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

raised her chin with pride when she spoke of her life. It left no doubt that Eva was, indeed, a healer. And likely a skilled one. For though the Sami were notorious thieves, they were also known for their magic.
    “Then you will accompany me. If you are successful, I will pay you generously.”
    “No,” she said. “I have other obligations.”
    Unaccustomed to refusal, he cocked his head, even more intrigued. “Your full cooperation is expected.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “What happened to mutual respect?”
    “When my family is at risk, even peace has its limitations.”
    “What if I walk away?”
    Did she really mean to test him? To push him beyond civility? “You won’t get far,” he said with some amusement.

Chapter Five
    R oald’s last words were spoken softly, but his hard set jaw suggested how serious he was. Eva considered the cost of refusal. He wasn’t the first chieftain she’d crossed paths with. But this one carried himself differently. Yes, the blatant arrogance remained, and his authoritative tone never wavered, but the flickering firelight revealed something in his eyes. Just as the gods wore many skins, so could a man.
    The more complicated the man, the better the chances he had a kind soul. This, Eva truly believed.
    She took another drink of fermented milk, then corked her skin. “Many of the elders in my village are sick.”
    “I am sorry to hear it,” Roald said. “Does this illness threaten their lives?”
    “No,” she admitted. “However, it does make them uncomfortable.”
    “Another reason I must ask you to think of my sister-in-law first.”
    “Tell me of her symptoms.”
    “There is little to report.” He looked frustrated. “Eating and dancing with me one minute, the next, she collapsed and remains unconscious.”
    “Did she complain about stomach pains before?”
    “No.”
    “Fever? A headache? Are the muscles in her legs stiff and weak?”
    “No.”
    “Did she vomit after you danced with her?”
    “No.” He blew out a breath. “What is the point of all these questions?”
    Hours could be wasted discussing his sister-in-law’s condition. But, before she agreed to go anywhere with him, Eva needed to know what she was facing. Like any people living outside the grace of her gods, she risked her own life if she failed to provide a cure. If this woman died under her care, instead of blaming the illness, they’d fault her.
    “There are many maladies that poison the blood—weaken the body—steal the life force from us. What good could I do if I didn’t know the nature of her sickness?”
    “I understand,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be easier to contemplate what treatments you’d choose while standing at her bedside? Where you can properly observe her?”
    “Yes,” she admitted. “But what rabbit walks into the wolf’s den unprepared?”
    He scratched his chin. “Is that what you think I am, Eva? A wolf?”
    She averted her eyes. She imagined his clothes hid the heart of a beast of some sort. “If I agree to treat your sister-in-law and she dies, what will you do with me, then?”
    “A fair question.”
    “Aye,” she said.
    “I swear by everything sacred to Odin, as long as you treat Silvia the same way you would your own kinswoman, no harm shall befall you if she dies.”
    She raised her chin. “Swear it by my gods, not your own.”
    “No.” he stood. “Allfather is the great protector of the northlands. Invoking his name is guarantee enough.”
    “I disagree.” She scrambled to her feet, too. “You cannot have it both ways, Viking. Expect me to risk my life for you and refuse to acknowledge the gods that keep me safe.”
    “Odin is the patriarch. If your gods truly exist, believe me, it’s by Allfather’s mercy.”
    Eva stared heavenward and spread her arms wide. Though light was creeping into the sky, the stars were still visible. “Tis a selfish thing to say, Roald Blood Axe. Gaze upon the heavens—can you count even a