hunt with the young who are learning. They basically shoot an arrow and get anything they aim for.” “That would bolster anyone‟s esteem,” she said and chuckled. “We won‟t be gone long, a day or two. Many men and women are staying here for safety. You and our boys will be fine.” “Anki and a few of his men are still out there,” Valerie said with some apprehension. Hott cupped her chin. “Alfarin has asked to guard you and my sons personally. He is a powerful warrior. He hasn‟t lived this long by being a coward—his skill is unsurpassed.” “Even by you?” she asked and grinned. Her hand reached low to rub his cock that jumped under her touch. Hott rolled onto her, and she groaned. His cock found its way inside her. “Ulfr has found many women to keep him busy. Do you miss him?” he asked. “A little,” she mumbled. Hott turned her over and she felt his hand, slick with more grease rubbed up into her behind. She groaned. “I know, my little Valkyrie, it‟s like the first time, but I will be very gentle with you 130

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott and Ulfr is anxious to have you again. None of the other women seem to hold his attention for long.” When his erection slipped up into her ass, she gasped. She was on her hands and knees and her elbows buckled. Hott held her tightly around the waist. As more of him disappeared into her, Valerie bit her lip. She was again bombarded with the feeling of pleasure and pain. Her hands gripped tightly into the furs beneath her, and she tried to relax against him. He was gentle and patient, sliding up slowly and retreating until she felt herself back into him. His hand caressed her rump and he whispered sweet endearments to her. She felt his fingers search for and find her clit. His thumb rubbed back and forth over it until his fingers pushed inside her. She was moaning and bumping harder against him, but he remained stubbornly careful. She decided it had been awhile and this was what she needed. She was content to let him set the pace. Hott removed himself and turned her over. She shook her head with a saucy air and he grinned, then wiped at his penis with a wet cloth and entered her vaginally once again. She knew he wouldn‟t waste his seed the other way, but it always made her giggle. She had turned a great warrior into a sanitary cautious man. Her legs spread wide accepting him. He was a little rougher than before, and she found a quick release. He smiled and called her lusty. She laughed and said horny, but he shook his head not understanding the word she used. When he came he gave a roar that she was certain shook the entire hut. Soon after, Valerie slipped back into her clothes with some reluctance. Her engorged breasts indicated it was time to feed her son. Both she and Hott strolled leisurely back to the main cabin arm in arm. **** Valerie cried out in delight when Biorn rocked himself back and forth on his chubby hands and knees. He would be crawling 131

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott soon, no doubt. Valerie was delighted. The baby grinned at her with one single bottom tooth showing. Valerie thought he looked adorable—but she knew what that single, seemingly innocent, killer tooth could do. The little monkey had bit her a few times, grinning all the while. Thankfully he was eating a few mushy foods already and nursed only four times a day. She couldn‟t believe how fast he was growing. Another baby by another woman was due in the fall, and the men were having bets to see if the woman was as spooky as Valerie had been. Valerie had scowled at them, and they sniggered as they slunk away. The men and boys had left to hunt, and Valerie and the other women were elbow deep in feast preparations. Everywhere Valerie went she saw Alfarin close by. The scowl he walked around with was unnerving. Hrolf had taken to standing near the man and had perfected the look, so too had Petal. The three of them glared and snarled at anything or anyone that came Valerie‟s way. The other women laughed good-naturedly about it. The men kept their distance. Soon enough the others returned from a successful hunt. They had enough meat for a hearty feast and enough to last through another winter. The boys were as well praised as the men. It was funny to see ten and eleven-year-old boys strut with their chests out as if they owned the world. Valerie knew soon enough they would be men. A Viking‟s life was hard and tough, but so too were the people. There was much feasting after the couples joined. There was dancing and laughter and gifts. Valerie‟s favorite had been a kitten from Alfarin. He claimed the beasts were gifts from Freyja, the Goddess of love. The man reminded her so much of her father. She kissed his cheek and cuddled the ball of fluff that looked somewhat like a lynx and asked him to name her. He had smiled and said Kiskis. The backs of his hand stroked Valerie‟s cheek before he gruffly claimed he had other gifts to give. 132

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott The fanfare went on well into the morning. The children fell asleep partway through the night and slept curled around and over one another like a pack of wolf pups. Hrolf was one of them. Though he still didn‟t speak, he was accepted and proved himself to be far from the idiot Anki had declared him to be. The boy could fish and catch game better than many of the boys, and he had been furious to be left at home with his mother like a child when the men went hunting, until Hott had explained when he was gone he needed his son in charge. He would trust only his son with the safety of his sons‟ mother and his baby brother. The boy had puffed with pride, donned his little bow and arrow, and to her amusement had dogged Valerie‟s every move. The rest of night had been filled with sweet lovemaking to Hott. Valerie and he worshipped every inch of each other over and over again until, completely exhausted, they slept. **** It was a warm summer day when Valerie wandered through the forest looking for wild herbs. Her mind wasn‟t really on the task at hand, and she was surprised when Ulfr was suddenly before her. She was in his arms, and he was kissing her as though he were deprived of the sweetest nectar for far too long. Valerie kissed him just as eagerly. It had been many months since Ulfr had joined her and Hott in their furs. Though his eyes had followed her with longing, he had kept his distance. “Come with me,” he said. He captured her hand in his own and led her eagerly to the hot springs. Ulfr came at her hard and fast once inside the deep cavern. Valerie‟s clothes were removed in record time. He pulled her into the heated water and sucked her tongue into his demanding mouth. His hands squeezed at her sensitive breasts, causing some pain and she felt a moment‟s concern. “Ulfr?” she asked warily. 133

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “It‟s been so long and there are no women here who have your passion. I waited until Hott had taken you a few times. Please don‟t deny me,” he said urgently. “I would never deny you,” she whispered. “But you seem to want to eat me alive!” “I do,” he growled. His fists tangled in her hair, and he turned her before him. Valerie could already feel his hard cock press up against her bare bottom. He didn‟t bother with his fingers, just pushed his penis up inside her in a single thrust. She cried out and gasped and clawed at the stone ground. “Ulfr!” “I missed you,” he moaned. “I missed the feel of you, your heat. I missed hearing my name on your lips.” Valerie felt him plunge again and again. He was the same old Ulfr, but she wasn‟t the same passion-filled woman who needed sex in a frenzy. She groaned as he continued his thrusting. He wrapped an arm around her waist, and she knew he was going to be rough with her. She thought to stop him, but decided she wanted him one more time like this. Just once and then no more. She had a family, a husband, and two sons. The lost longing look in Ulfr‟s eyes wouldn‟t go away until he had what he wanted and sadly she knew she wasn‟t it. “Are you ready for me?” Ulfr demanded. She nodded, and she felt her waist gripped tighter. Ulfr cupped his hand over her mouth. Valerie had never been taken before by him so wildly. He rammed himself up her ass and she screamed. He was frenzied, and she knew he realized this was their last time together. She accepted each thrust, each time he ground against her. Her screams turned to moans and she wanted him this way, it was his way. Her hand reached to pull his hand from her mouth. “Give me everything you have,” she demanded on a loud pant. 134

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott He did and then some. She cried out his name over and over. Her hands slipped on the water-slick rocks trying to keep her balance. But it wasn‟t long before he stopped his assault and became gentle. He took her as one would a lover. His grasping hands touched intimately in places with a caress. He told her he loved her, and she knew he did, but she was Hott‟s. Any child she bore would belong to his brother. Ulfr needed more. When he finished he turned her, and asked her if he hurt her. She rubbed her behind and said she probably wouldn‟t sit for a week, but she loved him too. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her. When she looked up she could see the wetness in his eyes, and she squeezed him tighter. Her hands then slid up and down his back, and he shivered. A small sound separated them. Valerie rubbed at her moist eyes and looked over at Hott. He looked at her with some concern, but she shook her head. She wasn‟t injured, she was sad. Ulfr climbed out of the pool and dressed. Hott placed his hand on his brother‟s shoulder. Ulfr stopped for a moment and said something to him. Hott nodded. Ulfr left and Hott helped Valerie dress. “If you like it that way I can be accommodating,” he said and smiled. For a moment she could see Ulfr‟s roguish grin on his face, and she thought perhaps it wouldn‟t be such a bad idea if she weren‟t feeling so sad. “We were saying goodbye,” Valerie sobbed, and he crushed her hard against his chest. “Ulfr loves you, perhaps too much. He loves me as well. His insides battle. It is a hard battle. There is nothing to strike at.” “Maybe in time he will find another,” Valerie said hopefully. “Perhaps.” Valerie and Hott left the cavern holding hands. Valerie needed to return and feed Biorn. Her breasts felt full and achy. They 135

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott strolled slowly along enjoying the feel of the warm afternoon. A ruffle in the bushes caught Valerie‟s attention. She stilled wondering if the bears were about or if Petal had followed them. She was horrified when five huge men emerged followed by Anki. Anki looked as hideous as ever, but now a nasty burn mark ran up the side of his neck, scarring his face. His hair and beard on that side were missing and Valerie felt sick. She had thrown him into the flames, tossing him onto the hot grease. He grinned at her and her heart flipped in dread. Hott pushed her behind him. The men were flanking them. Hott‟s sword waved back and forth in front of him. The men attacked as one. Valerie screamed when she was grabbed from behind. She heard a loud groan as Hott‟s sword ran a man through. She struggled to get free and finally succeeded. The man behind her went flying through the air to land on his ass near Hott. In one slice Hott decapitated him. Anki went after Hott with a battleaxe. They exchanged blows, every few seconds Hott needed to fend off another. Valerie didn‟t know what to do. “The woman is mine!” Anki bellowed. Valerie turned and screamed as a man stood before her with his axe only inches from her neck. Hott turned and saw her. She gazed at him in terror. Hott bellowed with seething rage. “Odin!” The ground shook beneath their feet. Valerie had been in earthquakes before, but two of the men looked beyond wild with mounting fear. Everyone struggled to maintain their balance. A deep eerie mist rolled in. “Giants come!” a man howled. Valerie looked beyond the mist and saw gnarled trees but nothing else. She felt herself caught up in strong hands. She looked up to see Hott starring down at her in agony. A blade had gotten him, and he was bleeding. 136

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott “Hott?” she whimpered. “I love you,” he whispered, right before he flung her hard into the mist. “No,” she screamed. Valerie hit the ground hard and rolled then struggled to her feet. When she turned, Hott had vanished. She searched through the heavy fog screaming his name. She heard no signs of battle. She heard no yells or the clash of swords. Everything was solemn and quiet. It was as though the forest bowed its head and looked away to avoid her despair. Hott was gone, taking her home, her family, and her Viking life away with him.

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Chapter 13 Valerie lay on the grass sobbing in heartache. Her breasts ached so terribly she had needed to expel some of her milk. She had searched the area for hours looking for the opening to Hott‟s time. Only the mist swirled, surrounding her in an eerie game of hide and seek. She had grown tired of Odin‟s game. She gave up and felt her loss. “Hott,” she cried out mournfully. What would she do? Had he been killed? Who would take care of little Biorn and Hrolf? Would there be enough milk to keep her baby boy from malnourishment? The thought ate her up inside like no other thought. She grieved for the loss of her husband and sons. She wished she would die. Was this how Hott felt when he had lost everything? It was too agonizing to bear. He had indeed been a powerful man to continue on in blind faith. The day turned steadily darker. Valerie rolled over and stared at the many twinkling stars. She wondered if Hott were seeing the same thing. The mist had cleared around her, but flanked either side. Valerie knew she was between both dimensions. She refused to budge. She was ready to wait until either Hott or death claimed her. She wondered if the same time elapsed in each era or if it was still light out where Hott was. She supposed it didn‟t matter, day or night her emotions would remain dark. “Valkyrie?” She heard the word whispered on the wind, and she tensed. 138

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Had Hott come through or had Anki? She sat up cautiously, her hands to her hard aching breasts. She rose stiffly. Let come what may. If it was Anki she would do her best to kill him so that he may never harm either of her sons. The huge man who walked out of the mist moved slowly. Valerie gasped. It was Hott. She raced to him. He held her tightly in his arms. She tried not to whimper as his solid chest pressed against her throbbing breasts. Her cheek pressed against his warm solidness. Oh, how she loved him. “Anki?” she asked. “Dead.” “The other men?” “Dead as well. Ulfr returned in the nick of time to find us. He killed the others while I faced Anki.” “You‟re hurt,” she cried with dismay when she saw his bloody arm. “Only a scrape.” It looked worse than a scrape, but she said nothing. Hott took her by the hand and led her into the mist. As before she was unable to follow him back through. He disappeared from her sight, leaving only his suspended hand in hers. He moved slowly back into her line of vision. “Hott,” she whimpered pitifully. “My breasts ache. I want to go home. I need my home.” “The earth shook the last time I came through,” Hott said as though thinking aloud. “But I never felt an earthquake on my end. Not the first time. Why was I allowed to go back through the second time?” she mused. “Something else must have happened. Maybe it was the full moon as well.” She looked to the sky, but there was no full moon this night. Her face fell. She was devastated. 139

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Hott looked at her for a long while, obviously contemplating their situation. He suddenly tossed her to the ground. Valerie looked up at him in surprise at his roughness. Blue eyes gazed back at her with intensity. He started peeling off his clothing and gruffly ordered her to undress. “Hott?” she asked. “It wasn‟t the ground moving, my little Valkyrie, nor the full moon. It was me, rocking your world, as you once told me after our heated lovemaking.” “We went through because we had sex?” “No, we went through as a result of sex,” he countered. Dropping down he was soon on top of her kissing her hard. They were panting when the kiss ended. “I don‟t understand,” she whispered. Hott had never come at her so furiously. The pressure of his hands and fingers were that of a desperate man. “The babe connected us. Biorn is our connection. And when I‟m through with you we will once more have our connection!” She had gotten pregnant with Biorn! That was why she could follow him into his dimension. Yet her clothing hadn‟t because they weren‟t of his time. But the baby was. The Gods couldn‟t keep a father and child apart. Valerie wondered if it worked both ways, if Hott could have come through to her time, but she doubted it. A man couldn‟t carry a piece of both worlds…or could they in some way? She stopped her deliberations when Hott came at her like a madman. His mouth found hers in a frenzied dance. Valerie was soon breathless. His fist tightened and entwined in her hair as though she might disappear. Her eyes opened wide with the look on Hott‟s face—he was crying! Tears trailed a steady stream down his proud, handsome warrior face. “I will not lose you,” he begged. 140

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie cried with him. She couldn‟t live without him. No matter how long it took she knew he would stay with her until his child was conceived. She was terrified. She was still breastfeeding. She knew some women still became pregnant and that breastfeeding wasn‟t a perfect contraceptive, but still… Valerie heard Hott‟s frantic words. He was praying to Odin. He believed with all his heart she had been his gift from the Gods—his little Valkyrie. Maybe she had been. Valerie prayed too. She wrapped her arms around Hott‟s huge back and opened for him. When he slid inside her, she met his eager desperate thrusts. He gripped her to him like a dying man. And she realized he would die without her. She had to return with him or he would be crushed; he would feel betrayed again. They both gave of themselves. Their loving was wild with desperation, filled with love and longing. It was an emotion of battle. Hott used his manhood as a tender weapon, a fight for his very salvation. There was no giant to decapitate, there was no enemy to quash, and yet lives hung in the balance. Valerie understood his past need for battle when he‟d first met her. He needed to challenge emotion, to meet it with his prowess. He was a Viking warrior. He battled as he had never battled before, and Valerie battled with him. She met every thrust, every kiss, every caress, and still they battled to achieve the end result. They must win the war. Their tears mingled upon their cheeks as Hott pressed his face to hers. Her head was cradled under one large arm. A slender leg was lifted and pulled tight to Hott‟s waist. They moved together, making love while they desperately tried to make a life from their union. Valerie‟s eyes closed as she felt molded to him. It was as though they were one. And still Hott prayed. Valerie lay still with exhaustion, feeling Hott spill his seed into her again and again throughout the long night. He was relentless. A powerful foe. He showed her the stamina of a great 141

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott warrior. The sweat dripped from their bodies in sheets to soak the ground beneath them. And when finally he collapsed, he pulled her close and swore they would try over and over until she was able to return. She looked to the heavens and begged for a miracle, then fell asleep in the early hours of the morning trusting in him. **** When Valerie awoke, she saw Hott watching her. His fingers brushed her hair from her face. She whimpered in pain and clutched her breasts that ached with desperate need of release. Hott lowered his head and suckled one engorged breast into his mouth. He drank from her until she wasn‟t feeling as full. Then he did the same for the other. “Biorn will be fine,” he promised. “No doubt his belly is full from goat‟s milk Bera has retrieved.” Valerie knew he was right. Bera would care for him and Hrolf until their return as would Alfarin. Hott held out his hand to her. Valerie rose and donned her clothing. Hott wrapped his arm around her tightly. “I will not leave without you,” he swore. Together the two walked into the mist. When it swirled darker and deeper, Hott stopped, he kissed Valerie and once more declared he was Odin‟s loyal servant. They both took a deep breath. Valerie sobbed when she went forward with Hott. She cried harder when the mist cleared, and she knew she was home. She grimaced and felt great relief when she saw Anki‟s head cut from his body and his fallen men strewn about. They had gotten what they deserved. Valerie looked away from the gruesome sight. Instead, she lifted her head and smelt the sweet air. Hott turned her into his arms, smiling down on her. His huge hand rested lovingly onto her belly. “She will be our Helgi,” he declared. 142

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott Valerie laughed. She threw her head back, and Hott spun her in circles. A daughter, she just knew she would have a daughter.

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Epilogue Hott watched his little Valkyrie nurse his son. Biorn made tiny suckling sounds that were music to his ears. Hrolf played with Kiskis, Petal, and Porky in front of the hearth in their hut. Valerie smiled over at him, and he felt his heart melt. He knew she was his Valhalla gift from Odin and from now on everything would be fine. He had slain the giant he had set out to defeat. At a small sound at the door, Hott rose. He wandered outside and saw Ulfr staring up at the stars. Hott went to his brother. The two men, so different and yet so much alike stood companionably together for a quiet moment. “Thank you for saving my life,” Hott said. Ulfr glanced over at him and shrugged as if it were nothing. “You are my brother.” “Your own little Valkyrie waits for you,” Hott said. “You need only let her in.” “But she will not be Valerie,” Ulfr said sadly. Hott faced his brother. He put his hands on his shoulders. “No, she will not. But she will be your own.” “Perhaps there is no woman here for me,” Ulfr stated. “None of the others in the village interest me. I feel so lonely. Why is there no one here that I can feel close to?” “Then go to where your woman could be,” Hott said. Ulfr looked at him in confusion. Hott took him by the arm, and the two men moved off. It took some time, but when Hott 144

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott was finished he had explained to his brother everything there was about his meeting with Valerie. Then he and his brother clasped hands. “Take care of your little Valkyrie,” Ulfr said. His voice was thick with emotion. Hott nodded. He could see the longing in Ulfr‟s eyes. His brother needed more in his life. He would give a prayer to Odin he found it. It was sad to watch his brother‟s back disappear into the darkness. Hott walked back into the hut. Valerie had laid the babe in the cradle he had made and Hrolf was tucked into his own bed in his own room. The animals were curled up together on the foot of their furs. “Where did Ulfr go?” Valerie asked and yawned. “To find his own little Valkyrie,” Hott said thoughtfully. Valerie looked at him with concern. “Into the mist?” “Perhaps that‟s where all destinys lay, in the mist.” “Why?” Valerie asked curiously. “Sometimes you can see through it. Other times it is so thick you don‟t know where you are going. Sometimes it rolls and billows in anger. Other times it lies still like a blanket of security, covering everything, hiding any who need a shield. It is eerie and breathtaking. But most of all it is mysterious, as is life. A turn in any indecisive direction can lead to happiness or folly.” Valerie snuggled up to Hott under the furs on the pallet. Her head rested on his shoulder. “I hope he finds what he is looking for,” she said quietly. “He will. He is my brother.” Hott lowered his head to kiss her. When her lips met his in their familiar dance he sighed. He could hear the snoring of the animals, the deep breathing of his babe, and the slight rustle in the next room of his eldest son. And Hott could feel the heat of Valerie‟s sex calling to him. Her hand slid up and down his cock so 145

Viking Warriors Book 1: Valhalla Hott sensuously it was not long before he lay over her. As his penis slid inside her warmth, he heard her whisper she loved him more than anything in the world. He grinned and told her he felt the same. He took her at his leisure, loving her. When they finished he rolled to his side taking her with him, cuddling her. Hott‟s eyes began to close in his exhaustion. The day had been overlong, and he was feeling his weariness. He pulled Valerie closer to his chest. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes. Then to his utter surprise he heard Hrolf call suddenly from his room. “Mommy, I need a drink of water.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Constantine De Bohon lives in her Ontario home with her husband and is currently working on her next book in her Viking Warriors series.

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