The Immortal's Mate - A Dark Viking Romance from The Broken Immortals (Book 8)

By Jessica White

After suffering a devastating loss, Morana Faye accepts a new job in Europe.

While being introduced to the colorful townspeople, she meets a man who claims to be a thousand year Viking.

Challenged by the mysterious man, Morana feels pulled to him by forces she doesn’t yet understand but can’t resist.

Giving in to her desires, she falls hard for the ancient immortal creature. Brought together by chance and united by their failures, Morana and Haldir soon discover that their fates are intertwined.

When she reveals a dark secret, Haldir seeks out the guidance of a friend whom he believes can save her. Left all alone with her demons, Morana is forced to face down the long-forgotten sins of her lover's past with disastrous consequences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica White
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005188894

Jessica White

Author Jessica White - Unveiling Dark Fantasies and Steamy Romance in Small Towns? Welcome to the enchanting world of Jessica White, where the world comes alive with dark immortals, small-town secrets, and sizzling romance. As a passionate storyteller, Jessica weaves tales that transport you to realms unknown, blending dark fantasy, steamy romance, and heart-pounding suspense.? Series Highlights:•The Broken Immortals: Journey into a realm where immortality comes with a price, and forbidden desires ignite a war between light and darkness.•Stories from the Realm: Explore mystical landscapes and unearth the secrets that bind magical beings in this captivating series.•Love Stories from a Small Town: Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town romance, where love blossoms amidst close-knit communities.?‍? About the Author: Jessica, a former Registered Nurse turned masterful storyteller, hails from the breathtaking landscapes of West Virginia. Her graduate degree in Business Administration adds a strategic touch to her narrative prowess. Beyond crafting tales, Jessica is captivated by metaphysical wonders, the beauty of nature, irresistible buttercream icing, and the magic of Harry Potter (still waiting for that letter!).? Stay Updated: Curious about Jessica's upcoming releases? Explore Jessica's world beyond the pages. Follow her journey on https://linktr.ee/authorjwhite and sign up for exclusive email alerts. Be the first to dive into new worlds and discover fresh tales of love, mystery, and fantasy.? Connect with Jessica: Have questions or just want to share your thoughts? Reach out to Jessica at [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

THE IMMORTAL IS MADE

The smooth, green leather seat of Haldir’s favorite booth in the back of the pub glided under the fisherman’s leg as he sat down across from the ancient Viking warrior of island legend. You never have told me how everything started. His arm covered the seatback, and his finger gun pointed at him. When did you realize you were immortal?

While steely blue eyes and an impressive reddish-blonde beard peered through the window, a low hum came from overhead as the little hopper plane descended from the gray and white sky.

A rush of his hot breath fogged the glass as Haldir’s mind stumbled back through long ago memories while his freckled fingers wiped a porthole big enough for him to peek through again. That, my friend, is a very long story.

Many drunken nights were spent listening to his tales. Yet, the man who never aged always skimmed over the beginning of his life. The slick material of Bose’s parka made a flicking noise as he shrugged up his shoulder. Not like I don’t have the time.

The loneliness of his reality settled in Haldir’s chest, and a miserable sigh passed through his nose as he glanced back and agreed with a nod. Alright, then. The white and red Marlboros pack came to his fingers, and he jerked until a cigarette popped up. Believe it or not, I was out fishing one day...

Arctic Norway 1001 A.D.

Between two ice-covered cliffs sat a young man who peeked over the side of a boat into the still and dusky waters.

Dirty fingernails wiggled through his beard to scratch at his cheek as he glared up into the sky and cursed the cruel sun that beat down on him. In all his thirty-some years, he had never experienced a day so warm as this.

As the sweat beaded on his body, Haldir pulled his shirt over his head and threw the tattered cloth to the other end of the tiny fishing boat. Long, strong arms and a chiseled chest seemed as if they picked up a heavy object a few thousand times, the way they rippled and bulged in the blinding light.

After his chapped hands finished tying the knot in the frayed and rotted rope, Haldir tossed the net into the frigid waters and said his prayers to the gods for a plentiful catch.

A deep breath of the balmy air tickled his nostrils as he stared out over the fjord and a gnawing sensation filled his chest. Days had passed since he caught a single fish, and his empty belly made him anxious and sloppy.

If his fortune didn’t change soon, he might be forced to move on to another village. Not that it would matter much. After the last skirmish with the neighboring town, there was barely anyone left that would miss him, not even a woman to keep him company at night.

A curiously strong wind swept through the gap, and the haunting sounds of cracks came from the snow-capped cliffs above him.

Dread washed over the simple man as the mammoth chunks of melted ice plummeted into the surrounding waters. Trembling hands reached for the rope net, and he yanked hand over hand until something caught below.

Like an animal that grunted and gritted its teeth, Haldir pulled with all his might. With a snap and a wail from high above his head, a chunk of ice slammed into the water ahead.

As if the hand of Njord himself reached out to punish him, a dark, unforgiving wall of water rose out of the sea, and the breeze called out his name as it rushed for the narrow gap where he was petrified by the horror.

Haldir’s eyes were a pool of black as he faced down the enormous surge that obliviated the space between them.

The rickety canoe was slapped on its side, and he was tossed back into the icy waters as the wave broke over him.

When the ripples stilled, Haldir erupted from the blackness like a volcano as he gasped for breath and warmth. While he frantically tried to turn his boat right side up again, the cold abyss staked its claim on the doomed man inch by inch, and he sank back down into its deadly embrace.

The blood pressure drop from the blast of icy death made his heart desperately struggle to continue its right pace. As the final beats of life sparked across his chest, Haldir’s fingers gave up and lost their grip and sent him backward into the dark chasm.

Before his human eyes caught the last few images of this world, a burst of brilliant gold and white light came from above and comforted his panicked mind. No more worries, no more battles, no hunger. Only peace, or so he thought.

The frozen corpse floated face-down in the frigid waters and bobbed back and forth on the settling waves as they smacked against the rocky shore. While the bright glow of the princely Seraph warmed Haldir’s back, the angel lifted him from the water and slung the pulseless man over his shoulder like he was nothing at all.

Tiny drops of water splashed up into the Viking’s face as Michael walked across. Although being dead, Haldir didn’t mind at all. Your struggles are only beginning, my friend.

When he got to the humble, thatched-roofed shack, he dropped the body on the ground and kneeled beside him. Frozen hairs snapped like twigs as the master angel pushed them from the poor soul’s face.

The thunder of a hundred blaring trumpets blasted through the land when Michael bent down and placed his mouth on Haldir’s, and the breath of life filled his lungs again. Little by little, his eyes fluttered open, and the reborn man threw up his hand to shield them from the light of a brand-new world.

To catch a better look at the bronzed stranger bathed in gold who kneeled by the fireside and broke branches over his knee, he pushed himself to his elbows. Who are you?

As he offered him a kind grin, the angel answered back to him in Haldir’s native tongue as he brought his hand to his chest. I am Michael, the gatekeeper of the human world.

While he struggled to remember what happened, the cold man pushed his numb fingers through his crunchy hair. I thought I was dead.

Another pile of sticks dropped into the fire. The angel received many orders over the entirety of his existence. Still, giving life back to a mortal was never requested of him before. You were.

If not for the pain that radiated from his wakening nerves, Haldir would swear he was dreaming. But I’m sitting here talking to you now.

Though the day was warm, the dirt floor under Michael’s bottom was frozen, and he shifted from side to side to relieve himself of the chill. The mortal man you once were is gone, and you are something else now.

The truth never was so hard to swallow for Haldir as he tried to make sense of his guest’s words. Merely a simple man, the only education afforded him was the survival skills he picked up as he went along in this life. I’m a spirit? A sorcerer? A god?

Michael’s lips curled under as his shoulders came to his ears. A bit of all of those things, maybe. I can’t give you many answers, I’m afraid. I only follow orders. Your new gods and my master made an arrangement. You, my friend, are the recipient of their covenant. A gift, if you will.

As his humble mind searched for something tangible, Haldir’s eyes darted around his shabby hovel. No one ever gave him anything he didn’t have to pry from their dead hands. What gift?

A similar endowment was thrust on him many millennia ago, and Michael’s apologetic look spoke volumes about what living forever was really like. You will live among the Others in their world. Since you can never truly be like them because you were born of human blood, the gods gifted you immortality. No weapon ever used against you will succeed. You will not age, and you will never fall ill.

The sound of Haldir’s raspy laugh bounced around the shack as he nodded and his finger pointed to the ceiling. That is quite a gift. Give them my thanks.

A heaviness that made the room even dimmer swept between them as Michael sighed and he gazed into the flames. Is it? Since the beginning of all things, I have lived, and it can be horribly lonely. A fingertip that glowed in a warm glimmer motioned at the Immortal. Someday, you will have to leave this little island and seek out people like yourself. I will be back to check on you from time to time until you grow used to your new life.

With his hand pulling down his still thawing beard, Haldir thought about the possibility of a different life outside this unforgiving land. The loneliness of the island was unbearable during his living days, and the idea of meeting other exciting people sparked his curiosity. So, there are others like me, you say?

A wiggle of Michael’s chin no answered him. There are supernaturals in the world, but none like you. However, the gods did not forsake you to be alone forever; you may travel to their world at will to have adventures amongst them. You’ll find it difficult to continue living among humans. I caution you to never become too close to them; it will only lead to pain.

Little spurts of white mist left his nose with each shiver of his body as the man hugged at his legs for warmth, and he couldn’t imagine anything more painful than his life to that point in time. But he was wrong, very wrong.

CHAPTER TWO

WAITING ON A WOMAN

Two rough hands tossed up from his glass before one slapped the chest of his green field jacket. That’s the truth. Hand to God.

The salt-and-pepper whiskers of Bose’s short beard brushed his shoulder as he went back to the bar for another cup of coffee. That has to be the saddest thing I ever heard. A steady stream of thick, dark roast filled his mug, and a finger wagged back and forth in the air. For some reason, I was expecting you to regale me with a hearty tale of plundering and fighting and pillaging and chesty wenches. I’m already up to my ears with my own terrible fishing stories.

The day life ended and began was still fresh in his mind, and the cold lip of his glass of vodka came to Haldir’s mouth as he gazed out through the foggy window of the pub.

Impossible, he thought, that he’d fought hundreds of battles and traveled both worlds many times over. Still, as he sat in the same spot before noon on another gloomy morning, he couldn’t dredge up a memorable adventure to speak of. I said it was a long story, not an exciting one.

To convince the island’s most interesting man there must be more to the long years of his life, Bose nodded his head and rolled his hand in front of him. Yeah, I know, but — he curled his arm into a muscleman’s pose — you’re a Viking, goddammit.

Little faint snorts huffed through his nose as he chuckled at Bose’s interpretation of his early days. I told you all those stories.

Since he left the supernatural world two years ago in search of the woman the ancient psychic King spoke of, he hadn’t seen a single member of his family. The ache to be close to them again made the loneliness even more unbearable. Every day that went by on the barren and pitiless island reminded him he may wait forever.

He considered leaving things up to the Fates and going back to the magical realm to be with his children. The two of them never stayed out of trouble for long, and not knowing what happened in their lives tore him apart little by little.

Eventually, his mate would make her way to him, and they’d find each other someday if the gods were generous. But a sigh sent a fresh plume of condensation to the window at the thought of them ever doing something kind without a stack of heartbreaks attached.

Although Haldir’s heart and body ached for the mystery woman, wherever she was, he had waited long enough. A man can only stand to be alone for so long, and even one as patient as the Immortal reached his limit.

In the last booth of the pub, bathed in teak wood and brass fixtures, Haldir awaited the outsiders who arrived from the airport. Being the only inn on the island, every traveler came there first to check in. All he had to do was wait- and that’s precisely what he did every day for two years.

The American-born fisherman who wore an off-white cable-knit sweater sat down across from Haldir again and set his cup of coffee on the table. So, did your friend give you a hint of what she might look like?

As he swung his beard side to side over his coat, Haldir eyed his glass and swirled the liquid. The Darke King Daniel was a mysterious and complicated man. Whatever his reason for being so vague about his mate’s identity, he had to believe it was for the best. Not a crumb of information to go on — a finger tapped on the tabletop — other than I’d find her here.

A stream of air blew across Bose’s coffee before he carefully slurped it. As he sucked back a cool breath to chase away the burn on his tongue, his brows drew together while he tried to figure out the puzzle of his friend’s life. Well, we don’t get many beautiful young women here, do we? So, I guess that will make her a little easier to spot when she finally shows up.

There was always an indifferent sigh and a smart-ass comment to cover the pain in the old man’s heart, and his palm tossed upward as he served it. The thing is, he never said she was young or beautiful. With my luck, she has a face like yours and stinks worse than whatever Ingrid is making over in the kitchen right now.

As Bose nodded to the man who rushed by the window to escape the brutal blast of wind, Haldir drank the last of his vodka. Don’t worry yourself too much; nothing can possibly smell that bad.

The crisp cold scattered through the room when Dr. Carter ducked inside. A series of angry squalls began their attack on the island before dawn, and when the next gust came, the doctor battled the invisible force on the other side of the door until he slammed it shut with his hip.

Shrill wisps from the slaps of his hand knocking off the powdery snow from his parka broke through the otherwise quiet air as he glanced over at the two men who sat at the booth and stared at him. How are you folks doing this morning?

The leather seat squelched under Bose as he turned around to give him the ball-busting greeting only another American might construe as friendly banter. A little early for the town’s only doctor to be hitting up the bar for a drink. Don’t you think?

As he poured himself a cup of coffee, the physician smirked at the accusation. My new nurse from America is arriving today, and I wanted to catch her as soon as she came in.

The whole room grew heavier as Haldir’s gasp sucked the air from it, and when his jittery hands began to shake, he balled them into fists to hide his excitement.

But his hopeful friend turned to shoot a toothy grin across the table as Bose nodded at the good news. Hot damn. Did you say a new nurse from the States?

One of the few decent things Ingrid made steamed in the cup in the doctor’s hands, and he narrowed his eyes at the both of them before he sipped. I did say that, yes. Needed to bring in a ringer to whip these amateurs into shape; figured we should have at least one member of the nursing staff who knows what the hell they’re doing.

A thumb pointed over his shoulder as James continued his complaints about the employees the town afforded him. This bunch, I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t trust them to take care of a cat, much less someone I cared about.

When he leaned out of the booth, Bose rested his elbows on his knees. Where would this sweet little lady of yours be coming from?

While James groaned at his sore back as he reached across the counter, he grabbed a magazine from the unchanging stack that sat in the corner year-round. Believe it or not, she’s from my hometown up in the mountains. Her last job was as a school nurse, but — he flipped through the first few pages and sniffed at one of the perfume inserts — she’s more than qualified to run this ship. She was a highly decorated officer in the Army and spent a lot of time on the front lines. Tough as nails, as I understand it. The last commanding officer she served under assured me I wouldn’t find a more competent person on the planet.

Like a televangelist who danced for a dollar, his hands rose in the air and shook as the old country doctor sang out in his exaggerated Southern drawl. Hallelujah. The next page flipped over, and he cringed at the model. What the hell a nurse with her experience is doing in a shithole like this, I’ll never understand. The shoulder of his parka jerked upward. But whatever. Maybe this one will stick.

A wind-burned cheek puffed as Bose shrugged at Haldir. Hard as nails Army combat nurse. Any chance she looks anything like me?

The brown, corduroy Ushanka hat James wore pushed back on his head, and his white hair peeked out as he stared at them both from the top of his gold, wire-rimmed glasses. He took a minute to jokingly compare them, and his head wagged. "Un-un, that would