Real Vampires and the Viking Read online

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for picking up Real Vampires and the Viking. This is lucky number thirteen in the Real Vampires series, the twelfth full-length novel. Full-figured vampire Gloriana St. Clair finally married her sire and long-time lover Jeremiah Campbell, Jeremy Blade this century. Now they’re off to celebrate their honeymoon. As is typical for this couple, there’s adventure waiting for them in Sweden, including an ancient Viking. I hope you enjoy the ride.

  I had fun with my imaginary visit and sprinkled in some of the language of the country. At the back of the book you’ll find a dictionary with the Swedish words I used in case you can’t figure them out from the context. Native speakers, if you see mistakes, blame the Internet. I also put in a short Italian section for when Glory’s best friend Florence Da Vinci arrives. Oh, you knew I’d have to bring along some of your favorite characters, didn’t you?

  So sit back and enjoy this ride either on your favorite e-reader or in paperback form. I’m one of those dinosaurs who still loves to hold a book in my hands so I’ll always try to provide my work in paper for you.

  I want to thank Donna Maloy of Frontrunner Publications for my fabulous cover art. She and pal Nina Bangs are also my critique partners and go along with me every step of the way as I write these books. They know this series as well as my long-time supportive fans. You know who you are. As always, it’s the fans of the series who keep me going. I wouldn’t keep writing these books if I didn’t hear from you on Facebook and by email about how much you enjoy Glory’s adventures. Let me know what you think about this one!

  Gerry Bartlett

  http://gerrybartlett.com

  Real Vampires

  and the Viking

  by

  Gerry Bartlett

  Copyright © 2016 Dragon Lady Publishing

  Table of 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 One

  “Are you ever going to tell me where we’re going?” I snuggled closer to my new husband. Glory St. Clair married. Would I ever get used to that? Didn’t matter. We were hitched and I had to accept it. Was I sorry to be tied to the love of my life forever? I slid a hand down his scarred and very masculine chest. Are you kidding me? I couldn’t quit smiling.

  “You’ll see when we get there.” He grinned and grabbed my hand when it dove under the sheet. “You’re going to have me too weak to get off the plane, you insatiable wench.”

  “Wench? You’ll pay for that.” Laughing, I threw him to his back and climbed on top. I couldn’t imagine ever tiring of our love play. Amazing after over four hundred years. “Jeremiah Campbell, I’ve never known you to be too weak for anything. Now,” I wiggled over his erection, “you’ve just shown me proof you’re up for another round before we land.” I leaned down to drag a fang over his jugular. “I promise not to take your blood this time if that will help you save your strength, poor baby. What do you say?”

  He grinned and was running his hands down my back to draw me even closer when the intercom came alive.

  “We’ll be landing in about thirty minutes, Jerry. You might want to get ready to leave the plane.” The pilot cleared his throat. “I know you two are on your honeymoon and all, cuz, but the locals will expect you to be wearing clothes. And the weather is a brisk twenty-seven degrees.”

  “All right, Sean. We’ll be ready. Now shut off the intercom and mind your manners.” Jerry flipped us so that I was under him and kissed me thoroughly. “That’s what I get for asking my cousin to fly us here. Cheeky bastard. But he’s right. Time to face the public. Now stay where you are. I have a surprise for you.”

  I lay there watching him untangle the covers and stride to the closet. Oh, but I loved the way the muscles twitched in his perfect butt. Hmm. If I followed him and kissed the dimple there . . . But he flung open the door, surprising me that it was full of clothes I certainly hadn’t packed. We’d both brought suitcases aboard the private plane, packed for cool weather per Jerry’s cryptic instructions. Now he plucked a white velvet cape out of the small closet and tossed it on the bed.

  “Jerry!” I stroked the white fur lining the hood. It was an exquisite vintage piece and exactly the kind of thing I loved. “Where did you get this?”

  “Lacy at your shop helped me order it on-line. Like it?” He tossed a few more things on the bed--tan wool pants, cashmere sweaters in bright red and emerald green, and a pair of brown suede boots that made my mouth water.

  “Love it all!” I jumped out of bed and hugged him tight. “You are so amazingly thoughtful. How did I get so lucky?”

  “You stuck with me through a hell of a lot, my wife. You deserve everything I can give you and more.” He smiled down at me.

  “You put up with even more. We’ve fought demons and my parents who have to be the worst in-laws any man could imagine.” I stood on tiptoe to kiss his chin. I loved that he was bigger, stronger than I could ever be. And the way we fit together so perfectly. Even though I could hear the jet engine’s sound change as we obviously must be approaching an airport, I knew I wanted him again. And I could feel Jerry’s cock, eager against my stomach. I needed him inside me. Now.

  “My parents have been horrible to you, lass. It’s a wonder you didn’t leave me long ago. My mother…” He shut up when I grasped him and backed us toward the bed, knocking those beautiful clothes to the floor with a sweep of my other hand.

  “You seriously don’t want to talk about your mother now, do you, Jer?” I whispered in his ear as I sat on the edge of the bed and guided him into me. I was wet and welcoming, sighing as he filled me. God, but I loved him. I wrapped my legs around his waist, my hands on his back.

  “Hell, no.” He kissed me then, moving as he held me with one hand and braced us on the bed with the other. The aircraft angled toward the earth, the shift sending me tighter against my man. I moaned with pleasure as we surged against each other, gaining momentum as the plane raced toward the ground. By the time the wheels hit the tarmac, we were jolted into climax, each shaking with pleasure. Our mouths and tongues tangled, words impossible.

  As the plane rolled to a stop, we peeled ourselves off of each other, agreeing that it hadn’t been our most elegant bedding but right for a honeymoon—hot, eager and with a little of the unusual. Now I had only minutes to pull myself together and slip on a new outfit. I could feel cold seeping into the plane already. Jerry didn’t seem to care. He had a relaxed, well-loved stride to his step. I was trying to add some makeup to cover whisker burn and to brush out tangles that seemed permanent.

  The outer door opened and the cold air became frigid.

  “Welcome to Stockholm.” Sean, our pilot and one of the Campbell cousins who had attended our wedding, now wore a parka, his breath making white clouds. “It’s a clear night and should be perfect for your journey north.”

  “You brought me to Sweden for our honeymoon?” I stared at Jerry. “Why?”

  “Twenty hours of darkest night out of every twenty-four, darling. Why do you think?” He frowned.

  “Oh. I guess I didn’t sound exactly thrilled, did I?” I rushed to wrap an arm around his waist. “Twenty hours to stay awake? What a brilliant idea!”

  “It really is, l
ass.” Sean grinned. “And the Ice Palace north of here is famous for its spa and other excellent accommodations. It’s a great place for a honeymoon.” He looked around to make sure the ground crew wasn’t close by. “Especially for vampires.”

  “I called ahead and another of our cousins has stocked our honeymoon suite with everything we need to drink, including that synthetic blood with champagne you like, Gloriana. I know it’ll be cold, but I’ve been assured that the rooms are climate controlled and very comfortable.” Jerry looked like he was worried that he’d made a mistake.

  “I’m sure it’ll be wonderful. It just took me by surprise, that’s all.” I kissed his frown. “Now let’s go. I packed my new clothes and left some of my old ones on the bed. Is that a problem, Sean?”

  “No, I’m going to spend the day here sleeping then I’ll refuel and head back to Austin to pick up the family for the trip home to Scotland. I’ll leave your clothes with one of your friends at your shop.” He held out his hand to Jerry to shake. “I’m going to be here in three weeks to pick you up. That’s on the family. Have fun, you two. The limo will take you north until you catch the dogsled to the hotel.” He laughed. “Enjoy the adventure!” He hugged me then grabbed our suitcases and bounded down the steps.

  “Dogsled?” I started to follow Sean.

  “Like my cousin said. It’s an adventure.” Jerry put his hands on my shoulders to stop me before I stepped outside and settled my new cape around me. “There will be lots of surprises when we get there. Is that okay?”

  “I’m not big on surprises, Jer. You should know that by now. But so far, this is a good one. As long as it stays that way? We’re fine.” I turned in his arms. “It’s our honeymoon. We laugh, make love and enjoy being together. No worries. Right?”

  “Exactly. And no nasty surprises.” Jerry held out his hand. “What could possibly go wrong?”

  I took his hand and let him help me down steps that had become icy in the short time since workers had rolled them out to the plane. What could go wrong? I hated when people said things like that. It was like tempting fate to come at us with both barrels. No, everything would be fine, starting with the black stretch limo waiting at the curb a short distance away. I was warm in my fabulous new cape and Jerry was close by my side, eager to be with me for the longest nights I could imagine. It was a dream come true for a vampire. Three weeks of bliss. I walked carefully across the icy pavement and slid into the warm cocoon of the limo. No more negative thoughts. This was going to be the best honeymoon in the history of the world.

  When the limo stopped we were at a cluster of what looked like igloos to me. Not that I’d ever seen an actual igloo. But I’d accidentally stumbled upon a special on the History Channel. Know what I mean? Anyway, these were neat looking places and there were people milling around, not to mention barking dogs and dog sleds. I was trying not to shiver. I know, vampires aren’t supposed to feel the cold. That’s a myth. Trust me, when it’s below freezing? You feel it. My new boots were cute but I could have enjoyed some warm fur lined Uggs about then.

  “Glory, we’re going to each have our own dog sled. Is that okay? The double ones were already taken and we do have a lot of luggage.” Jerry had to drag me out of the warm and toasty igloo where I was sticking close to the fire. The igloo had a pot-bellied stove. Who knew?

  “Whatever gets us to the hotel the quickest, Jer.” I eyed the sled, not sure it wasn’t going to topple over as soon as the driver “mushed” us into action. “Those things don’t look too stable.”

  “Relax. The guys swear they’ve made these runs hundreds of times. It’ll take just about thirty minutes to get there.” Jerry pulled up my hood. “You look beautiful in your new cape. Did I remember to tell you that?”

  “No. Thanks.” I smiled and patted his chest. I had on leather gloves and wasn’t about to take them off. “Your parka makes you look like a giant. I hope the dog sled can hold you, big guy.”

  “You’re stalling. Get on board, Gloriana.”

  “Wait! Look at those dogs. Can I pet them?” I could see them frisking in the snow like they were actually eager to get running. Their breaths were making clouds in the air and they were barking like they were saying “Let’s go!”

  “I know you love dogs, but you’re still stalling. These are working dogs.” Jerry lifted a heavy fur robe in the back of the sled and gestured for me to get in under it. “I’ve checked that there are no shape-shifters here. Valdez didn’t make the trip.” He whispered this last in my ear as he tucked the robe around me.

  “Aw, too bad. You know how close we are and he was my favorite dog for a long time.” I laughed when Jerry frowned. “I have it on good authority that he’s proposing to Lacy soon, so relax, husband. Now get in your own sled and let’s mush or whatever they say in Sweden.”

  The driver turned around and grinned. “Mush? No, we say ‘Hike’.” He pulled up the hood on his parka. “Ready to go, Madame?”

  “Sure. I think the adventure is about to begin.” I glanced at Jerry, cramming his legs into his own sled. “First one to the hotel gets her back washed.” I squealed when our sled suddenly lurched into action. Apparently my driver was competitive, even if he wasn’t the one in on the prize. I laughed, enjoying the feeling of being close to the snow. My body was warm and the hood drooped over my face enough to keep me from freezing. I realized there was some kind of heater in the bottom of the sled too. No wonder I wasn’t feeling the cold. Well, except for my nose. I was sure it was bright pink.

  Jerry’s sled was drawing close, I turned and waved as my sled hit a bump and we flew across the snow. The dogs barked excitedly and kept running. The drivers yelled at their dogs and each other in Swedish, clearly enjoying the competition. Jerry had pulled out some money and waved it around. Oh, no fair. But I knew how he liked to win.

  I have goddess powers but had promised Jer that I wouldn’t use them on this trip, not on him anyway. But then again, I hadn’t promised I wouldn’t use them at all. I could tell his sled was about to pass us. Was there anything I could do that wouldn’t hurt the dogs? Oh, really, was anyone the loser when there was back washing involved? I knew where that would lead. I held onto the sides of the sled and just enjoyed the ride. What a surprise this trip was. Twenty hours of nighttime. For a vampire that was just an unimaginable treat. I was in the middle of a fantasy when I went airborne and landed in a snowdrift.

  “Madame! Madame! I am so sorry.”

  I heard the driver but couldn’t see a damn thing. I was face down in cold wet snow. I struggled to dig myself out, cursing the fact that my lovely velvet cape was getting ruined.

  “What did you do?” Jerry’s voice was close as I was jerked out of the snow by strong hands on my waist. “Gloriana, sweetheart? Are you hurt?”

  “Just my pride.” I spit out snow and brushed it off of my face. “And my beautiful cape! What happened?”

  “We hit a rock. I swear I’ve travelled this path dozens of times. But there is warming. A melt and the rock just appeared. I am so sorry, Madame.” The driver shook his head. “Please excuse me. I must see to the dogs.”

  “Of course. I hope none of them are hurt.” I shook out the cape. “Wet velvet. I think it can be restored. At least the snow was clean.” I was getting Jerry wet because he was still holding me in his arms. “You can put me down now.”

  “God, Gloriana, when I saw you fly through the air like that I swear my heart stopped.” He held me tighter. “Maybe coming here was a bad idea.”

  “No, I love it. Long nights with you? What could be better?” But I was shivering. “It looks like the dogs are all right.” I saw the driver had righted the sled and was waiting for me. “Put me down, love. Let’s get to the hotel. I want a hot bath. And you’re washing my back, no matter who gets there first.”

  “You’ve got it.” He slid me down his body then kissed me, brushing more snow off my cheeks. “You’re freezing. Okay, get in and we’ll slow down. No more racing.”

  I
patted his cheek, getting snow all over his face. I was tempted to rub it in. A freezing honeymoon? What had he been thinking? I couldn’t feel my toes. “Sorry. I admit the race was fun. That’ll be the agenda for this honeymoon. We’re going to have fun for the next three weeks. Even if I am freezing my butt off, I’m going to love this trip. There’s nothing wrong with taking me out of my comfort zone. It’s a good thing. So quit frowning. Okay?”

  “Okay. You’re being a good sport about it but I know how you feel about your vintage clothes. If that cape can’t be fixed, I’ll haunt the Internet until I find you another one.” He walked me back to my sled and tucked me in again. Then he ordered my driver to proceed carefully. Trust me, Jerry issuing stern orders could scare even a hard man into following through. Our driver was shaking as he “Hiked” again.

  I warmed up as we ran smoothly through the snow this time. It was a well-worn path and we could sometimes see small towns in the distance. I had a feeling there were roads and civilization not far away but the Ice Palace had deliberately made this access for guests part of the package Jerry had arranged for us. I’d have to get on the Internet myself and find out more about the place and what else it had to offer.

  It wasn’t long before I saw a glittering complex of buildings rising out of the snowy landscape. It did look like a palace. Could it really be made out of ice like a man inside the igloo had claimed? Impossible. But then I’d been living in Austin, Texas for the past few years where winters were mild. Even a few snow flurries got school cancelled and everyone afraid to drive on the icy roads.

  The dog sleds carried us to an entrance on one side of the hotel obviously designed for their arrivals. The drivers helped us out then assured us they’d see to our luggage while each man pocketed Jerry’s generous tips. I was busy studying the huge wooden double doors set into the ice. They must have come from a castle or something equally imposing and were obviously antique.

  A doorman bowed us in, holding one side open for us. Inside, towering ceilings were decorated with gorgeous crystal chandeliers. There were glowing Oriental runners on the floors leading to a front desk made of… ice. Yep, the entire building was constructed of the stuff. I gave my new husband a hard look but he just grinned.