"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 thepulka. 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 fingersinher, 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?"
