CHAPTER FIVE #2
"Fear not, Thora, I have food as well. And I will hunt again. Fish in the stream nearby are plentiful. We'll not starve while we're here."
The easy warmth in his voice and eyes soothed her wild trembling. Yet, her relief remained tempered by the worry her wits would always be so addled around him.
***
Ari fastened his belt, the image of the leather wrapped around Thora's wrists last night seared into his thoughts.
The depth of her passion still astounded him.
Anxious for more, he'd forced himself to stop before he took her again, there in the dirt.
Flashes of the night before came at him with dizzying speed and he kept his back to her, worried she might recognize the hunger churning through him.
He slipped his axe into his belt and reached for his sword.
He would feed and water Gyllir, then ride along the stream he mentioned.
Maybe by the time he returned, his head would be in more control than his cock, which ached in the confines of his trousers.
Even now, he felt her gaze on him, her eyes seeming to touch him as if they were her hands gliding along his chest and shoulders.
He turned and knew immediately he shouldn't have.
The combination of uncertainty and desire had his dick hard as the steel of his sword.
How he resisted the urge to go to her and haul her against him, bury himself in her body every way he could, he realized he'd never know.
This strength could only have come from Odin himself.
Gritting his teeth, Ari gave her a nod and turned to the tree where Gyllir remained tethered.
The steed nickered in greeting, butting his head against Ari's chest when he neared. Chuckling, Ari gave the horse a hearty pat then released the ties holding him in place. He quickly saddled the animal and mounted, guiding him toward the stream.
His thoughts remained filled with the woman waiting at their small camp.
For him. Bah! Who did he try to fool? No one but himself.
If the wolf wasn't injured, Thora would take this opportunity to flee.
He gave a silent prayer of thanks to the gods in Valhalla that the wolf needed more time to heal, thus forcing her mistress to stay.
Maybe by the time her pet recovered, Thora would no longer wish to leave.
From where did such nonsense come? One night of passion and his wits had scattered.
Admittedly, what had passed between them last night had been unlike anything Ari had ever known before, but still.
.. He must remain focused on his goal. She merely played a small part in his scheme.
He inhaled sharply, savoring the musky earthen scents of the forest, the crisp aroma of the pines strong enough to clear his head.
The dappled daylight's muted tone sharpened as he neared the edge of the forest. He squinted against the past-midday sun, taking a few moments to scan the area.
He saw no one, though wasn't surprised. Most people had set out weeks ago, were already on the main road to Tingwalla, a few hours' ride to the north.
A road he hoped to be on himself in the next couple of days. With Thora beside him.
He stifled a groan and guided Gyllir to the stream.
The horse pranced eagerly and stepped into the water the moment Ari dismounted and removed the packs and saddle.
With a frown, he noted that Gyllir's splashing chased the fish that moments ago had swum in abundance.
No fresh fish for náttmál, their night meal, tonight.
Allowing Gyllir his play time, he turned to his belongings, retrieving the small bow hanging on the saddle.
He'd acquired it early in his journey and it had come in handy many times over the last years.
Retrieving several arrows, he hooked them into his belt.
Notching one arrow, he headed toward the brush.
A few stomps and shouts sent three grouse and a cluster of squirrels fleeing from under the bushes.
He lifted the bow and took aim, hitting one grouse in its side.
The others clucked frantically, their short legs scurrying over the forest floor in their attempts to flee.
Ari loaded the bow again, his aim once more true.
The remaining fowl ran, now nearly shrieking in fright.
Ari gave chase, notching a third arrow and taking the bird down.
His heart raced with his success. He'd become a skilled hunter during his travels.
Very few beasts survived once he'd set his sight on them.
A few steps ahead, the first bird lay on the ground, still alive, screeching in pain.
He picked it up and gave a quick twist to the grouse's neck.
The body fell limp. Securing the remainder of his catch, he turned to Gyllir and laughed.
The steed emerged from his play in the water, and while he waited patiently, he still shifted excitedly.
Ari secured the birds to the saddle and mounted, his hunger growing.
They'd slept nearly half the day away, no wonder his stomach ached for food.
He turned Gyllir back toward the small camp, where Thora awaited him.
He found himself suddenly eager to be beside her.
Giving his head a shake, he forced the thoughts aside.
Must be the lust speaking, for he found his hunger to be inside her warm body again just as strong as that for a meal.
Once more his thoughts turned to exactly how he might use her against his brother and prove himself a victim, rather than the criminal.
The men who would speak on his behalf had once been powerful warriors, several with fearsome reputations.
Though he did still harbor some doubt that any or all of them might change their minds and refuse to speak about what they knew, his last meeting, in Myrka, solidified his confidence that he had truth and honor behind him.
The fact he could now also use Thora in his plan added to his anticipation of success.
When he neared, she still sat beside her wolves.
Clearly the male had hunted, for both animals ate heartily of several squirrels, though the wounded she-wolf needed some help from her partner, who nudged the catch toward her.
Ari's gaze settled on Thora. Her hair fell in long waves around her face and shoulders and he found himself longing to tangle his hands into the dark locks while he pulled her mouth to his.
Gyllir pawed nervously at the ground when they neared. The wolves clearly still agitated him. He dismounted and tethered the stallion to a tree a short distance away. After tending to the steed's comfort he turned back to the still smoldering fire.
He hoisted the grouse in the air. "Gyllir chased all the fish, but we'll still eat well."
Thora stood, nodding. "I'll gather more kindling."
"I'll do it. Tend these." He handed her the birds.
For a moment, he hesitated, studying her in the late afternoon light, quickly fading in the shade of the forest. The urge to kiss her again came on strong but he resisted and turned to gather the sticks.
Sensing her stare on him, he paused, but didn't turn.
Gazing upon her left him with addled wits and he needed to regain control of himself.
When he returned to the fire, he avoided her gaze and dropped some of the sticks and twigs into the dying embers.
He added some touchwood from his pouch and flames flared at the addition of the treated fungus from tree bark.
The supplies dwindled. He must use the rest wisely, for obtaining more of the fire-starting aid would have to wait until he reached The Thing.
He looked up to see that Thora had expertly plucked two of the birds and had begun on the third.
He took out his axe and gathered one of the plucked birds, laying it across a stone where he chopped off the head.
He gathered some of the blood in a small bowl he'd removed from his pack and offered a prayer of thanks to Odin for providing them the plentiful food.
Dipping his fingers into the blood, he ran it down his nose and across his cheeks, motioning for Thora to lean over so he could do the same for her.
After pouring the blood into the fire where it sizzled and popped, he set about preparing to spit the birds.
He did the same with the next two birds and soon the heavy gamy aroma of cooking grouse filled the air, sending his hunger raging once more.
He almost tasted the cooked meat already.
"I have some dried berries," she said, breaking the silence that hung over them.
"A fair enough náttmál, though perhaps this one is a bit earlier than usual."
She nodded, her gaze steady and bold, yet wary as well. He smiled. After they ate, he planned to slake his lust on her body once more, anxious to once more stoke the fire of her passion.
Would she give in easily, or attempt to resist as she had last night? He found himself looking forward to reddening her ass again, binding her wrists and spreading her out helplessly beneath him. Somehow he sensed she had enjoyed it near as much as he and wouldn't protest. Not much, anyway.
"How far is the stream?" she asked.
"Just beyond the edge of the trees." He pointed. "Why?"
She stood, pressing her hands against her dress.
A slight tremor passed over her, though Ari sensed the effort she exerted in an attempt to conceal it.
Her gaze darted everywhere, except toward him.
He stood, taking two steps so he stood a mere breath away.
She smelled of forest and flowers, the sweet scent intoxicating.
His scowled when she backed away from him.
"I would like to bathe. I will take Kati with me, if you will stay with Kata." She looked over at her wounded pet. Her concern for the animal gave her a vulnerability he almost felt guilty about taking advantage of. Almost. Not enough to change his plans for tonight.
He nodded. "You may go. Don't take long. The birds will be done soon."
"I know."
He bent and picked up another waterskin, this one only half-full. "Take this with you and fill it."
She took the pouch and lifted her pack. With a snap of her fingers, Kati trotted over to stand beside her. He gave a long look at the injured she-wolf then fell into step beside Thora when she turned in the direction of the stream.
He watched until she disappeared from sight.
The stream wasn't far, and he knew she wouldn't abandon her pet with him.
The animal kept her tethered to Ari. He sat beside the beast and gently stroked her head.
While still weak, a brightness sparked in her eyes, telling him she would eventually heal completely.
"I wish you could talk, so you could tell me about your mistress."
A little whine was Kata's response, right before she twisted her head and licked his hand.
He smiled. He'd never been this close to a wolf without either of them trying to kill the other, but he found he rather enjoyed the animal's presence.
Both of them. The male had not attacked or menaced once, but Ari knew winning Kati over would be more difficult than Kata.