Chapter 2

Vicki was aware the man, Wolf—she thought his name was Wolf—was carrying her. To where, she had no clue. Each time her fearful eyes opened to look at him, he said something she didn’t understand and she whimpered and buried her face within his neck. She hated this vulnerable, powerless feeling. Was this what Trisha had meant when she said guys could be spooky sometimes? Vicki hadn’t understood her—not then. Trisha’s boyfriend was only an inch taller than Vicki at five ten and his body was unimpressive. Then again Trisha was only five feet. Her boyfriend had ten inches in height on her and possibly sixty pounds. Perhaps being petite and weak wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Wolf spoke again and Vicki saw a cave or cavern come into view. He took her to a pool of steaming water and set her at the side. Though the air was warmer in the cave, the rock was slightly cold and she shivered and shifted when a pebble pinched her behind. She watched, open-mouthed, as he removed his clothes. Her eyes grew wider as he stripped his wolf pants off.

She was frozen to the spot. His huge hardened cock sprang free. Vicki blinked hard; she had never seen a more impressive man. He slipped into the water, making a large ripple then reached for her. She shied back but was unable to pull away in time. Wolf pulled her in with him, lifting her under her arms as though she was nothing but a feather. His strength alone made her apprehensive. She stood before him, fearfully, her bare breasts just above the heated water. His hands rose to cup each one, testing their weight. Vicki was big-breasted and he looked impressed. She was amazed his hands were so large they seemed to fit her perfectly.

She wasn’t certain what to do. Should she pull away? What if he hurt her? She began shaking and her throat made that disturbing whimpering sound again. She felt her teeth click together. His nose nuzzled her hair; she heard him breathe in her scent and he said something quietly. His rough voice gentled and she felt his palm cup her chin for a moment when he spoke a word that sounded strangely enough like an endearment. Whereas before, his once fury-filled eyes had now changed to being full of deep, longing desire. She again blinked in her confusion. Only moments earlier he had come after her with a sword. Now he lifted a handful of water to dribble it over her chest and between her breasts. The water warmed her as was no doubt his motive. What is going on?

Was she perhaps mistaken? Maybe he really had been sent by Trisha after all and his playacting had gotten out of hand. He seemed to be taking genuine pains not to frighten her further. But why the sudden change in languages? Did people really get so caught up in character to play a part? She had heard some did. Whatever was happening was thankfully lessening her fear—at least of her imminent demise.

“What do you want?” she whispered, her teeth clicked together.

In response Wolf’s hands rubbed warmth into her neck and shoulders. His long fingers ran through her hair and he smiled at her looking pleased. He tugged at her blond streak with curious interest. Her breathing grew rapid. No one had ever touched her like this. He again fondled her. He squeezed and rolled her nipples between his finger and thumb. She couldn’t stop the whimper that escaped past her lips. Again he was talking to her in a strange tongue. His deep voice was nonthreatening and she wondered again at his change in attitude. Was it because she had thrown down her sword and surrendered? Was that part of the playacting, her submission? Trisha had always told her she was a control freak and needed to just once let down her guard. Vicki had argued back that no one was impressive enough to do that with. But this man is. The thought made her swallow hard.

“Please talk to me,” she begged.

His lips were at her ear and she could hear what sounded like individual words rolling off his tongue. It took her a few moments before she realized she recognized some of his language.

Her great-grandmother had taught her a few foreign words from long ago. He was speaking Old Norse. Her eyes widened in stunned surprise. He must be an actor. Trisha knew of her heritage and the stories she had been told. Trisha knew all of her secrets—even the naughty ones. They shared everything with each other. No doubt all of this was meant for her—her surprise. Trisha was giving her a chance to play out her fantasy. That must be why the language change. It was the only thing that made sense.

Vicki caught a few of the words he was saying. Beautiful. Sweet. Hot. He called her his little Valkyrie. From his gentle tone she realized he did in fact no longer want to flay her alive—but to screw her! She pushed at his large hands with her uncertainty.

“Now wait a minute,” she demanded.

He put his hands back on her and continued his discoveries. Vicki yelped when his fingers dipped below the water and spread her thighs. She struggled, but he held her still. She gasped when a huge finger reached its way up inside her. He grunted and his eyes widened and he looked at her with some surprise. She was a virgin and she could tell he knew. Her face flamed with warmth and she knew she was blushing. Hadn’t Trisha told him? From his amazed look she doubted it.

Vicki had seen nude men before. One time she had come close to allowing another to make love to her. But when his clothes came off, he had seemed so utterly unimpressive Vicki changed her mind. Again it was impossible to want a man who just never measured up to the mental image in her mind of her hero phantom lover. In her heart, she had always known only a massive Viking warrior would do. She held her breath wondering if Wolf would stop. She was wondering if she wanted him to stop.

Her hand settled over his wrist, again undecided. It became apparent immediately he was undeterred. He kept moving his finger deeper, very carefully and coaxingly. He spoke to her as one would a skittish filly. His hand stroked her cheek in a loving gesture. She stared into his eyes and she felt frozen to the spot. Dark brown pools of liquid desire gazed back. She released his wrist and splayed her hands against his chest. His look was gentle, yet commanding. His hot breath caressed the words he soothed over her face and she felt strangely quieted. He pinned her back against the pool wall with gentle force. For the most part the side of the pool was smooth. She was literally trapped between a rock and a hard place. She groaned as another finger slipped inside her to explore with exquisite caution. His thumb stroked back and forth over her nub.

Vicki’s mouth opened wide to expel little puffs of air. When his mouth covered hers she moaned. His tongue invaded her; his hand gripped the back of her neck. She could barely breathe. Their tongues rolled and danced together. He felt so warm and soft. Her shy whimpers were answered with his encouraging groans and animalistic grunts. Oddly enough this was a language she felt she should know. Her hips began to move of their own accord against his invading fingers and she allowed his hand to stay where it was.

His fingers stopped exploring and he reached up to grip one of her hands. He pulled it low in the water and her fingers were suddenly tracing the outline of his huge cock. He closed her hand around him and she tested its thickness. She shivered and he pulled her closer. That massive thing was about to be inside her, she just knew it. She gripped him harder, feeling a bit overwhelmed at his size, then ran her hand down the long hardened length of him. His penis seemed to go on forever. He was magnificent.

This is what a Viking warrior would feel like.

Her thighs felt like jelly. He nipped and licked at her cheek, her jaw and her neck, until she was panting harder. His face was then only inches from her own. She swallowed hard. He was so gorgeous. Shallow puffs of his heated breath bathed her face. The intense look he wore was unnerving. There was a question in his eyes. His fingers still slid carefully, coaxingly inside her. Her hips continued to rock against them. No, she wasn’t going anywhere.

Admittedly, the fight, the fear and now this were arousing her. She moaned and a blush crept up her neck and cheeks from her building desire. She heard a low chuckle in his voice. He sounded so sexy. She felt an ache inside, and he was so handsome when he was being sweet and wasn’t scaring the crap out of her. When he moved forward she felt his cock push against her opening. She wasn’t certain what to expect, but he was so intoxicating. Her legs spread wider, wanting him. Her fantasy man had become a reality and damned if she was going to miss out on what was probably her only opportunity at coming close to her dreams. His penis pushed up inside her, probing. He kissed her forehead, whispered calming words, gripped her tightly to him and then he thrust deep within her.

Vicki screamed and then gasped for air. He was as huge as he felt! Her insides closed around him and her vaginal walls tightened. He held her still in his powerful arms; he removed himself, almost completely, and thrust again. She screamed for a second time.

Oh God.

He thrust slowly again and again until his cock glided its way into her heat. When her insides stopped resisting him he moved faster and harder. His powerful movements lifted her off her feet. She moaned and puffed harried amounts of air. Her head slumped forwards onto his rock-hard chest. Her fingers dug into his back and shoulders. Soon the pain was a dull ache that began to build into something more. He pulled her away from the wall and she cried out when his finger slid into her ass. She groaned as both his cock and finger pumped within her pussy and behind.

She cried out again and then once more until his mouth covered hers. He silenced her whimpers. And when she felt the feeling inside her climax she knew when she came. She had read about it, but actually experiencing an orgasm was amazing and nothing she could describe. He then tossed his head back and roared as he had in the clearing, making her shake and she knew he had come as well. His large hands stroked her back and behind and when he tilted her head to look at him he was grinning. She smiled shyly back up at him. He said something she didn’t understand and she shook her head in confusion. His cock slipped from within her and he pulled his massive form out of the water and told her with hand motions to stay.

When he returned seconds later he jumped back into the pool making the water slosh up over the sides holding the flask she had wanted. He tipped it up to her lips and she downed a few huge gulps thirstily, feeling beyond parched. It was fermented and she could already feel the effects by the time the contents hit her belly. She never ate lunch and had forgone with dinner, knowing there would be a ton of snacks at the party to indulge in. What did it matter anyway? He had already taken her virginity, there wasn’t much left he could do, right?

“Wolf?” she asked.

He said something like Ulfr and she wondered if she were pronouncing his name wrong. Each time she tried it came out sounding like wolf until he just shrugged and laughed. The pronunciation was too difficult for her, but she realized his name was in fact Ulfr. She smiled a bit shyly when he said her name. It rolled off his tongue with an accent in the most beautiful of ways.

Ulfr lifted her chin in his hand and gave her more to drink. She wasn’t certain she wanted more but he said something, as though it were important. She guzzled more, then shook her head no when he offered her another drink. He nodded and turned her in his arms. His hands felt so good on her back and shoulders. He worked the kinks away with strong soothing fingers. He kissed at her neck, his tongue trailed its way down her flesh and it felt so wonderful and inviting. She felt her eagerness grow.

With her eyes half-closed she watched as his fingers dipped into another hide pouch. When he removed them, a type of whitish jelly substance covered them and she guessed it to be a type of lubricant. She chuckled, thinking it was a bit late for that, but she was tender and it might be for the best if he wanted her again so soon. He spread her legs farther apart and she felt him fumbling behind her. No doubt he was laving gel on his huge cock. She felt her insides heat up when he pressed against her, her thighs quivered. His hand rubbed at her bottom. He asked something that sounded like a question and she nodded. Yes she did want him again; she couldn’t wait to feel him thrust up inside her. Her first time had been fantastic; she bet the second time would be even better.

His hand slid over her mouth, covering it, and she felt her heart quicken in naughty anticipation. She felt wicked, thinking this was something she had dreamed of, fantasized about. Being forcefully screwed by some hot massive warrior-type guy in the middle of nowhere, where no one could hear her if she screamed—she would hate to be interrupted. She wiggled her ass at him in delight, wanting him. She felt herself begin to come with just the thought of him inside her. His huge arm slid around her waist locking her in place. He said soothing coaxing words that made her decide she was where she was supposed to be.

It was so erotic to be taken like this. He spent time persuading her body. His experienced touch soon had her panting with desire. She pushed herself back into him in eager anticipation. His delicious cock was long and hard again. He kissed her shoulders and his arm and hand tightened on her waist and mouth; she melted into him, ready and hot. The full effects of the booze had worked its magic and she felt so horny. His cock, slick with gel, pushed and slid against her ass. She shifted a bit to give him better access to her pussy, thinking to aid him. His hand tightened further on her mouth and around her waist and she was locked in place. As if she wanted to be anywhere else at this moment. She leaned back into him. Then in one swift stroke, Vicki felt his foot-long cock plunge halfway up her ass.

She gasped in surprise, her muffled groan came out puffing her cheeks. She had never expected this. He removed his cock and thrust again, more of his thick length found its way inside. She screamed, unable to help it. Her eyes were wide, wild, and it was hard to gasp in air through his hand. He bucked and thrust against her harder obviously intending to make every inch fit. She tensed and cried out, fighting him, but it was useless. She moaned and whimpered and sobbed, until she relaxed against him. She knew she had given him all the indications she wanted him again. She realized his question had been this and she had nodded in agreement. Her body grazed against the stone, and she was grateful for the arm around her waist, protecting her from the rocks. Her breasts swung back and forth with the force of his eagerness.

Throughout most of her entire life Vicki had felt big. At this moment she felt dainty and vulnerable. She shivered with the feeling. The man behind her was rough but not being cruel or vicious. He was a powerful man; of course he would feel commanding. Maybe what she thought was forceful was just sheer strength. She slumped in his arms; she conceded and gave him complete control. Before long she grew used to the sensation as he slid in and out; the more she relaxed beneath him, the better it felt. He pounded within her harder for a few minutes before gentling his great thrusts. She closed her eyes and concentrated on what he was doing. It was so odd to be placed into a position of complete surrender. Yet she wasn’t afraid, she felt protected—how odd. And she never realized it would feel so good.

He removed his hand from her mouth and she gasped in great gulps of air. He let loose her wrists. He slipped his cock from her ass, and she felt a surge of disappointment, he fumbled for a second, wiping himself off in the water, and then carefully pushed himself into her pussy.

His large hands gripped her tits, squeezing. Her own hands covered his and she bid him rub her gently. She didn’t mind his brutal strength with his cock but not with her tender breasts. He immediately gentled his touch to what she wanted. She was handled with both strength and tenderness. It was more intoxicating than the booze. She groaned and shuddered when he again howled his release.

Vicki was glad she had started birth control pills the month earlier. She had been hoping to meet some guy at Trisha’s party who would be cute enough to fool around with. She had been tired of being a virgin. This guy was well worth the wait. She felt so satisfied she was sorry it was over. She would have liked to get to know him better. She wondered if he would give her his number but doubted it; most likely this handsome hunk only dated models or other actors.

“Wolf?” she whispered when he slumped over her.

“Mmm?”

“That was incredible.”

Vicki turned within his arms. He lifted her from the pool as though she weighed no more than a child and set her on a blanket away from the water. She hadn’t seen the blanket before and she wondered where it had come from. Ulfr soon had a fire going and he produced dry meat from a stone cache in the wall. She studied him for a moment feeling very tired. She wondered for the thousandth time where on earth her clothes went. And these hot springs, she hadn’t known they were so close to home. Her biggest comfort was her sword propped over to the side. Thank heaven she hadn’t lost it or she’d never hear the end of it from her dad.

Ulfr encouraged her to eat. She did. When she finished she lay down on the blanket of soft leather. Ulfr curled around her. His one arm cushioned her head, the other wrapped snugly around her waist. Vicki closed her eyes thinking she would sleep for just a few minutes. Her parents would worry if she were late. Maybe they could still even catch part of Trisha’s party. She couldn’t wait to thank her. Vicki had been almost right earlier. This was the most fun she had ever had on Halloween. It wasn’t long before the heat of the fire before her and the warmth of the big hulking brute behind her lulled her into slumber.

* * * *

Ulfr arose early and washed quickly in one of the hot pools. Upon exiting he dipped a cloth into the water and carried it dripping back to the hide. He settled himself down and watched as his little Valkyrie’s eyes fluttered open. She smiled shyly up at him. She was so beautiful. Ulfr felt certain Odin was well pleased with him to send him such a treasure after the long lonely months he had traveled in search of her. He had sacrificed much, leaving his family and friends for so long. He had been more than ready to turn back when his beloved dog, Sultan, was killed. Sultan had been fearless. A large wolf cross. Yet despite his size he was still quite young and too full of himself. He felt bad for taking the foolish pup with him. Ulfr hadn’t been able to save him from the mother bear’s wrath when Sultan had gone too close to her cubs.

Ulfr decided it was worth the sacrifice. He now had his own special Valkyrie. Upon his return home, not far from the hot springs and his village, Ulfr had felt the ground shake. He had struggled to maintain his footing. His body was tossed to and fro. It was a fearsome thing to experience, but he was no coward. He stood his ground and had not run. When the earth ceased its quaking a fog had settled a short distance away. Intrigued, Ulfr had wandered into it. When the apparition had formed in the mist his heart had hammered. There was unsurety at what was moving towards him. Sword in hand he had relaxed when the little, nonthreatening Valkyrie had appeared. She was stunning. Her hair was dark as midnight. Her beautiful blue eyes were clear and bright. She held herself with the confidence of a Valkyrie, as she should.

Ulfr had been surprised she held a weapon. It was a tiny sword, made for a woman or young warrior. He hadn’t been concerned. She seemed confused at first at his appearance then grew cocky. In the forest, he had been shocked she would challenge him, taunt him. Perhaps it was a test. He had shown her his great strength, shown her he was worthy. His blade had been merciful; she was no match for him. The blows he had struck were meant to teach dominance not cause harm. Ulfr had considered it a practice of a real warrior’s great control. Power tempered with restraint.

When he had reached her in the clearing after their battle, her fear and terror had made his heart hurt for her. She had looked so small and alone and defenseless. The lesson he had taught her was a blow to her ego. Her bewildered eyes that had begged pitifully into his were wrought with confusion. He had thought she would expire in terror when she discovered she was nude. But he had expected it; his brother, Hott, had told him. Hott had pulled him aside many months ago and explained how he had come about his own little Valkyrie in the mist. Hott had explained her fears as well.

Then the poor thing before him had discovered she was incapable of understanding him. Again, Hott had explained that for some odd reason in the mist each would think the other was speaking his/her own language. But the Valkyrie should never have challenged him. It was a dangerous game she had played. Ulfr had not expected that. Hott’s own little Valkyrie had carried no weapons. Hott’s woman, Valerie, had gotten pregnant before she had been allowed into their time. Ulfr and Vicki’s meeting had been odd. More of a power struggle.

Perhaps Odin had punished her for being too brazen. She was strong-willed, which was a good thing, as long as it didn’t get her killed. She was lucky he was a merciful man; another might have slaughtered her for taking up arms against a Viking warrior. Yes, it must have been a test, an educating experience for them both. Odin had made the right choice of warriors. It was now up to Ulfr to teach her submission if he would be allowed to keep his little captive.

Ulfr had been surprised she had been a virgin. At first he had thought to take her to his home and coax her. But he had seen the passion in her eyes and when he felt between her legs she had been so hot he knew she wouldn’t deny him. He had meant to be gentler with her from behind, but when she lay so submissively and ripe for the taking he had lost control. She had closed around his cock so sweetly he knew she was meant for him. Besides, it was best she learn now how demanding he was. He could feel the eagerness of his manhood as it jumped thinking about being inside her.

Ulfr rose to his feet and knelt her before him, she was barely awake. His large hand gripped her hair and he pushed her down on him—wanting her to taste him. She seemed hesitant at first, but soon he guided his swollen cock past her lips. She moved her mouth over him experimentally and he groaned. It was obvious this was also new to her.

Ulfr lifted her away from him and indicated she was to run her tongue up and down his long length. He wanted to be rock-hard when he took her ass again. It had felt so good the first time. She had been tight, but once she relaxed it had felt amazing. While she licked and kissed at him, he lowered himself to the ground and reached behind her for his leather bag. He turned her in his arms and placed her on her hands and knees before him. He rubbed a generous amount of grease on his cock. His finger slid up her ass and he felt her shudder in anticipation. She said something to him that sounded like a plea. He wasn’t certain, but decided he would show his captive some mercy.

Very gently his cock slid up her ass. She cried out, but he was being tender. She gasped as he pushed harder. The grease had helped make her slick and his entire length was soon buried within her. He remained motionless, enjoying the feeling of her heat, stretching her to fit him. She pulled away from him and his hand tightened on her shoulder, exerting pressure. He had not given her permission to move. Slowly she moved back towards him and he grinned. She was still an innocent; she was testing her sexuality and perhaps how far she could push him. His hand loosened and she moved away, he exerted pressure and she moved back. She moved forward and back on her own without waiting for his hand to tighten. She was moaning. It wasn’t the frightened sound she had made in the clearing when she had been so fearful of him. The noise she was making was full of intrigue. He held still and allowed her to screw herself with his cock. She was an eager little thing. He had never had a woman take so fast to his needs. Most needed a little encouraging.

She rocked very carefully, her small hands gripped the leather blanket and she groaned and gasped. Soon her thrusting was becoming more demanding. She was unable to gain enough leverage to thrust harder. Ulfr decided she was well prepared for him. He rubbed more grease onto himself. He bent her farther forward, locked his arm around her waist, removed himself, then plunged deeply. She cried out. He wasn’t concerned. No one would be around to interrupt them if he allowed her to verbally howl her desires.

She called out his name in her strange pronunciation over and over while he pounded into her. His large hand pulled back and he slapped at her bare butt. She yelped in surprise. He swatted her again. He bucked against her until she shuddered with release and slumped submissively before him. He took her harder in her relaxed position. Then in one fluid motion he removed himself and flipped her onto her back. He wiped his slick cock with the wet piece of cloth he had ready. The idea of a cleansing ritual had been introduced to himself and his brother by Hott’s sanitary cautious Valkyrie. At first the idea made his eyes roll until Hott’s little Valkyrie had hinted at yet another challenge of a warrior’s great restraint. The idea held merit. Ulfr was always eager to test his limits…he appeared to have none as of yet.

His little Valkrie’s body trembled before him as he eased himself into her vaginal heat. She moaned and her hands rose to grip his shoulders, pulling him closer. Her eyes were glazed and she panted and gasped. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. Soon he was again bucking against her.

Her insides were soft and welcoming. She closed her heat around him. Ulfr wanted to devour every inch of her. He lowered his head to capture her lips and sucked at her tongue. She tasted so sweet. A quick learner, she was now skilled in the art of kissing. She not only mimicked what he had taught her but experimented with her lips. His flesh was burning with desire. Ulfr found himself panting with her fire as she met each thrust of his hips and each kiss equally. She clung to him with the grip of a warrior. As her surety increased so too did her pace. The ride was exhilarating and he couldn’t get enough of her.

Finally, he threw back his head and howled his release. He felt her quiver beneath him. Ulfr lowered his body to rest on top of her and she groaned under his weight. He stayed where he was for a few minutes, wanting her to feel his size and power. She was never to take up arms against him or any other warrior again. It could result in her injury, or worse, her death. When she began to whimper in her sweet little submissive tone he rolled to his side, pulling her into his arms. He stroked at her silky hair and kissed the top of her head. He felt his heart was ready to burst from the joy he felt. She was so perfect. He was grateful it hadn’t taken him long to tame her. No doubt from now on she would be ready and willing to as he commanded. The thought was sweet. His chest puffed with pleasure and pride.

Vicki lay quietly for a moment then lifted her head from his chest. She gasped in surprise. Her stunned gaze was directed over his shoulder. Ulfr looked at the cave opening. He could see nothing.

Suddenly she was up and flailing her arms about. It soon became apparent to him she was distressed because it was light out. She tugged hard at the leather blanket, practically flipping him off it. She was strong for a little thing. She wrapped it around herself. He frowned as he lay in the dirt, wondering if he should take it away. She was his captive after all; she had come out of the mist nude and he had won her in battle. Perhaps it was Odin’s wish she remain unclothed.

Ulfr had thought to show off his beautiful little Valkyrie to the other men; he was very pleased with her stunning looks. Then he decided that perhaps that wasn’t such a good idea. A captive’s behind and mouth was free for the taking in his village, but nothing else if she belonged to a warrior. He was the only one allowed within her vaginal heat. Any child born would belong to him and he alone would be responsible for them. A few might think if she came unclothed it was an open invitation that all were welcome to her. But she was Ulfr’s. If his brother wanted her he would share. But Hott had his own little Valkyrie. It had been Hott’s idea Ulfr set out on a journey to find his own woman. None of the village woman had kept his interest for long. He had started to think there was no one for him, until now.

Taking this woman was like taking his brother’s wife, Valerie. Only his little Vicki was better—she belonged to him. That thought had him focusing on her once more. She had the sword in her hand and she was striding determinedly out of the cave. Ulfr shouted for her to wait but she ignored him and kept going.

Damn it! She should be listening to him.

Ulfr stumbled into his clothing and raced after her. She was rushing through the forest. No doubt thinking she could return to Valhalla. His anger dissipated as the look on her face changed from worry to confusion to fear. He felt sorry for her while she looked and looked. Each moment she became more frantic. She finally faced him and said something in a demanding tone. He tried to explain to her she was now his and there was no returning. She stomped her small foot in frustration and he laughed—it was so cute, her anger. Her eyes narrowed onto him.

“Home!” she demanded in his native tongue.

He pointed to the ground and said, “Home.”

She shook her head vehemently. Her arms were flapping everywhere it seemed. Ulfr was tired of her temper tantrum. He took her arm and she grabbed his wrist and bit him. She had drawn blood. Ulfr grabbed her and lifted the blanket, then he smacked her bare bottom. She cried out in outrage and kicked him in the shin with her bare foot, then danced back on one foot as she had sustained the most damage. Deciding on a new course of action, her small balled fist hit his cheek. She howled in pain and shook her hand out. He was at a loss as to why she wanted to hurt herself on his rock-hard body and immediately put a stop to it before she was harmed further.

Ulfr tugged the hide blanket off her. She struggled wildly, each hit to his solid muscle with her frail strength had her crying out with pain and he was growing angry. She was not allowed to do damage to herself. His little captive had much to learn. It would seem he hadn’t tamed her all. Perhaps Odin did know best. Ulfr threw her to the ground and pinned her. He ripped the blanket into strips and tied her wrists together behind her back tightly. She was screaming out what he believed to be obscenities in her language, then surprisingly one in his own.

She struggled and kicked and turned to her back. He saw a small dot of blood appear on her belly when she rolled onto a sharp stick. That was enough! He rolled her over again and smacked her bottom again, then again only harder. She whimpered and held still when his hand rose threateningly to strike once more and she swallowed down her words and stopped twisting. Her eyes squeezed tightly closed. Ulfr lowered his hand.

Ulfr gagged her, tied her ankles together and slung her over his shoulder. He then set out for his village. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt for the men to see her nude. If she had a village full of men following her every move he was certain she would stay close to him for protection. He couldn’t have her running off looking for Valhalla. She might get hurt—or worse she might find it. It had taken months to find her in the mist; he wasn’t ever going to let her go.