Free Van, Becca - Her Norland Warriors (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Becca van

about to reply but turned toward the door as it opened. Loki and several healers walked into the room and over to the bed. Dagr and Hakon moved back to let the healers examine their mate. After several moments of watching the healers, the elder of the trio turned to Hakon.
    “There seems to be nothing wrong with your mate physically, emotionally, or mentally. She just seems to be very tired, sirs. Let her sleep for the rest of the night, and if she hasn’t awakened by second feast, come and get us, and we will examine her again.”
    “Thank you, Elder. We appreciate you taking the time to come and tend to our mate,” Hakon replied.
    “That is our jobs, sirs. There is a small problem with your mate, however. I found the wall she has built up in her mind. I was able to get through it, but I daresay you and your brothers have not?”
    “You are correct, Healer Elder. We have advised our mate of the consequences, but it didn’t seem to faze her in the least. Will you and your esteemed brothers please remain on standby in case our mate begins to suffer from the bond-mating fever?” asked Hakon.
    “You have no need to ask, sir. Just reach out to us with your mind, like so.” Elder demonstrated to Hakon by melding their minds together for a moment. “My brothers and I will be here when you call.”
    “Thank you, Elder, Healers.” Hakon bowed respectfully and watched them leave.
    “I think one of us should remain in our chamber in case our mate wakes up,” Dagr suggested.
    “Yes, I agree. Loki, you take first watch. Dagr will relieve you, and if by then our duties are not done, I will relieve Dagr. While either of you are in the chamber with our bond mate, I think we should try to breach her mental barrier. Do not push too hard or fast into her mind. We don’t want our mate’s mind to be damaged. Come, Dagr, let’s see if we can get our duties over and done with as fast as possible. I have a need to be near our mate,” he explained then turned toward the exit. Dagr walked toward the door on his heels.

    * * * *

    Loki settled down onto the bed beside Jess, his elbow on the mattress and his head resting on his hand. She was so beautiful to his eyes, her shoulder-length red hair fanning out around her head, the lights above making it look like it was highlighted with flames. She looked so peaceful, almost childlike in innocence, as she lay sleeping. Her full lips were slightly parted, emitting her breath in deep even gusts. Her skin was so white and creamy he could see her delicate blue veins beneath. As he stared down at her, he concentrated on gently breaking through her mental shield. He was slow and thorough, chipping away at the cement-like substance she had created in her mind to topple her barrier. It was a slow, tedious process, but Loki was enjoying just lounging beside his mate, his eyes wandering over her face and sheet-covered body. The material draped over her body showcased every inch of her length—her voluptuous breasts, flat, small waist, and full hips, which tapered down to long, lean legs. She was absolutely exquisite. Not like all the other women they usually managed to meet in their pirating for cargo treasures.
    Loki was so glad to have a gorgeous, unique-looking woman. Who wanted their mate to look like all the others—blonde hair, blue eyes, and a waiflike body too fragile to be able to stand a real, good, hard loving from her mates? He and his brothers would not have to be so careful of their sexy woman. Of course he and his brothers would never do anything to hurt her, but because she was of a sturdier build, they would never have to worry about treating their woman like fragile glass. He only hoped Jess wouldn’t be too stubborn by keeping him, Dagr, and Hakon at arm’s length. The last thing he wanted to see was his bond mate in the throes of the bond-mating fever. He’d never seen a female in such a predicament and hoped he didn’t have to watch his own mate go through such pain.