Chapter 15

Louisahad never seen scars like this in her life. Masses of white and black and green, mottled and latticed, spread all over that soft swell of skin.

Butdeepest of all, cut straight across Ulfarr's base, was a thick, gouging line, with multiple more lines and breaks fraying off from it. As though…

Asthough someone had tried to cut it off. As though he had almost been… skinned.

"W-what happened?!" Louisa's breathless voice choked, before she could possibly stop it. "This wasn't done — on purpose?!"

Ulfarrflinched, jolted, as if about to lurch upwards, away, out of the bed entirely — but wait, Killik jerked forward, too. His eyes narrowing sharply on Louisa's face, as his hand snapped out, and clutched at Ulfarr'sneck. Circling it with astonishing ease, as if to hold him there on the bed, to trap him in place. To make him stay.

AndUlfarr… didn't fight it. Didn't resist. And instead, he seemed to relax beneath it, his eyes squeezing shut, his big body sagging back into the bed.

"These are old wounds," Killik said to Louisa, his eyes flashing, his voice curt. "And there is naught you need to ask about them, beyond how best to handle him, and avoid bringing him pain. Ach?"

Thequestions kept swirling through Louisa's frantic thoughts — what the hell had happened to Ulfarr? Who the hell had done such a thing? And surely it was related to his mysterious past, too?

Butshe was already wincing and nodding, silently pleading her apology to Killik's narrow eyes. To which Killik jerked a nod back, and then released Ulfarr's neck. "Now, try this again, woman," he snapped. "Gently."

Right. Louisa shot Ulfarr an apologetic look he couldn't see — his eyes were still tightly closed — and lowered her shaky hand back toward that slack, scarred cock. Looking somehow even smaller than before, more wounded, more defenseless — and it was only Killik's flinty, waiting glare that finally brought Louisa's fingers closer, closer. Until they finally, briefly touched, brushing light and tentative against that soft, marred skin.

Nothinghappened, not even a twitch, and Louisa shot another helpless glance toward Killik's face — but he was still waiting, watching, his hand now stroking against Ulfarr's stiff, corded neck. "Ach, thus," he said, clipped. "It is sweet to the touch, is it not?"

Thewarning flashed again in his eyes, and Louisa fervently nodded, shot another chagrined look toward Ulfarr's still-closed eyes. "Y-yes," she stammered, as she brushed that soft skin again. "Very smooth. Warm. Like touching — silk. Or velvet."

Killik'seyes shifted, his glower slightly softening, as he kept stroking Ulfarr's taut throat. "Ach, just thus," he said, steady. "It is even sweeter when you pet it, or hold it in your hand."

Itwas a hint — an order — and Louisa carefully obeyed, as slowly and gently as she could. Circling her trembling fingers around that soft nub, lifting it up, enclosing it fully inside. Fighting not to marvel at the difference in it, compared to that huge stone she'd taken inside her, and instead just focusing on the sensation of it, the truth of it. Of this huge, handsome, powerful orc, lying silent and exposed in her bed, allowing her this touch, this vulnerability. This… gift.

Andit was a gift, her swirling thoughts pointed out, as she softly stroked her thumb against the warm, velvety flesh in her hand. It was a sign of Ulfarr's trust in her. His willingness to face this with her, to show her his own truth, amidst his own fears and darkness. Allowing her to caress him, to care for him, to hold and handle him, do whatever she wished with him…

"Good, ach?" came Killik's voice, and when Louisa glanced toward him, his disapproval had fully faded, his eyes sliding lazy and half-lidded between Louisa's hand, and her hot-feeling face. "He pleases you, does he not?"

Louisarapidly nodded, licking her tongue at her dry-feeling lips. "Y-yes," she choked again. "Very much."

Killik'smouth curled up, and his eyes flared with satisfaction, or even triumph. And only then did Louisa realize that Ulfarr's eyes had opened again, too, staring at her with blank, dazed disbelief, while Killik's hand kept caressing at his throat.

"Good," Killik said, his voice low and liquid in the taut, heated silence. "Both of you. Now, woman, mayhap you should wish to bare the rest of him, and learn it, also?"

Louisa'sbreath shuddered from her lungs, so thick that she almost didn't catch Ulfarr's breath shuddering out, too. But his wide, expressive eyes were bright and searching on hers, as if longing, begging for her answer.

"Yes," she whispered to him, truth, truth. "I'd be so honoured. If you'd like it too, sweetheart."

Andoh, the way Ulfarr shivered all over as he nodded, his sharp tooth biting his lip, the longing flashing in his eyes. The sight of it spearing yet more craving into Louisa's belly, her breath, and her fingers shook as she reached for the hem of his tunic, and tentatively slid it upwards.

ButUlfarr was helping her now, his warm hands skittering against hers, guiding the tunic up and off over his head, and into Killik's waiting hand. And when Killik waved Louisa toward Ulfarr's boots and trousers, Ulfarr helped her with those too, first bending up to kick his soft black boots off his huge feet, and then lying back, lifting his hips, so Louisa could pull off the trousers, too. Leaving him lying there fully naked on the bed, his huge, powerful body utterly exposed to her hungry, searching eyes.

Gods, he was gorgeous. Despite all the vicious scars, he was so broad, so well-built, his skin so smooth, the muscles so taut and ready beneath it. Even the hair all over him was lovely too, its thick black threaded with silver, most of all across his chest. And oh, the way he was looking at her, both fearful and hopeful, as if he wanted her to approve, wanted her to want him…

"Even better, ach, woman?" came Killik's cool voice, even as he leaned back in his chair again, propping his booted foot on the bed, and then began casually sharpening Louisa's knife against the whetstone. "You like?"

Louisatwitched a fervent nod, her greedy eyes still running up and down Ulfarr's bared body, as heat pooled low in her belly. AndKillik laughed, husky and only a little mocking, as he nudged her with his own soft black boot, and waved her knife back at Ulfarr.

"Then keep touching him," he ordered. "Show him."

Itsuddenly seemed deeply bizarre, or even profoundly unfair, what with Killik and Louisa both still dressed, and Ulfarr fully naked on the bed. ButUlfarr's eyes on hers were still so hungry, so pleading — and Louisa could only nod, yes, please, as she shifted closer, and spread her hands against the warm, smooth skin of his chest. Feeling it twitch and shiver as his breath exhaled, his eyes fluttering closed, his head tilting back with unmistakable pleasure. Wanting more. Wantingher.

Andwith every tentative touch, Louisa's own hunger hitched higher, too. He was so beautiful, so warm, so responsive. So lovely to touch, to caress, to learn. And it felt so good, so damned good, to stroke over that smooth skin of his broad shoulders, his bulky arms, his solid chest and softer belly. And then back to that scarred, soft bulge at his groin, still just the perfect size to fit in Louisa's hungry fingers.

"Is this — all right?" she croaked at him, as she circled her shaky fingers around his heavy bollocks, even as her other hand kept gently caressing his warm, velvety cock. "It isn't — painful?"

Hervoice sounded far too loud in the hushed, heated silence, as if she'd broken a spell — and beneath her, Ulfarr's big body spasmed, his eyes snapping open. And for a breath, he looked disoriented, alarmed, almost panicked. His gaze darting between her and Killik, and then widening on the sight of Louisa's hands, fully enclosing his cock and bollocks in her careful caressing fingers.

"N-no new pain, thus," he gulped, between heavy breaths. "B-but ach, woman, you ought — I ought — ought to touch you. Tasteyou. Grant you a strong Skai —"

Hischagrined eyes held to his groin again, as misery spasmed across his rapidly reddening face. His mouth contorting, his head shaking, no, no — but Louisa couldn't find words, her body frozen, her eyes darting toward —

Killik. Killik, already snapping forward in his chair, his eyes intent on Ulfarr's flushed face. "Not now, Wolf," he said, low. "I can scent how deeply it pleases her, to touch you and see you thus. You should not wish to cease offering her this, or bringing her such joy, ach?"

Ulfarr'suneasy gaze flicked to Louisa's hot face, to where she was desperately drawing down air, and still fighting to find her voice. And now Killik was looking at her too, his eyes flinty and assessing, his mouth curling into a chilly smile. "And for her next lesson," he drawled, "I ken she wishes to taste you, ach?"

Totaste him. Louisa gasped, just as Ulfarr groaned, his eyes again wide and uncertain on hers — while beside them, Killik just kept smiling, placid and satisfied. "Ach, woman?" he asked coolly. "You wish to kiss my wolf's sweet prick, and taste his good Skai seed?"

Louisa'sheart skipped a beat, but she was already nodding, yes, yes. And with a jolting movement, she bent lower over Ulfarr, curling her fingers closer around that soft bulging warmth, breathing in the hot scent of sweetness, her watering mouth hovering over his scarred skin —

Andthen she pressed a quiet, careful kiss to the tip of it.

Andoh, oh, she was tasting him. Tasting an orc. And fuck, he tasted just as sweet as he smelled, and his low, rumbling moan was even more staggering sweetness, pooling more hungry heat to her groin…

Andmaybe — maybe — also… to his. Because in Louisa's careful fingers, he… shuddered. Spasmed. Almost as if… responding to this. Wanting this.

Oh, hell. Louisa's groan choked from her mouth, and she bent lower again, pressed another soft kiss against him. Lingering longer this time, while he again shuddered and swelled — and this time, that was a brief spurt of sweetness, spreading warm and liquid against her kissing lips. And when Louisa's tentative tongue sought a little deeper, sought the source of it, there was another spurt, and another. Squeezing out with every swelling shudder, wanting to give this to her, oh gods —

"Good, Wolf," Killik murmured, hot and husky. "Feel this woman kissing you, as she should. Scent how hungry she is. See how she longs to suck out your strong Skai seed."

Ulfarrmoaned again, his hips slightly bucking, as he shuddered even fuller between Louisa's lips, and spurted out more hot sweetness into her mouth. And then more, and more, because she was just sucking him now, caressing him with her lips and tongue…

Andin return, he kept growing longer, thicker, harder. As if kissing her back, oh gods, swiping his slick sweetness against her lips, while also expanding within her hand's grip, stretching her fingers apart. Until they weren't even touching around the width of him, and Louisa drew back to look at it, licking at her sweet-tasting lips, as the soft scarred skin at its head slowly, smoothly peeled back. Exposing the fullness of his glossy grey crown, with its deep-cut slit, and yet more visible scars scattered across it.

Damn. It still wasn't quite as large or rigid as that huge stone she'd used, but it was warm, quivering, alive. And its scarred skin was still so soft, sliding so smooth beneath her tentative stroking fingers, and now she could see that thick white sweetness, oozing out from within that cleft. Growing into a shining bead of white, larger and larger, until it slipped downwards, drawing a streak of smooth liquid over all those messy scars. AndLouisa's exhale sounded more like a groan, her tongue again brushing at her lips.

"Do not waste it, woman," came Killik's low hiss. "Drink what my wolf grants you."

Yes, please, and Louisa's glance toward Killik was almost grateful as she again bent low, and began… licking. Tasting. Messier and hungrier than before, trying to catch that sweetness, to lick that scarred shuddering shaft clean all over — but more just kept coming, streaking down all sides of him, coating him in slippery white. Until finally Louisa just swerved back up to the source of it, sucking in that huge pulsing head as deep as she could, but there was no way she could take him any further, it was too much, please…

"Use your hand to pump the rest of him, and milk out more to drink," Killik's voice ordered. "Gently."

Louisagroaned and nodded as she obeyed, pumping him up and down, darting a furtive look upwards. FindingKillik still watching this with glittering eyes, while Ulfarr openly gaped at her, his eyes blown wide with awestruck disbelief. His groan now a low steady rumble, vibrating through his huge chest, and Louisa might have even smiled — or tried to smile — as she gave him another slow, soft, messy kiss, her tongue twining and twisting against him.

Hisgroan broke, his eyes furiously fluttering, so Louisa kept kissing, kept lavishing him, adoring him. Scarcely noticing as Killik's hand shifted downwards, reaching toward Ulfarr's knee, guiding it lower, sideways — until that knee slipped up between Louisa's own trembling thighs. Grinding up broad and powerful against her, oh, just where she most craved it, and she couldn't bite back her gasp, or her shocked, chagrined glare at Killik's smug face.

"Better," Killik said coolly. "Ach, Wolf?"

Ulfarronly groaned again, his body arching as his thigh ground up harder, and Louisa met it, pressed shaky against it, as her watering mouth again found that hard, scarred, leaking head, and sucked it. Revelling in its rich spurting sweetness, its hungry shudders against her tongue, and the truth of Ulfarr writhing and bucking beneath her, his groans harsh and deep. All of it flooding Louisa's senses at once, pouring her full of need, grinding her shamelessly against that big solid thigh. But she couldn't stop, please, and her pleading glance toward Killik found him still intently watching, his brows raised, his knife making a slow circle that meant, more.

Yes, Louisa wanted more, needed more, sucking that sweet leaking crown further into her mouth, slipping her tongue even deeper against its slit. WhileUlfarr's moans wrenched higher, his head tipping back, his huge fists straining against the bed — and Killik's eyes swept up and down the full length of him, his own hand surreptitiously adjusting his trousers, as he again circled his knife at Louisa. Meaning, Do it again. More.

Louisaobeyed, making Ulfarr cry out this time, and it was so much, too much, swaying and weaving through her wheeling thoughts, flooding her mouth and her breath. She was sucking an orc, she had an orc in her mouth, he was huge and powerful and beautiful and he was here, hers, in her bed, in her mouth, in her hands, in her thrall.

Andthere was nothing, nothing like this, nothing she'd ever imagined in all her years, the pleasure and the power coiling, coalescing, his thigh grinding and his cock swelling and his moans rising and rising, flooding even the air with his sweet, stunning surrender. WhileKillik just kept watching, kept circling that knife, his eyes glinting with command, with satisfaction, with bright, feral glee —

"Swallow all my wolf gives you," he ordered, low. "Do not waste a drop, woman."

Andwait, did he mean — but yes, Ulfarr's groans sharpened into a deep, dizzying shout, his bollocks tightening, his huge body rigid all over. And with one last, jolting jerk, he bucked up, and — broke. Thrashing and howling as spurts of hot, succulent sweetness poured into Louisa's mouth, surging and swarming her in a fierce flooding rush. And how could there possibly be so much, so full — and she had to slurp and gulp to keep it in, to swallow, to drag it down, while her helpless, desperate moans choked out around it.

Oh, he was so good. So sweet. Giving her all of this, offering it up to her so freely, and there was nothing like this, no pleasure like this, so strong she was trembling all over, hitching hard against his thigh, his warmth, his —

Herown release smashed through her like a hammer, hurling out blasts of battering bliss again and again. So stunning that Louisa didn't care if she was shouting, or brazenly rutting on Ulfarr's thigh, or if her dress had somehow slipped up, so he could surely feel her slick, starving body clutching and spasming against him. And she didn't even care if Killik was still watching, his eyes dark and blazing, his fingers tight and pale against the knife…

Butthen Killik lurched to his feet. Moved — toward Ulfarr. And there was a flash of his hand, shoving down his own trousers, showing a brief glimpse of a long, scarred grey shaft — and then he grasped a handful of Ulfarr's hair, yanked his head up and sideways, and…

Andplunged himself deep into Ulfarr'sthroat.

Louisafroze, staring, her heart kicking in her chest, her mouth slackening around — around where Ulfarr was still in her mouth, oh gods. He was still in her mouth, his spurting spasms finally slowing, even as Killik gouged into his own throat — and oh, Ulfarr was visibly sucking Killik, working him with his lips and tongue, his eyes fluttering closed, as another low moan rumbled through his huge, trembling body. As if… as if he liked this. He wanted this. He wanted… Killik.

Andoh, Killik let out a low hiss as his head tilted back, his claws scraping red marks against Ulfarr's sweaty neck — and Louisa could feel Ulfarr's cock swelling again, squeezing out more hot fluid between her lips, as his own throat audibly, rhythmically gulped, swallowing all Killik was giving him. And it was so much, it was still happening, what was Killik doing, what the hell was this —

Andgods, what the hell had Louisa just done? She'd sucked off an orc and gotten herself off on his damned thigh, and now he wanted — this?

Toolate, she squeezed her eyes shut, and lurched backwards, off, away. Wiping her shaky hand at her swollen lips, her stupidly leaking eyes, fighting to ignore the bitter, miserable plunge in her gut. Ulfarr wanted Killik, not her, and now — now —

Nowsomething — grasped her arm. Something that made her flinch and flare up, her heart screeching, until —

Oh. Ulfarr. But he was already wincing, drawing backwards, dropping his hand. And the dazed, hungry look in his eyes had entirely vanished, snapped back to — fear. To alarm. To sheer, searching panic.

"For-forgive me, Louisa," he gulped, hoarse. "I did not wish to — displease you, or disappoint you. This was — such a great, great gift to me, and if there is aught I could do to — to return this, or show you the depth of my — my —"

Oh, gods, oh no, he was struggling for air, he was breathing hard, as if he was about to weep. "P-please," he gasped. "Please do not — send me away, or my kin, for my failing. I have no intent, I had no intent, cannot bear to bring more shame, more harm, more blood and wrath and death, I am —"

No, no, it didn't even make sense, it was as though he wasn't even seeing her, his eyes wild and glazed, the whites of them visible all around. "Please," he gulped. "Please, I am sorry, I —"

ButLouisa couldn't bear another moment of it, no — and she shook her head as she lurched back toward him, and grasped his hand tightly in hers.

"N-no need, sweetheart," she rasped, before she could stop it. "Nothing to worry about at all. I was just a little — overwhelmed. Not used to having such a lovely, handsome orc in my bed, is all."

Ulfarrblinked back at her, as vivid disbelief flared through his wide panicked eyes — and fuck, maybe Louisa was still lying, maybe he could scent it, and she squeezed his big hand tighter, brought it to her lips. "This was wonderful," she choked, and she meant it. "You were wonderful. The sweetest, most stunning lover I've ever had in my life."

Thedisbelief kept shifting in Ulfarr's staring eyes, but with it was something new, something with less panic in it, so Louisa kissed his hand again, and fought to draw up a true, genuine smile. "You're beautiful, sweetheart," she whispered. "Absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad you came back here tonight."

Ulfarrkept blinking at her, unmoving, now looking almost stunned, or confused — and Louisa smiled again, kissed his hand again. "Now, how do you like to relax afterwards," she managed. "Are you one of those men — er, orcs — who needs a pipe? A snack? A raid in the kitchen?"

ButUlfarr just kept blinking at her, churning up more frantic, anxious unease in her belly — was he overwhelmed, unhappy, unwell? AndLouisa couldn't stop her half-pleading, half-accusing glance up at Killik — fucking Killik — who was now just standing there like a useless slug, and staring at her, too. With his trousers still sagging around his arse, and his own slack, scarred grey cock hanging brazenly out the front, still wet from Ulfarr's mouth.

Butthen he twitched all over, and yanked up his trousers with a jerky hand. And he shot Louisa a look she couldn't at all read as he sank down to sit on the bed beside Ulfarr, and his hand — now with its claws somehow drawn in — reached to spread against Ulfarr's heaving bare chest, and gently stroked down it.

"He likes best to be petted, ach, Wolf?" Killik said, his voice clipped. "To be cared for, and tended to, with sweet words and touches."

Louisablinked, her eyes darting back to Ulfarr's face, to where he still looked stunned, dazed, and maybe — maybe even ashamed. As if an orc wasn't supposed to want to be petted, or to need care or comforting, even as his big body — which was still sitting up — visibly tilted into Killik's touch.

"How fortunate, sweetheart," Louisa managed, with another smile toward him. "Because that's just what I'd love to do to you next. If you're willing, that is."

Butoh, Ulfarr was already nodding, jerking his head with surprising intensity, even as his eyes stayed dazed and disbelieving on hers. AndKillik's other hand slid to his shoulder, guiding him downward, until he was lying on his back on the bed between them, his eyes darting from Louisa, to Killik, and back again.

"Good, sweetheart," Louisa murmured, and her hand joined Killik's on his heaving, sweaty chest, caressing him with as much steadiness as she could muster. "Does this feel all right?"

Ulfarr'snod was again rapid and fervent, his gaze flicking faster between them, and Killik made a low shushing sound, and slipped up his hand to pat Ulfarr's cheek. "Good, Wolf," he said. "This was all so good, ach? You have brought this woman much joy, this night."

Louisanodded, smiling, still stroking Ulfarr's hot chest, feeling the thud of his heartbeat beneath it. "So much joy," she breathed. "So good. So sweet."

Ulfarr'seyes looked so dazed now, like he was lost in a dream, but the tension in his mouth had softened, his expression gone almost reverent, or even worshipful. AndLouisa could have wept with her relief, and she swallowed, and bent down to press a brief, careful kiss to his hard cheek. "So lovely, sweetheart," she whispered. "And you'll come back again soon, won't you?"

Ulfarr'snod was slower this time, his eyes shining on hers, and Killik's hand slid up into his silver-streaked hair, his fingers threading slowly through it. Doing it again and again, gentle and deliberate, until Ulfarr's eyes had begun to flutter closed, and his hand groped up to grasp to Killik's other wrist. AndKillik grasped back, his other hand still caressing, as Louisa kept stroking his broad chest, feeling his breaths steadily deepening, his heartbeat thudding slower, slower.

Ulfarr'seyes finally fluttered closed, his breath drawing in — and then exhaling in a faint, telltale snore. AndLouisa could almost feel Killik's sudden, sinking relief, his shoulders sagging, his hand dropping from Ulfarr's hair.

"He shall be himself again when he awakens," he said, quiet and curt. "I should be grateful if you could then seek to set him at ease, and send him home."

Hedidn't wait for Louisa's answer, and instead lurched to his feet, and stalked toward the window. As if — as if he was going to leave, just like that. And too late, Louisa leapt up after him, scrambling over Ulfarr, who still — thank the gods — seemed to be fast asleep.

"Wait!" she hissed at Killik. "You can't just — leave! Not without —"

Shebroke off there, clamping her mouth shut, because what the hell did she even want from him? But curse it, Killik had already spun around to face her, his lip curling, his hand still clutching her knife. "What, must I now pet you to sleep also?" he snarled. "MustI offer you both my wolf, and my pride?"

Louisarecoiled, blinking wide-eyed toward him — and then she whipped her head back and forth, her hands tightening at her sides. "You were the one who wanted this, you prick!" she shot back. "And you could have damn well told me about —"

Hervoice caught, her eyes darting toward Ulfarr's sleeping body in the bed, and before her, Killik gave a low, dangerous growl. "I told you all you needed to know, woman," he hissed. "I told you he is oft not himself. I told you he has faced deep darkness, and is oft empty and fearful and alone. AndI told you, just yesterday" — his lip curled higher — "that I feared for him. And that women hold much power for him! What more do you wish from me!"

Louisa'smouth opened and closed, her heart kicking erratically in her chest, tangling with a strange, hurtling misery. "Well," she gulped, "maybe you could have told me that you had no intention whatsoever of keeping your promise not to touch him! And that you'd be sure to jump in at the most pivotal moment, and remind us all who's really in charge! And who your wolf really wants!"

Hervoice shamefully hitched, catching on something much like a sob, and for an instant, Killik stared at her, his eyes blazing — and then he barked a dark, furious laugh, jabbing her sharpened knife toward her. "If you ken," he hissed, low and deadly, "he did not want you, you are far greater a fool than I thought! I have never scented him thus, in all my days, and I ken this has mayhap ruined him for all I might offer him!"

Louisastared at him, and then jerked a wild shake of her head. "Oh fuck off, you snake," she snarled. "He sure as hell wanted you, too. He wanted you sitting there watching him, and touching him, and telling him what to do! He was nothing like this yesterday, without you!"

Andwait, why was she even giving Killik this, giving him this damned power over her, that flash of bitter satisfaction in his eyes. "Ach, you speak this, woman," he drawled, "but here you yet seek to forbid me from touching him! You wish to deny him this!"

Andto deny Killik this, was his clear meaning, and Louisa scoffed, too loud and mocking. "I'm not denying him anything," she shot back. "You're the one who's still running around welcoming all and sundry into your bed! And whether you like it or not, I'm allowed to have a boundary that I don't want them all in mine! AndI told you that from the beginning, and yet you still wanted to proceed, so how the hell is that my fault?"

Killik'sgrowl had kept rising as she'd spoken, his lean body almost vibrating with rage. "Eight — more — nights, woman," he rasped, punctuating each word with a jab of the knife, dangerously close to Louisa's face. "For eight more nights, I shall honour this, and deny Wolf my touch and my comfort and my seed. But after this" — he bared his teeth — "I shall be gladly free of you for the rest of my days, and shall never set eyes upon you again!"

Oh. It felt like he'd hurled that knife straight into her heart, like he'd taken all that dizzying warmth and pleasure and smashed it before her eyes. And why couldn't she breathe, why was her chest crumpling like this, she couldn't weep before him, she couldn't…

"I'm sure that will be lovely for us both," she somehow managed, through her too-thin breaths. "Now get the fuck out of my house."

Therewas an instant's dangling stillness, a spasm in Killik's throat — and then a laugh, low and vicious, as he spun on his heel, and strode to the window.

"With joy," he snarled, without looking at her. "And if you dare touch my wolf again this night" — a low, vicious hiss in the darkness — "it shall be to your doom."