"No one does. But I have proof and witnesses, and I will present them before the council. My name will be cleared."
She still couldn't trust him. He'd deceived her and she would never forgive him for that. How many times over the last days had she bemoaned the fact that her father had seen her only as a bargaining chip? Not once had Ari said anything to indicate he knew exactly what sort of life she had facing her if she hadn't run away.
"Well, good luck to you, then."
"I don't need luck. I told you, I have the truth and the gods on my side. And everyone will soon know that as well."
She shook her head, still angry over his lie of omission. What else did he lie about? "I've more than repaid my debt."
"I don't consider throwing rocks at my head repayment."
"You deserved it, for lying to me. My wolves and I will go our separate ways, beginning now. Kata is almost healed."
With narrowed eyes and a shake of his head, he reached for her, but she darted back, away from his grasp. Still, he stalked closer, forcing her to retreat. Her foot caught on a root, wrecking her balance and she toppled backward, landing hard on her ass. Before she could rise and evade him once more, his hand landed tightly on her arm. He pulled her up, grabbing her free hand before she could strike.
"Didn't you hear what I said? I am claiming you, Thora, before all gathered at The Thing."
She jerked against his hold, hating the way her heart danced at his words, at the heat in his voice and gaze. Why should she find delight in his wanting to claim her as his own? The heartless beast didn't care for her thoughts and wishes. She tried to ignore the ever-growing pang of hurt squeezing her heart.
"No! You have no right!" She struggled against his grip, but his hands only tightened on her.
"As the first man to lay with you, I most certainly do. I am keeping you, Thora. It's up to you how you want to be kept."
She stilled, clarity at his meaning slicing through her thoughts. She lifted her chin. Making this easy for him was not an option.
"I will not stay willingly."
"So be it."
When he switched both her hands to one of his, she didn't realize what he intended until he pulled a rope from his belt. Though she tried to break free, she wasn't fast enough to keep him from binding her wrists and pulling her against him once again. He caught the trailing end and wrapped it around his hand.
"My father will kill you for this!"
He gave a feral grin that sent gooseflesh rising along her arms and the back of her neck.
"Once my name is cleared, your father will be glad I claimed you instead of my brother."
Damn him to Hel, he was probably right. Stubborn as he was, her father was also honorable, and Hersir's actions would damn him in Kori Thorfinsson's eyes.
"I'll be free of you, you'll see."
"You can try." He stepped back, but still clutched the end of the rope in his hands. "Come, we have to move our camp again."
She shook her head. In another day or so, Kata would be well enough to travel longer distances. The further they rode west along the forest, the closer to Tingwalla they would be. She needed to travel in the other direction.
"It won't be good for Kata to be moved again." The moment she spoke, she knew the excuse sounded weak.
"She'll be fine in thepulka, as she was before." He turned toward their shelter, tugging on the rope and forcing her to follow. She looked over at the wolves, who sat quietly, watching all with their golden eyes.
"Traitors," she muttered. As if he understood, Kati whined and walked over to her, nuzzling her leg. She jerked back on the rope to make Ari stop and knelt before the wolf.
"Are you saying you're sorry, boy? Or that your loyalty is now to him?" She jerked her head in Ari's directions, ignoring the responding chuckle. Kati licked her chin and she ruffled the fur behind his ears. "I should be angry with you, but you must keep watch over Kata. Go."
The wolf gave another whine and trotted back to his sister. Thora stood, defiantly meeting Ari's gaze. The warm affection and humor in his glowing eyes threatened to break through her anger.
"You may have won them over, but I am not fooled. And I will be free of you!"
He merely shrugged and gave her rope another pull. She sighed and followed him to their bedding and helped him gather their belongings. All the while, she tried not to think about being in his arms atop his horse once again.
