*Keep in mind through the start of this chapter that Eric is stiff with tension from all of what has happened an been going on at the moment, but he is hiding it best he can from Erica. Think his behavior when Godric was missing in the True Blood series how he is calm an collective on the surface. While under the surface he is fighting so many emotions and tears.

The Healer makes Eric step out with her so they can talk privately. also to help calm him some too. An examine the few cuts he has and let him clean up so they are in the kitchen speaking.

* Note - The healer is a bit older then Astrid and she has a twin sister who lives with Erica's family. She has long graying brown hair with hazel eyes, stands at 5'8 slightly heavy set her own husband is passed and her children are grown with their own families her last son is Eric's age. Healers name is Agnes her sister is named Agatha.*

Conversation between Eric and the Healer:

Eric (still in a agitated upset tone of voice)- What is wrong with her? Why is there blood?

Healer - After checking her completely there is some cuts or scratches. She will be tender and sore, but other wise no other complications. You will need to be extra careful with her over the next several weeks.

Eric - Alright what about the baby will it be okay? What if we have sex is it okay? I know I shouldn't be thinking that right now, but this is all completely frustrating and new to me.

Healer - So far the baby is fine. Erica just needs to calm down an avoid stress over the next few days maybe even weeks. She is going to be upset some. This was a close call Eric you are very lucky thank the Gods for watching over you both.

Eric - I do not feel lucky, but I am thankful to our Gods. Erica was nearly harmed greatly when I should have been with her protectively. I am also angry with myself for ignoring her lately an being so distant since we learned of the baby.

Healer - Just be gentle with her, comfort her be strong for her. Don't be afraid to be the true you that I have known since you were a child Eric especially with her. That will help her through all this. Also do not be forceful or rough if you have sex. I will continue to check her until you all head home when the snow lets up some.

Eric - Okay. I am sorry for being so upset right now. I thank you for pulling me out for a bit. I just want to protect what is mine and Erica is mine. Fighting with father is wearing on me as well.

Healer - I know you did that is why I did it while your mother helps calm Erica more for you. She needs a mother's comfort at the moment an yours is here for her. My sister and I helped both your mothers bring you children into this world it will be an honor to bring your children as well. I know it is your mother and I have spoken as of lately. Erica is very special you shall learn that as you both journey through life. Your a first time soon to be father Eric it is new to you. I will help as much as I can.

Eric - I am grateful for all you have done and helping me understand and calm down. I want to be back with her now that I am calmer though she needs me.

Healer - True she does now that you are calmer. Lets rejoin your wife an share a bit more of what needs to be told for the time being.

Eric and the Healer stepped back into the room an spoke with Eric's parents and Erica.

Erica's POV:

While Eric and the healer were out of the room. His father was staying off to the corner of the room tending to the fire in his own head it seemed. Astrid calmed me and held me soothingly like a mother would.

I asked them when this is situated if my mother would be contacted an told and if they could do it for me. They agreed plus Astrid said they promised my parents to keep them updated even if bad happened.

Soon Eric and the healer came back into the room. She cleaned me up more down there. I was cleaned up and given a new clean dress from Astrid. While Eric roughly threw my ripped bloody one into the fire.

Healer told Eric be gentle with me if I even want to do anything because I have cuts down there slightly. They just need to heal an it will take some time. That is the cause of the blood as well. She will check me in a day or so.

His parents helped move us to Eric's old room. After Astrid made it clear that it would be best after what just happened. I couldn't agree more because looking around me I was getting very upset all over again. The stress the healer told us wasn't good for the baby this early on. An to make me as calm and relaxed again as possible.

We were settled into his old room with him holding me to him and that's when he broke down a bit over what happen causing me to break down again with him. I held onto him and let him open up an get how he felt out in the open because I knew it would help us both to let it out.

Soon we were calm and I was still holding onto him me sitting in his lap in the bed. He would every so often move his hand around my belly whispering often he is sorry he hasn't been as close to me since we learned of our child. I hushed him as I felt him with our closeness being turned on despite the horror we arose to a few hours ago.

Eric had finally demanded everyone to stay out of the room. When we were finally left alone fully for the rest of the evening and a nice fire going. Eric made me let him get up so he could strip down. He washed up a bit more just to make himself feel better. Then he crawled back onto the bed bringing me to his lap again.

I stroked him slightly to show him even though I was scared and hurt. I still wanted and needed him as much as he did me. Hearing his groans and moans as I stroked him ignited everything I have felt for him.

Eric then asked close to my ear as he breathed, kissed, moaned, nipped, and licked my ear and neck "If it is possible that he could hurt our baby?"

I responded to him I don't think so earlier it was mostly me that hurt due to it being unexpected touching and not by him while I teared up some.

Eric growled again deep within his chest and sniffled slightly hiding his eyes from me this time in my hair and neck just holding me. I knew he was still upset, but I couldn't bring myself to draw to much attention onto it. Knowing it would upset him even more.

Eric has been I have noticed since being here holding a lot of his feelings inside more. Sometimes I noticed he is blank. I hope he doesn't keep shutting me out. I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard him keep murmuring to me he was sorry for not protecting me better.

I let a few tears go as I brought his face to me wiping his tears with my thumbs. I kissed him hard feeling his lips on mine just as rough. As well as entangled myself to his body. It made me feel protected and safe despite what had happened.

Eric pulled off my dress needing to feel our skin touching one another something he has grown to love in the past few months. He even told me one night our skin to skin contact he craves from time to time. We needed to reconnect ourselves to one each other.

Some might think I am crazy after what happened to me. I couldn't help it, but want to show my husband my affections. I know he is the only man I ever want touching me and that I am thankful.

Despite being scared hours ago. I knew I still felt safe an content with this tall, blonde, blue-eyed, and strong Viking that I get to call mine. I also needed to feel him closer to me an reclaim ourselves.

~ To Be Continued...

~ Hope to see more review, favorites, and follows. Also keep letting me know what ya'll think. I am sorry updating takes a bit it's been a slow process getting my computer just right again. Plus having to retype all this has been a little challenge after having so much of it typed up. I hope your enjoying the story still so far. I am curious still to see how others will like to see happen among other things.