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 simplepulkacould 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 thepulka, 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 thepulka."
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 thepulka, 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.
CHAPTER TEN
Thora hoped her trembling didn't show. In a few moments, she would be atop the steed, with Ari behind her, his arms around her. The flames dancing in his dark eyes hinted at how he intended to pass the time. How she wanted him to.
She knelt beside the wolves and gave them each a long stroke on their heads. Kata turned and licked her hand. Her golden eyes once more held a sparkle. Had it only been two days since the animal been wounded? Kati inched closer, leaning his weight against Thora's side. She grinned and ruffled his fur.
"Jealous of all the attention she's getting, eh?" She gave a giggle when he butted his head against hers. She recalled how they'd slept most nights before the attack, with Kati resting in front of her, Kata along her back. Their protection and warmth had kept her feeling safe. Now she found she wanted the safety of Ari's embrace.
As if her thoughts made him appear before her, his shadow loomed over them. Thora looked up, sucking in a shuddering breath when he held his hand to her. Clenching her fingers to stop their shaking, she placed her hand in his.
He pulled her up and against him, but instead of kissing her as she'd expected – and hoped – he turned and led her to Gyllir's side. Still silent, he easily lifted her and placed her in the simple wooden saddle, encouraging her to settle astride before climbing up behind her. The low pommel kept her from sliding forward, her dress bunched up around her thighs. Ari's left arm reached forward for the reins, the other slid around her waist and pulled her tightly to him. He leaned close to her ear.
"This will be a most enjoyable ride."
The husk in his voice sent a shiver whisking along her spine, the movement drawing a thick chuckle from Ari, which only deepened the quiver. The heat of his tongue slid along the curve of her ear, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out at the fire it left in its wake.
Her thighs held open by sitting astride seemed to intensify the warmth oozing from her sex. When the hand on her waist slid slowly up to cup her breast, she gasped sharply, her heart racing, her breathing skittering into panting. His caress was gentle at first, but even through her clothing, she felt as if he seared her bare flesh. She clutched his wrist then gasped at the sharp sting on her ear where Ari nipped her.
"Do not refuse me."
His voice, thick with lust, sent a shiver along her spine, despite her attempts to suppress it. His low laugh brought a similar response.
"Who knows how long it will take before we find a suitable location to camp."
Thora just barely managed to understand his words, for he once again cupped her breast, fingers flicking at the tip. The barrier of her clothing seemed to somehow intensify the heat building within. If only she'd been able to find her undershift, to give her additional protection against the spark of his touch.
The scrape of Ari's teeth along the side of her neck left her shaking with a mad swirl of desire and confusion. The delight he roused made her want to forget everything else but the decadent pleasure. Her rational side continued to poke at her, reminding her of the very real danger he posed to her safety. And her heart.
