Thora opened her eyes, the gait of the horse jolting her from the warmth of sleep. The feel of Ari's hard chest supporting her soothed her momentary disorientation. His arms around her, holding her near, the steady thump of his heartbeat, brought a comfort and sense of belonging she hadn't felt since fleeing her village. She could barely recall the time when Ari hadn't been a part of her journey.
A moment later, the memory of the pleasure he'd given her before she'd drifted into sated slumber slithered heatedly along her veins. Already, her breasts ached with the need to be touched once more. What had she done to anger the gods that they would torment her this way, just as Ari did, to make her crave such passion? Her sex clenched, the recollection of his hands sliding within her rising through the cacophony of memories.
"Did you sleep well?"
His low voice rumbled through her, adding to the tumult in her senses. At this rate, she feared she'd never gather her wits again. She forced her arms to move and shifted away from his embrace, stretching in a way she hoped appeared casual.
"I've had better rest while laying on rocks."
His bark of laughter exploded around her. "Why must you always be so stubborn? There is no shame in admitting you are comfortable with me."
She remained silent, holding herself away from him. She didn't want to admit his embrace felt more right than it should. Odin must have given him the power to ensorcel her, leaving her helpless against his passionate assault, rendering her normally sharp faculties dull and confusing.
"We'll stop to rest soon. I must tend Gyllir."
Good. She needed to be off this horse, away from him, so she could regather her wits. She must keep her guard up around him. In an effort to focus on anything but the heat simmering under her skin, she looked down at the steed beneath her.
"He is a fine animal. How long have you had him?"
"I raised him from a foal."
She wondered what he was like as a child. Here was a way to learn more about him, perhaps gain some insight on how to use him to her advantage. He'd taken her innocence, no, she'd given it to him, and that worked to lessen the success of her father's plan. Having Ari with her as she traveled also offered an additional protection, though once Kata healed completely, she knew her wolves would keep her safe.
She leaned over and patted Gyllir's neck. "Where were you raised, Ari?" She bit her lip, keeping her face turned away, hoping she sounded casual.
Several moments passed before he shifted behind her. He gave a heavy sigh.
"North. Though my mother has family near Uppraka."
"You are very far from your home."
"It's not my home. I have no home."
What did he mean by that? "Why not?"
"It's a complicated tale."
Warnings that he might be more dangerous than she'd first imagined rose again in her thoughts. Even so, more questions formed, ones she wanted answers to.
"Tell me. We have plenty of time."
"No. It's not your concern."
"Yes, it is. I am indebted to you. I'd like to know more about the man who holds my fate in his hands. Are you an outcast?"
Several heavy moments passed in silence before he answered.
"In a way, yes. But I won't be for long."
His vague answers roused her frustration.
"Why is that?" Somehow, her voice sounded calm and even, casually curious. She raised her eyes to the skies in a silent show of thanks to the gods for the strength.
"Not for you to worry about. Just know I will keep you safe."
"After what we've… shared, I want to know more about you. You know my reasons for traveling alone. I still don't know yours."
The arm around her waist tightened, as did his entire body. What was so terrible he couldn't tell her?
