Book excerpt: Feared warrior Brand Bjornson has finally got what he's striven for--lands of his own, granted to him by his king. But his new estate, Breckon, holds more than a few surprises--not least the intriguingly beautiful Edith, former Lady of Breckon. Proud Edith refuses to abandon her lands to the mercy of Viking invaders, and impressed by her courage, Brand agrees she can stay. He has one condition--that she should become his concubine!