Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
W ulf's chest ached as he held Kari in his arms, her tears dampening his shirt. How could he refuse her an answer, despite his fears?
He gently guided her over to sit on the edge of the bed, then kneeled in front of her. Even kneeling his head was on a level with hers, and his chest ached again at the tears still swimming in those big, brown eyes. As much as he wanted to simply hold her and comfort her, he owed her the truth.
"I... brought you here," he said finally, his voice hoarse.
“You? How?”
She gave him a confused look, and he struggled to find the right words.
"I prayed to Wold," he continued. "An Old God. For a... mate."
Her eyes widened but he kept going, determined to make her understand.
"At the stones. I asked for... help." He reached out and took her hand. "You came."
He saw the moment comprehension dawned in her eyes. She pulled away slightly, shaking her head in disbelief. Her eyes, usually warm and inviting, now burned with a mix of emotions he couldn't fully decipher, and his guilt intensified with each passing moment.
"Why?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "Why need?"
He tugged on one of his braids, cursing the language barrier.
"Our people are... cursed," he said finally. He gestured to the windows overlooking the settlement. "A long time ago, magic made us strong. But now... Now, few children are born. No more females."
He could see the mixture of confusion and disbelief on her face as he struggled to make her understand.
"All warriors. No families. No future."
He hesitated, debating whether to explain the full extent of the curse - the rage that consumed them, the bestial nature that emerged in battle. But as he looked at her, her small form already tense with conflicting emotions, he decided against it. She would never see that side of him, he vowed silently. There was no need to frighten her further.
"The ritual was our last hope," he continued, tapping his chest. "I want to save our people."
He was uneasily aware that he was still withholding part of the truth, but he convinced himself it was for the best. The curse's effect on their behavior was irrelevant to her situation. What mattered was the future of his people, the desperate need that had driven him to perform the ritual.
"Do. you understand?" he asked softly, searching her face for any sign of acceptance.
He saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by anger.
"Take from home." Her voice rose, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "No ask."
He shook his head, watching her sadly.
"I didn't know that would happen."
She stood abruptly, pacing the room. As much as he ached to comfort her, he remained where he was, allowing her time.
Finally, she turned back to him, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"Why me ?"
He rose finally, approaching her cautiously. "Wold chose you. I do not know why. But you are... special."
He watched her closely, her eyes distant as she processed his words. The anger that had flashed across her face moments ago seemed to fade, replaced by a thoughtful, troubled expression.
Relief washed over him, but it was quickly tempered by a growing anxiety. Was the future of his people, their very survival, tied to this small, precious woman from another world? How could he put that responsibility on her fragile shoulders?
"I know this is a lot," he said softly. "I know you did not choose it."
He reached out, hesitating before gently placing his hand on her arm. The warmth of her skin under his palm sent a jolt of arousal through him, reminding him of their kiss by the stream. But now wasn't the time for such thoughts.
He'd acted out of desperation, out of duty to his people, but in doing so, he'd torn Kari from her world, from everything she knew and loved. Her gaze drifted towards the firelight outside, her frown deepening. He wanted to soothe it away, but he remained still, watching the expressions flickering across her face, wishing he could read her thoughts as easily.
Finally her shoulders straightened and she nodded.
"How I help?" she asked quietly. "Break curse?"
A wave of relief washed over him, easing the tension that had knotted his muscles.
"I don't know," he admitted honestly. "But we will find out together."
"Together," she echoed, the single word carrying a world of promise, and gratitude and affection surged through him.
Her understanding and willingness to help, despite being thrust into his world without warning, was more than he could have hoped for.
He held out his hand, an invitation and a promise.
She hesitated for a moment, then reached out and placed her hand in his. He drew her closer, until he could feel the warmth of her body against his. He brushed a loose tendril of hair from her face, and when he cupped her face, she didn't pull away. He caressed her soft cheek with the pad of his thumb, marveling at the silky texture of her skin.
This time, she kissed him.
The warmth of her mouth against his sent another surge of arousal through him. He parted his lips, ready to deepen the kiss, but she drew back. He kept his hand on her waist, his fingers itching to explore but forcing himself to maintain control. Her eyes were a mix of desire and apprehension, and he forced himself to step back, putting distance between them.
He didn't know what caused her uncertainty, but he sensed her struggle and yearned to ease it. He didn't want this to be something she felt obliged to do. He needed her to be here with him, not merely accepting her circumstances. Patience , he reminded himself for what felt like the hundredth time, and smiled at her.
"Time for bed."
Her pretty lips parted in a startled oh, and he realized she'd misunderstood. He'd thought that the familiarity of sleeping together as they had on the trail would reassure her.
"To sleep," he added quickly.
She looked from him to the bed, and once again he wished he knew what she was thinking.
"You are safe with me, Kari."
He almost sighed with relief when she finally nodded.
“Sleep.”
He smiled at her, then hesitated. At home he usually didn't bother with nightwear, but she'd never seen him naked and he was afraid she would be alarmed. He went to the dresser and pulled out a pair of linen drawers, then hesitated again. She looked very pretty in her new gown but it was not designed for sleeping. Would she prefer her usual attire?
He brought out his finest linen shirt and offered it to her. She looked at it, then gave him a genuine smile for the first time since he'd returned to his rooms.
"You certainly seem to like me in your clothes."
He didn't understand the words but he suspected the meaning and returned her smile. She took the shirt and disappeared into the washroom while he changed hastily and climbed into bed. He carefully kept himself on his own side of the bed, hoping the distance would help her relax.
When she returned wearing his shirt, her curvy legs bare beneath the hem, he realized that the fine linen shirt was thinner and more transparent than the one she'd worn previously. He could see the shadowy outlines of her delightful breasts and he had to force his gaze back up to her face, swallowing hard. His drawers were not as confining as his leather pants and he was grateful that the heavy furs helped conceal his erection.
He pulled back the covers for her, careful to keep them over his lap, and she settled in beside him. After a moment's hesitation, she slipped close and put her head on his shoulder. The warmth of her body against his side, the enticing curve of her hip under the soft shirt, made his cock jerk demandingly but he forced himself to remain still. He didn't want her to retreat from him again.
"Safe," he whispered, and she murmured an agreement, snuggling closer.
He lay there for a long time after she'd fallen asleep, his thoughts troubled. How was she going to break the curse? And more importantly, how would he earn her trust? Despite the current distance between them, he was hopeful that in time she would come to recognize the bond between them.
It took all of his self-control to keep his hands to himself as he listened to her quiet breathing beside him. When he finally fell asleep, his dreams were filled with visions of Kari - her lush curves, her soft lips pressed against his, her eyes flashing with passion.
He awoke to an empty bed and cold sheets.