Page 40 of Blood Red Rage

“I…” My voice faltered. “No, he doesn’t.”

Viking’s lip curled. “He does.”

My stomach twisted unpleasantly because… because the certainty in his voice made doubt spark. Had Tom ever looked at me like that? Had I been oblivious?

Tom croaked, “Bryn, please… tell him…”

I shoved myself in front of Viking, pressing my hands to his chest hard enough to force his attention on me.

“Viking,” I call, low and sharp. “Tom is a friend, he’s checking on me because I disappeared. That’s all.”

Viking’s breathing turned heavy. A growl vibrated in his chest. “Tell him,” Viking ordered, voice dangerous.

“I’m telling you,” I snapped. “He’s. A. Friend.”

For a stretched second, Viking’s eyes searched mine like he was deciding whether to believe me… or kill anyway. Then, slowly, he loosened his grip.

Tom dropped, stumbling, coughing violently, but Viking didn’t step back. His body blocked the doorway like a guard dog. Draugr appeared behind Viking in the hall, silent as death. One of the changelings too.

Tom looked up at them, pupils blown wide in terror. Draugr tilted his head slightly, and the changeling stepped forward with a perfectly polite smile. “Come on,” the changeling said, voice smooth. “We’ll walk you back to your door, wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Now would we?”

Tom backed away, choking, “I’m good… I’m…”

The changeling’s smile sharpened. “It wasn’t a request, I insist.” And just like that, Tom was guided down the hallway so quickly it was like he’d been erased.

I rounded on Viking. “What is wrong with you?!”

Viking’s eyes were still bright with fury. “He wanted you.”

“I don’t care if he wanted me!” I hissed. “That doesn’t mean you get to… to lift him by his neck like a cartoon villain!”

Viking stepped closer, towering. “Any male who wants you is a problem.”

“You can’t just kill everyone with hormones!”

He leaned down, voice like a vow. “Try me.”

I glared at him. He glared back, then his gaze dipped to my mouth and my body, traitorous thing, reacted. Viking noticed, a slow, dark smile curved his mouth.

“You’re blushing,” he murmured.

“I am NOT…”

He takes a step closer, lowering his head he kissed me. Just once, quick, claiming. Then he pulled back and said, completely calm now, “Pack your clothes.”

I stared at him, stunned. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Yes,” he said with a smug smirk. “I know.”

While Viking and the changelings filled my suitcase like we were fleeing a warzone, I grabbed my phone with shaking hands and called Steph.

She picked up on the first ring.

“BRYN?!” she shrieked. “WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! JADE SAID YOU WERE KIDNAPPED AND I SWEAR TO GOD I WAS ABOUT TO CALL THE POLICE…”

“I’m not kidnapped,” I lied instantly. From the corner of my eye I see that Viking’s eyes snapped to me. I glared at him with a don’t you dare look.

Steph went silent. Then, very slowly: “……are you with him.”