He shrugged. "Ignore them. We will set up our shelter and then I will go to meet the others at the longhouse."
"I will go with you."
How did he tell her he wanted her to remain out of sight? She'd already drawn notice in the skirmish with the goat woman. Word would spread, but how far? Her worry about her father had now become his. The wolves alone drew attention he could ill afford. Surely her father would soon know Thora had arrived in Tingwalla and seek her out. Ari had no desire to face the man, not until after he had his chance to speak before the council. Nothing he could do about it now.
"You are safer away from the crowds."
He gave her a pointed stare, hoping she understood the message he conveyed. She frowned, shaking her head.
"I am in more danger when I'm not by your side."
Knowing she needed him to feel safe sparked a surge of pride. As much as he feared she made him weak, declarations such as this showed she truly strengthened him.
"You will be safe with Leif and your wolves for protection."
"No, I am not staying behind."
He heaved a deep breath. Truthfully, he didn't want to leave her here, even though he trusted Leif completely. He wanted her beside him when he planned for tomorrow's appearance before the council.
"Very well, but you will obey."
"Of course." A hint of a smile curled her lips.
He narrowed his eyes. The amusement in her eyes told him of her satisfaction in getting her way. He suspected she plotted some other nefarious plan as well. The woman would drive him mad with her defiant nature. Now, however, he suspected she did it on purpose, for he knew she fully enjoyed everything that had passed between them, even his punishments.
She flashed him a devilish grin and sauntered a few paces ahead, her wolves, as always, on either side. Ari's gaze landed on her bottom softly swaying with her step. Yes, Odin had surely given her to him as a test of his limits. Somehow, he no longer minded.
***
Despite Thora's playful attitude with Ari, a large portion of fear and worry still gripped her heart. The confrontation with the crazed woman had drawn more attention to her than she preferred. She'd always known, once she realized she would not avoid coming to The Thing, that her wolves would draw notice. She'd also hoped that notice would soon fade from interest. After the strange altercation, she knew word would eventually make its way to everyone.
She slowed her step to fall back into pace beside Ari, taking his hand. A smile curled her mouth when he wrapped his fingers tight about hers. Kati trotted around to take up a position on the other side of Leif. How easily they'd trusted Ari's friend, and Karsi too. Alarr had been a different matter.
She was glad he was fearful enough of the animals to keep his distance. Despite his apologies, she still didn't trust him, even if he was truly loyal to Ari. His attempt to blackmail her into bedding him had left her sick and almost as frightened as she'd been watching Ari battle Muli and fearing the other man might win.
As they walked further from the center of the city, the bustle and noise of the markets faded. The air cleared and she took a deep breath, grateful to be away from the chaotic commotion. These last weeks alone with Ari had left her unaccustomed to others, and the throngs of people inhabiting Tingwalla overwhelmed her.
She studied their surroundings, not paying attention to Ari's low conversation with Leif. Instead, she made sure to note the markings that differentiated the various parts of town. Finally they reached the edge of the city, where the road led across the increasingly open land. Small clusters of shelters had been fashioned all around, some occupied, some not. Thora kept her face turned away, despite the desperate desire to see if there was any from her own clan camped here.
Ari continued walking until they reached a secluded patch of space near several trees, several paces beyond the nearest group.
"Here," Ari declared. He swept his arm about the small space. "A shelter is easily built among these."
"I will gather branches." She tried to untwist her fingers from his, but his grip tightened. She eyed him curiously. Why did he stop her?
"Stay nearby. No farther away than there." He pointed to another cluster of trees. Thora nodded.
"I have them with me." She nodded toward the wolves. "And you're right here. I am safe."
He nodded, but concern still lit his eyes with a strange glow that left her heart warm and full. Every time she recalled the day he'd declared his love, her insides went soft and her knees trembled. The impulse to kiss him overtook her and she leaned up and pressed her lips to his before turning to tend her task.
By the time she'd brought enough branches, Ari and Leif had already fashioned a lean-to amidst the trees. She handed over what she'd gathered and took a seat at the base of a tree to watch them work to quickly fashion a shelter that would provide privacy for all of the men, once they returned after their meeting at the public longhouse. She stroked Kata's head resting in her lap and slung an arm around Kati sitting beside her. He gave her a few quick affectionate licks and she laughed, rubbing behind his ears.
"So much has changed, hasn't it, boy? And by this time tomorrow, our future will be decided."
The idea both frightened and exhilarated her. How many times had Ari declared his intention to claim her once he'd received his justice? More than she could count. But she still feared her father's reaction. She forced the worry aside, knowing she must trust Ari to resolve what would surely be a bitter dispute.
As if her thoughts had drawn him near, Ari loomed over her, hands on his hips. "Are you sure you won't stay?"
