4. Rune

RUNE

W e started off hot and heavy, with anticipation and lust guiding our desires to the bedroom. Then she shared her confessions and fears, and I knew I had to step back. To give her the requested room to breathe. Considering we’d known each other for such a short time, it only seemed fair.

Now, it’s late in the evening, and we’re snowed in for the night. Not that I’d allow Chloe to leave, but at least I have an excuse as I make venison stew for dinner.

“You really play Santa?” Her chin rests on her hands on the back of the sofa as she watches me in the kitchen. A warm fire in the hearth at her back has kept us warm all day.

“I have been since I was about sixteen or so when my grandfather became too sick to do the job any longer, and I begged my father to allow me to do it instead.” I was happy to take over. I’ve always loved children and wanted a horde of my own one day. Until today, I hadn’t imagined that ever happening.

“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” I feel the tips of my ears heat at her praise. It’s been a long time since someone has gushed over me.

“Where are they now?” She’s hesitant with her question.

“My father lives about three kilometres to the southwest of us in his own cabin.” Glancing at her, I see she’s happily surprised that the man is still kicking. “My grandfather passed away a few years after I took over.” Compassion and sorrow cross her face as she offers me a slight smile of sympathy.

Dishing out our stew, I place the bowls and a plate of biscuits on a serving tray before moving to where she sits and putting it on the coffee table. Chloe joins me in sitting on the floor, and it feels very domestic.

We eat in silence for a while before she asks, “Do you have many tales about Erik the Red?” Biting my tongue at her inquisitive question, I simply nod but offer up no more. “I read that his son, Leif Eriksson, might have been the one to truly discover America, not Columbus.”

I decide to give her an inch. “Leif is the one we descend from, according to the history books my father has.” The excitement in her eyes gets me to spill more. “Leif was a possessive man. If he had made the discovery, it would have been well documented. I do know he built a settlement in the Canadian Maritimes at one time. Once he met his wife, however, discovery and pillaging became a distant memory.”

I watch her take a bite, chew slowly before swallowing, and then meet my heated gaze. “Is that so?”

My head moves up and down as I place the spoon back in my bowl. “It is. There’s a tale about the men in my family.”

Her curiosity forces her to seek more information. “What sort of tale?”

“That once we find the woman meant to be ours, it’s instantaneous. The attraction, the love and devotion. Nothing stops us from getting what we want. Not even her.” A flush works up Chloe’s cheeks as she turns to me.

“Did it happen to your father?” I confirm. “Did he see it as a curse or a blessing?”

“Both.”

“How come?”

My lips tilt upwards. “My mother was the love of his life, and he cherished every moment he had with her. When she passed from sepsis after a routine surgery, he crumbled. He was never the same man, but he doesn’t regret a moment of their life together.”

Tears well in her eyes, and my heart expands with gratitude. “I’m so sorry about your mom and your dad’s heartbreak.”

Gripping her hand in mine, I bring it to my lips and gently kiss the inside of her wrist, flicking my tongue along the sensitive flesh. “Her name was Tyra, after what is believed to have been the first Queen of Denmark, Thyra. Also, one of her ancestors.”

“Wow! Another one. Those are beautiful names.” I nod, already realising she’ll want to write about Erik and, now, Thyra. “Any other Vikings in the family?” She giggles, sliding closer to me.

Pushing the table back to make room for her in my lap, I wait until she’s settled before offering, “I’ll tell you as much as you want to know if you’ll give this Viking a chance.”

“What kind of chance?” Her eyes narrow playfully.

“The kind that would involve forever.” She bites her lip before quickly nodding like she’s afraid she’ll change her mind.

Chloe cuddles into my chest, and we sit that way for a while with the crackling fire at her back and snow falling outside the window. It’s all very picturesque and romantic–far more so than any position I ever thought I’d find myself in.

“Hey.” An idea strikes. “Would you like to help me tomorrow?”

Chloe’s head tilts to see my face better. “With what?”

“I need a new helper elf. My current one is ready to pop with twins, and I think she’d be okay with being replaced this year.” Julia is a sweetheart, but I know through her husband, Cassius, that she hasn’t been having an easy time of it the last couple of months. The extra rest will do her good.

“I wouldn’t know what to do.” But there’s interest in her eyes.

“It’s easy. Greet the children, encourage them to come see me, take photos, and lots of smiling.” I trail a finger along her cheek. “And you have a stunning smile.” That blush is back.

“All right, I’d love to.” She leans forward and gently places her lips over mine. When she goes to pull back, I follow and take over.

Deepening the moment, I slide my tongue across hers, dancing in her mouth and taking everything I want while she sweetly allows me to do as I please. My hands skim up her back under her shirt, and I dig my fingers into her silky flesh. The need to have her feel me long after my touch is gone drives me to embrace her harder. Her fingers dig into my scalp as she tugs on the strands of my hair, clutching me just as close. Just as tightly.

And this is how we spend most of the night until the fire dies and Chloe can hardly sit upright. After carrying her to bed, half asleep, I strip us both of our clothes and climb under the covers with her, holding her tight to me all night long, ensuring I have the best sleep of my life.