She wouldn't tell him, not now, with tension stiffening her entire body. Her fingers remained clenched into fists. He wanted to know, with a fierceness he hadn't felt since he'd been cast out and struggled to understand why. Realizing his attention to Thora, her safety, her happiness, her every need, was attended to had muddled his focus roused a pang of annoyance. He wouldn't let her get away with making him appear less than the warrior he was. He'd spent three years gathering the proof he needed for justice and to clear his name. Her presence would not interfere. He wouldn't allow it.
Still, a part of him warned he risked her hatred if he treated her poorly, as though she were anambátt, a female slave, worthy only of his attention when her service was needed. He wanted her affection and loyalty, not her hatred. Keeping her after his quest ended depended upon her willingness.
He smiled. He knew just how to ensure that.
Knowing how easily he could rouse her passion near guaranteed his success in making her want to stay with him. A few caresses would have her willing to perform any task he wanted. At the moment, only one rose in his thoughts. Would the gods look favorably upon his plan and gift him with that delectable pleasure?
Would she resist? Part of him wanted her to, wanted to bend her to his will. The other part wanted her to offer herself to whatever he wished of her.
Which he preferred, he couldn't say.
The trees thinned as they grew closer to the stream. Once again, he studied the area, satisfied he had found the perfect location for their camp. He looked forward to the time spent in the tucked away cave, knowing he still had at least a few more days before the she-wolf was ready to travel any distance on her own. Days in which he could convince Thora staying with him was best. Id if she still insisted on leaving, he had other ways to prevent that until he was ready to release her.
He reined Gyllir to a halt and once again helped Thora to dismount before following her to the ground. He kept his focus on her while he unfastened thepulkaand pulled the saddle from Gyllir's back. For a moment, she looked wary and unsure. A second later, her chin lifted. Ari concealed a smile at the way she recovered her determination, and patted Gyllir's neck. Though he'd watered the animal a little while ago, he gave the stallion the freedom to once more return to the stream and drink.
Thora had made her way to Kata's side and now busied herself checking the animal's wound. To Ari, it seemed as if she deliberately avoided looking at him. He remained where he was, content to just watch her for a few moments. An echo of her body in his arms still clung to him and he savored it, knowing she would soon be there again. He strode over to her, waiting until she lifted her face to his. Her eyes danced with a strange trail of emotions. His own gut tightened when he recognized desire for a moment, before she once again concealed it with her cool, aloof expression. He found himself impatient to watch her face dissolve into passion again. He forced the thoughts aside and held out his hand.
"Come, let me show you the cave."
She hesitated but a moment before her warm fingers slid into his palm. Even that simple touch had him near ready to toss her to the forest floor and take her there at that moment. Teasing her this morning had ended up more of a torture to himself. He gave a tug and she stood before him. He liked that the top of her head came to his chin, though he admitted to some relief that he was still taller than she, a sure sign of his greater strength and power over her.
Silently, he led her along the inclined path leading to the cave's opening. At the edge, Thora pulled against him, making him stop. He faced her with curiosity.
"What's wrong?"
"It's dark. How well did you inspect it?"
Her brow furrowed and she stared into the darkness.
"Well enough."
"We need a torch. How far back does it go? The wolves must stay inside with me."
"Aye, Thora. I would not expect you to leave them unprotected outside. We will light a fire and then you will see there is ample room and no danger from within."
She pulled her hand free of his and the loss left a momentary chill. "I will gather kindling."
He nodded, allowing her to tend her task. He set about gathering rocks and placing them in a circle near the mouth of the cave. Though enough daylight remained before Sol's chariot reached the end of her flight, the fire would provide warmth and light and not fill the cave with smoke. When she returned, he fished his fire-steel and striking stone from the pouch on his belt. A handful of touchwood ensured a quick light, with only a couple of strikes needed to spark the fire. He fanned the growing flames and Thora added more twigs, until the flames grew stronger, the heavy scent of the smoke mingling with the earthen aroma of the cave. Finally, Thora laid a thick log upon the small fire and the flickers flared into a full blaze. He stood, once more taking Thora's hand and leading her deeper into the cave. The now-prosperous fire gave plenty of light.
"See? This is all of it. We will be quite comfortable here."
He waved one arm around the expansive cavern, the stone and earth forming the ceiling laced with a thick netting of roots from trees and plants above, adding to the structure's strength. The soft dirt of the floor could be quickly manipulated to their comfort. Ari had learned over the last years to find his small luxuries in many different ways. This cave was one of the most secure he'd encountered. Judging from the way her mouth twisted and her eyes narrowed in skepticism, Thora didn't agree.
"Are you sure it won't fall in on us?"
The need to reassure her rose swiftly and unfamiliar on his tongue. "Don't worry, Thora, I am familiar with caves such as these. We will be safe here."
The uneasiness never left her eyes but she nodded anyway, saying nothing. He led her back toward the mouth of the cave.
"I'll help you bring the female inside."
She remained silent and Ari swore he could almost hear the riot racing in her thoughts. Still, she allowed him to lead her to where Kata rested on thepulka. When they approached, the wolf pushed herself to a sitting position, tail wagging. Thora pulled free of his grip and hurried to the animal's side, a joyful cry echoing in the forest. Ari found himself enthralled watching her kneel beside her pet, accepting the she-wolf's licks and laughing when the male forced his way into her embrace.
"You're getting well so fast, Kata."
The delighted excitement in Thora's voice sent a sizzle of lust straight to Ari's cock. He ground his teeth and forced the surge of lust back, knowing he must still wait before he could slake his desires. He slowly walked over to where she knelt, willing his cock to calm. His success was minimal. Thora looked up at him and the grin on her face slowly faded.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
