ERICA TRIED HER best not to stare at the otherworldly seers as they sat in Heidrek and Cybil’s lodge a while later. Like Eluf had been, they were tall and attractive. Two were men, and one was a woman. And not really blood related apparently. It seemed, as they soon learned, that Vanaheim seers showed no devotion to family after birth, but those pre-destined to be part of their individual inner circles.

Even Cybil seemed a little taken aback as she looked at them. Erica didn’t blame her. Where Eluf had certainly possessed a faint air of superiority, it couldn’t touch the arrogance of these three. Yet they felt familiar, and it was clear Kodran thought so as well.

“So Eluf put a summons in the spell that created the ring,” he said. “One that would bring you here once the ring was worn and,” he cleared his throat, “and not just our souls came together but our physical forms as well.”

“That is correct,” one of the male seers said. They had not provided their names because they said it was irrelevant. Erica might have made the argument that it was relevant to addressing them but bit her tongue. No need to rile the aliens who had come to help them.

“Interesting,” Kodran murmured as he looked from seer to seer. “So you were my pre-destined yet unrelated kin?”

“That is correct,” the woman said, her eyes a little stony when they met Erica’s before returning to him. “And I might have been more had the right mate for you not been born.”

Oh hell, wonderful. One of the aliens was already jealous of her.

When Kodran frowned, Heidrek spoke. “So Eluf left, and the three of you remained on Vanaheim.” His brows inched up. “That must have been difficult for you if you four were so close.”

“It was acceptable,” one of the male seers said. “We stayed, and some followed. They aged. We have not. But then time passes considerably different between our worlds.”

“Some seers followed Eluf?” Kodran’s brows slammed together. “There were more like Eluf here on Midgard?” He shook his head. “He wasn’t alone at the beginning?”

“Did you think Eluf did not procreate to create more seers?” The female seer gave him a less-than-impressed look as if she expected more from Eluf’s reincarnate. “We are not what you would call a-sexual, dragon.”

Ah, there it was. While the foreign woman was certainly jealous, she was also prejudiced against what Eluf had become. Erica glanced at the men. Were they against dragons too? If so, how was that going to work out considering they were here to defend them?

When Kodran glanced at Erica, she realized he was uncomfortable. More so, why.

“No worries, sweetie,” she said into his mind. “I kind of figured you must’ve slept with a woman or two before your wife was reborn and Maeva came along.”

“Which meant many of those seers were likely related to me.”

“Yup.” She offered a teasing smile. “So it’s a good thing I was a dragon, eh?”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed.

“We appreciate you coming to our aide,” Heidrek said to the seers. “Please let me know how we can accommodate you. We have spare lodges and plenty of food. And if you like, please join us to celebrate Kodran and Erica’s union.”

“We will rest and then be available when we are needed,” one of the men said as he stood. “And only one lodge will be required.”

Erica’s brows shot up in surprise. Really? Were these three a ménage a trois?

Based on the way the female seer’s knowing eyes met hers, she’d say yes. It seemed she had done just fine after Eluf left seeing how she had two lovers...who were also pre-destined kin. She glanced at Kodran and bit back a smirk. Weren’t Vanaheim seers something?

“I’ll show you the way,” Cybil said before she led them out.

Meanwhile, Heidrek seemed contemplative as his eyes went to Kodran. “Do you trust them?”

Kodran thought about it for a moment before he nodded. “Yes.” His eyes went to Erica. “And you?”

“I do.” She looked at Heidrek. “They feel really familiar, and my dragon isn’t alarmed in the least.”

“Nor is mine,” Kodran said. “They may not be all that impressed with the decisions Eluf made, but they will support their kin, their own kind...even if he’s a dragon now.”

Heidrek nodded as he stood. “Come be with your kin so that we may celebrate your marriage.” He looked between them. “Or get some rest.” A wry grin came to his lips. “Though I know rest is not something that comes easily to dragon mates.”

Kodran’s eyes went to hers. “What would you like to do?”

She grinned. “We both know the answer to that. But,” she stood and took his hand, “I think it would be better to join everyone and celebrate. Your people should get the chance to know me better before we all go to war together.”

Though she knew he wasn’t thrilled with the idea of taking her anywhere but to his bed, he nodded, and they headed back to the main lodge. Everyone might be joyous, but it was obvious they were alert as well. Some drank but not much in case the summons came from Grant.

She proceeded to have a good time with her sisters and niece then spent ample time dancing with Kodran. He made it very clear he only had eyes for her which was sweet.

“Not sweet,” he murmured in her ear as he sat with her on his lap awhile later. “Just true.”

Then he kissed her. Another one of those hot, promising kisses that made her squirm. He seemed to enjoy dishing them out regularly and based on the way her sisters and their mates behaved with each other, it seemed to be a family trait. One that she more than appreciated. Lauren was right. This culture was certainly less uptight. And definitely more open with their sensuality.

Later, after spending a better time with her family than she would have imagined, Kodran grabbed some horns of ale and finally got around to taking her on a tour of the Fortress. They started at the armories, which were loaded with an impressive array of swords, daggers, maces, axes, shields and other weapons she had never heard of. He spent time describing what each did and set aside the ones he felt best suited her.

“You know I can pick out my own.” She smiled. “And I can fight a lot better now after all our revelations. The power we found coming together.”

“I know,” he said, appearing a little sheepish. “Would you rather pick out your own weapons?”

She understood the deep-seated reasoning behind his need to protect and nurture her by having some control over what she fought with. As it was, in another life, Eluf had spent a great deal of time trying to protect and keep Maeva safe.

“No, I like what you chose for me.” She looked over the weapons. “I just need you to know that I can handle myself.” Her eyes met his. “I can protect myself this time around, Kodran. I’ll be okay.”

“I know,” he murmured before he brushed his lips across hers. “It will just take time for me to stop feeling this way I think.”

“I get it,” she said as they left the armory. “I sort of expect us both to always feel that way about each other.”

He nodded then introduced her to his people as they made their way past endless thatched covered homes with ceilings that nearly sloped to the ground. It was obvious he was well liked and even more so now that their people knew who he had been. There was no prejudice here, only acceptance and good comradery between humans, dragons, and seers.

As they walked through the gates, she smiled at him. “Based on this village and your people, I would say that Eluf and Maeva accomplished what they set out to do.”

Kodran pulled her close as they walked. “So it seems.”

He was about to say more, but his parents were walking in their direction, so they stopped to say hello. She had enjoyed getting to know them over the past few hours. Because of Kodran and Erica’s shotgun wedding and wanting to be part of the celebration, his parents were taking turns with Kodran’s aunt and uncle, Raknar, and Veronica, watching over Naðr.

It was clear based on the way they looked at each other and a lustiness that put most to shame, that Kol and Amber were as much in love as the day they met. Who knew fifty-somethings could be so amorous? Not that they looked their age in the least. She tried not to check out his dad. Older men weren’t usually her thing, but it was clear who Kodran got his looks from.

Kodran glanced at her in amusement as he hugged them hello and apparently goodbye.

“We’re going to go rest for a bit,” Amber said before she embraced Erica. “Again, welcome to the family, sweetheart. We couldn’t be happier for you two.”

“Thanks,” she murmured, trying like hell not to blush as Kol squeezed her hand in greeting before he and Amber headed toward the village. She figured rest was the last thing they had on their minds.

“You do not need to be embarrassed because you find my father attractive.” Kodran chuckled as he took her hand and they headed for the vast docks and endless Viking ships. “Everyone understands.” He winked. “We Sigdirs are an attractive lineage.”

Her eyes widened at him. “What do you mean everyone understands?”

“All of we dragons are connected now, one way or another,” he reminded. “So thoughts such as yours were likely heard by everyone.”

“Oh, Jesus,” she muttered, unable to stop a blush. “So all our thoughts are shared now?”

“Mostly.” He shrugged. “Unless we don’t want them to be.”

She stopped and frowned at him. “Do you mean to tell me there’s a way to keep your family from hearing my thoughts and you didn’t tell me about it?”

“I thought if you knew how to block me, you did them as well,” he defended, a little smile still hovering on his lips. “Besides, our dragons don’t mind it in the least. It’s a way for them to feel closer to each other.”

“I think being able to block you is just part of all this. A way to protect my mate. Your family, however?” Erica shook her head and kept walking. “Let’s just say it’s time you teach me how to put up some barriers because I draw the line at your father thinking I’m checking him out.”

“Even though you were,” he teased.

“Kodran,” she warned.

“It’s complimentary to him. To any of us you think that about,” he said as he followed. “Dragons like praise, no matter how old they are.”

“I agree,” someone murmured into her mind with a chuckle. “Thank you, Erica.” Then, “And watch the comment about me being old, Kodran.”

Her eyes rounded on Kodran again. “Son of a bitch. Was that your dad who just spoke to me?”

“Maybe,” he said carefully and dodged when she whacked at him. “Come here,” he murmured and reeled her close before she could do it again. “Let me teach you how to block your thoughts from everyone else.”

“About time,” she muttered as he whispered a chant into her mind.

“There,” he murmured before he dropped a kiss on her lips. “Repeat that whenever you like and it will block anyone but me.”

“Good,” she said as she murmured the chant, took his hand and they continued down a dock. Yet a little twinge of something she couldn’t put her finger on started to fill her. A sort of unease. 

“That’s normal,” he said softly as she admired the beautifully constructed ships. “It’s not always comfortable blocking our kin. In some ways, for dragons, it’s unnatural.”

“Ah,” she whispered, trying her best to ignore the unsettling feeling. The strange emptiness. “So how do I unblock my thoughts to them?”

Kodran whispered a chant into her mind. “Just repeat that.” His eyes went to hers, and that same amused smile continued hovering on his lips. “And just so you know, in general, our fellow dragons aren’t really paying attention to your thoughts. They, like you, simply find comfort in feeling your mind brush against theirs. In knowing you’re well and safe.” They stopped at the end of the dock. “We dragons, those of us connected through blood or mates, are very close.” He wrapped an arm around her lower back and pulled her close, still grinning. “The only reason my father caught your thoughts so easily is because you were near him and well, like Tait and me, he’s especially receptive to female appreciation.”

She chuckled and shook her head. “So it runs in the family.”

He answered her with yet another smoldering kiss before he decided to bring her on board what looked to be the largest ship in the fleet.

“This is Uncle Naðr and Aunt Megan’s boat,” he shared as he helped her down into it.

“I’ve heard about this,” she said, impressed as she took in the massive scale and workmanship of it. “The ship that, in some ways, started it all when they came together.”

He nodded as he walked her to the bow. “This, as well as the boat she and Sean built together.”

“Hell of a story,” she murmured as she stared up at the mast and tied sail. “Naðr’s not going to be happy when he wakes up to find Grant gone, is he?”

“No.” Kodran frowned. “He will be very upset.”

“Then here’s hoping Mema Angie gets Megan back here as soon as possible.” Her eyes went to his. “And then it will be...”

She didn’t finish her sentence because she didn’t want to upset him. But she knew what was coming for Megan and how sad it would be for all of them.

Kodran pulled her back against his front and held her as clouds swept over the moon. She could feel his thoughts brush hers. He understood what she and her sisters had suffered when they watched their own mother die of cancer. What she had felt as she watched the strain and heartache between her parents as they let each other go. As they said goodbye.

“Aunt Megan will not be alone here,” he whispered, the emotion in his voice evident. “And her departure from Uncle Naðr will be much different. She might not be a dragon, but she is connected to all of us. And while we may not be able to cure her, we have the power to ease her suffering and make her last days comfortable.” He held her tighter. “There will be no strife. It will be much different than what you experienced as a child.”

“I hope so,” she murmured. “Because it’s a sad thing to watch.”

They didn’t say anything for a while after that just held each other and stared at the stars. Eventually, he murmured, “This was my favorite ship as a child. I would spend hours playing on it then watching the sky as we are now. I always felt like I could see things better from here. Not just Midgard but other worlds.”

She leaned her head back against his chest. “Maybe even Vanaheim?”

“Yes.” She heard the smile in his voice. “But mostly Múspellsheimr, home of us dragons.”

“So all along you were searching for the wrong world.”

“No,” he said softly. “I think all along I was searching for the right world.” He tilted her head back until their eyes met. “Because did you not come back as a dragon?”

“I did,” she whispered before his lips closed over hers. When warm light filled her mind’s eye she thought at first it was just part of the happiness she felt but then her ring warmed as well.

“Kodran,” she murmured as her eyes dropped to the ring. It was glowing again. Seconds later, its glow raced up the mast and filled the sail before it started to fade. “What’s happening?”

“I don’t know.” He was about to say more but stopped when a commotion began back in the village. “They’re here. Bjorn’s kingdom.”

She nodded and joined him as they headed back. “Do you think that had anything to do with the ring glowing?”

He shook his head. “Why would it?”

“Beats me,” she said. “Just curious timing is all.”

By the time they returned, there were a vast amount of people. It was clear Heidrek and Cybil had planned well because everything seemed to be going smoothly. Villagers were welcoming as many as they could into their homes, as were the Sigdirs and their mates.

“There is plenty of space in our lodge,” Kodran said to her before he hesitated. “If you are willing to share on your wedding night.”

“Do you even need to ask?” She squeezed his hand as they made their way through the crowd. “I’m fine with sleeping outside if I have to.”

He gave her a thankful look before they found Cybil and got instructions on how to help. Before they left, she stopped them. “Heidrek wants us in position to protect his people, so we Sigdirs will be camping outside of the Fortress walls.”

“And what will happen if Grant calls all of us away from here?” Kodran asked.

“Then we go but leave behind enough warriors to protect everyone.” She eyed the villagers. “They might not be warriors, but outside of the children and elderly, these people know how to defend themselves.”

“Grant won’t be taking you away from here,” Erica whispered as a strange sensation washed over her. “This is gonna be ground zero, Cyb.”

Cybil nodded as her concerned eyes again went to the people. “All right, let’s get moving then.”

Kodran nodded, and he and Erica began ushering as many people as could comfortably be housed into his lodge, then got them settled. After that, they helped with finding everyone else a place to rest.

By the time they joined their family outside the gates, everyone was pretty wiped. All warriors from both kingdoms were placed strategically both inside and outside the gates then in the mountains and forest beyond.

“Some honeymoon, eh, Sis?” Sam said to Erica as they sat around a fire near the northern side of the outer wall.

“Actually,” Erica replied, looking at each of her sisters. “All things considered, it hasn’t been bad.” Her eyes met Kodran’s and her heart leapt. “Not at all.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Cybil squeezed her hand. “More than you know.”

“Me too,” Shannon added and smiled.

“Hell yeah, darlin’.” Kage offered one of those charming smiles he was so good at. “You deserve nothing but the best from here on out.”

It didn’t matter that they were roughing it right now. Erica understood what he meant. So she blew him a kiss and settled back against Kodran’s chest. No bad weather was expected so they hadn’t bothered with tents. Where they sat was where they slept. So when he covered her with a fur and the steady beat of his heart seemed to fill her whole body, her eyes slid shut in utter comfort.

Then she slept like a baby.

Her ring warmed as she dreamt of things that happened when she was still living on Vanaheim. First, the moment she met Eluf. He was young, maybe mid to late teens, and unbelievably cocky. Nobody could cast spells as well as him. Nobody could manipulate magic like him. And, at his tender age and with his comely appearance, surely nobody could attract women like he could.

All except for one woman that is.

Maeva’s incarnate.

After all, she was from an esteemed family and not even on his pre-destined radar to be considered kin let alone a lover. Yet she drew his attention with her stunning appearance and her lack of interest. With the way she stared at the stars and didn’t dream of being with him like all the other girls did but dreamt instead of those other places. Midgard and Múspellsheimr. Humans and dragons. Those were the sorts of creatures that intrigued her because they were forbidden. They were beneath her. And she didn’t feel that was right.

Taken by how different she was than all the others, Eluf eventually realized she wasn’t going to pursue him, so he approached her one day. As always, she sat on a low rock overlooking the sea as she stared up at the sky.

“I am here now. I have given in,” he declared as he stopped beside her and planted his hands on his hips. “You may have my body if you desire.”

She rolled her eyes and ignored him. “I am not interested in your body.”

“Every girl is interested in it,” he assured. “And it is time you admit you are as well.”

“No,” she said blandly. “It is time for you leave me alone. I do not want you, Eluf.”

“Ah,” he piped up and plunked down next to her. “So you know my name.”

“Oh, yes, I know your name.” She didn’t spare him a glance. “And I know you are the last seer I would ever want to share my life with.”

Eluf was so full of himself her words didn’t faze him in the least. They didn’t detour him from his pursuit of her, either. He had a one track mind. “If you know my name, then you have heard the tales,” he said proudly. “You know how powerful I am becoming. How sought after I am.”

“Then go be sought after,” she muttered and kept gazing at the sky. “Go be better than everyone else somewhere other than here. Please.”

“I would if I could,” he declared before something changed in his voice. “But every time I try to go somewhere else, I want to be right here beside you.”

“I do not know how to help you with that,” she murmured. Now she was keeping her eyes on the sky so she would not look at him. “I think you should leave.”

“I do not want to,” he argued.

“But I want you to,” she stated firmly.

“Do you really?” When he cupped her chin and tilted her face in his direction, she almost jerked away but did not. Instead, she startled at the feel of his touch and grew wide eyed. It seemed he was just as caught off guard based on the flare of his pupils. Instead of pulling away, he did the last thing she expected.

He kissed her.

It was soft, gentle, and so impactful that she jolted back and skinned her finger on the rock.

“I am sorry,” he whispered, distress in his eyes as he looked at her bleeding finger. “Let Vanaheim heal you.” He pressed her finger against the rock, more so the healing qualities of the metal it contained. “Let me heal you.”

At that moment, she saw past the Eluf he was to the seer he would become.

To the man he would become.

More than that, what they would become together.

She was about to speak, but Eluf faded away. Yet she didn’t forget what he had said.

Her and Kodran’s eyes shot open at the same moment.

“Vanaheim’s metal heals,” he whispered.

Her eyes dropped to her ring. “And this contains that metal.”

Seconds later everyone awoke as Naðr Véurr roared, “Where is my wife?”

His eyes were furious as he stopped at the gates. It seemed he had his strength back because he was more muscular and formidable than he had been before. He stared out over the water before his lethal gaze swung their way. “Better yet, where is Grant Hamilton?”