Page 55 of Mated to the Vikings

“That’s understandable, but you must remember that there will be three and no matter who they are, the hope is that she will care for all.”

Issuing a slight growl, I found myself walking closer, pushing my way through the crowd, catching Steen’s eye. The customs were barbaric in my mind.

Steen nodded, a twinkle in his eyes. He stood a few seconds later, holding out his arms. He looked very much the part of a king, complete with a wide band of red adorned with medals from his shoulder to his waist. “Welcome to our celebration.”

Almost immediately the entire room quieted down, everyone crowding closer. Brexin found his way to my side. I could easily sense his tension was as significant as mine.

“This has been a long time coming, my friends, a new clan mating. A solid hope for the future, something we haven’t seen in years.” Steen closed his eyes, looking up toward the rafters.

There was some obvious dissention given the murmurs.

“Please remain standing.” Steen motioned toward the set of double doors. The two guards flanking the side obeyed his command, opening instantly.

I didn’t have to strain to see the women as they entered, the small group fanning off to the right and left before a female I’d never seen before walked into the room. She was beautiful, although older, holding her head high as she was led to the stage, taking her place behind her king. The few females I’d seen were usually sequestered, the majority out of child-bearing years. My thoughts drifted back to the disease, so many questions burning a hole in my mind.

The booming sounds of drums, one hard thumping after another echoed in the great hall. So much pomp and circumstance.

Finally, Cassia was led inside.

I was stunned once again by her beauty, her long golden hair swept into a bun, the beautiful crimson dress accentuating her hourglass figure. The jewels I’d carelessly dumped onto the bed now surrounded her neck, a necklace fit for a queen. My heart raced as she was paraded in front of the Galerians, a prize to be feasted on. My thoughts were dark, the hunger I felt burning deep within. I wanted her.

I needed her.

She belonged to me.

The thought would forever remain, sizzling every cell, igniting the fire that had already almost consumed me. I kept my fists clenched as she was finally positioned just in front of the stage. “They want children.”

“We all want a family, Erik. The promise of additional human females means hope that our species can live on.” This time, Brexin’s words seemed practiced. They’d been given their own line of political bullshit. Was it even possible? “I’ve always wanted family and a home. I live in a city where children don’t exist, but I remember the joy of seeing families together.”

What memory of any family had been wiped away, but I had extreme sadness at the thought, as if I should remember more. I remained bitter in realizing that fertility was vital for the Galerians or there would be eventual extinction, much like that for the inhabitants of Earth.

“It is time for the selection,” Steen said above the din of the crowd. “Once a mate is chosen, there can be no retraction. The four will be mated for life.”

The crowd roared their appreciation, although there were continued outcries.

“My choices have specific reasons and are not to be questioned,” Steen continued. He took several seconds to glance around the room, locking eyes with the few dissenters. “My first selection is not from our clan, but a hybrid.”

I was prepared for a level of anger. The way the crowd reacted could mean anarchy.

Several soldiers entered the room, their weapons in full display.

“Enough!” Steen roared. “I. Am. Your. King. The hybrids will be a part of our world. There is no other choice.”

I felt the heated looks shifting in my direction, their rage in full bloom.

“This man will be a great addition to our clan. Please bring him in.” Once again, the soldiers opened the doors.

David. I wasn’t surprised by the selection, only the change in the man I’d known in a few short days. I took a step closer. He was no longer lean, sick from the experiments. In walked a formidable man, his features similar to my own, bulging muscles covering his massive frame. There was no hesitation on his part, walking in with purpose and his head held high. If the disease was a reality, there was no sense that he’d contracted it. Maybe Brexin was wrong, but my hackles remained raised.

Finally, the ugly murmurs died down.

“My second choice is one I think you will approve. Brexin.”

Brexin’s eyes opened wide, the obvious honor written on his stunned face. He gave me a single fleeting look before taking his place.

There was little reaction on Cassia’s face, but her eyes told me everything as she searched for me in the crowd. I moved closer until we locked eyes. I was just as shaken as she was and for the first time in two days, I felt true despair.

“And my third choice is one that I believe will mean a better future for all of us. Erik, a leader and a true friend.” Steen held out his hand, the gesture gracious. “A reward for his loyalty.”