Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

B y the time the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. Kari's legs burned with each step, her muscles protesting the unfamiliar exertion. The makeshift shoes Wulf had crafted were surprisingly comfortable, but her feet still protested the long walk. Her interest in her surroundings, in picking out the strange from the familiar, had long since faded, replaced by the necessity of placing one foot in front to the other.

A gnarled root caught her toe and she stumbled forward, a startled squeak escaping as her hand shot out instinctively to break her fall. Instead a strong arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her upright.

Wulf's big hand spanned her waist, his touch both comforting and unsettling. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, seeing the concern in those deep green eyes. The connection between them flared but then he turned his head and his tusks glinted in the fading light, a stark reminder of their differences.

"Thank you," she murmured, the words feeling inadequate. She straightened, willing her trembling legs to support her weight once more.

He rumbled something in his language, frowning as he studied her face. He gestured towards a clearing ahead, then mimed eating and sleeping.

"Eat. Rest."

She nodded gratefully, relief flooding through her at the prospect of an end to the day's journey. Although she was quite sure that Wulf and his brothers had done their best to accommodate her shorter legs and had stopped frequently to allow her to rest, it had still been a very long day.

As they entered the small glade, she sank down on the nearest boulder, her legs finally giving out, and Wulf gave her a worried look.

"Eat," he repeated, producing a handful of berries from a pouch at his waist.

She gave him a grateful smile as she popped a berry into her mouth, savoring the tart sweetness. She watched tiredly as the three men set up camp, their movements practiced and sure, but her eyes kept returning to Wulf. Despite his imposing stature, he moved with an easy, muscular grace that belied his size. She found her gaze lingering on those powerful arms and the strong legs beneath the snug leather pants.

He worked in seamless coordination with his brothers, but she noticed that he always an eye on her as well.

Her cheeks heated as their eyes met and he smiled at her, her heart doing an odd little flutter. Why did he affect her so strongly?

She hugged her knees to her chest as the events of the past day crashed over her. The lake, the shrine, the long trek through unfamiliar wilderness - it all seemed like a dream. Yet the ache in her muscles and the chill of the evening air were undeniably real.

Wulf came over to her, helping her to her feet, then guided her to a moss-covered trunk in front of the fire they'd built. It cast a warm glow over the clearing, chasing away some of the encroaching shadows, but the lingering warmth of his hand on her back as he helped her sit rivaled the heat from the fire. a non unpleasant shiver traveled down her spine and she found herself relaxing slightly.

Wulf came and settled beside her as Lothar and Egon disappeared into the trees, his presence both comforting and unnerving. He was carrying a small ouch and offered a strip of jerky-like meat.

"Eat," he said again, and she took it gratefully, her stomach rumbling.

The meat was tough but flavorful, unlike anything she'd tasted before. As she chewed, he began to speak, his deep voice rumbling in a soothing cadence even though she couldn't understand his words.

He gestured as he talked, pointing to the trees, the sky, and occasionally to her. His tusks glinted in the firelight as he spoke, a surprising range of emotions playing across his face. She found herself leaning slightly towards him, drawn by some inexplicable force. He had the ability to be gentle despite his strength and he had an air of confidence that made her feel safe, despite the strangeness of her surroundings.

He paused in his speech as their eyes met. The intensity of his gaze sent another shiver down her spine, but then he smiled, the expression transforming his face. She couldn't help smiling back at him and at that moment, the language barrier didn't seem important. He started to bend his head towards her and she didn't pull away, her heart beating frantically. She knew he was going to kiss her - and she wanted to kiss him.

But hen Lothar and Egon returned, interrupting the moment, and he straightened again. Lothar's laughter rang out, a surprisingly melodious sound from such an imposing figure. He nudged Egon with his elbow, clearly teasing his older brother.

Egon maintained his stoic demeanor, his scarred face an impassive mask, but she caught a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. The corners of his mouth twitched, betraying his attempt to remain serious.

Wulf went to meet them and joined in the banter, his deep voice rumbling with good humor. Kari couldn't understand their words, but the warmth and camaraderie between the brothers was unmistakable. Her heart started to ache as she watched them. She'd always longed for that type of familiar connection - the kind of bond that allowed for both playful teasing and unwavering support.

Her mother had always been more practical than supportive, and never playful. Despite that, the thought of her mother made her heart ache. How long will it be until she notices I'm going, she wondered. Will she even care?

Ignoring the combination of bitterness and sorrow at the thought, she concentrated on the affection between the three brothers, envying their closeness. Yet each of them glanced at her occasionally and smiled - Egon shyly, Lothar teasingly, and Wulf with a heat that made her breath catch. There efforts to include her filled her with warmth and when Egon began unpacking cooking equipment from his pack, she went to join him, her tired legs protesting.

As she approached Egon, she felt Wulf's presence behind her, his protective aura almost palpable. She turned and waved her hand, shooing him away with a smile. She appreciated his concern, but she wasn't a child. He hesitated, frowning, and Egon rumbled something in their language, his tone reassuring. After a moment's pause, Wulf nodded and signaled to Lothar. The two of them disappeared into the woods again as she sat down next to Egon.

He gave her another shy smile as he began his preparations. As he worked, he named each item, speaking slowly and clearly.

"Po," he said, tapping a deep metal vessel.

"Po," she repeated.

He nodded approvingly, then picked up a long, curved knife. "Knyf."

"Knyf," she echoed, noting the odd similarity to English once again.

Egon patiently introducing her to each tool and ingredient he used and she did her best to memorize each one. Despite his fierce exterior, he was a patient teacher, and she felt a surge of gratitude for his willingness to help her learn.

Wulf and Lothar returned with some meat for the pot - thankfully prepared out of her sight - and the rich smell of stew soon permeated the clearing. When it was ready, Wulf handed her a wooden bowl, his fingers brushing hers for a moment. The simple touch sent a shiver through her and she was sure he felt it too, his hand lingering on hers before he finally drew it away.

As she sipped the hearty stew, savoring the rich flavors, an unexpected warmth spread through her chest. It wasn't just the food or the fire - it was something deeper, more profound. This is what family feels like, she mused wistfully.

Her gaze drifted to Wulf, studying his profile in the firelight. His strength was evident in every line of his body, but there was more to it than just his physical prowess. It radiated from within him, a core of iron wrapped in unexpected gentleness. She found herself increasingly drawn to that strength, feeling it complement her own in ways she'd never experienced before.

Wulf turned, catching her eye. The heat in his dark gaze sent a thrill racing through her. She smiled back, unable to look away, feeling the bond between them pulse with an energy she couldn't quite name. It should have frightened her, this connection to someone so different from herself, in a world so far from home. Instead, it anchored her, gave her a place in this world.

Exhaustion began to creep over her, and she let herself lean against Wulf's shoulder. He adjusted his position, putting his arm around her to support her. His protective presence, along with the unexpected warmth of his brothers, enveloped her like a comforting blanket as her eyes closed.