Free Oath Breaker (Sons of Odin Book 3) by Erin S. Riley

entwined with that of her husband, her thoughts and actions consumed by him. Everything she had done, every decision she’d made, had been weighed against how Alrik would react to it. The dance had been done automatically, no more consciousness to it than breathing.
    Now, the absence of Alrik Ragnarson left her hollow. Like a tree eaten away from the inside by insects, leaving nothing but the bark intact.
    Selia no longer knew what to think. How to feel. The flight from Norway had been a distraction from her emptiness, the urgency of their situation keeping her focused on the goal of safety for her children. Now, she felt adrift in a chasm of darkness. Alone.
    Would Ulfrik understand? Could she trust him with the truth, as she hadn’t been able to do with Father Oengul?
    “There is something wrong with me, Ulfrik,” she admitted, fiddling with the stem of a leaf so she wouldn’t have to look at him. “I think . . . I think I’m broken . It’s as though when I stopped loving Alrik I stopped being able to feel anything at all. I’m empty inside.”
    He was silent, as though deep in thought, as Selia continued. “My life was about making Alrik happy. About keeping him calm. I was so focused on him, I forgot who I was.” Her voice fell to a whisper. “And now I’m nothing at all.”
    Ulfrik reached for her as if to offer comfort, then hesitated, dropping his hand without touching her. “Selia,” he began cautiously, “it doesn’t have to be that way.”
    She held silent. Did Ulfrik think she wanted to feel like this? Did he think it was a choice?
    He continued, his voice soft. “It hurts me to see you suffer. I wish I could take this pain from you. I would take away every sorrow he’s brought upon you if I could.”
    Suffer . The same word Ainnileas had used to describe what Ulfrik felt for her.
    She met Ulfrik’s gaze. The guarded expression was gone, replaced by a raw honesty she’d only seen once from him, the day he had kissed her at the cove in Norway. It frightened her now, just as it had then.
    No.
    She couldn’t permit herself to be hurt again. Alrik had left her an empty shell, fragile and vulnerable. To allow herself to develop feelings for his brother could crush that shell completely. What little there was left of her must be safeguarded at all costs.
    But what about the children? Selia had more to consider than just herself. She needed Ulfrik; needed what he could provide for her family. She had two boys to raise and a babe growing in her belly. They needed stability, safety, permanence; a home. As Ainnileas had said, she could do a lot worse than Ulfrik Ragnarson.
    Her brother was right. Ulfrik was a good man, he loved her, and he deserved something for his efforts.
    She closed her eyes, gathering her courage. Then, straightening resolutely, she looked over at him. “I can never give you my heart, Ulfrik, not the way you desire. There is no love left inside me. He took it all.” Selia drew a deep breath. “But I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for us. If you want me, then I am yours.”
    He stared at her for the longest time, his face growing flushed. Selia squirmed under his scrutiny. Ulfrik finally spoke. “What exactly are you offering, Selia?”
    It was her turn to blush. Was he going to make her say it? “You know what I’m offering,” she mumbled.
    Ulfrik’s breathing quickened and his eyes narrowed on her. She realized too late he was furious, in a rage worse than she had ever seen, other than the day he had nearly killed his brother. Then, she’d been forced to hold a dagger to his throat to stop him.
    His voice shook with emotion. “A business arrangement? My protection in exchange for access to your bed?”
    She cringed in mortification. Why did he have to make it sound so awful? “I’m giving you what you want.”
    “No. Let me be very clear, Selia, that is not what I want and it never has been. My life would be so much easier if that was what I