Joanna Fulford - Defiant in the Viking's Bed

Consumed by revenge—and desire!

Captured by his enemy and chained like a dog, Leif Egilsson has one thought in his mind: revenge. He’ll no longer be beguiled by the treacherous beauty of Lady Astrid, and her innocence, which he so craved, will finally be his.

On his escape, this fierce, proud Viking is bent on making her pay the price of her betrayal—in his bed! Only, Astrid has the heart of a warrior, and she will not be tamed as easily as he believes.…

Victorious Vikings

No man could defeat them. Three women would defy them!

Get swept away by Joanna Fulford’s stirring trilogy Victorious Vikings

No man could defeat them. Three women would defy them!

In

DEFIANT IN THE VIKING’S BED

proud warrior Leif Egilsson is enslaved by his

enemies and vows his revenge on the woman

responsible. Lady Astrid will become his slave—and will pay the price in his bed!

The thrilling trilogy continues with Finn’s story, coming soon

Securing ships and weapons,

powerful Viking Finn must take a bride

in return. The fiery Lara may have to walk

meekly to the altar, but she’ll fight their

unwanted attraction each step of the way!

And concludes with Erik’s story

When adventurer Erik is forced to reunite

with his estranged wife, Katlin, the warrior

will discover all her secrets—including the

passion that still burns strong between them …

AUTHOR NOTE

While researching ninth century Norway I found an invaluable resource in Heimskringla. It’s good for historical background and even better for the larger-than-life individuals who inhabit its pages. Characters like Halfdan Svarti, Gandalf of Vingulmark and the berserker, Hakke, are a gift for the novelist. I’d never have invented better names than theirs, or imagined half the things they actually did.

While I try to be historically accurate, it can be convenient to have leeway where the facts aren’t known. I deliberately departed from the source only twice: Hakke lost a hand and later fell on his sword when the wound became gangrenous. I’ve given him a swifter end, albeit for selfish reasons. The second deviation concerns the spelling of his name. Originally it was Hake, but this seemed too fishy, even for a villain, so I toned it down with the extra letter.

Writing this trilogy was great fun: Vikings have forceful personalities and strong opinions. I’ve learned to listen to my characters and know when to back down. Trust me: it’s a mistake to argue with an axe-wielding berserker who doesn’t like your game plan.

Defiant in the Viking’s Bed

Joanna Fulford

www.millsandboon.co.uk

JOANNA FULFORDis a compulsive scribbler with a passion for literature and history, both of which she has studied to postgraduate level. Other countries and cultures have always exerted a fascination, and she has travelled widely, living and working abroad for many years. However, her roots are in England, and are now firmly established in the Peak District, where she lives with her husband, Brian. When not pressing a hot keyboard she likes to be out on the hills, either walking or on horseback. However, these days equestrian activity is confined to sedate hacking rather than riding at high speed towards solid obstacles. Visit Joanna’s website at www.joannafulford.co.uk

Previous novels by the same author:

THE VIKING’S DEFIANT BRIDE

(part of the Mills & Boon Presents … anthology,

featuring talented new authors)

THE WAYWARD GOVERNESS

THE LAIRD’S CAPTIVE WIFE

THE COUNTERFEIT CONDESA

THE VIKING’S TOUCH

THE CAGED COUNTESS

REDEMPTION OF A FALLEN WOMAN

(part of Castonbury Park Regency mini-series)

HIS LADY OF CASTLEMORA

CHRISTMAS AT OAKHURST MANOR

(part of Snowbound Wedding Wishes anthology)

Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

For my former writing tutor and mentor, Paul Kane,

who set me on my way and regularly saved me

from myself. Thank you, Paul.

I couldn’t have done it without you.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Chapter One

Leif Egilsson pulled his dagger free and silently lowered the body of the dead guard. Across the wide clearing in front of him he could see a large camp fire around which a dozen men lounged at their ease, laughing and talking among themselves. Their war gear was piled a few yards off. Behind them was pitched an imposing tent, no doubt sheltering the prince and his closest henchmen. Hard by was a smaller shelter with two guards posted at the entrance. Leif noted their presence with satisfaction.

‘That’s where Hakke will be holding her, my lord,’ he murmured.

Halfdan Svarti nodded. ‘We’ll go in fast and hit them before they know what’s happened. In the meantime, you and your men find Lady Ragnhild and keep her safe.’

‘Depend on it.’

The two men retraced their steps into the trees a little way to where fifty armed warriors waited. Halfdan surveyed them keenly.

‘Take no prisoners. This time we end it once and for all.’

They heard him in wolfish anticipation.

Leif met his brother’s gaze. ‘Ready?’

Finn smiled. ‘Does Thor hurl thunderbolts?’

‘He does today.’

‘I’m glad to hear it, Cousin,’ said Erik. ‘Life has grown dull of late.’

Beside them a grizzled campaigner stroked the haft of an axe. ‘You speak true. There hasn’t been so much as a skirmish for weeks. Skull Cleaver is thirsty.’

‘She shall drink her fill, Thorvald,’ said Leif.

The older man laughed softly. It drew answering grins from those who stood nearby. There followed the muted chink of mail and the sinister whisper of blades unsheathed. Leif smiled, tightening his grip on Foe Bane’s hilt, and then briefly touched the amulet that he wore around his neck.

‘Let’s do it.’

They moved forwards to the edge of the thicket. Halfdan raised his sword aloft and then, with a deafening roar, the whole force broke from cover and hurtled upon the enemy.

* * *

Astrid sat bolt upright, her startled gaze meeting Ragnhild’s. ‘What was that?’

‘I’m not sure. It sounded like...’

The rest was lost, swept aside by a deafening war cry and then confused alarm: shouting, running feet and then the unmistakable clash of steel. Astrid leapt to her feet and ran to the entrance of the tent, pushing aside the hangings to peer out. Her eyes widened.