Viking Unbound by Kate Pearce

Five
    Einarr considered the shackles that had been put on his ankles and wrists and how easily he could remove them. There was also something attached to his upper arm through a long needle buried in his skin. The healer had told him it was for nutritional purposes , whatever that meant. Brown, one of his guards had simplified the matter and said it was food and water and necessary to keep him alive.
    He’d developed a grudging respect for Brown who didn’t treat him like a fool, but also refused to leave him alone for a second. Not that he couldn’t escape in the blink of an eye… His female had made a good point. Learning where he was and about his brother’s fate could only help him plan his future escape. He’d already decided that whatever happened he would be taking his woman with him.
    Apart from the bars on the door, the cell bore no resemblance to any similar structure he’d been incarcerated in on an unsuccessful raid. There was no wood, only smooth white surfaces that resisted his attempts to break them. He slammed his fist against the unforgiving wall and then continued his pacing. The lights were giving him a headache and were brighter than the noon sun. He hated this place. It made him yearn to fight his way out with whatever weapons he could find and destroy everything.
    The door unlocked from the outside and Brown stood to attention as another older man came in. Einarr recognized him as one of the men who’d been hunting him earlier.
    “I’m Travis, captain of this vessel.”
    Einarr inclined his head an inch and kept his gaze bland.
    “We wish you no harm, Viking. Our intention is to take you to Alpha Three where you will be reunited with your companion from the ice.”
    Travis sat down as Einarr continued to study him before taking the seat opposite. Eventually, Travis looked back over his shoulder at the guard and asked.
    “Can he understand me, Brown?”
    “Yes, sir. The translator is working perfectly.”
    “Then he’s not choosing to cooperate.”
    “I wouldn’t say that either, sir. He’s still sitting here.”
    “You believe he’s a security risk?”
    “Yes, sir. Despite his advanced age he has unusual abilities.”
    Reluctant to allow the captain’s thoughts to stray in that direction, Einarr sat forward. “I understand. Where is the female?”
    “Which one?”
    “The one who trapped me.”
    “You mean Slavin? She shot the tranquilizer dart at you, but it was on my orders.”
    “Not her. The one who ensnared me with her kisses.”
    An expression of discomfort crossed the captain’s face. “Science Officer Frey is confined to her quarters until we reach Alpha Three.”
    “I want her.”
    “She is not available.”
    “Then we have nothing more to say to each other.” Einarr turned away and lay down on his bunk, his gaze on the shining white ceiling.
    “What do you mean?” Travis blustered. “I am authorized to negotiate with you.”
    Einarr didn’t bother to reply. Either they wanted to talk to him and they fetched his female, or he’d go and find her himself.
    After another muttered conversation, the captain left. Brown sighed and sat down again.
    “You’ve done it now, mate. The captain doesn’t take kindly to anyone undermining his authority, and he’s already got it in for our Science Officer.”
    Her name was Frey…like the goddess.
    Closing his eyes and radiating a sense of complete relaxation, Einarr sought Frey in his mind. She wasn’t in pain, or in fear of her life. That was good. She was, however angry and frustrated. He felt the same. Having her in his arms had felt right somehow—as if she belonged there. He didn’t question such feelings. They came from the Gods and the source of his magic. She called to his blood. That was enough.
    Smiling, he remembered how her lips felt and the way she’d stroked and sucked his tongue into her mouth. How would her lips feel parted around his thick rod? How would his mouth feel against the wetness of her