CHAPTER SEVEN
Thora woke with a start, tense against the robust hold of Ari's embrace, though her tentative glance told her he still slept. She remained still, knowing the slightest movement would wake him. After what had passed between them this night, she needed some time to think, without his intense stare focused on her, distracting her, as if he saw into her very soul.
A sudden fear took hold, a fear that Ari had found a place inside her she hadn't even known existed and used it against her. Was she weak for wanting the alluring and decadent delight he gave her? Or was he in league with the gods in an effort to test her?
Last night had gone beyond anything she'd ever imagined passed between a woman and a man. When he had positioned her on her hands and knees she'd thought he meant to degrade her. He hadn't. Instead, he'd shown her how wild and tempestuous lovemaking could be and damn her soul to Hel, she wanted more of that incredible sensual carnality. He'd woken her two more times, each coupling fiercer than the last.
That she still owed a debt seemed a cruel taunt. Surely he would see she had given in to his debauched demands with little resistance. Would it be enough that he might release her from her obligation? Even as the thought arose, she dismissed it. Ari had made it clear he intended to control and dominate her in every way until he was ready to be finished. She hated admitting part of her reveled in his attentions. The idea of him leaving her seemed suddenly unthinkable. No, she could not stay with him forever, much as the idea enticed. She mustn't let these traitorous thoughts take solid root or she would be doomed. She clung to her plans to find a way free of him.
At least they hadn't slept the day away this time. She lifted her head from the pillow of Ari's shoulder to see how Kata and Kati had fared through the night. Did Kata still sleep? Kati sat up, alert and watching her, waiting for her command. She smiled.
"You want to tend them?"
With a start, Thora met Ari's sleep-clouded gaze, laced with an affectionate longing. The sight sent her heart to racing once more. Throat suddenly dry, she merely nodded.
He gave her a smile that brightened his eyes and again sparked that fluttery feeling in her belly. He tangled his hand in her hair and tilted her head back, taking her lips in a bruising kiss that soon had her aching for his touch once again. Abruptly, he released her.
"Go. I will see about our morning meal."
Once disentangled from Ari's embrace, Thora reached for her undershift to cover herself and hopefully chase some of the chill. Aware of Ari watching her every move, she rose gracefully and strode over to her pets, chin high. Did he chuckle? At least with her back to him, he couldn't see the heat scorching her cheeks.
She knelt beside Kata, a gentle hand along her head. The she-wolf opened her eyes. No sign of fever. Relief trembled through her and she put her arm around Kati and kissed the top of his head.
"She will be fine, Kati. Maybe in only a few more days." She ruffled the wolf's fur. "Go fetch food for you both."
Kati licked her cheek and trotted into the forest. Thora once more checked Kata's bandage and gave the pet a gentle caress. "He'll bring you a meal, Kata. Soon you will be well and we will be on our way."
"Yes, we will."
Ari's voice behind her made her spin about. She hadn't even heard him approach. He'd donned his trousers, but remained without his tunic. The dappled sunlight danced on his shoulders, making it appear as if stars surrounded him. The sight enticed her more than she cared to admit and flashes of recollection from the night before slammed into her thoughts, leaving her sex slick and hot, her her breasts tight and hard.
"I'll see if I can catch some fish this morning."
She nodded. "I will tend the fire and change Kata's bandages. Do you have more of the salve?"
"Yes, right here." Holding out the small jar, he crouched down before her, his heady male scent swarming her senses. She clenched her fingers to keep from reaching for him. He said nothing, and she couldn't look away from the greenish-blue gaze studying her.
"Is there something else you need to tell me?" She held back her pleased smile at the strength of her voice.
His lips curled into a small smile. "You amuse me, Thora. I am enjoying your company."
With that, he stood and walked away, pulling his tunic over his head before bending to pick up one of his packs. Thora stared after him for a few moments then shook her head and looked away, out past the small grove of trees in the direction Kati had gone. Yet her thoughts remained firmly on Ari, his kiss, his wicked touch, the way he filled her completely. The recollections left her more off-balance than ever and it seemed she could think of nothing else. At times, she swore he read her exact thoughts, but she never seemed to get a grip on understanding his.
She walked to her pack, her thoughts awhirl. Almost absently, she removed the additional strips Ari had made from his tunic yesterday. When she returned to Kata's side and gently untied the bandage around the injury, she forced herself to focus on applying more of the healing salve then wrapping new strips of cloth around the wound. She was pleased to note that the wolf had not bled any further, a sign that Ari's skill in sealing the gash had worked.
Once more her focus returned to her mysterious savior. A thrill passed over her as she imagined him returning and drawing her into his embrace, sealing his mouth against hers in a kiss that would reduce her to cinders.
She shook her head. What trick did the gods play on her to leave her so addled by the mere kiss and touch of a man she barely knew? She'd used him for her own intents as well, but knew he surely didn't feel this continually growing feeling of vulnerability. Fear and anticipation battled to be heard, combining in a strange anticipation that threatened to sap her will and willingly give herself to Ari for as long as he wanted her.
Why did she look forward to surrendering?
***
Ari strode toward Gyllir, forcing himself not to take another look back at Thora. He enjoyed watching the bewilderment creep into her eyes. Dark and expressive, they told him exactly what feelings and sensations she possessed at any given moment. He especially liked the way they glazed over with passion. Passion that he caused. His grinned, proud of how easily he made her succumb to his touch.
After tending to his saddle and pack, he mounted the stallion and guided him toward the stream. When he reached the bank, he dismounted, yet held tight to the reins. He pulled Gyllir around to face him, staring right into the tall animal's dark eyes.
"I won't have you chasing all the fish again today." He led the animal to a patch of sweet grass and tethered him to a nearby tree. The steed could reach the stream to drink, but not go all the way in. Satisfied with Gyllir's security, Ari took his pack from the saddle.
