The woman glared down at me. Something flickered in her scent, anger mixed with something intriguing. It was almost enough to take my thoughts off the stink of blood.

Almost.

I turned my head, trying very hard not to think when the beast within me raised its head, smelling fresh meat.

Not meat. I told it.

It’s all right, brother. Set my bone quickly and leave me to heal while you hunt. I’ll be hungry enough to eat a boar. Even in my mind, his voice was strained with agony. Our new mate can cook it.

“Kneel here,” I ordered Laurel, directing her to a place at Haakon’s feet. She obeyed immediately, spots of color on her pale cheeks betraying her roiling emotions.

I wanted to blister her bottom, but not as much as I wanted to build a giant tower to keep he safe from all harm. Perhaps I would spank her to tears, then hold her and tell her it would be all right.

You should spank her, Haakon panted. I want to watch.

Later, brother, I promised, and nodded to Laurel, who had hold of Haakon’s ankle. “Keep it straight. On my word. One, two—” I jerked the leg before Haakon could tense.

“Argh,” Haakon cried. “Oh, you rotted bastard—” curses trickled from his lips, a colorful description of how I could stick my cock up my own ass. I let him froth while I checked his leg. The limb was still shattered, the skin torn, but at least it was straight.

“It’s over, brother,” I told him.

Laurel rose, wiping blood onto her shift. She needed a new garment.

She blanched. “Is he going to live?”

“My brother is strong. He will survive,” I said fiercely. It was the truth. Not much can kill a Berserker. But maim or scar—that was a different matter. My own face stood testament to that.

I waited for her nod before guiding her to walk back.

I thirst, brother, Haakon said. I unhooked my waterskin and handed it to Laurel.

“Your nursemaid,” I said aloud, and prodded Laurel forward.

“And such a pretty one,” Haakon rasped. “As long as she doesn’t feed me cabbage.”

“I wouldn’t feed anyone cabbage stew,” she said, still standing clutching the waterskin.

“No? Then why make so much?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“The friar hated the smell. It made him leave me alone.” Her eyes gripped the ground as she spoke.

My hands curled to fists.

“Did the friar bother you often?” Haakon asked.

“Not if I had meat or other food to tempt him. The cabbage helped keep him away. My friends were not all so lucky.”

An animal snarl broke from my lips. Laurel startled and skittered closer to Haakon.

Easy, brother, Haakon cautioned.

I must kill this friar.

If any of our brothers found the man who harmed our brides, then he is already dead. If not, we will return and leave his body for the rats. Haakon tried to prop himself up on his arms, and groaned.

Snatching the waterskin from Laurel’s hand, I knelt beside Haakon and bade him drink. “You must rest. I’ll make sure our enemies do not come near.” As soon as he was done drinking, I backed away again, the beast clawing at my mind. The smell of fresh blood hung in the air, but instead of filling me with human compassion, it only made me hungry.

Haakon watched me go with golden eyes. He knew the danger, the Berserker madness that haunted us, made us less than men. It was not safe for me to stay while my warrior brother was so weak.

But it might not be safe for me to leave.

Ulf, if the enemy comes—

I will do all I can to be sure they do not find us. Even if I must use myself as bait.

I am better bait, brother. You should take her and leave me—

“Never. I will not leave you. Laurel can watch over you. It’s her fault you are here.” I sounded angrier than I meant. It wasn’t the woman’s fault she feared us. Women often ran from me.

We will teach her not to fear, Haakon said. One day she will run toward us, and not away. We will teach her.

When you are well, I agreed, and turned to go.

“Wait,” the woman called.