ection>
Sela watched the boat draw up and the fully armored men leap down, swords drawn.
Her heart went to her throat as she saw the lead warrior, recognized his armor and his sword with its intricate marking.
Vikar Hrutson.
She screwed up her eyes tight and then looked again, hoping he would be a ghost from her memory, but he remained. Deep down inside her, she had known he would be here from the first moment she had heard the dragon ships. Something had told her that her idyllic life of the last few years had ended. She had to face this and win.
He towered over the men; broad-shouldered, commanding. She had no doubt his face would be as rugged as ever. He had reached the rocky shore and stood there. Proud. Arrogant. Determined.
But why now? Why after all these years?
Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife
Harlequin® Historical
MILLS & BOON
Before you start reading, why not sign up?
Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!
Or simply visit
Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.
Available from Harlequin®Historical and MICHELLE STYLES
The Gladiator’s Honor #817
The Roman’s Virgin Mistress #858
A Christmas Wedding Wager #878
Taken by the Viking #898
Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife #926
DON’T MISS THESE OTHER
NOVELS AVAILABLE NOW:
#923 HER MONTANA MAN—Cheryl St. John
Protecting people runs through Jonas Black’s blood, and Eliza Jane Sutherland is one woman who needs his strong arms about her. Despite blackmail and dangerous threats on their lives, the attraction between Jonas and Eliza is undeniable—but Eliza bears secrets that could change everything…. Every woman needs a man who will fight for her!
#924 AN IMPROPER ARISTOCRAT—Deb Marlowe
The scandalous Earl of Treyford has no time for the pretty niceties of the ton. He has returned to England to aid an aging spinster facing an undefined danger. But Miss Latimer’s thick eyelashes and long ebony hair, her mix of knowledge and innocence, arouse far more than his protective instincts…. A scandalous Earl becomes the gentleman she’s dreamed of!
#925 THE MISTLETOE WAGER—Christine Merrill
Harry Pennyngton, Earl of Anneslea, is surprised when his estranged wife, Elise, arrives home for Christmas—especially as she is still intent on divorce! But when Harry and Elise find they are stuck with each other under the mistletoe, the magic of Christmas is just what they need to reignite their love! Mistletoe works its magic as passion is rekindled in this festive Regency story….
VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE
MICHELLE STYLES
To the eHarlequin community, in particular
to the denizens of the Mouse and Pen, the SWC
and the Library.
Always there. Always supportive. Always appreciated.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Author’s Note
Chapter One
AD 794, Central Norway
‘Prepare shields! Raise spears! Unsheathe swords! The gables of Bose the Dark’s stronghold are on the horizon,’ Vikar Hrutson, jaarl of Viken, shouted to his men.
‘It is a serious step you take, Vikar,’ Ivar said in an undertone. ‘What if you are wrong? What if Bose desires peace with Viken?’
Vikar turned from where he studied the headland with its inlets and rocky islands towards Ivar, his fellow jaarl and co-leader of the felag. His dark green eyes regarded his friend and comrade. ‘The time Bose is at peace is when he sleeps. The raid on Rogaland was only the beginning. He has broken the truce and declared war.’
‘But will Thorkell agree?’ Ivar shifted uneasily. ‘It was pure good fortune we had stopped at Rogaland. My sister and her husband could never have withstood the raid alone.’
‘It was a victory for the felag, for Viken.’
‘It was your sword and shield that brought down Hafdan. He could have been acting alone. He sailed under his own standard.’
‘Only one man could have ordered that raid and he still breathes with his lands intact.’ Vikar tightened his grip on the railing, and looked towards where the dark walls of the great hall rose from the fjord. ‘Bose the Dark ordered that raid, that destruction. Hafdan would never dare draw a breath, let alone attack a Viken jaarl’s main hall without his express order. I warned Thorkell that Bose would strike again. It gives me no pleasure to be right.’
Ivar banged his fist against the railing. ‘Thorkell should never have spared Bose. What he nearly did to Haakon was unthinkable! He should have known that Bose would not be content in the north.’
‘I am not a soothsayer. I have no great insight into the king’s mind. Haakon lives and thrives. Our friend is very happy with his new wife and child.’ Vikar gave a slight shrug. ‘Bose twists words to suit his purpose. The only thing he understands is deeds. This time, he will lose…everything.’
‘And Thorkell—what will he do when he discovers that you have led a raid on Bose’s stronghold?’
‘He will reward me. Bose broke the truce. This time I administer the punishment.’ The breeze whipped Vikar’s blond hair back from his forehead. ‘The battle will be long and bloody, old friend, but Thor and Tyr will be with us. Underestimate Bose at your peril. The man is a master strategist, slipperier than Loki.’
‘If you say such things, I believe them.’ Ivar tapped the side of his nose. ‘You were once married to his daughter.’
‘Thankfully it was a short alliance.’ Vikar refused to think about his former wife today. Was she there with her long blonde hair, tempting curves and pig-headed temper? Or had she married again? Someone who was more willing to be Bose’s lapdog? Vikar stared at the intricately carved gables.