The Berserker Brides Saga

Knut

Knut

Frightened, annoying little rabbit. So delectable, the plump, tanned legs flashing under her short garment, the curvy chest heaving as she ran from me. I stalked her easily, ready at any moment to speed up and complete the chase. The beast was ready to rut, but I was still in control. Her scent called me out of the rage and into my right mind. Not even mated yet, and the curse was already lifting.

But she was afraid of me. I had just slain her enemies—the corpse blood vile on my tongue—but she’d almost rather face the Grey Men than me.

How is your rescue going? Leif asked, and shared with me an image of his own battle with the draugr. He and the rest of the pack had found the traitors and Fleur, the woman they’d stolen, at the mouth of the mage’s cave, hard-pressed by the stinking Grey Men.

She stabbed me with her stick. Twice. I sent the picture of her standing with the staff, her face a mask of fear, and her body still ready to fight.

And you let her? Leif laughed. I was not close to any of my fellow warriors, preferring to stand apart, but Leif ignored my distance.

I don’t want to hurt her. Of course, now that she was running, she might hurt herself. Emotion prickled in my chest, something I hadn’t felt in sometime. Fear.

This little female woke all sorts of new things inside me.

I hear that is the way when you find your true mate. Leif’s thought was tinged with jealousy and wonder. Shocked I’d shared so much through the bond, I stayed silent. I was a leader among the pack, but usually kept apart from the rest of the men.

She must be special, if you are breaking orders to go after her. Take care, Knut. Whatever these creatures are, something controls them, and has power enough to cast spells.

Above my head, the sky was boiling with clouds. A storm was coming, howling up from the east. No doubt its origin was the mage’s cave.

I will rescue this woman and see what she knows. I will bring her back to the mountain for the Alphas to question. They might forgive me for abandoning my post if I brought them a better quarry. To the fight and the finish!

To the fight and the finish! The warrior responded with a roar.

With my own shout, I charged and broke through the branches the little one had pushed through in an attempt to stop me in my tracks. She would learn that it wasn’t so easy to best a Berserker.