Chapter 3

Valerie lay quietly in her bed beside her boyfriend. Upon returning, she realized he and his jerk friend hadn’t even noticed she was missing. She had been gone for hours, how could they not have known? From Mark’s cavalier attitude it soon became apparent he didn’t care enough to go looking for her. Both men were drunk and rowdy. Both smelt suspiciously like perfume and it wasn’t her brand. She had just had sex with a Viking…so much for them trying to repair their relationship.

Valerie knew it was as much her fault as Mark’s. After being with Hott she just couldn’t bring herself to be with another. That night she somewhat smugly told Mark she had her own ‘friend’ visiting and she couldn’t have sex with him. Mark had looked at her with some relief and claimed that explained why she was being so bitchy to him. After giving her a fast peck on the cheek, he had rolled over and promptly fallen asleep.

Valerie was furious, why did men always assume women were only bitches when they were on the rag? Oh no, it couldn’t possibly be that the men they were with were behaving like assholes.

Now Mark was snoring, and all Valerie could think about was Hott. Never in her life had she felt such strong emotion after such a short time. She could still feel his warm flesh under her fingertips. His taste lingered on her lips. As though thinking of the word linger, a noxious smell reached her nose, and she realized the two guys had been into the Mexican food, beer and chili—soon the entire room reeked. Gross!

Valerie tossed back the covers and waved her hand in front of her nose. She opened the window, air conditioner be damned. She would rather be hot and have clean air than cool air and risk being asphyxiated. It would seem everything Mark did annoyed her and she was finding excuses to be away from him.

The full moon had settled over the dark water. The moonbeam was so beautiful she wished she could dance on it. The gentle rustling of the trees below offered her a sweet clean smell of fresh air. A loud snuffling came from behind her, invading her thoughts.

Mark rolled over and farted again, it was followed by a loud belch. Now that’s attractive. For the thousandth time her mind wandered to Hott. Had he been real? Her crotch ached enough, and it hadn’t been her that had gotten up close and personal with herself. Hott was real all right, and he was waiting for her.

Valerie quietly got dressed. She packed a duffel bag with a warm blanket and food and water and a bottle of wine. She left a note on the table telling Mark she was through with him. They had been on again and off again so she doubted he would even care. She should have known they were through when she’d started calling him the expletive a month ago.

Always a good indicator she needed to move on.

She was hanging on to the concept of a boyfriend. It wasn’t fair to either of them. She walked out the door after grabbing a flashlight.

The path she was on went for a small distance before branching off in a different direction. Valerie knew which way to go because she had ripped part of her towel and tied it to the tree. Even in the dark she could see the mist rolling around. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, goose bumps dotted her arms, and she shivered as she stepped over the fallen log, parted the branches and slipped through the fog.

“Hott?” she whispered, feeling a little foolish. What if he had gone home? What if it had really been some crazy dream after all?

“I am here,” came a deep reply.

Valerie spun around and ended up in his arms. He was kissing her until she was breathless. The duffle bag dropped and the wine clanked against a tin of homemade cookies. Valerie ended the kiss reluctantly. After all, she had eaten today, Hott had not. When Valerie backed away from him, Hott gave a shout of surprise, scaring her. His mouth hung open in fear, and he took a step back. It didn’t take her long to realize he was afraid of the flashlight. She waved it at him.

“What trickery is this?” he demanded. “How do you make light burst forth from your hand?”

Valerie laughed lightly at his indignant glare. “It’s called a flashlight. And it’s harmless.”

She used the light to see into her duffle bag and pulled out the blanket. Hott fingered the material looking amazed. He declared it to be the softest texture he had ever felt. Even in his travels there had never been a finer material. Strong fingers squeezed the material into a bunch, then was released and it sprung back into place. Valerie told him it was one of the softest fleece blankets she owned.

Soon she had a variety of food spread out for a feast. She handed him a plastic fork which he studied with interest before tossing it aside. He attacked everything with his mouth and fingers. Valerie smiled with pleasure when he raved over her homemade potato salad, deviled eggs and cornbread. She wiped the grease on his cheek and mouth from the fried chicken with a paper napkin.

Hott took the napkin into his hand and studied it carefully, turning it over, running his fingers over the flower pattern. She opened the wine and offered him a Styrofoam cup full. Hott sipped at the liquid, while keeping a wary distance from the flashlight.

“This is good,” he said.

“Worth a whole eight bucks.”

“I do not think it is worth eight, perhaps a single buck and a few fowl. It is best I do our bartering in the future.”

Valerie laughed so hard she almost choked on her drink. “Not real bucks.”

His look was skeptical. “In your time they have fake bucks? How do the does conceive?”

“I was talking about money, like cash, you know, coins.”

“Ah I see. What a strange name for wealth.”

“I guess it is,” she replied, then pondered. “Why do you suppose we can’t go into each other’s era?”

“I am uncertain. But I will not leave you behind with a quivering asshole boyfriend.”

“He’s a jerk, he doesn’t quiver and I ended it between us.”

Hott brightened. “That is good. This boyfriend appears to have enough trouble without dying of fright.”

Valerie began cleaning up the remains of their meal. She packed away everything except for dessert, the wine, and the blanket. She watched as Hott picked apart his cup. Each time a piece came off he held it up and looked upon it with amazement.

“It’s called Styrofoam,” she informed him.

“An odd substance to be certain. A container not made for a warrior.” He then crushed it in his hand.

Valerie watched the look on his face when she pulled a small object out of her coat pocket. She thought perhaps they might need a fire. When she flicked the lighter and the flame burst forth, Hott bellowed like he had seen a ghost and jumped to his feet.

“Witchcraft,” he whispered.

“No, I’m no witch,” she said a bit tightly.

She noted the sword he now held up in his hands. She swallowed a bit uncomfortably, thinking maybe teasing him wasn’t such a good idea.

“Remember I’m from the future. We have invented certain things to make our lives more comfortable. This lighter can make a quicker more efficient fire in less time. If you were to stumble onto a relative of yours from a thousand years ago they might think you were a warlock if you had something they hadn’t invented yet. Maybe some kind of new weapon.”

He seemed to be pondering her words. To her relief he relaxed, and lowered his sword. Then he approached her with trepidation as well as an air of eager excitement.

“Let me see this magic fire.”

She handed it to him. Hott shook it, then pushed down on the button, but it wouldn’t work. Valerie took it from him and showed him how to strike it to cause a flame. Once shown, he played endlessly with the object. Valerie just sat back and shook her head at his enthusiasm. She reached around him, opened the tin of cookies, and handed him one. One bite of the chocolate chip cookie, and he abandoned the lighter.

“Easy now,” she cautioned. “I’m guessing you’ve never had chocolate.”

“Is that what this is called?” he asked, poking at the brown pieces on the cookie. Another disappeared into his mouth.

“Yes.”

“They are delicious,” he said, his eyes squeezed closed as he savored the taste.

“I thought you might like them.”

“Are you not having any?” he asked and downed his sixth.

“No, I’m watching my waist.”

Hott looked at her then looked down. He leaned in closer to stare hard at her belly. “What exactly is it you are watching your waist for?”

“Expansion,” she replied grimly.

“You will expand when you are pregnant. Do you think you carry my child?” he asked excitedly.

“One thing at a time, cowboy.”

“Cows are not boys, they are female. Should the term not be cow girl and bull boy?”

“Never mind,” she said before laughing.

Apparently having satisfied one appetite, Hott was anxious to partake of another. He placed her now empty cup of wine off to the side. Valerie stilled his hands.

“Shouldn’t we start a fire? I mean there could be wild animals out there,” she said, casting her gaze around worriedly.

“The night is warm and I have seen no sign of any creatures. Do not fear, I have my sword.”

“Yes you certainly do,” she mumbled.

Reaching down, Valerie took his hard length into her hand and stroked up and down. She smiled inwardly thinking he had removed his clothing in record time. He was tugging at her t-shirt. She had forgone a bra. His large hands found her full breasts, and he kneaded them and worked the nipples. The pad of his thumb rubbed across her bud, and she hardened. His head bent, and he suckled one then blew on it. Her pants, shoes and socks soon followed until she lay nude in his embrace.

“Taste me again,” he commanded.

She did as he asked. Her hair trailed a lazy path down his bare flesh to tickle him in intimate places. She licked the tip of his head when she reached it. Kneeling beside him, she sucked him into her mouth to lave until she felt the gentle rise and fall of his hips. Her tongue glided up the full length of him, from his sac to the head of his penis. Droplets of cum spilled; his taste was sweet. She had hated doing this with Mark. But Hott was so hard and long and thick, and she had never been with an uncircumcised male before.

She gripped his shaft with her hand and rubbed up and down. He tensed. His powerful hand roamed over her bare backside sending a shiver down her spine. Hott groaned and pushed her over. She rolled onto her belly and he pulled her onto her hands and knees. Then he pressed intimately against her behind.

“Hott?” she said with growing uncertainty.

“I will be your first,” he said throatily, and she wondered just what that meant.

“Wait,” she cried out.

“I will have you,” he demanded.

“Take this.” She had been wondering if he would want to do this, and because she was curious she’d come prepared. She handed him a plastic vial of lubricant, and spread it on him.

“At home I have used grease, but this smell is much more pleasant. And such an odd-looking container,” he said, turning it over in his hands.

He turned her again, and she dropped her head wondering what to expect. He fingered her first. She shivered beneath him. His slick fingers slid in and out of her ass. It was a bit uncomfortable, but she decided it wasn’t painful, and he was being very gentle and coaxing. When he positioned himself, she tensed when she felt the tip of his head enter her, and she groaned.

“Relax, little Valkyrie. You will grow accustomed to this.”

She again wondered what he meant. Did he plan on doing this often? His body began straining towards her, and her moan turned to a guttural groan. He pushed into her and pulled out a bit before pushing more inside her. Inch by inch he delved deeper, and she felt herself stretch to accommodate him. He was so big and there was so damn much she couldn’t stand it. Another inch slid inside.

“Oh, wait. Let me get used to what’s in there,” she said.

“It is your first time. There is bound to be a little pain.”

“A little! You’re killing me with your huge watermelon dick.”

“Nonsense. And stop naming my cock.”

He plunged deeper, and Valerie gasped. Her hands dug into the grass beneath her, her fingers clawed the dirt. Hott remained still behind her when his entire cock rested up inside her. She was panting heavily, trying to recapture her breath.

His hand caressed the swell of her rump while his arm was locked around her waist holding her in place. He began to pull out, and she moaned loudly. Right before he was to exit he plunged, only swiftly this time with his entire length. Valerie cried out, and on impulse tried to pull away, but he was too strong. It was such a strange feeling of both pleasure and pain. Hott removed himself completely this time, but entered her again slowly. She moaned deep within her throat. Her elbows buckled, and she pitched forward in submission. She could feel the cool grass beneath her cheek.

Slowly he rocked against her. She got used to the feeling and tentatively met his easy thrusts. It was such a vulnerable position, and it felt odd for her because she was normally always in control. For her to give complete control to another was foreign, and somewhat exciting. Just the thought made her wet between her legs.

“Do you give yourself to me?” he demanded.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Hott took her faster. He rubbed more lubricant onto himself, and pumped within her at a steady pace. She could feel each hit of his pelvis against her hips. She panted and gasped and whimpered. Just when she thought she could take no more, his fingers found her clit and then they entered her. His cock and fingers worked together, and Valerie came harder than she ever had in her life. She slumped before him, but he wasn’t finished.

He removed himself, flipped her over, and she watched as he wiped himself on the blanket. But Valerie had come prepared for that as well. Instead she reached for the wet wipes she had brought. She could feel Hott shaking under her hands as she ran the moist towelette up and over him in a sultry fashion. A low growl came from his throat, and she knew she hadn’t much time.

“I will not waste my seed,” he declared.

Valerie’s legs parted, and he entered her vaginally. The feeling was so different. This way heat crept up throughout her belly and over her thighs. Even though his weight was on her, she didn’t feel as vulnerable when face-to-face with him. She felt his sweat drop onto her forehead. His hands crushed her back to his chest. Her head dipped to lick at his nipple, and he groaned when her teeth grazed him. His smell was intoxicating. He wore no cologne; it was the smell of a viral man.

Finally she lay beneath him feeling too spent to do more than whimper. He pumped wildly within her, and it felt so satisfying. His arm had her legs wrapped behind him around his waist. His hand captured her ankles. He kept his heavy weight on one powerful arm to keep from smothering her. His look was so intense she was frozen to the spot by his delving eyes. Her breath came in short, quick pants. When he howled his release, she shuddered under him. He sounded like a huge feral being. She was at the mercy of a man-beast. Yet, when he collapsed on top of her, he didn’t crush her. Her eyes closed as his body heat and strength lulled her into a restful slumber. Somehow Valerie had to be with this man. She decided he was her gift, too.

* * * *

Valerie woke to the feel of Hott stroking her hair from her eyes. She smiled up at him and yawned. She stretched beneath him.

“How do you feel?” he asked.

“My ass hurts,” she complained and rubbed her bare bottom.

He chuckled. “You will get used to it.”

“Why do you keep saying that? Is it some kind of fetish with you?”

“You will see when I take you home,” he said evasively.

Hott rose and pulled his wolf pants on and she decided to drop the subject for now. She slipped into her jeans and t-shirt and wrapped her jacket around her waist. The area they were in was still clear, but the mist rolled heavily in the distance. Valerie packed up her items into the duffel bag. When she finished she saw Hott watching her.

“You must come home with me,” he said.

Valerie frowned. There was no doubt in her mind now that if she went with him she would be heading into the ninth century. She would be giving up civilization as she knew it. She didn’t know much about Vikings. All she had read described them as barbaric warriors who invaded lands and took what they wanted. Was it true? Their lives were such speculation. Did they wear hats with horns or was it a myth as some suggested? How hard could it be getting used to a different time? There was something to be said for the simple life, but how simple? No technology, no plumbing, no electricity.

Maybe she could persuade Hott into going home with her. But looking at him she realized there was no way she could picture Hott in a corporate suit returning with her to her world, her time. He would no doubt be lost without his sword. She couldn’t have him decapitating the helpless men of her era. That was even if the mist would part and allow her through.

But the alternative was unacceptable. She needed to be with him. The feeling in her heart was too strong to ignore. She pictured herself, in her mind’s eye, simply walking away from him. The emotion almost brought her to her knees. No, she couldn’t just walk away.

“If I am able to go with you I will, but you have to promise to take care of me. I’m not sure I won’t be afraid where you come from.”

Hott dropped to one knee, and clasped her hands. “I will allow no one to harm you. You will be given free choice on everything. I swear on Valhalla I will protect you.”

Valerie knew he was serious. She nodded her head. Hott rose. With a deep breath the two walked forward into the rolling dense fog. Hott put his arm around her for reassurance and gave her a fast kiss and a quick smile. He looked towards the Heavens.

“I am your loyal servant, Odin.”

Hott walked them both into the mist. It swirled and billowed around them, engulfing them until Valerie almost lost sight of Hott. She breathed the vapors into her nose only to expel it from her mouth. It was almost intrusive, as though searching her. She stumbled for just a moment on unfamiliar ground. Valerie remained beside Hott, but her left arm and hand were stopped from entering the deeper surreal mist. She tugged and pulled on her duffle bag, but it wouldn’t come through. The grip on the other side was too intense.

“Release the tote,” Hott demanded.

Reluctantly Valerie complied. It was the last remnants of her home. Once the bag dropped to the ground they were free to move forward. Valerie walked with trepidation into her new life. She belonged to a powerful Viking warrior. What was in store for them both?

She felt an odd sensation of things slipping off her to the ground. Her body shuddered with a cold chill, and Hott pulled her closer to his warmth. When the mist cleared she was beyond amazed. The vegetation was more full and robust than she had ever seen. The air was clean and sweet. She had walked most definitely into the past and—she was completely nude!