"Thora, he had no horse. If he has others aiding him, we would know by now if they lingered nearby. Tend your wolf and I will see to the packing. Trust me."
He said the last with a solemnity that brought reassurance, even as she wanted to resist. Realizing she had no chance of convincing him to flee this tiny glen immediately, she gave him a curt nod. She turned toward her wolves, but before she took one step, Ari again grabbed her, pulling her near.
"I will keep you safe. I promise you this."
His mouth was on hers before she realized his intention. Heat slithered through her veins, her heart thudding like a drum in her chest. His lips and tongue sparked a hazy passion that soon had her forgetting the potential looming danger. Her fingers tightened in his tunic, needing to hold on tight lest the passion his kisses aroused rendered her incoherent. When his hand slid across the swell of her breasts, her knees trembled. She leaned heavily into him, no longer able to hold herself upright, wanting only to drown herself in the delight of passion.
As always, his abrupt release left her shivering with confusion and a need that demanded more of his wicked seduction. Why did he do that? Heavy breaths rasped through her, gaping after him when he turned his attention to gathering their belongings. She pressed trembling fingers to her hot and swollen lips, his heady taste lingering. If only she didn't want to savor it.
***
Ari utilized every ounce of his determination to avoid looking at Thora. Allowing her to see how deeply her physical response to the slightest touch affected him left a weak point she might exploit. She was a smart young woman and kept him on alert. How easily the sight and feel of her, her taste and scent, made him forget his goals and how close he was to achieving them.
He stalked to the furs and blankets that made up their bed, annoyance rising tight in his chest. Or was it lust demanding fulfillment that left his head pounding nearly as fiercely as his cock? He didn't like feeling this uneven and off-balance.
He made short work of their bedding and stuffed it into one of his saddle bags. After that, he ensured the fire was completely out and gathered up the rest of his belongings. Mixed in with his soiled clothing was Thora's undershift. Instead of putting it aside for her, he folded it and put it with his own belongings. He much preferred less clothing on her anyway, should he decide to avail himself of her body. He smiled, imagining her protests. He'd silence them quickly enough.
When he was sure all had been packed and the fire truly extinguished, he turned toward where Thora tended her wolves. Surprisingly, the wounded animal stood beside her, the only indication of an injury the bandages wrapped around the furry body. The healthy wolf stood on her other side.
Ari's cock surged once more, the sight of Thora flanked by the beasts strangely arousing. She eyed him steadily, yet her dark eyes held uncertainty and wariness. For a moment, he thought she might say something, but she remained silent. He walked over, stopping mere inches away, close enough to hear the rasp of her uneven breathing.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Well, it appears Kata is better able to travel now after all." She glanced down at the wolf on her right. "I never thought she'd heal so quickly."
"The cauterization helped. As did the salve."
Thora nodded. "Which means I will be able to resume my own journey."
A hint of hope crept into her gaze, but Ari recognized sadness as well. Interesting. Did this mean she didn't truly want to leave despite her latest attempt to end their agreement? Didn't matter whether she did or not, he wasn't ready to declare her debt paid just yet. He shook his head, sliding his hand against her soft cheek.
"I admire your determination, but no. How many times must I tell you I decide when your debt is paid?"
Was that relief softening her eyes? Had the encounter with Muli frightened her enough that she wanted to stay with Ari, even if it was only for her safety? He didn't care, he only knew the delight sparking in his veins almost made him lower her to the ground then and there.
"Yes, but –"
He covered her lips with a finger. "And I say again, you belong to me, Thora. For now and for as long as I deem it necessary. Do you understand?"
Her eyes narrowed, but there was no anger. She nodded.
"Good. Now finish gathering your belongings, we will search for a new place to camp until your wolf is completely healed."
He resisted the urge to draw her close for another kiss and turned to Gyllir. His horse stood quietly, but Ari noticed the way the animal kept a wary gaze upon the wolves. Still, his steed now seemed less concerned than he had before. He patted the horse's neck.
"Believe me now, Gyllir, that they won't hurt you?" The horse looked him in the eye and Ari swore to himself the animal understood perfectly. "Thora will ride with me, but the wolves will be close."
"Do you always talk to your horse as if he's a person?"
Ari turned to find Thora standing a couple of paces away, her filled sack held tightly in her hands. He winked and grinned.
"Do you not speak to your wolves the same way?"
A blush pinkened her cheeks and she looked away for a moment before meeting his gaze once more. "I suppose you are right. I just… I've never had a horse of my own, though my father owns many."
Ari patted the horse's neck once more. The steed had accompanied him through some of the most difficult and the most promising moments of his life. "Gyllir and I have been mostly alone the last few years."
A curious look crept into Thora's eyes. "You've been traveling a long time."
