"I know who she is. And I know exactly who else has interest in her. Have you decided to betray me, after all?"
Alarr shook his head, returning the axe to his belt and holding up his hands in surrender.
"I didn't know if you knew. I was just ensuring she meant you no ill will."
"By asking her to lay with you in order to forego the gold she is worth?"
Thora held her breath, willing Ari to look at her, but he kept his stare focused on Alarr. She didn't dare move, waiting for some sign. He finally gave it with a crook of his finger, still watching Alarr.
"I'm sorry, Ari, I didn't mean –"
"I know what you meant." When Thora reached him, he pushed her behind him. "She is mine. And I don't share."
Ari began to pace, muttering under his breath. He paused and faced Alarr. "I should cast you out now. Do you spy for my brother?"
Alarr shook his head. "No! I still want to see Hersir judged for his crimes against all of us. Jarl Drengr will know the truth before Sol's next cycle. I never intended this! I swear!"
Ari gave a curt nod. "Very well. I will consider that. For now, I will have your apology, as will Thora."
"I am sorry. I meant no harm."
Alarr's vow rang through the forest, but the stare he fixed on Thora left her shivering. Only Ari's hand on her hip, where he held her in place behind him, reassured her.
"We need a sacrifice to thank Odin for his blessings. And you'll need to ask forgiveness. Hunt for something worthy. Maybe then I'll believe you."
Ari sheathed his sword and turned to Thora. "Come, we must light the fire."
She hesitated, waiting until Alarr had walked out of earshot. Only then did she step close to Ari. Kata and Kati sat calmly, as if knowing their mistress was safe, now that Ari was beside her.
"I wanted to talk to you about him. I had suspicions, though I didn't expect ..."
"It's not your fault, though I can certainly understand why he would attempt such."
Thora held his stare, confused by the amusement in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
He shook his head, a heavy chuckle escaping his twitching lips. "I've told you many times how beautiful and passionate I find you to be."
He stroked a finger along her cheek, the simple touch sizzling through her. Her breasts tingled, nipples hardening in anticipation of what usually followed. The compliment sank through her dazed thoughts and her heart slammed into her ribs. Did he toy with her, as he often did, just to gain her obedience?
"Thora, I've claimed you, yet you still refuse to believe. I am never letting you go. Ever."
The solemnity in his tone roused the hope she tried to ignore to a pitch she had no chance of resisting. She leaned into him, letting the bundle of sticks in her hands go in a clatter, grabbing onto his arms to steady herself before she locked her lips on his.
Several moments later, she sucked in a deep breath and composed her emotions, tilting her back to study him.
"So you care for me, then, eh?" She wanted to crow with delight at the casual tone of her voice. She didn't, instead continuing to search his eyes for some clue as to his true feelings.
His eyes widened. "You doubt that?"
"Of course! You treat me as little more than a possession, a tool to be wielded in vengeance. You toy with me with little regard for my desires. Once you've regained your honor, you no longer have need of me."
"I will always have need of you, Thora."
She had to admit, she adored the way he always said her name, as if it was another way to claim her. She so badly wanted to be claimed. But only by him.
"You will not cast me aside once you have justice?"
He shook his head, cupping her jaw in his hand. "No. I said I mean to keep you, and I will."
