Page 11 of The Stolen Bride (Kings of Fury #2)

Chapter

Eleven

Rise and Roar: Battle-Free Tips for Waking With Your Berserker

–HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BERSERKER

By Elizabeth “Elle” Darcy-Bruce

M y heart stopped, or seemed to, only to kick start with fevered anticipation. Viktor smoldered with the most sublime intensity. A true feat, considering white locks fell over his black brows, gracing him with a boyish charm. His gaze remained unwavering, however, and far from boyish.

I licked my lips, adoring the white-hot sear of his skin far too much. “First, I suggested we go on a date and said I might ask you for a kiss. Might.” In an effort to put us on equal footing, I said, “Second, you should probably pin me against a wall while I decide if I’m gonna do it or not. That is your fantasy, yes?”

“Yours, too. I scented your reaction to seeing the images even while I slept.” He brushed the tip of his nose against mine. “You want to kiss me.”

A blush heated my cheeks. “Tell me you crave me, and only me.” Unable to stop the actions, I wound my arms around his shoulders and toyed with the ends of his hair the way he’d done to mine the night of the storm.

His eyelids hooded. “Ask me to kiss you.”

Flutters erupted in my belly, making me feel as if I verged on taking flight. A single thread of common sense kept me grounded. “What about the shifters? I saw them on my walk here.”

“Deco shouldn’t strike for days.” Viktor bent his head and nuzzled his cheek against mine. “He’s giving Bodi time to kill me.”

I frowned even as I nuzzled him right back. “That’s not a very shiftery thing to do.” But that explained the bargain the turul-shifter spoke of. “I’d think Deco would want to deliver the final blow himself.”

“Nem. If Bodi ends me, he’ll become a shifter himself and therefore subject to Deco’s command. A particularly cruel punishment meant to haunt me after my death. Now, about that kiss you’re ready to ask me for,” Viktor purred, rocking his body into mine.

I moaned with rapture. Oh, this man could make me burn. I softened against him, asking, “Admit you want me more than the Valkara, and I’ll do it.”

“I want you more,” he growled without hesitation. “Much more. Happy now?”

Yes! And no. I didn’t want him to want her at all. But a deal was a deal. I cupped his jawline and peered into his eyes, growing breathless. “Viktor Endris?”

“Yes, Clover Deering.” Desperate need flashed in his eyes. He lowered his head, letting his lips hover over mine.

“Will…” I brushed the tip of my nose against his. “You…” My lids began to slide closed, and I tilted my head to the side. “Kiss…”

“Nem!” he shouted, jolting as if he’d been hit from behind. My eyes popped open. “Not now,” he snapped and drove his fists into his temples.

I jolted, too. “Is Valkara trying to speak to you?”

“Ja, and she will stop if she recognizes what’s good for her,” he snarled, two voices evident. He breathed in, out. “There. She’s gone now.” His gaze zeroed in on my lips. “Where were we?”

What a marvelous development. He’d chosen me over the woman he’d professed a desire to marry. I smiled up at him. “I was just about to ask you to?—”

Activity outside our enclosure reminded me that we weren’t exactly private, and my enjoyment evaporated. Judging by the boom of pounding footsteps, an intruder neared our shelter.

Viktor heard them, too. He narrowed his lids. “Someone is going to die today.”

By an act of my will, I wiggled out from under him. Just in time. Not only one man, but three entered. Bodi, along with two other soldiers. Each warrior scowled and clutched a weapon. When they spotted their leader alive, awake and aware, they floundered and sputtered.

“Get out,” Viktor barked, keeping his focus steady on me as he sat up. The makeshift blanket fell, revealing he wore a pair of black leathers.

“You’re awake,” Bodi stated wide-eyed, glancing between us. “You ingested vargbane root, but you’re awake.”

“And busy.” Viktor waved in my direction. “I’m in the middle of an intense negotiation. ”

My cheeks heated once more.

One of the soldiers grinned. All three appeared immensely relieved, despite their shock.

“I’m very hungry,” I said, because not a single man here would ever forget that I’d been denied food for an entire night. “Not that anyone inquired about my wellbeing.”

Grumbling under his breath, Viktor tore his gaze from mine at last and waved to the exit. “Apologize for keeping her from me, then bring us food. A lot of it.”

After a slight hesitation, the soldiers did exactly as commanded, mumbling their apologies and marching out, leaving us alone.

“The kiss you swore to give me will wait.” Viktor stood and rolled his shoulders.

I pulled my knees to my chest without a speck of grace. Countless questions frothed, but a clear winner bubbled up. “Why did you risk your life for mine?” He’d known what would happen, yet he’d done it anyway. I mean, I suspected the answer, especially after his most recent treatment of Valkara, but did he?

“You still owe me a reward, and I will collect.”

“Why?” I insisted, certain the reward had nothing to do with it.

A pause laden with tension. Then, “I have lived multiple lifetimes.” He kept his back to me. “You have yet to live one.”

“True, but that isn’t the reason you did it, either.” I highly doubted he’d put any thought into his actions. What he’d done, he’d done on instinct alone.

His hands fisted at his sides. Why wouldn’t he look my way anymore?

Bodi entered and stepped aside, a backpack in one hand and the violin case in the other. Soldier after soldier followed in after him, each bearing a different prize. Some brought covered dishes and bottles. Others carried utensils or a piece of furniture. A small square table and two chairs. The scent of a berry cobbler wafted, and my mouth watered.

“Where did you guys get such a feast?” I demanded as they placed two savory meat pies, an improvised charcuterie board, and a platter of some kind of roasted root vegetable medley on the table.

Notching his chin, Bodi grinned. “We’re good at pillaging nearby villages.”

I didn’t return the smile. The man had wanted to kill me mere minutes ago. And the others, well, they’d abandoned me over a misunderstanding. Trust was gone.

The men filed out, while the prince lagged behind to study the king’s profile. I thought I detected the barest hints of shame, regret, and affection, but I didn’t care. I didn’t! Mostly.

“Get out,” Viktor told the prince.

Bodi wilted, relinquished the pack and the case, and took off, saying nothing else.

I beelined for the table. “What’s the deal with you and Bodi? You’re always so angry with him. Not that he doesn’t deserve it. I’m curious, is all.”

Viktor joined me and lifted the lid from a filched crock, revealing the barley stew I’d had before. It smelled even more amazing. “He’s who lost my key.”

Oh wow. Okay. Hadn’t seen that one coming. “Maybe he sold it. Or traded it. Or betrayed you. Why do you work with him at all?” I asked, as I munched on all the goodies.

“He’s my brother.”

What! I flattened my hands against the table. “Like, for real, not just good buddy bros? But you told me you guys weren’t related.”

“Nem, I explained how princes are chosen. A far more important title than brother. Bodi and I share a mother. Bodi and Deco share a father.”

Another bombshell! Bodi and Deco were related. Things began to click. How Bodi never seemed overly bothered by his king’s moods. How Viktor relied on him. Their eyes being a similar shade of green.

“Satiate your hunger.” Viktor swiped up the backpack before settling on the bed to riffle through his belongings as if he were on the hunt for something specific.

“You’re not hungry?” I asked, after consuming half the smorgasbord.

“I rarely am…for food.”

A moment passed, and he didn’t elaborate or look my way. Maybe he needed a few minutes alone to collect himself. I sure did, even though my previous starvation demanded I eat up his portion, too. But I didn’t. Not this time. He must keep his strength up.

“Please eat. I’ll clean and change out of my battle dress.” Unlike him, I hadn’t received a sponge bath, or whatever his men had done. “Is there a pond nearby?”

“Nem. But this is an abandoned bathhouse, eternally guarded by my men.”

That explained the extra manpower we had.

He pointed to a shadowy opening near the boulder, the action stiff and choppy. And still he didn’t face me. “It’s there.”

Man, something clearly bothered him. He’d seemed fine just before his men had entered with food.

“Here.” He tossed a bundle of clean clothing my way. Garments he’d removed from the backpack. “Wear these. ”

I caught them, grateful. “Thank you.”

“You are beautiful. And smart,” he grumbled out of the blue.

I double blinked. “Um. Thanks.”

“And brave,” he added.

Was he building up to an admission of feelings? Was this…nervousness? I bit my bottom lip. Perhaps I could help him out. “I find you strong and sexy, especially when you’re semi-sane.”

His gaze slid to me at last, his pupils huge. “Sexy?”

Cared more about that than the strength? “Very.”

Though I expected him to respond, silence filled the air between us.

If he required more time, fine. “See you in a bit, Tor.” Almost smiling, I carried my prize through the shadowy opening, trekked a narrow corridor and emerged into a rocky-walled cavern with a natural bubbling spring. Toiletries waited at the edge.

With a giddy squeal, I stripped and entered the water. This time, I didn’t worry Viktor would burst in on me unannounced or uninvited. I knew him better. Barging in wasn’t his style.

Okay, so, it was his style, but he wouldn’t do it to me.

Okay, so, he’d totally do it to me, but not today. Not while he was still a wee bit upset over...whatever he was a wee bit upset over.

As warm water enveloped me, I groaned with delight and savored the decadence of the moment. Enjoyed the scent of lavender and honey as I squeezed out shampoo, conditioner, then body wash. Thrilled when the soft fabric of the tunic and leathers settled over my curves. Oh, la, la. Pants!

I combed my wet hair, secured my boots in place and gave my reflection a quick check via the water surface. Not bad for a dimension traveling captive. Not bad at all. Now, to face Viktor. We needed a battle plan against Deco. And I required weapons.

I drew in a deep breath and held the air in my lungs before exhaling with gusto and returning to the main chamber.

Viktor was exactly where I’d left him, but not nearly as calm. He sat with his knees raised and his head between them while he pulled at hanks of his hair. “Find, destroy, happy. Find, destroy, happy.”

Oh, no. Not this version of the king.

His head snapped up. He went silent when his gaze landed on me. His eyelids narrowed to slits, two gold circlets glowing in his irises. He looked me down and up. Slowly.

New flutters erupted. “Hello, pudding pop,” I said with a wave. Uh-oh. I’d meant to tease him, but I’d only sounded flirty. Get it together . “For our date, you should bring me daggers rather than flowers. My daggers, to be specific.” Hint, hint.

He shook his head. “Give a woman a dagger, and she can defend herself until it’s stolen. Teach a woman to steal a dagger, and she can defend herself always. I will allow you to keep any weapons you can pilfer from my men.”

“Deal.” Never mind the shock of receiving a hall pass to grand theft dagger. “Now let’s take this show on the road.” We had some rescuing to do.

“Nem. We stay and draw the shifters to the camp. According to my scouts, there are many traps beyond this point. Since shifters can attack by air, they like to pepper the land with explosives, pits and a wealth of other destructions. ”

Disappointment unfurled, but dang it, I understood his reasoning. Part of me even applauded it. “What about my sister?”

“She’ll be saved from Deco, I swear it. But first, we will thin the flocks.”

“Very well.” Guess we should shore up more strength. Time for second breakfast. I swept to the table and sat. He followed my progress visually, but not physically. I removed the lids from the remaining dishes and scooped generous portions onto my plate. He hadn’t touched a thing. “Come. Eat with me.”

“I’m not hungry.”

A reply I didn’t like. “You just overcame a life-stealing toxin, Viktor.” I held up a peachy fruit, pinched between my fingers. “Come eat, and I’ll answer a question free of charge.” Then I’d get to ask one for free, as well. “I might even dish another compliment.”

Moments passed without a response, his muscles flexing and relaxing on repeat. I didn’t break our staring contest, but I did eat the morsel. The sweet flavors hit my tongue. Moaning, I sucked my finger into my mouth. So good!

I offered him a second chance. “Want your compliment or not?”

He glided smoothly to his feet as if propelled by wings. Near me in a blink. I was ill-prepared when he bent down and snagged the treat from my fingers–with his teeth. The softness of his lips registered a split second before the warmth of his breath fanned my skin. Tremors invaded my limbs.

Chewing, he settled into the chair beside mine. As soon as he swallowed, I offered him another bite, which he accepted the same way. Heat bloomed in my cells, radiating satisfaction.

“Not bad,” he grunted.

I fed him another and said, “Here’s payment. Are you ready? Your skill on the battlefield awed me.”

“That isn’t a compliment, it’s a fact.”

“It’s both. But I’ll also admit you looked beautiful doing it.”

His shoulders rolled back, and he raised his chin, the picture of masculine pride. “Better.”

I liked this side of him. Bet I was the only person in existence to experience it. “So. Tell me what upset you earlier.”

A muscle jumped beneath his eye. “The Valkara says I should kill you now and save myself the trouble later.”

“Oh. Well.” Wait. Kill me? I sputtered, trying to find the right words. Looked like I had a brand new, bright and shiny enemy. “I’ve given her zero reasons to target me.” Other than stealing her man.

Oops?

Clearly, she wanted Viktor all to herself. Although, I kinda hoped Valkara was imaginary.

“Bet I can guess when she gave her newest directive,” I said. “Right before Bodi and your men arrived.” The moment Viktor had shouted “nem.”

“You are correct.” He worked his jaw. “But she’s given it other times, too. Many other times. Even before I met you.”

That he’d known of me before meeting me, just as I’d known of him, pointed to a fate connection I couldn’t really deny. “You are the primordial of primordials, and she wants you for herself. Thank you for declining.”

“You shouldn’t thank me.” He canted his head to the side, deepening his study of me.

My flutters took flight, invading other parts of me. “You’re making me nervous, and I don’t do nervous.” It was a mild form of fear and an enemy to my beloved calm.

“Are you going to betray me, Love?” he asked with a low, husky timbre.

My breath hitched at the implication of this newest nickname.

He scowled and corrected, “Lovie.”

I gulped. Downgraded from Love back to Lovie. The man clearly enjoyed torturing me. “No, Tor. I will not betray you. I have no need to do so. You’re the king helping me save my beloved sister. The only warrior able to succeed.”

“Let us hope your dedication proves true.” He stood as I offered him the next bite. That, too, he accepted, leaning down to wrap his mouth around my entire finger, sending a hot rush over me when he sucked his way back up, taking the morsel with him.

“Good boy,” I praised before I could think better of it.

He shifted from boot to boot, his eyes sizzling on me, his expression swinging between wild pleasure and ragged starvation.

My chest clenched. He wasn’t used to praise, was he? Oh, his men followed him, sure, but kindness, empathy and encouragement–that he seemed unsure how to handle.

Next, he attempted to adopt a stern manner. “If you value your life, you’ll stay here. Finish the meal, eat every bite, and rest. I’ll return after I oversee the defenses.”

“No!” I shouted, and he frowned. I winced. “Apologies for my volume, but I got hit by a sudden panic bomb. The last time you left me with a promise to return, I remained trapped in your tent for two weeks. I can’t do that again. I’ll go stir crazy. And shouldn’t you avoid going out? The likelihood of Deco’s attack increases greatly as soon as turul-shifters spot you. ”

“I want Deco to attack.” He slid his knuckles along my jawline, astonishingly gentle. “But I accept your invitation to spend more time with you. I won’t stay away for long.” He strode from the tent, leaving me yearning.

I stared at the entrance for a long while, excitement and anticipation butting up against foreboding. If the first thing I wanted after Viktor’s departure was his return, well, I was already in trouble. Especially now that I knew this Valkara, real or imagined, was attempting to kill the competition.