Setting the clothes on the bed, I stepped over to my desk, finding the notebook where I’d scribbled several recipes. I picked it up and flipped through them, smiling that I had this again, excited to show it to Shearah. As well as the stews and vegetable pies, I had several recipes for breads made with spices and herbs.
I opened the narrow closet next to my bed, finding my extra dress and winter cloak. I fingered the thick wool lapel.
“If only I’d been wearing you the day I left.”
I shivered, remembering that day I ran into the woods, nearly freezing to death. Until Wolf found me. Then Redvyr.
Sighing, I turned to the tub and lifted it from against the wall, setting it near the stove. Haldek had brought me two buckets of warm water along with the clothes. That wouldn’t fill the tub, but it was plenty enough to scrub myself clean.
“Oh, my lavender oil,” I said aloud, turning to my desk and opening the drawer.
Yes, my soaps and oils were still there. I’d made the oils myself last summer, the soaps I had bought from a wood fae traveling along the Borderlands to sell her wares. Taking a fresh-scented bar and my oils, I stripped Sorka’s dress from my body.
The water was shallow in my little tub, but it still felt divine. I managed to scrub myself clean and wash my hair before the water cooled. Toweling off, I dressed in the simple, white gown, which smelled of Haldek’s cleaning soap. Everything was a reminder of safety and belonging. I’d missed this place more than I realized.
But I missed Redvyr and the clan even more. After combing my hair, I sat in front of the wood-burning stove to let it dry. Petting Wolf’s head, I thought back to earlier today, to the moment I thought I would die, before seeing Redvyr racing toward Mevia from the field between the town and the river.
“He’s coming to get me, isn’t he?” I asked Wolf.
He didn’t even open his eyes, breathing deep as I petted him from his head down his spine.
Haldek hadn’t known I was coming. When I explained briefly what had happened, and that Wolf had come straight here, he’d said, “Meer-wolves aren’t normal animals. They’re far smarter than you think. His master told him to come here.”
Then he set about finding me clothes and food.
Oh, the food.
Standing, I sat on the bed and took the tray from the nightstand. I smiled at what he’d plated for me. Two mincemeat pies, my favorite. He made them often in the winter, using the dried fruit of summer, heavily sugared, and added spices. There were also three slices of yellow cheese and a healthy scoop of red-berry jam. A small pot of tea sat next to a cup.
I settled in and filled my belly, reminding myself I needed to make these mincemeat pies for the clan. Haldek had taught me his secret of taking the pies out before they were fully baked and washing the top crust in butter, then sprinkling some extra sugar on top before popping them back in the oven to bake a little longer. They were delicious and filling, especially on cold winter nights. I glanced outside, wondering yet again where Redvyr was.
Wolf suddenly chuffed and lifted his head. I jumped, clinking my teacup against the saucer before I hopped up and walked to the window. Wolf whined at the door. As soon as I looked out, I saw the unmistakable figure of Redvyr under the moonlight walking toward the barn.
Nudging Wolf aside with my hip, I threw the door open. I didn’t even have time to blink before Redvyr scooped me up into his arms, lifting my feet off the floor. He kicked the door shut and turned us, pressing my back into the door, his mouth nuzzling my throat.
“By the gods, you smell so fucking good.”
“Are you hurt?” I gripped him around the shoulders, lifting a leg to wrap at his waist.
“Only my heart, love.” He skated his mouth up my throat, nipping along my jaw.
His hair was damp and he smelled of river water. “Did you fall into the river?”
“I jumped.” He angled his mouth over mine and delved his tongue inside, pressing his body to mine, pinning me against the door.
I moaned into his mouth, rubbing my sex against his hard cock which pressed between my legs. “Why would you do that?” I panted against his mouth. “You’re going to freeze.”
“Baby, I’m burning up.” Something snapped, and then his hide skirt was gone.
I moaned louder, rocking against him as he reached between us and ripped my gown up the middle. I wrapped my other leg around his hip.
“Yes,” I whispered, reaching down and taking hold of his thick cock.
He sucked in a breath between his teeth, clenching a fist in my hair, tugging my head back as I slid the head of his cock along my cunt, so slick for him already.
With a deep thrust, he seated himself deep, to the hilt. I gasped, my mouth falling open, my eyes half-lidded. His eyes glowed golden and fierce.
His cock thickened, tightening our connection as I writhed on him.
