Page 52 of Mated to the Vikings

When I reached twenty-five, I heard movement. The boots were heavier than Steen’s and more so than Erik’s. I twisted my head, trying to see who would become my disciplinarian. Who was he? I had no way of knowing, my mind reeling in my concept of accepting the upcoming anguish.

“Gentlemen of the Galerian clan, our guest will receive thirty lashes for her contempt of our laws. After this, there will be no one in this room or anyone else in this city who will bring this incident up again.”

“But why can we trust her?”

I heard the question, a husky voice coming from somewhere behind me. I also heard Steen’s intense growl, more barbaric in nature than he’d ever given before. The voice boomed in the expansive space, echoing in a way that actually gave me a smile.

“Because she will mate with members of our clan after this session. She will enable us to go on as a race. She will bear us children.”

The room was once again completely silent. When a few murmurs could be heard, I craned my neck to try to hear what they were saying.

“Enough!” Steen bellowed. “This is my choice as your king. Begin.”

I held my breath, praying that I would be able to tolerate the punishment. I heard the whooshing sound what seemed like seconds before a single crack. I was cognizant that whatever strap the disciplinarian was using had struck my bottom, but there was no pain, no blinding sensations. Yet my body was shoved hard against the steel, the force arching my back. Only a single breath escaped my mouth.

The second whoosh came quickly, another strike slapped against my ass cheeks. This time my skin tingled, but still no pain. By the third, fourth, and fifth, given in rapid succession, anguish bloomed, moving into a screaming agony. “Oh!”

I could hear Erik’s grumbles from behind me and knew that he was close, keeping watch on the woman he… loved. I knew he adored me. I could feel his heart beating with my own, could sense his dread and contempt of what was occurring, even though he’d spanked me on two occasions. This was entirely different. I took several deep breaths, holding them in as the creature resumed the spanking, the whooshing and cracking sounds melding together, echoing.

The agony became blinding, searing every nerve and I could no longer think clearly. I couldn’t stop the tears as they trickled down my face, sliding into my open mouth. I fisted my hands in a rebellious action, as if anyone cared that I would fight their authority.

The strikes were peppered against my ass and upper thighs and heat began to rise behind my knees, shifting upward to my inner thighs and finally shooting into my pussy. I was wet. The realization was startling, stealing my breath and making me cry out once again, but this time for an entirely different reason. How could I want this? This was blasphemous. This was shameful. This was…

Crack!

The sound brought a harsh roar from Erik, footsteps drawing closer. “That’s enough!”

“I gave the order and it will be followed,” Steen said in a quiet and unrestrained voice. There was no anger or animosity, just acknowledgment that he’d given a directive that would be followed.

The punishment ceased, at least for a few seconds, allowing me to catch my breath. But the spanking started again in earnest, one coming after the other, every strike positioned in various spots that would bruise, but would also heal. This was their method of keeping the peace. This was their initial domination, keeping their people in line. I kept my eyes closed, falling into a dreamlike state, trying to remember the few times I’d been in a beautiful garden full of flowers, the sounds of Spanish guitar playing in the background. I could still remember the vibrant hues of roses, the luscious scent filtering into my nose. I wanted my home. I wanted to live. I wanted to love.

Another few cracks forced my eyes open, panting as I sucked in the tears. An ugly realization hit me. I’d agreed to my caretaker’s demands in order to receive the ‘gift’ of staying alive. I’d allowed myself to be used as a pawn for him and for the government. I was no better than the lot of them.

“That’s enough!” Steen’s husky voice belted throughout the space, shutting down all concept of sound.

Except for the savage grunt issued by the disciplinarian. He seemed displeased with the leader’s directive. I heard the brutal slam of the strap, the hard thudding of his boots as he walked away.

I felt my body slumping slowly against the cross, and even though I remained on edge, I was able to breathe easier.

“Go!” Steen further commanded. “The ceremony will be in one hour.”

Several sets of boots echoed in the chamber. They were all leaving as required. I tried to concentrate on my breathing, even as the pain continued to trickle throughout my muscles. I would survive. I would live. The thoughts pushed a laugh from my mouth.

“Ease her down,” Steen said in a husky whisper. “She needs rest before the ceremony.”

“She needs answers. In fact, we both do.” Erik’s voice was laced with uncertainty as well as anger.

I remained quiet, listening to the exchange.

“May I remind you that you were saved from the treacherous clutches of the human scientists?” Steen snarled. “You swore an oath to protect our clan, Erik. We all have questions but some answers we might not want to learn.”

“You’re certain you want to go through with the ceremony, Steen?” Brexin immediately walked to the cross, loosening the straps. “There is almost no one who believes this is the right decision. This war isn’t over. The humans will be coming and we need time to prepare. We need to communicate with the other cities, initiate a battle plan.”

“You’re both questioning me now?” Steen huffed.

As Brexin eased me down from the small pedestal, gathering me into his arms, I could see the look of concern on both Brexin’s and Erik’s faces. Brexin held his arm around me, so protective and caring. I clung to him, savoring his warmth.

Steen exhaled, glaring at both of them before fixating his heated gaze on me. “Even if the scientists were able to communicate the attack to Earth, it will take them a minimum of five days to arrive. Our customs are vital to the continuation of our kind. Children are our future.”