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 enoughnáttmál,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.
CHAPTER SIX
Thora stepped out of the stream and after drying off with a small cloth, reached for the undershift she'd laid out from her pack. Beside her, Kati stood guard, his senses attuned to the surrounding area. She smiled.
"Good boy. Thank you for watching over me."
The animal's tail wagged and he gave a responding yip. She wrung out her wet hair, grateful for feeling clean and refreshed. She looked up at the sky. Sol's chariot had nearly disappeared into the horizon. She pulled her dress over her head and hooked the brooches into place. She slung the clothes she'd attempted to wash over her arm. The soft leather boots soon covered her feet, her belt fastened, the axe hanging within her reach. She lifted her pack and slung it over her shoulder. Ruffling Kati's head, she turned, her wolf at her side. If felt strange without Kata on her other side.
"When we return to camp, you will tend to Kata."
Another soft sound, a clear assent. She continued to stroke his fur, trying not to think about the man waiting for her back at the camp. So much about him enthralled her, denying it was foolish. But she had to remain cautious. She knew little about him. That must change.
The remnants of daylight faded completely as she walked further into the woods. The glow of the fire of their camp made it easy for her to find her way back. Soon, she laid her sack beside Ari's belongings and took a position beside the fire, her gaze lingering on Kati taking up his protective stance beside Kata. She smiled before turning away, still concerned, but satisfied her pets would be fine through the evening and night.
She still found it difficult to accept they'd slept most of the day away. The gods had surely protected them, for even though their camp was away from the main path and surrounded by trees, the danger of travelers, or worse, outlaws, remained a worry.
"What troubles you?" Ari didn't look up while he poked at the flames, stirring the kindling so the fire crackled and the flames flared. Juices from the cooking birds sizzled and spit, the smoky aroma making Thora's mouth water.
"I was just thinking how odd that we slept so late into the day."
He paused and met her stare steadily. A hint of a smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. "We may do so again tomorrow."
