Desire's Fury (Viking's Fury Book 2) by Violetta Rand Read Free Book Online Page A

“Tell him I will honor him this very night.”
    “He already knows. And once you do, his spirit will enter Valhalla.”
    Eva began to sing again; the same words he’d overheard before. The intrigue he’d felt for Eva turned into something more potent in that moment. A kind of pain in his gut he’d never felt. Not only did he yearn to touch and kiss her, now he wanted to know all her secrets, to see the world through her eyes.
    The Norse believed in magic and held a deep respect for the dead. But spirits were something most regarded as bad omens, unfortunate souls caught between the nine realms, never to find rest.
    He waited patiently for Eva to finish. And when she finally opened her eyes, looking in his direction, he didn’t know what to say.
    “Jarl Roald,” she said, standing. “I am happy you arrived when you did. Your spirit has been found pure in the eyes of my ancestors. It is because of you that Silvia will receive the blessings of my gods.”
    He gazed at his unconscious sister-in-law. “This is your idea of healing?”
    “Did you expect her to awaken immediately?”
    “The gods have the power to make such things happen.”
    “Aye,” she agreed. “But such marvels are rare. Go and feel her forehead, the fever should have broken.”
    Roald did as she suggested. Though Silvia remained pale and still, she wasn’t hot to the touch. “What kind of magic is this?” he asked. “Strange music and song. Your gods don’t demand sacrifices in return for granting your wishes?”
    “There are times when my people offer blood in exchange for the favor of our gods. But we are connected, Jarl Roald, all a part of the great universe.” She studied his face. “Somehow, I fear you still do not understand what I mean.”
    “I do,” he said. “It amazes me that you truly believe it.”
    “I am Sami.” She lowered her head in reverence.
    To what, Roald didn’t exactly know.
    “I require food and rest. And once the moon rises, after you honor your sire, your family must gather in this chamber for my final ritual. We will need all their energy and love to wake Silvia.”
    He watched as she gathered her belongings.
    “I want to kiss you, Eva.” A deep longing had been building up since he first met her. And now that he had her alone in a bedchamber, he’d be damned if he’d miss the opportunity to taste her—just this once.

Chapter Ten
    H e moved swiftly and silently, capturing her in his embrace. There were no words to describe what it felt like being overcome by his strength and heat. Eva immediately became aware of two things: their mutual attraction and the importance of getting away from him before she did something she’d soon regret.
    She knew the reason for his sudden change in attitude. Her magic had a way of intoxicating men. Similar to the same frenzy warriors experienced after battle. “Jarl Roald, please, let me go.”
    “Why?” He held her away from his body so he could see her clearly. “Does my touch repulse you?”
    Repulse? It made her insides turn to liquid. “Y-yes,” she lied, hoping this would cause him to free her.
    He chuckled, still holding on tight. “Did I detect hesitation in your voice, Eva?”
    Careful to not show any emotion, she met his piercing eyes. “You are suffering from a type of fever yourself, sir.”
    “Am I?”
    “Aye.”
    “So whatever illness my sister-in-law has, is catching?”
    “Witnessing my ritual can overcome a man. Make you think and feel things you never would under normal circumstances.”
    “If I am to understand correctly…” He cupped her cheek with tenderness, then caressed her jaw with his thumb. “I’m experiencing some kind of aftereffect from your magic, which makes me want to do this against my will?” One of his enormous hands dropped lower, following the curve of her hip bone.
    Eva closed her eyes and sighed, liking the tingling sensations his fingertips left in their wake.
    “And this?” He gave her arse a firm squeeze.