The Viking's Witch (12 page)

Odaria rested her head against his shoulder and cuddled closer to him. She yawned, and he wrapped his arm around her. He noticed that she was gazing at the thousands of stars twinkling overhead.

“I love being outside at night, Rothgar. On clear nights such as this, I used to stroll around the isle, watching the stars and wishing for someone to share the evenings with.” She sighed. “Are these the same stars you have in the sky over your land?”

“
Ja
. They are the same the world over.”

“What are they made of?”

He looked into the night sky. “I do not know, but they are pretty.”

Odaria was quiet for a moment, then spoke again. “How do you steer this ship and not become lost at sea? How do you know where you are sailing?”

“By the position of the sun and the stars. We’ve learned how to guide ourselves beneath them so we may travel without fear of becoming lost. When we sail, the waves, the birds, and even the color of the seaweed we find tells us how far we are from land.”

“Oh. Then I shan’t need to worry about your ship?”

“Nay.” He stroked her hair and kissed her temple. “You must never fret when I am near. I will take care of you, Odaria. Now rest. It is very late.”

He leaned his head against the ship’s rail and stared out across the dark sea. A light wind stirred up small waves that gently rocked the ship from side to side. He inhaled the salt air and relaxed as his mind wandered.

At this moment, life was perfect, but he knew it would not last long. He couldn’t stay on the ship forever. Come morning, he would have to return to the village and begin another search for Orvind. The moment he found him, he’d whisk him aboard and set sail.

But what if he never found Orvind? They had already combed the village from top to bottom. Karnik and his men were growing impatient with the futile searches. Soon, even he would be forced to admit that there was no hope in finding Orvind and go home.

He glanced at Odaria. Her eyes were closed, and from the steady rise and fall of her chest, he knew she was asleep. He wasn’t surprised. She’d had a trying day. He kissed her forehead. No matter what happened with Orvind, this trip hadn’t been in vain. Finding Odaria had brought light back into his life. Now all he had to do—

A noise to his left captured his attention, and he peered into the darkness. A moment later, he spotted a figure approaching the ship. Now what in Odin’s name was this? What fool would dare sneak aboard his ship in the dead of night?

Careful not to wake Odaria, he eased himself out from underneath her and gently laid her down on the bench. Without making a sound, he rose and clasped the hilt of his sword in his right hand. He watched the man climb onto the ship. A second later, he recognized the figure and loosened his grip on his blade.

“What do
you
want?”

Karnik scowled at him as he crossed the deck. “Knut and Olav saw you leave the gathering hall with that girl. I came to see where you’d gone.”

“So now you have your men spying on me? Watching my movements?”

“What are you doing here? Looking for a change of scenery? Did you grow weary of having her upstairs and decide to do her outdoors?”

“Shut your filthy mouth. What I do with Odaria is none of your concern.”

“It is my concern when you’re wasting time coddling her and neglecting your duty.”

He grabbed Karnik by the front of his tunic and pulled him close. “Mind your words,” he growled through clenched teeth. “Our purpose here is to find Orvind and bring him home.”

Karnik smirked. “Do you think you’ll find him between her legs?”

In a heartbeat, Rothgar drew his short dagger and pressed the sharp blade against Karnik’s throat. “Don’t underestimate me. I still remember how to kill a man.”

“Slay me and you’ll never leave this isle alive.”

“Don’t tempt me to find out. If I die, you’ll have to explain to my uncle why his son and his favorite nephew have gone missing.” He arched an eyebrow. “Do you dare face
him
with your threats?”

Karnik licked his lips. “Is this what you’ve become? A cowardly excuse of a man who hides behind his uncle’s breeches like a child?”

He chuckled. “Jealous, Karnik? You’ve never won any favors with my uncle, despite all your efforts. It’s no wonder you don’t want me to find Orvind. If I fail, you can tell my uncle how pathetic I am.”

“Everyone except that bitch already knows how pathetic you are,” Karnik said, gesturing at Odaria. “The men are laughing at you behind your back.”

His temper flared, and he leaned more of his weight against Karnik, pressing the edge of the blade into his skin. “Let them. I care not what they say about me. But if any of your men dare bother Odaria, Odin himself will not be able to spare them from my wrath. I’m still in control here, and I expect my orders to be followed. Understand?”

Karnik nodded slightly. “
Ja
.”

He released Karnik and returned his dagger to its sheath. “Now, as for the rest of these villagers—”

“The villagers,” Karnik spat. “I suppose you wish me to spare them, as well?”

“For the moment. I need the villagers alive to question them about Orvind.” He glanced at Odaria. She had shifted her position on the bench but was still asleep. Good. The last thing he wanted was for her to wake up and see him holding a dagger to Karnik’s throat.

“After we find Orvind, they are all yours. Bring them back as thralls if you wish, I care not about their fate.” He meant what he said. The villagers had tried to burn Odaria alive, and for that, they would receive no mercy from him.

“And what of my men? You’ve deprived them of their fun here. They again grow restless and wish to travel elsewhere to raid. Tomorrow I will allow them to take a ship to Vestrey to sate their hungers.”

“Fine. Do as you please. You may go now.” He took a step back and dismissed Karnik with a wave of his hand. The less he saw of him, the better. He was in a fighting mood tonight, and spilling Karnik’s blood would be easy.

“I’ll give you three more days to find Orvind. After that, my men and I will sail home—with or without you.” Karnik motioned toward Odaria. “If you care so much for her and her villagers, then you can remain here with them.”

Karnik stormed across the deck. He glanced back as he reached the side of the ship. “Remember what I said,
jarl
.”

He clenched his fists as he watched Karnik walk along the shoreline. Although he could have easily torn Karnik to shreds, he didn’t dare. If Karnik’s men banded together and turned against him and Odaria, the two of them wouldn’t stand a chance.

Chapter Seven

“Lie back and let me look at you, love,” Rothgar whispered.

Odaria giggled and lay back on the striped blanket. The rough wool felt scratchy under her bare bottom. She gazed down the length of herself and smiled shyly. This was the first time she had ever been outside naked.

“You are so beautiful. I’m a lucky man,” Rothgar said, trailing his hand down her chest to her pale stomach. Her skin tingled, and a familiar rush of desire flared through her.

“Aye, and you are the best lover and husband a woman could ever hope to have.” She extended her arms and pulled Rothgar down to her. His beard tickled her tender breasts as he suckled her. She moaned and looked up at the white, puffy clouds dotting the blue sky. There was no need to hurry their lovemaking today. They had all the time in the world.

After a few moments of bliss, Rothgar moved away and knelt over her. A sheep bleated off in the distance and was soon answered by another. “I think they’re calling you,” she teased.

He laughed. “To hell with them. I’m busy right now,” he replied, stripping off his blue tunic.

A quiver of excitement zapped through her as she stared at his torso. His wide chest beckoned her lips. She kissed his chest, stroking and squeezing his back the way he liked. “My, you are strong. Your muscles are so hard.”

“They’re not all that’s hard,” he said, easing her hand down to the front of his bulging breeches.

She rubbed him for a second, admiring the length and feel of his solid cock. Rothgar was more than ready for her, but they would wait a little while. Holding back a bit always made their lovemaking more powerful and intense.

She draped her arms around Rothgar’s shoulders and kissed the side of his neck. He moaned and cupped her buttocks in his hands, drawing her closer.

“By the gods, Odaria, you make me stiff.”

He kissed her full on the mouth, his hot, thick tongue entwining with hers. She slid her hands down his chest and caressed his stomach as she returned the fiery kiss. Without a moment’s hesitation, she unfastened the drawstring on his breeches and reached inside.

“This is the prize I seek,” she murmured.

“Ahh, good girl. Now give it a feel,” he croaked out.

“As you wish.” She clasped his thick rod in one hand and squeezed. Rothgar’s hips rocked forward, and he groaned. “What shall we do with this?” she teased as she stroked him.

“I’ll show you. Lie back.”

She lay down on the blanket and watched Rothgar strip off his breeches. His penis jutted out in front of him like a sword. She licked her lips and parted her thighs, eagerly anticipating the pleasure that was about to come.

Rothgar slipped his hand between her legs and caressed her soft folds. Her body quivered and tingled as he rubbed her in small circles. After a moment, a warm, wet heat built inside her.

“My, you are wild for it today, dear wife. Even after last night’s lovemaking, you still have desires for me?” Rothgar knelt between her thighs.

“Aye. I kin take you thrice over every day,” she replied as he lowered himself onto her.

Rothgar chuckled. “And you need me this instant? In the middle of the pasture, in broad daylight? Where the sheep and anyone passing by can watch us?”

“Let the sheep watch. I care not what they think.” She clutched his shoulders and opened her legs wider, wanting … needing him to fill her.

“Good. Then make ready. We’ll give them quite a show.”

A screeching cry jolted Odaria awake. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times. A white seagull sat two feet away, perched on the ship’s rail. It stared at her for a moment, then called out to one of its cousins and flew away.

Blast that gull.
She sat up slowly and looked around. Rothgar was asleep on the bench a few feet away from her, snoring. As she rose and stretched, she took off the green cloak he had loaned her.

The naughty vision had left her in quite a state. Her skin tingled at the memory of Rothgar’s wide hands touching her in places no man had ever explored. It was comforting to know that she enjoyed Rothgar’s advances. She grinned. Her vision was slow in fading. Although she was awake, she still felt a deep, throbbing ache between her legs. If that damn gull hadn’t woken her, she would have known what it felt like to have a man inside her.

All in all, that episode of lovemaking had seemed rather unusual. Why were they doing it outdoors during the day, surrounded by sheep? Had they no decent bedchamber to make love in? Did Rothgar tend to sheep at home? Did he ever have such erotic visions about her?

She took a deep breath and tried to calm her pounding heart. Thinking about the vision would only serve to stir her desires, and she had more important things to concern herself with.

The sun had barely risen over the sea, but the early-morning rays gave her the light she needed to see the ship clearly. She wandered around the deck, admiring the curved swirls and colorful carvings of strange, ferocious-looking beasts. Did these creatures roam free where Rothgar lived?

Odaria strolled to the bow of the ship and stared at the head of a gold and green dragon. Its red tongue curled around its black lips and white fangs. Rothgar was right. These menacing ships would certainly frighten off anyone who saw them approaching.

She moved away from the rail and noticed a small opening that led below the deck. What was down there? She approached the hatchway cautiously and peered into the darkness. Dare she explore it? What if she fell out into the sea and was swept away forever?

“That is where we store our supplies.”

She jumped back and looked over her shoulder. Rothgar was sitting up and rubbing the back of his neck. How long had he been awake and watching her?

“I didna touch anything. I was merely lookin’.”

He smiled. “Are you certain you have no Norse blood in you? I saw you admiring my ship.”

“Nay, I think not. Me mother was from the village.”

“And what of your father? What do you know of the one who sired you?”

She shrugged. “Nothing. I never knew him. Me mother wouldna speak of him, other than to say I was not the product of a joyful union. I think that means he had his way with her …”

Rothgar’s ice-blue eyes widened.

“… but I dinna think he was Norse. I woulda heard tales of Norsemen invading here years ago.”

Rothgar cleared his throat and nodded. “I see. Did you sleep well?”

“Aye. Well enough.” She wasn’t sure if she should mention knowing that Karnik had come aboard the ship. She hadn’t understood their argument and had pretended to be asleep. It had seemed the safest move.

“
Gut
. I wish I could say the same. I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since I arrived on this foul isle. Nothing but bad dreams and troubles.”

Odaria sat next to Rothgar and touched his shoulder, recalling her passionate vision. As much as she ached to have Rothgar touch her and kiss her, she didn’t dare ask him to. Giving in to her lustful thoughts would serve her no purpose now. Besides, there would be time enough for that once they left the isle.

“What is wrong? What troubles you so early in the morn, Rothgar?”

He scratched his chin and watched the gulls flying overhead. “Karnik came here last night. We exchanged words. Things are not good between us.”

“Fret not, I have faith in you.” Acting on impulse, she kissed his cheek, then rubbed her lips briskly. His thick beard always prickled her tender skin.

He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. “I’m glad, witch. Because Karnik gave me three more days to find Orvind. After that, he’s leaving—with or without me.”

“He would do that? Why?”

“If he hurries me away from here before I’ve found Orvind, then he can tell everyone I failed in my duty. He would like nothing better than to make me look like a fool.”

She frowned. Three days was not much time to find Orvind and ready for a journey across the sea. She snuggled closer to Rothgar and thought for a moment. What if Rothgar found Orvind and left without her? What would become of her then?

Although Rothgar had promised to sail away with her, why would he want to bring her along? She hadn’t shown him much kindness, and at times, she seemed to be nothing more than a burden to him. Once he reached home, he would likely forget all about her.

Did Rothgar know she was falling in love with him? Probably not. Up until now, she’d been too afraid to show him that she enjoyed the way he kissed her. Denying her true feelings had kept her strong and made it easier to resist his advances, but now she longed for his warm embrace. He was a good man, and he would make a good husband.

She bit her bottom lip and stared out across the sea. What should she do? She’d never been in love with anyone before and found herself torn between emotion and reason. If she gave in to Rothgar’s tender touches and kisses, then he might deflower her and cast her aside. That would break her heart. Yet, if she did not show Rothgar how much she wished to be with him, he might grow weary of her rejections and decide that she was too troublesome to bring home.

Her erotic vision had done more than stir her lust in her sleep. The effects had carried over into her waking hours as well. When she gave herself over to Rothgar it would be on her terms and ultimately her decision. And she had decided today was the day. No longer would she be burdened with her virginity. Rothgar was the man she had chosen as her lover, and there was no need to hold off any longer.

She placed her hand in the center of Rothgar’s chest and stroked him with her fingertips. Lustful images from her vision swirled through her mind, and her lower body throbbed with a powerful need. “Rothgar, could we go to my cottage today?”

“Cottage? You do not live in the village with the others?”

“Nay, they would never let me live amongst them. My cottage is not far, and I havena been home in more than a fortnight. My animals need me.” She pressed her lips against the side of Rothgar’s neck as she had in the dream. His warm skin tasted salty, and the manly scent of him flared her desires. He let out a low groan as she kissed him again.

“And if we are to sail soon, I need ta bring clothes and shoes with me.” An image of Rothgar sucking her breasts flashed into her mind, and she kissed him on the lips. “Pray, let us go for a little while.”

To her dismay, Rothgar shook his head. “I have work to tend to. Could it not wait?”

She leaned closer to him, pressing her breasts against his chest. Her nipples hardened, and she realized that the more she teased Rothgar, the more aroused she became. “But I’m most eager to go with you today. The sooner the better,” she whispered in his ear.

He grinned. “I see that one night aboard my ship has done wonders for you. You are in a playful mood this morn. You seem changed, little witch. What sparked your sudden interest in me?”

“I like you. You are strong and noble,” she said, stroking his arm. “You have been good to me, and you should be rewarded with a special treasure.”

“A reward, eh? What are you offering me in return should I go with you to your cottage?”

“Anything you wish of me.” She kissed his neck again.

Without uttering a word, Rothgar pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. His tongue probed hers, but instead of resisting, she twirled her tongue around his. Rothgar’s kiss sparked a fire deep inside her. This was wonderful.

Rothgar unlaced her tunic and slipped his hand inside. She groaned as he cupped her left breast and gently teased her nipple with his thumb. “Do you like this?”

A familiar warm heat spread between her legs, and she relaxed in Rothgar’s arms, content to let him do as he pleased. “Aye, touch me more.”

Her head swam with delight as he parted the fabric and slid the tunic off her shoulders, exposing her naked torso to the early-morning sunlight. As in her vision, she didn’t care that they were outside where anyone could see them. All she wanted was to have her Norseman touch her.

Rothgar bent his head and drew her right breast into his mouth. He suckled her while toying with her other breast. His beard tickled her skin, sending waves of pleasure up her spine. She closed her eyes and let the sensations wash over her. This was wicked, and yet it felt so good.

Rothgar shifted his attention to her other breast and pressed her down harder onto his lap. She squirmed against the bulge jutting from the front of his breeches. Part of her longed to feel that thick rod easing into her. Nothing but a thin layer of clothing separated them. If she raised up her tunic and yanked down his breeches …

She pushed the wanton image from her mind. Nay, she wouldn’t give in to her desires and let him deflower her in such a crude way. She wanted it to be loving and tender—but soon. There was no question about it. She wanted Rothgar, now, today. Her lust-filled vision and these carnal cravings could not be ignored.

Odaria opened her eyes and forced herself to pull Rothgar’s head away from her breast.

He shot her a puzzled look. “Why do you make me stop? You were enjoying—”

“Aye, and I shall enjoy it more fully at me cottage.” She smiled. “And so will you, if you take me there today.”

“
Ja
, little witch, we will go … after I tend to my duties for the day. But I will not be stopped again, will I?” He pinched her nipple. “For when I unleash my lust on you, you will be helpless to resist me.”

She writhed on his lap and kissed him again. “I already am, Rothgar. I already am.”