Elska turns her back on him, her tail between her legs, and lies down pointedly.
Kyor sighs. He tries to crouch next to her, but every time he gets close, she shifts away again.
‘Els,’ he says softly. ‘I’m sorry. I was scared for you. I won’t do it again.’
For a moment, I think she won’t relent, but finally she turns and licks his face. Then she drives her head into his chest in a headbutt, and Kyor meets her, his arms locking around her neck as the two of them wrestle.
Did you want to do that?I ask Fen, unsure if such rambunctious play is required of me.
Absolutely not!he replies, aghast.I’m not a pup!
Nor is Elska,I point out.She’s having fun.
His voice softens.It is rare for her to play so. She feels the need to reestablish their closeness. She has been distressed.
Sympathy wells within me. Who knew Kyor’s wolf was such a complex creature?
Kyor is grinning broadly, his eyes flashing with joy. It’s the happiest I’ve seen him in ages. Then he looks at Elska and something wicked flashes across his face. ‘Els says you can ride with us, Rose, if Fen won’t carry you.’
I have a horse. I should ride the horse. That would be the sensible choice. Yet I can’t resist the idea of feeling Kyor’s arms around me for a few hours at least.
‘Sure,’ I say against all better judgement.
I load the bags onto the horse, and Caz secures the mount to her own. She flashes me a broad grin and winks. ‘I’d ride with him too.’
I ignore the wink and the teasing. There’s nothing salacious about me riding Elska. It’s just an opportunity to talk with Kyor about dire wolf bonds, that’s all.
It’s only sensible.
Elska lowers herself down. I mount her and settle against Kyor’s broad frame. It’s heaven to be against him, even if only for snatched moments like this.
Outrage slams into me.You arenotriding on another dire wolf!
I do seem to be,I fire back as sagely as I can, though I know he’ll feel my amusement all the same.
Get off Elska! Right now!
Elska’s gait is comfier than a horse’s, so I think I’ll stay put.
Silence. Heavy, grumpy silence. Then,Fine. Climb upon my back if you must. It will restrict my ability to defend you, and I will be the laughingstock of the pack, but if your rear end must be comfortable, who am I to say otherwise?he rumbles sulkily.
Elska is not the laughingstock of the pack, I point out.
Her bonded can call down lightning. Only a fool would laugh at them. Canyoucall down lightning?
I … no. But as you saw, I can call vines.
Wonderful, you can grow our foes some flowers.
My ability saved your life!I snap.
He softens, all outrage gone in an instant.So it did.
Fen comes and stands next to Elska.My apologies. Slide off my mate and climb upon me,he instructs.
I’m about to respond when the realisation of his words strikes me fast enough to steal my breath.
Your mate!
