Viking Warrior by Connie Mason Page A

waited for her to say something, anything, but her expression remained thoughtful as she slowly edged away from him and Rannulf.
    As for Rannulf, he did not appear to recognize the woman he had abused two summers ago.
    “I thought I would pay my sister a visit before winter closes in,” Rannulf explained. “The farmstead is a lonely place without a woman’s gentle touch.”
    He winked at Wulf and said for his ears only. “After both my sisters married and moved away, I find myself in need of a wife. Helga came to mind immediately. She is of an age to wed, is she not?”
    Wulf frowned at Olga’s brother. In his mind’s eye he saw Rannulf climbing off of Reyna. Did he want a man like that for his sister? Then again, he had been no saintin his wild youth. Would Rannulf change his ways as Wulf did after he’d wed Astrid? From the way Helga was staring shyly at Rannulf, Wulf assumed she wasn’t adverse to a match between them.
    Hagar, who had been at the other side of the hall, approached Rannulf, eyeing him with speculation. “What is the reason for your visit, Rannulf? Though you are always welcome in my hall, and your sister appreciates your visit, have you a specific purpose in mind?”
    “I thought to wait and discuss this with you and your mother later but this is as good a time as any. With your permission, I would like to wed Helga.”
    “What, no courtship?” Wulf challenged, hoping to observe Rannulf’s behavior toward his sister before agreeing to the match.
    “Wulf has a point,” Hagar observed. “Perhaps you should spend the winter with us. I am sure Olga would enjoy your company. A long visit will give Helga time to get to know you. If she wishes to wed you, you can join with her in the spring. We will discuss this with Mother later.”
    After Hagar departed, Rannulf spotted Reyna talking to Helga and sent Wulf a questioning look. “Who is the woman, Wulf? Have you taken a wife? She is a beauty.”
    Wulf shifted uncomfortably. How could Rannulf not remember Reyna? “Reyna is my thrall. Hagar bought her for me at the slave market in Constantinople this past summer. He thought I needed a little excitement in my life.”
    Rannulf slapped Wulf on the back. “I agree with Hagar. I would not mind a bed slave who looked like that. She has the look of a Norsewoman about her.”
    “Reyna is a Dane. Does she not look familiar to you?”
    Rannulf’s gaze lingered on Reyna. “Am I supposed to know her?”
    Wulf wanted to bloody Rannulf’s nose and then knock him flat on his arse. Instead, he gritted his teeth and said, “Think on it. It may come to you.”
    “You seem protective of her, Wulf. She must please you in bed.”
    Wulf had his mouth open to spit out a reply when Thora approached them. “Come join us at the table, you two. You can catch up after we sup.” She gazed at Rannulf, a twinkle in her eyes. “Hagar says you wish to court our Helga.”
    Wulf kept his reservations to himself as he took his place at the table beside Rannulf. Wulf regarded Reyna with concern when Rannulf sat across from her. The frown had not left her face since she’d first set eyes on Rannulf.

    Reyna felt a strange buzzing in her head whenever she looked at Rannulf. Like Wulf, he was a handsome, clean-shaven man, tall and muscular but a bit shorter. His blond hair was tied at his nape with a piece of leather and his clothing was the same as that worn by most Norsemen.
    There was something vaguely threatening about the man, Reyna decided. Though the family seemed to accept him into their inner circle, he made Reyna feel uncomfortable. Was there a reason she should not like this man? Rather than look directly at him, she lowered her eyes to her plate and tried to eat. All she succeeded in doing was pushing her food around on her plate.
    “Is something wrong?” Wulf asked. “Is the food not agreeable to you?”
    “The food is fine,” Reyna answered. “I seem to have lost my appetite.”
    She glanced at Rannulf; he