“Nay,” she scoffed.“It is an endorsement of your mate, not her origins.I believe she became the woman who has captured your heart despite her origin and upbringing, because she was never meant to flourish there.”
Tor raised a brow, silently prompting her to elaborate.
“She keeps her softness well-hidden, tempered by her steel.She is your match in every way and equally captivated.Every time you look away, her eyes land on you.”
Tor wanted to rub his fist over his heart to quell the restless kernel of hope that stirred at his mother’s observation.“We have made our peace in the marriage berth, but the accord we have found there doesn’t extend beyond our bedroom walls.”
His father shook his head at Tor’s blunt admission, and his mother laid a hand on his sleeve.“I think she would be amenable to more, and I think it is worth the risk to find out.Your father and I are retiring to begin the preparations that must be made for his final voyage, and we bid you good night so you may have the freedom to woo your wife.”
The weight of his father’s hand landed unexpectedly on his shoulder.“I doubted the wisdom of an alliance with the berserker chief and his kind, but you have proven me wrong.I think Brunhild Ranulfsdottir is one of the wisest choices you’ve made and I believe her heart loyal to none but you.”
Tor twisted to follow his father’s gaze, which rested thoughtfully on his maddening wife.Her back was turned to them, but she glanced over her shoulder as if she’d felt the weight of his perusal.When their eyes met, something powerful resonated between them.Something that went beyond the desire they sparked in one another and hooked itself like a barb in his heart.
Chapter Fifteen
Brunfelthispresencebehind her, and shivered when she sensed the stir of air as he lowered his head.“I would retire, mate.Shall I do so alone?”
No, she resolved, he wouldn’t go to bed alone.“I shall join you,” she told him as she slipped her hand in his.
The crowd that surrounded them would interpret her gesture as a concession, but Brun found she didn’t care what the repercussions would be.His hand cradled hers as she lightly brushed her thumb across the smooth calluses on his palm.She’d come to realize her husband was nothing like the man who’d raised her or the brothers who’d refused to protect her.He respected her strength and would lend her his when she needed it, and he’d earned her trust.
When they entered the sanctity of their shared chamber, where they'd be undisturbed, she pressed her hand in the middle of his chest and gently pushed him against the wall.
“Will you show me?”
He raised a brow, playing the fool.She knew he simply wanted her to tell him exactly what she wanted."What would you have me show you, wife?"
"I want to see your each uisge form."
“You've already seen it.I was in my beast form when I rescued you.”
She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.“That was only a brief glimpse and I had neither the time nor the opportunity to appreciate your transformation.I was overwrought and exhausted from my captivity.”
"My beast and I both have need of distraction this night, be certain what you ask for, Valkyrie."
She deliberately brushed her fingers over the scar his teeth had left on her neck and stepped closer."I know what I'm asking for, Barbarian."
***
“My beast is not easily tamed,” Tor warned as he gathered her in his arms.He wasn’t inclined to inform her that whether or not the taming had been easy, his each uisge would roll onto its back or fetch her dinner in exchange for nothing more than one of her smiles.
“I trust your ability to control that side of your soul," she taunted.
Her trust was humbling, and this teasing side of her ignited his yearning.Tairneanaich was impatient to make more than a passing acquaintance and Tor wanted to set him free.
He bent his head and brushed his lips over her scar, faintly scraping it with his incisors, and set her down.
When he slowly began unwrapping the plaid he’d wound around his waist after his bath, she clasped her hands in front of her, and the occasional twitch of her fingers was the only thing that belied how eager she was to meet his beast.
Her gaze went half-lidded and her breaths turned visibly short when he tossed aside the plaid.His manhood responded to her arousal, rising to the occasion, and he was tempted to stalk forward and bear her down to the mattress.If he was certain his beast wouldn't punish him for thwarting their meeting he'd do just that.
The metamorphosis from man to beast was swift, and when Tairneanaich’s will rose to the surface, clamoring for control, Tor tried to calm him.She’s ours for now, lad.Don’t scare her away with your gnashing teeth.
His each uisge shook its head in disdain, but Tor could feel him quieting.
“You are beautiful,” she crooned as he pranced toward her.
When he lowered his muzzle, she swept her hand down his face.The human side of him that watched felt her touch like an echo, and Tairneanaich whicker of approval became Tor 's mental growl.His fierce beast nuzzled his mate’s palm, swaying on its feet, bliss oozing from its very pores.
