CHAPTER NINE
Thora said nothing as Ari readied their possessions. He kept secrets and she grew ever more determined to uncover them. She'd told him about the reasons for her own journey, but why wouldn't he tell her his? Was he some sort of outlaw?
A moment's panic stole her breath. He had been noble in saving her, but his wicked sexual games and insistence on possessing her as if she were little more than a slave hinted at a darker side. She'd best remember to keep her wits sharp about him.
She stifled a bitter laugh. The moment he kissed her again, no doubt her wits would scatter on the wind.
His slightest touch roused a passion she'd often doubted was real.
Now, she knew it was. Just thinking about his kiss, or the way he'd claimed her body, or even the way he'd spanked her sent her thoughts skittering in all directions.
Barely suppressing a shiver of excitement, she forced herself to calm, clenching her fingers to stop the trembling of her hands.
Finally, all was packed into the pouches attached to Ari's saddle.
With an almost indifferent manner, he withdrew a dagger and used the blade to scrape dirt from his tunic.
Then his intense gaze settled on her. Time seemed to slow, his stare pinning her in place.
Several times, she thought he meant to say something, but his silence hung heavily, muting even the sounds of the forest creatures.
Even Kata and Kati seemed to be silent, though Thora knew it was just an odd power he possessed, to drown out their surroundings when he looked at her.
Had the gods given him this gift? If so, she had no means to resist.
"Your wolf cannot travel long distances."
His words snapped her focus back to the hindrance to their need to relocate.
She nodded. How did he manage to create then break such an enticing lure?
In one moment, she thought for sure she'd be reduced to ash; in the next, frozen for all eternity.
This strange hither and fro war of her feelings ended now.
She forced herself to focus on those who truly mattered in her life. Her wolves.
She studied the beasts, disheartened to see Kata had once again resumed her prone position. The she-wolf remained too weak to walk more than a few steps at a time. "You are right. She must be carried somehow."
Ari seemed to consider her words, then gave a curt nod. "We will fashion a pulka."
That he offered to create a sled for his horse to pull her pet splintered her resolve, and roused other strange emotions, ones she didn't want to acknowledge.
Doing so meant she gave up her freedom; end up forced into a life she didn't want.
Still, she really had no choice but to express her gratitude.
"Thank you."
"Thora, understand this – while you have a duty to obey me as payment for your debt, I have a duty to protect you. That includes your wolves. This is the best way for them." He paused, a leering smile tugging at his lips. "And for me."
She tilted her head. "Why you?"
"Because you will be riding before me."
A heartbeat later, Thora realized his intentions. A healthy portion of apprehension accompanied the flash of heat billowing along her spine. She should be angry at the way he intimated he would so casually use her, and yet, she found herself wanting his touch, no matter how it came.
While her anger easily roused, it remained tempered by the desire that hummed through her veins.
Knowing he possessed many secrets made it impossible to trust him completely, yet she knew without a doubt he would protect her.
Damn him, or no, perhaps damn her, for wanting that.
Near as much as she wanted the pleasure he gave.
Hel should drag him to her realm for causing such turmoil in Thora's mind and body. A sacrifice might help, but how would she find the time and means to offer one?
"Thora? Are you listening?"
She shook her head, realizing how deep in thought she'd been not to hear the rumble of his voice. Her vision cleared and she lifted her chin.
"I was considering Kati." Would he believe the lie?
His brow furrowed, giving him an untamed appearance that only set her heart to racing once more. "What do you mean?"
"Of course he will want to stay beside his sister, but he is loyal to me and will want to protect me as well."
"He knows I will protect you, just as you do."
She had no answer and looked away to hide her annoyance. Certain she appeared aloof and uncaring once again, she faced him. "What will you have me do?"
He hesitated, a strange look creeping over his face, a mixture of knowledge and curiosity. She lifted her chin. He grinned.
"Very well. I want you to find me several long sticks. They should be at least as long as I am." He held up one hand, palm facing down, even with the top of his head.
Thora nodded and turned to her wolves. She stroked Kati's head. "I will be back soon. Then we will leave this place and find someplace new to rest until Kata is healed."
Kati licked her chin and gave a little whine, as if he understood.
With a smile, Thora stood and began her search for the long sticks Ari would need; not only to fashion a small sled, but to create the saddle harness that would hold the pulka.
She dared a look back. He didn't notice her watching, intent on the ropes and furs in front of him, so she took the opportunity to study the strong hands and long fingers working on the harness for the sled.
The recollection of those hands on her, those fingers in her, set off a wild trembling.
Breathing grew difficult. When had his hands stopped working the leather and furs?
She lifted her gaze, catching his knowing stare.
The hint of a smile hovering on his full lips sucked the air right from her lungs.
She narrowed her eyes and turned away with a snap of her head.
Damn the man to Helheim for being able to read her so easily!
She lifted her gaze to the sky. Had Freyja and Freyr conspired to toy with her this way?
Was it some test? What sort of sacrifice would appease them?
She must figure that out, and quickly. She wanted her debt paid, her wolf healed and to be on her way.
Why did the thought of traveling on without Ari spark a strange melancholy? With a huff, she forced her focus back to her task, scanning the forest floor for the branches she needed. The answers would come. She only feared they wouldn't come soon enough.
***
Ari chuckled and returned to constructing the harness and furs for the sled. When Thora returned with the sticks, he'd attach them to the harness then secure the fur pelts across the frame. When fastened to his saddle, Gyllir would easily carry him and Thora and pull the wounded wolf.
Setting aside the ropes, he walked over to the wolves.
The injured female did seem to be greatly improving, but was in no condition to walk more than a few minutes at a time.
The male wolf stood before the female, but made no threatening moves or sound.
Ari slowly reached out a hand, allowing the creature to sniff him.
After several minutes, he was rewarded with a rub of the animal's head.
Grinning, Ari knelt and playfully petted the wolf, noting how the furry tail wagged furiously.
"Your mistress won't be pleased that you like me."
Kati gave a little whine and licked Ari's face. He laughed and patted him heartily on his side.
"We'll protect them both, eh?"
Kati yipped in response, and for a moment, Ari could swear the wolf smiled at him.
With a shake of his head, he returned to the harness.
Where was she? He scanned the surrounding forest, but didn't see her.
A hint of worry poked at him, worry for her safety.
Surely she didn't flee him, she would never desert her wolves. What if Muli was still nearby?
Anger and fear twisted painfully in his gut. He set off in the direction of the last place he had seen her, staring at him with passion clouding her eyes. Damn! He should have watched her more closely.
He stalked through a group of small trees. As he came out of the other side, he collided with someone. Thora. He caught her arms to steady them both, a rush of relief shaking through him.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
He inhaled sharply, composing himself and forcing what he hoped was an imposing expression on his face.
"I thought you were trying to flee."
The curious way she stared at him, a mix of wariness and amusement, threatened his hard-fought calm.
"You know I would never leave them." She nodded in the direction of the camp. "Perhaps you were worried I'd gotten lost."
He clenched his jaw for a moment then nodded. "I considered it."
"I see." A smirk danced at the edges of her mouth. He tightened his grip on her arm.
"Have you done as I asked?"
She rolled her eyes. "If you'd let go of me, you'd see."
Impertinent minx! Still, he did release her, holding back a groan of chagrin to see three sturdy branches in her arms, as tall as he, just as he'd instructed.
"Very well. We'll need at least one more."
She pointed past him. "I was about to retrieve that one when you rammed into me."
Her gaze sparkled with renewed amusement.
The urge to kiss her nearly overtook him.
Somehow, he refrained, knowing it would reveal his weakness and vowing she would pay later for mocking him.
His cock hardened at the thought of holding her across his lap, reddening her ass while she squirmed against him.
He turned, seeing the branch she indicated.
Without another word, he strode over and picked it up.
With the four, a simple pulka could be quickly fashioned.
The reality of the slower pace of their journey rankled, but Ari knew he had no choice, if he intended to keep Thora for more than a few more days.
He stalked back to her, taking her arm and pulling her beside him.
He wanted to be on their way, anxious to have her in his arms while they rode, so he might indulge some of his lust-filled desires.
Spying yet another branch that met his requirements for the pulka, he bent and picked it up, glad to have his thoughts focus, however briefly, on his task, rather than the recollection of Thora's warm body against his.
Still, he never released his hold on her, ignoring the protests she muttered underneath her breath.
Soon enough, they reached camp and Ari set about securing the branches to Gyllir's saddle, whispering quiet words to the animal to keep him calm.
Aware that Thora sat between her two wolves, her gaze on him as if it were a tangible caress, brought an odd shake to his fingers.
He clenched his fists for a moment, pleased when they steadied and he could resume.
A short time later, Ari secured the furs and harness across the branches and stood back to admire the sled.
Kata would rest comfortably there, and Gyllir, while each hour growing calmer about the beasts, would likely keep up a quick pace, knowing the wolves were behind him.
He tied the lead poles of the sled to his saddle, ensuring they would hold firmly within their bindings.
He turned to Thora. "It's ready."
She gave a nod, a flush creeping into her cheeks.
He suspected he knew why, judging from the heat in her eyes.
He recalled how he'd caught her watching him earlier.
Knowing that she wanted him, as he wanted her, brought a vehement satisfaction.
Clearly, she anticipated the coming journey with eagerness as well.
He gave her a lazy smile and sauntered over to her.
"Come, let's get your wolf onto the pulka."
He noted the way her fingers tightened in each of the wolves' fur. The male turned and licked her cheek and the action seemed to stir her from the worry that held her motionless. She stood and turned to the female. Ari hurried over, pushing her aside to scoop the injured animal into his arms.
"Be careful she might…"
Her words trailed off when she saw how Kata rested her head against Ari's shoulder.
He held back a smug smile and carried the animal to the pulka, laying her upon it.
Kati trotted beside him, darting in and around him, as if trying to guide him and offer assistance.
Ari longed to see Thora's reaction, but by the time he turned to face her, she possessed a bland expression, which told him nothing.
Again, he smiled. Chances are she forced that visage, to persuade him she cared nothing that her wolves treated him as friend.
That the creatures were so at ease around him told him much about how she had raised them.
Their natural instincts assured them he was not their enemy, even if Thora wanted to believe he was hers.
He recalled the way Kati had attacked Muli, how both animals had attacked the outlaws moments before he'd come upon them.
Not once had they made any attempt to turn on him.
He shook his head. Odd how the men who had known him his whole life, some even having helped train and raise him, had believed him capable of treachery and murder, and these two wolves intuitively knew Ari was no threat.
Now to convince their mistress.