Did she still doubt him? The twinge on hurt at her question was easily brushed aside when he read the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Of course. Perhaps as soon as the council has cleared me and named Hersir's sentence."
Her dark eyes glowed in the firelight and he pulled her close, brushing his lips across hers and ignoring the shouts and jibes from the others. While he had no plans for anything more than a few kisses, he cared more for Thora's ease than his own desires. All else had worked in his favor. She was his only concern tonight. He would not embarrass her before the others, much as his cock ached to be inside her.
He drew away and leaned back, settling her against him. A fluff of fur brushed across his face. He looked up as Kati took up a position beside him. It had been the end of the wolf's tail that had swiped his cheek. He chuckled. On Thora's other side, Kata rested, her head on her mistress' hip. Had Ari ever felt so at peace since, before his long banishment?
The temptation to dare the gods to try and take Thora from him now rose up, but he forced it aside. Now was not the time to draw Odin's ire. Especially not with her father nearby. He'd reassured her, but truthfully, the worry was never far from his thoughts.
Sleep eluded him for a long time, even as Thora still rested fitfully, half-waking every few minutes, mumbling about her father, her hand curled tightly into Ari's tunic. The others had finally settled, either too fatigued or too drunk to stay awake. The light from the fire grew smaller, until only crackling embers glowed in the pit.
"Thora!"
The shout jolted him from slumber and he blinked against the light of morning. Another call of her name and she bolted upright.
"It's my father!"
Ari looked heavenward, knowing full well he had let his confidence overshadow his gratitude. He made a silent apology and rose, grabbing his sword from where it lay beside him. Despite his trouble sleeping last night, the bright sun and the pumping of his heart made him instantly alert.
"Stay behind me."
By now, the others had also heard the shouts, getting louder as the man neared. Through the fog, a man on horseback finally emerged, sword raised. Two others also appeared, flanking him. Behind Ari, Thora gave a strangled cry and her hands curled into his sides.
"I won't let him take you."
The man reined his steed in and leapt from the saddle. He rushed toward their camp, but Ari's men immediately took up defensive positions. He scowled. Ari recognized the warrior in the expression.
"I am Kori Thorfinnson. Thora is my daughter." Kori pointed his sword behind Ari, making it clear he had seen her.
"I am Ari. Your daughter has been under my protection."
"Protection from what?"
Ari hesitated. How much should he share? He didn't want to speak of Hersir just yet. The other men accompanying Kori now neared, axes and swords at the ready. His men outnumbered them and he dismissed his initial concerns.
"Tell him how you saved me," Thora whispered in his ear.
He tilted his head toward her but never pulled his stare from her father. "Are you giving me orders,ástin minn?"
"Yes! Just do it!" she hissed.
Even in this dire situation, the woman had the capability of making him see humor.
"Very well." He fully faced Kori once more. "She was under attack and one of her wolves had been wounded. I... defeated the outlaws."
Now it was Kori's turn to stare curiously. He paced slowly, his fierce glare focused on Ari, clearly appraising him.
"Thora, come with me. Now." Her father pointed to her.
The shake of her head nudged against Ari's. "No."
Her refusal only served to infuriate her father more. He snarled and took several strides closer, stopping only when Karsi met him, well before he he had the chance to get closer than a few paces. The point of Karsi's sword aimed at his neck.
"Do not refuse me, Thora. You must come with me at once."
Ari tried to stop her, but Thora stepped out from behind him. His worst fear seemed to be coming to life, except she stopped when she stood only a few steps before him. She didn't go to her father! The realization eased the tight squeeze around his heart.
He drank in the sight of her, proud of the defiant tilt of her chin, her spine straight, arms folded. She looked formidable, and the thought of how he'd reacted when she'd faced him in such a manner briefly taunted him.
