Taken by the Berserkers

Chapter 1-2

I woke sore, my body aching. My eyes still closed, I started to call to Muriel to check the chickens for eggs, and my throat screamed for water. Head pounding, I reached for the herbs I kept near our bed for Fleur’s sickness. Nothing.

I opened my eyes. Instead of the hut, I lay on the ground of a great cave, wrapped in a fur robe. The morning air felt cool on my face. Had I lain outside all night?

Last night’s terror came flooding back. The deep voice growling my name, the hand around my throat. As I glanced around the wide mouth of the cave and the wilderness beyond, I realized my nightmare was real.

Fear shot through me and I came to my feet, lunging for the forest. My escape was cut short when my leg pulled out from under me. I looked back and saw the chain around my ankle.

“No,” I breathed, fingers wrenching at the heavy shackle. “No, no, no.”

My attacker must have brought me to this cave in the wilderness and chained me as his prisoner. A wolf would gnaw off its foot to be free. I couldn’t bring myself to do more than sit trembling on the ground.

I did not wait for long. My captor emerged from the woods, padding silently on bare feet. I rose, gripping the robe around me.

In the morning light his face was just as fearsome as last night, rawboned and cruel, sharp as a blade, rugged with stubble. He wore leather breeches but his feet and chest were bare. Twining over every inch of him--his arms, his hands, even his feet--were bluish tattoos, the markings of an ancient tribe far from Alba.

My heart pounded painfully as he walked closer, but he only carried his armful of firewood past me to a large fire pit surrounded by stones. When he rose, dusting his hands, his gaze met mine like a punch. My hands clenched into fists, but I refused to look away.

At last he reached down, picked up a bucket and brought it to me, setting it a few feet away--where I could reach it despite the chain.

“You must be thirsty,” he rasped. “Drink.”

I waited until he stepped back before forcing myself to walk forward and do as he’d ordered. The water tasted fresh. No poison, though if my captor wanted to kill me, he wouldn’t have to resort to that. He stood like a warrior at the edge of battle, face blank and muscled body tensed as if ready to fight. The strength in his corded arms had dragged me forcibly from my doorstep. When I swallowed, I realized his grip had bruised my throat.

“Who are you?” I choked out. “Why am I here?”

“My name is Maddox.” His voice sounded hoarse, as if he hadn’t used it in many moons. Instead of answering my other question, he set his back to me and busied himself lighting a fire.

I drank another dipperful of water. My reflection looked frightened, so I schooled my features and drank slowly, glancing about for any way to escape.

“Don’t try to run.” Maddox said without looking up. “The woods are full of monsters.” He angled his head and flashed me a smile that froze my blood. His canines looked rather sharp. “Or maybe I spread that rumor to keep everyone away.”

I stood, needing the courage my height would give me. “If you don’t want visitors, why am I here?”

Maddox stood and walked towards me with measured steps. My head tipped back as he loomed over me.

“You’re not just a visitor.” He stopped an arm’s length away. A head taller, and broader by half, he could easily overpower me. And he had. Instead of cowering, I tensed and gritted my teeth so I would stand my ground. If he wanted me here, he could deal with my defiance. If not, then I would die.

“What am I then?”

“A friend.” His gaze fell to my chest, and I pulled the robe tighter so it covered the swell of my breast. Facing this tall, tattooed warrior with feral eyes, everything in me quivered.

He reached for me. I flinched, but let him brush a few golden hairs from my cheek. His face softened as his finger teased my hair.

“Friend?” I scoffed. “Do you chain up all your friends?”

His head canted to the side as he considered my question. Up close he smelled of smoke, the wild wood, and man.

Unable to keep still any longer, I stepped away. The clink of my chain seemed to rouse him.

He dropped his hand and walked towards the forest, tossing his answer over his shoulder. “Yes.”