There were more muffled sounds of outrage behind him, though thankfully Thora now had the sense to remain in the shelter. The coming confrontation both excited and worried Ari. But first, he had to chase his brother off.
"Then be on your way. You wouldn't want to risk ruining your alliance."
This time the noises from the cave were a cross between a laugh and a groan. He could only imagine the thoughts rioting in her head. The alliance was already ruined and by the time Hersir knew the truth, it would be too late. All would know exactly who had mastered the plan to murder a jarl.
"I will soon be jarl, and wed to the daughter of another will make me very powerful indeed. You are still an outcast and always will be. Planning to kill a jarl is not easily forgotten." Hersir's gloating words only sent Ari's temper higher.
The musky, yet sweet scent he now knew as Thora's warned Ari she neared. Did she test him, or was she merely being foolish? He didn't dare turn to face her, but kept his stare focused firmly on his brother, disgust rolling in his gut to see the interest in Hersir's eyes when he caught sight of Thora. The man guided his jittery horse up the incline, closing the distance. As long as Ari possessed breath within his body, Hersir would never lay a hand on her.
"Enjoy your slut, then, while you can. I will see you in Tingwalla."
Hersir held tight to the prancing horse's reins and rode past, guiding the animal so close that Ari had to step back into the cave to avoid being trampled by the agitated beast. The wolf beside him gave a snarling howl, the menacing sound sending a shiver along Ari's spine. Hersir's horse reared and bolted, past the other men, and leading the way out of the clearing deeper into the forest.
Ari waited with sword in hand for a time, until ensuring the men had truly left the area. Once again, circumstances forced them to move their camp. This time, in casehisenemy returned. Finally, he sheathed his sword.
"Liar!" Small fists pounded on his back and shoulders.
Surprised she'd waited this long, Ari turned, catching her wrists.
"Stop!" he shouted.
Still, she struggled in his grip and he ducked to avoid her head as she aimed at his, screeching curses and spitting. He gathered her hands in one of his and caught her chin, forcing her to be still.
"You bastard! You tricked me!"
He tightened his grip on her jaw, forcing her to silence. "I did not! I merely did not share the truth of the man who would be your husband."
She spit again, and he dodged. The movement was enough for her to jerk free of his grip.
"Why would you not tell me who you were? Unless you are planning to use me as some sort of revenge."
Her eyes widened, clarity sharpening her angry stare. She bent and bit the hand holding hers. Ari let out a shout of surprised pain and released her, stunned by her move. Thora quickly moved out of his reach and waved her fingers toward Kati.
"Take him, Kati!"
The wolf didn't move. For the first time, Thora pulled her furious gaze from Ari to stare in surprise at her pet.
"Kati, now!"
The animal backed away, a soft whine escaping. Thora stomped her foot, then moving with lightning speed, charged Ari, a dagger raised high. He caught her before she could stab him, squeezing her wrist until she cried out and dropped the weapon.
He twisted her arms before her and turned her, yanking her hard against him. She struggled in his grip, but gained no leverage. Her efforts soon eased. Because she tired, or because she thought to trick him? He'd not give her the chance. A shudder ran through her. Was that a sob? He resisted the urge to confirm if she wept.
"Why? When I told you my reasons for leaving my home, you didn't tell me yours. Clearly, I am nothing more than a means to vengeance for you. You are a heartless bastard who tricked me, and you have somehow even cajoled my wolves to be loyal to you."
The break in her voice poked his conscience, his heart aching at the pain in her words. He leaned his cheek against her head, wondering what he could say to convince her she was wrong. None arose, because she was right. The instant he'd learned who she was, he'd plotted to use her in his final revenge.
Yet, despite the remorse over his initial intentions, he now knew he was not ready to let her go, might never be, no matter her wishes. Once he'd tasted the fiery passion dwelling within her, he'd grown addicted, and knew he'd fight like a berserker until he'd slaked his need. How long that might take, he didn't know. And at the moment, he found he didn't care. Thora was his and he had no intentions of letting her go.
Wait! What was he thinking? She was merely a tool to be wielded in his vengeance. The gods had put her in his path to be used. His enjoyment of her was a reward for the last years of hardship. He must remember that, and keep his focus on the real purpose of his journey. The last days had dulled his concentration. No more.
***
Despite the need to break free and escape the lying outlaw, Thora grudgingly admitted the feel of his solid body behind her brought an odd comfort. One she longed to give in to.
No! She struggled anew against the tight grip on her wrists. With her arms caught tightly around her, she had little leverage to fight him off.
"You thieving and lying animal! How dare you treat me as though I'm no more than a piece of property, livestock to be sold on a whim!"
