Viking Unbound by Kate Pearce Page B

straightened in his seat. This was ridiculous. Her career was on the line and she was simpering like a teenager at the local bad boy.
    “What is your name?” Travis asked.
    “Einarr Bloodaxe.”
    “What is the last thing you remember, Einarr?”
    “Before waking up here?”
    At Travis’s nod, the Viking leaned back in his chair, which creaked ominously.
    “I was with my brother. We were attempting to evade our enemies.”
    “And what happened?”
    “I’m not sure.” Einarr shrugged, the motion as powerful as a panther’s. “One moment we were running, the next…we were caught within the ice.”
    Frey stared hard at him, aware that although he was telling the truth, he wasn’t revealing everything. He didn’t look directly at her but she knew he was as aware of her as she was of him. She’d heard stories about how it felt to “meet your mate,” but she hadn’t imagined it would be so…powerful and primitive. If it were up to her, she’d drag him off to her cabin, get him naked and keep him there forever.
    His knee bumped against hers under the table and she jumped. Travis shot an irritated glance at her and she realized he’d been speaking.
    “Anything to add, Science Officer?”
    “Only that I have informed FREN and Alpha Base Three about your present condition, Einarr, and have asked for information about the other ship. Due to interference from the eclipse and the current positions of the planets Thor and Odin, I haven’t received a reply yet.”
    He nodded. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Travis cleared his throat. “Do you wish me to explain where you are now?”
    “That would be helpful.”
    Einarr looked and sounded far more relaxed than he felt. Frey had a sudden image of a caged feline pacing back and forth waiting to strike. Should she warn the captain?
    “ I won’t hurt them unless I have to, Frey .”
    His thought came through clearly to her. It was disconcerting to have someone reading her mind so easily.
    “You are currently on a space ship bound for Alpha Base Three a research lab on one of Odin’s moons.”
    Einarr’s smile was dismissive. “I do not understand most of your words. I also do not understand how we appear to be sailing through the night sky. I thought at first that I was dreaming—perhaps I still am.”
    “You were encased in ice for a very long time.” Travis said carefully. “Things have changed. Technology has advanced our understanding of our world and the universe around it.”
    A slight crease appeared between Einarr’s brows. “How long was I asleep for?”
    Travis took a deep breath. “About four thousand Earth years.”
    “Four thousand ? When most men are dead at five and forty?” Einarr shook his head. “This is impossible . It must be the work of the Gods.”
    “I assure you that it is not only possible, but true. You are living proof of that. When we get to Alpha Three, there will be a team of experts available to help you adjust to your new life. No one expected you to wake up at this point. We still don’t understand why you did.”
    Einarr half-smiled, the shock still reverberating in his eyes. “The Gods called me.” He nodded at Frey. “ She called me with her blood.”
    Travis shot her a look. “Are you suggesting Science Officer Frey somehow brought you out of the ice?”
    “Aye. Otherwise why else would I be here?”
    Silence filled the small space as Captain Travis swung his attention back to Frey.
    “Would you care to elaborate on this, Tecky?”
    She stared into his eyes. “I did nothing that wasn’t authorized by FREN, sir. You can ask them to confirm that when we reestablish contact. Our guest is obviously disoriented and seeking solutions within his own understanding of his religion and culture.”
    “I am not.” Einarr interrupted her. “I know what is right.”
    “Captain…” Frey ignored him and tried to keep talking. “I did nothing wrong.”
    “Except join your blood to mine when I was still