Viking Unbound (15 page)

Aki laughed. “All women need a man. How else would they have children?”

Frey glared at him. “They don’t need a man for that. Just his sperm.”

Aki’s gaze widened. “But, how—”

Einarr talked over him. “I was recounting the tale of my emergence from the ice to Gron and Mitzi Lahm. I thought you might wish to tell them what you witnessed as well, Frey.”

Mitzi swiveled in her seat to stare at Frey. “We already have her report. Her participation isn’t necessary.”

Gron held up his hand. “I don’t agree. I’d like to hear from Science Officer Frey.”

Mitzi snorted and folded her arms shoving her ample chest upward drawing Aki’s appreciative gaze. “Fine, but as far as FREN is concerned, she’s already lost her job. I won’t be recommending her to any other space program.”

Frey set her jaw as she took the seat Gron offered her. “Have you both read the report from the science officer on Aki’s ship? He noted the same sequence of events that I did. It can hardly be a coincidence that both Vikings defrosted at exactly the same time during the same phase of the eclipse.”

Gron nodded. “She does have a point, Mitzi.”

“But the other science officer didn’t fornicate with his charge, did he?” Mitzi said sweetly.

“He was the first to be knocked out. Maybe he didn’t have a chance to make the same physical connection I did.” Frey said.

“As if a big strong Viking warrior would be attracted to another man,” Mitzi scoffed.

“Why would he not?” Aki shrugged. “I am willing to enjoy a tumble in the hay with anyone.” He met Frey’s eyes and smiled slightly. “I can see why my brother was enticed into your bed. I would have done the same as he did.”

Frey’s cheek heated. ”Thanks, I think.” She didn’t dare look at Einarr.

“Still—” Mitzi started up and Gron talked over her.

“Unfortunately, both the TSA and FREN have rules about fraternization with other crew members, rules which you broke, Science Officer Frey.”

“Einarr wasn’t a crew member.”

“He was the property of FREN.” Mitzi snapped. “And you had no right to act in such an unprofessional manner.”

Einarr scowled. “I am nobody’s property and neither is my brother. Frey and I had no choice in our joining. We were destined to meet by Fate. I do not regret my mating with her. She is my female.”

“She can’t be,” Gron said gently. “You’re still in a state of shock. Any decisions you make at this point are not really valid or realistic.”

Einarr’s laugh was harsh. “You sound like Frey. She too imagines I am not a man of my word.”

Frey swallowed hard. “That’s not true. I—”

Aki’s voice sounded in her head as Mitzi interrupted her and went off on another rant. “
You are mated to my brother?”

“I don’t know.”

“I can feel the link between you. It is strong.”

“And there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m about to lose my job and be sent away. Einarr will stay here with you.”

“A warrior such as yourself does not fight for what she wants?”

“I’m a scientist, not a warrior.”

“You do not care for my brother?”

“I—”
Frey broke off contact as she noticed Einarr staring right at her. She returned her attention to Mitzi and Gron and answered all the questions they threw at her. Despite being pressed, she couldn’t bring herself to deny her sexual relationship with Einarr, or even to say it had been a mistake. And that lack of remorse would be her downfall. No one in the TSA or FREN would let her near another scientific mission in case she made a habit of seducing attractive aliens.

Eventually Gron nodded at the Vikings. “Thank you for all your help. We would appreciate your cooperation and your patience while we assemble a program to help you readjust to life in this century. We weren’t anticipating the speed of your emergence from the ice.”

Einarr pushed his chair back and looked up at Gron. “We will bide here as you wish. Unless you have the ability to magic us back to our original time, then I fear we are stuck on this planet and at your mercy.”

“I repeat that we wish you no harm,” Gron said earnestly. “After a period of necessary adjustment, we will do everything in our power to make sure that you both live full and satisfying lives.”

“And what will you require from us in return?” Einarr asked.

“Your cooperation.” Gron repeated.

“And your agreement to be studied by our scientists.” Mitzi added. “We need to learn as much about your DNA as we can.”

Aki snorted. “I do not understand these words.”

“What she means is that you will be given everything necessary to survive and thrive in this world.” Seeing the incomprehension of the men’s faces, Frey couldn’t help but speak up. “In return, you will help the scientists, the seekers of knowledge, and the healers find out more about you and how you are different to the current population.”

“Studied as one would study an enemy’s habits before moving in for the kill? Or as one hunts one’s prey?” Einarr murmured. “Does this mean we will never be truly free?”

Frey looked at Gron and Mitzi. “That’s up to them. I would hope that you are eventually rehabilitated completely into society.”

Mitzi stood and smiled at the Vikings before turning to Frey. “Perhaps we should leave the brothers to think through this discussion. Science Officer Frey, you will accompany me.”

As Einarr made no effort to detain her, Frey could only walk out of the door and wait for Mitzi and Gron to come after her. Would this be the last time she saw Einarr? Could she even bear to have to see him again? It already felt like her heart was breaking in two.

Mitzi beckoned imperiously at the security guard. “Brown? Take Science Officer Frey back to the detention center.”

“What have I done now?” Frey blinked as Brown approached her, his expression resolute.

“You are not a good influence on our guests, and you are still facing charges of dereliction of duty and fraternizing with an unknown alien race.”

“He’s
human!”
Frey snapped.

Mitzi ignored her impassioned interruption. “You will be tried, and if I have my way, your mind will be wiped before you are allowed back into a society far away from these Vikings.”

“You can’t do that to a Pavlovan,” Frey raised her voice as Mitzi turned away and Gron followed her without even protesting.

Brown touched her shoulder. “Come on, Tecky. I have my orders.”

“No!” Frey shrugged off his hand. “This can’t be allowed to happen, I have rights, I want to see my—”

A hand clamped down hard on her shoulder. “There’s no point in upsetting our guests now is there? Come on, or I’ll get Dr. Aziz to knock you out.”

Frey refused to stop struggling. Voluntarily leaving Alpha Three and the man she knew was her mate was one thing. Having those memories forcibly removed from her head was another thing entirely. She would not allow them to take that away from her, she would
not
.

She kicked out and caught one of the security guards in the kneecap and then knew no more as a needle jabbed into her neck and the whole world went black.

Einarr stared down at his folded hands as Frey and the others left the room. He’d successfully managed to build a wall in his mind to keep Frey out, but it was a pitiful harsh existence being barricaded away from her warmth.

“Your woman is very beautiful.” Aki said.

“She is not my woman. She does not want me.”

“How can she not want you when your thoughts and hers are even more entangled than yours are with mine? She cannot break those bonds. She cannot deny them.”

“She thinks I am clinging to her because she was the first woman I saw when I woke up and that when I grow accustomed to living in this strange world, I will no longer desire her.”

Aki stretched and yawned. “Now why would she say that?”

“Because she thinks it is the truth?” Einarr growled. “And mayhap she is right.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you?” Aki considered him. “Perhaps she is trying to save you from yourself.”

“Save me from a woman who isn’t afraid of my strength or my magic?” Einarr shook his head. “Frey
is
my perfect woman. She just doesn’t believe it.”

“Then how are you going to convince her to stay?”

“You make it sound so simple.” Einarr shot to his feet and took a turn around the room. “You have seen how the women are in this place. They cannot be told what to do like slaves.”

“Perhaps you could make a bargain with the FREN and TSA people. You will help with their studies if they let Frey stay with you.”

“And trap her in a cage, too?”

“Bjáni!”
Aki threw up his hands. “Then you both insist on being heroic and losing each other forever? If that is the truth, then you are a pair of fools.” His expression changed as Einarr went still. “What is it?”

“I cannot sense Frey in my head.”

“But we just saw her.” Aki rose to his feet as Einarr charged toward the door, his axe already in his hand. “Where are you going?”

“To find her.” Einarr wrenched open the door, and was met with a wall of guards all with their weapons raised and pointed at him. He recognized one of the men from the ship.

“Moshe, I wish you no harm. Where is Frey?”

“Brown’s taken her to the detention center.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

Moshe dropped his gaze and fiddled with his weapon. “She refused to cooperate with the FREN representative. They will keep her locked up until her trial tomorrow.”

“Her
trial
?” Einarr realized he was shouting but he didn’t care. “What in Thor’s name is she supposed to have done?”

Moshe met his gaze, his expression neutral. “She will be charged with disobeying direct orders from her TSA superiors and from FREN.”

Einarr’s hand clenched around the handle of his axe. “What will happen to her if she is found guilty?”

“It depends on the judge coming in tomorrow. They are drawn from all the planets in the Trios System. She should be okay if she doesn’t get an Etruscan. They
hate
telepaths and—”

“Moshe? May I suggest you shut the fuck up right now?” Brown appeared behind the group of guards who parted to let him through to confront Einarr. “Science Officer Frey will be fine, Viking. She resisted arrest and had to be temporarily subdued.”

“If you hurt her I will kill you.” Einarr glared at Brown. “You will take me to her immediately.”

“I can’t do that, pal.” Brown sighed. “And if you attempt to get to her using excessive force, I’ve been authorized to knock you and your brother out, too.”

There was a light touch on Einarr’s arm. “Brother? Perhaps we should lower our weapons and consider what we wish to do next.”

“I want to find Frey,” Einarr growled. “There is nothing I wish to
consider.”

Aki’s grip tightened. “
We will help her better when they think we are resigned to her fate. Do not rush into this like a blundering ox.
”

“
You are giving me advice now
?”

“
Aye, because Frey’s life matters to you more than anything. We cannot fail her.
”

Still holding Brown’s unwavering stare, Einarr lowered his axe. “I wish to be present at her trial.”

“I will ask if that is possible.”

“Tell them that if I am not allowed to be present and Frey suffers from her association with me, I will not work with their scientists.”

“And neither will I,” Aki added.

“I’ll tell them.” Brown waited until Aki put his sword away and then gestured at the door. “Please return to your quarters. I’ll keep you updated as to Science Officer Frey’s condition and your request to be at the trial.”

“Thank you, Brown.”

“You are welcome, Viking.” Brown waited until the guards had resumed their positions before escorting the brothers into their room. “Off the record, I don’t believe this matter is being handled correctly. I’ll do my best to stand as a friend to Tecky.”

“I appreciate that.” Einarr gave the other man an abrupt nod. “I will not allow her to be harmed.”

“They won’t kill her.” Brown paused. “You can rest easy about that.”

“Then what will they do?” Aki asked.

“The minimum, they’ll strip her of her military and professional rank and drum her out of the scientific space corp.” Brown shrugged. “She’ll be allowed to return to her home planet, but her reputation will be in tatters.”

“And what if the judge is an…” Aki looked at Einarr. “What was the word that guard used?”

“Etruscan.” Einarr said.

Brown grimaced. “If the judge is Etruscan he’ll probably try for a harsher sentence, including jail time.”

“You are not reassuring me as to my mate’s welfare, Brown,” Einarr said. “I don’t want her to suffer because of me.”

“Maybe it’s for the best.” Brown said encouragingly. “You can’t be imagining you have a future together or anything?”

Einarr swung around and barely resisted the impulse to wrap his fingers around Brown’s neck and squeeze hard.

“She is
mine
.”

“She’s her own person, Viking. Women are no longer seen as possessions in this space system. And maybe, if she thinks it will leave you free of her, Tecky will be okay about taking her punishment. I know she wants you to stay here and transition into a normal life.” Brown nodded at Aki and headed for the door. “I’ll keep you both informed.”

Einarr waited until the door shut, picked up the nearest object, and threw it hard against the wall where it shattered on impact. The shards of glass reminded him of the moment when he’d emerged from the ice and been reborn. He sank down onto his haunches and shoved his hands through his hair.

“I will not give her up, Aki.”

“I understand.” His twin patted his shoulder. “I have never seen you like this before Einarr.”

“Brown is a fool, but he is also right. Frey
is
trying to protect me. That’s why she keeps saying she doesn’t want me.”

“Then she is a noble and courageous woman.”

“And a fool,” Einarr exhaled. “By Thor, I don’t mean that. Although I’d still like to shake her until her teeth rattle.”

Aki grinned. “Then all we need to decide is how we are going to find her and set her free.”