Chapter 19

Bedtimefound Louisa pacing back and forth across her bedroom, her hands in fists, as that promise of Killik's echoed again and again through her skull.

He shall learn to please you.

Itbrought up stunning visions of Ulfarr, of his beautiful body, his deep voice, his gentle hands — but just as strong were the visions of Killik. Killik's lessons, Killik's hands on her shoulders, Killik's hair falling around his face…

But— no. Damn it, no. Louisa wasn't supposed to be thinking about Killik. Killik wasn't even supposed to be part of this. This was supposed to be about helping Ulfarr, and securing her future, and escaping LordScall. ForgettingLordScall, forever. Findingpeace.

AndKillik didn't even want her, right? He didn't care about her. He'd been truly horrid last night, and he hadn't even actually apologized, had he? No. No. Eight nights. That was all.

Butan evening had never passed so slowly, and Louisa nearly tripped at the sudden sound of a tap at the window behind her. And when she whipped around toward it, she found — Killik. Killik hovering his head in the window, and — predictably — rolling his eyes toward her.

"What is it?" Louisa hissed at him, once she'd thrust the sash open. "Is something wrong?"

Morealarm flared in her chest, because what if Ulfarr couldn't come after all — but Killik rolled his eyes again, and shook his head. "Naught is amiss," he said. "Wolf awaits you in the stable, this time."

Inthe stable? Louisa wrinkled her nose, while visions of cramped stalls and scratchy hay swarmed behind her eyes. "Really?" she said doubtfully. "And what about Joan?"

Joanoften worked late, Louisa well knew, but again Killik shook his head, his eyes wryly amused this time. "She is busy with your other sister," he replied. "Offering her comfort, I ken, after I brought such terror upon her today."

Oh. Louisa blinked at him, because he didn't mean — or wait, surely, he did. And though she'd occasionally wondered about such a connection between Joan and Elise, it was also none of her business, especially when she was here setting up clandestine meetings with an orc. With two orcs. In a stable.

"So none shall witness this," Killik said firmly, "and we have readied it for you, also. Now come."

Withthat, he spun around, and dropped from the window entirely. And when Louisa blinked downwards in the faint moonlight, he was already on the ground, striding off toward the stable with smooth, rolling steps.

SoLouisa took a deep breath, and then grasped her lamp before heading downstairs. Stepping as quietly as she could on the stairs, and pausing on the ground level, straining to hear toward Elise's room — and yes, that was the sound of a murmur, and then a bright, breathless laugh.

Itwas good to hear Elise happy, at least, and Louisa headed out into the night's cool darkness with genuine relief, and a rising, hitching eagerness. Ulfarr was here. Waiting for her. And now Killik was going to teach him to please her…

Herheart thundered as she stepped into the stable, and found Killik waiting by the ladder to the hayloft. "Up," he said, as he stalked over, and snatched the lamp from her hand. "Carefully."

Louisanodded and began climbing, her face already burning, her feet foolishly tripping on her skirts. She'd ended up wearing her cleanest, neatest day dress, after far too much consideration earlier in the evening — but it suddenly felt woefully inadequate, and now all her doubts from the night before were rushing back, too. DidUlfarr still really want this, what if he decided to leave again after all —

Butthen Louisa halted, blinking over the top of the ladder into the hayloft, because yes, Ulfarr was here. Here, sitting stiffly on a small carpet of soft-looking furs, with several square haybales scattered about. While behind her, Killik leapt up into the hayloft, and then went to sprawl on one of the haybales, his dagger already in his hand.

"Sit," he told Louisa, jabbing his dagger toward Ulfarr. "Settle yourselves together, and speak."

Louisaswallowed, but nodded and obeyed, aiming a shaky smile at Ulfarr as she sat down across from him on the fur. "Hello," she said, her voice thick. "How — how are you?"

Ulfarr'smouth twisted, and his big shoulder shrugged, his eyes shifting with obvious unease. WhileLouisa's heartbeat pounded louder, her breaths already coming fast and shallow. What was she supposed to say next, what did she do now, this had been a bad idea, the worst idea…

"Skai-kesh save us," Killik muttered, snapping both Louisa and Ulfarr's heads toward him — and he loudly sighed, and irritably circled his dagger between them. "Undress. Both of you."

What? Louisa jolted all over, and Ulfarr might have flinched, too. ButKillik only raised his brows, and again circled the dagger between them. "You had your chance," he snapped. "Now you shall do as I say, or you shall leave. AndI said, undress."

Acrossfrom Louisa, Ulfarr grimaced and nodded, and after an apologetic glance toward her, he bent forward, and began pulling off his boots. WhileLouisa's heart just kept pounding faster, because this meant… she was going to be fully naked with an orc. With two orcs. And they hadn't come anywhere close to that the night before, and…

"What is amiss, woman?" Killik said, frowning toward her, as Ulfarr pulled off his tunic, and began shuffling out of his trousers beside her. "You cannot now be longing to leave?"

Hisvoice sounded incredulous, his eyes increasingly impatient — and maybe confused, too. Because he had to know how much Louisa wanted this, and she hauled in more breath, and searched for her courage, for an answer. Truth, woman, he'd told her the night before. He should far rather hear you.

AndLouisa wanted to keep trying. To be honest. To move past LordScall, to forget LordScall. LordScall was dead…

"No, I — I want to stay," she managed, attempting a wavering smile toward Ulfarr's face. "I'm just — a little nervous. It's been a long time since I've been fully — undressed with anyone."

Thewords hovered there between them, bare and appallingly shameful, while Ulfarr's head tilted, his brows drawing together — and then Louisa flinched at the feel of Killik's soft boot, nudging at her knee. "There is naught to be nervous about," he said firmly, as he jabbed his dagger toward Ulfarr beside her. "Look at Wolf. Ought he to feel nervous thus, when he is bared here with you?"

Louisaexhaled and glanced back toward Ulfarr, who was now indeed fully undressed, his head still tilted, his eyes searching hers. Watching her, waiting for her answer, and Louisa fought to consider the question, glancing up and down his seated body on the fur. Catching on his rugged, lined, handsome face, his neat silver-streaked braid, his broad powerful shoulders, his scarred chest, his softer belly. And even his slack, scarred cock, bulging out small and chubby beneath the wholly inadequate concealment of his veined, muscled forearm.

"Ach?" Killik demanded. "Is there shame in this? Speak this."

Louisatook a breath, choked a hoarse little laugh. "Of — of course not," she gulped. "He's — stunning. Gorgeous. But it's — different, with him, and —"

"No, woman," Killik broke in, with an aggravated wave of his dagger. "How is this different? This is just the same! The only difference is that you long for Wolf, and he longs for you! AndI ken he has been dreaming of you undressed since the first moment he saw you, so why should you deny us this!"

Hesounded truly irate, his eyes flashing, as his impossible words twisted and tangled in Louisa's chest. Why should you deny us this.

Us, he'd said. Us.

Killik'seyes flicked away, and surely he hadn't meant that, surely it had just been a slip of the tongue. But it kept pulsing there, swirling and simmering between them, and finally Louisa jerked a nod, and fumbled her shaky hands at her dress. Yanking at the buttons, pulling it up and off over her head. And then kicking off her boots, her stockings, before tugging at her stained shift, and hauling that off, too.

Itleft her fully naked and shivering on the fur, with every single scar, bulge, and imperfection on display for the eyes of two watching, judging orcs. AndLouisa couldn't even look at them, couldn't bear to see their faces. What were they thinking, please…

"Now you speak, Wolf," came Killik's voice. "Tell her what you think upon this."

Therewas an instant's horrible silence, the misery scraping up Louisa's spine — and she could feel Ulfarr's slow exhale, prickling against her bare, quivering skin. Against her breasts, her belly, he was looking at her, he was going to say…

"You are — lovely, Louisa," said his low, hitching voice. "Mayhap the loveliest sight I have ever set eyes upon."

What? No. He was taunting her, this was some kind of trick — but when Louisa's eyes darted up, searching Ulfarr's face, his expression was earnest, almost painfully so. "So lovely," he repeated, quieter. "I am honoured to witness such a gift."

Louisacouldn't seem to breathe, or look away from his sober, intent eyes. And when his hand slipped toward hers, his fingers curling warm and safe around her palm, she didn't even twitch. Just watched, her heartbeat stuttering, as he brought her hand to his mouth, and gave it a slow, careful kiss.

"See?" came Killik's clipped voice, from where he was now stretching on his haybale, and smirking with distinct satisfaction. "AndI can scent this as Wolf's truth, woman. So you shall now accept this, and settle yourself. Mayhap now" — his smirk drew higher — "in Wolf's lap."

Louisa'salarm skittered again, her hand spasming in Ulfarr's, her eyes snapping to his face. To where his cheeks looked oddly flushed, his black tongue brushing his parted lips…

"Only — should you wish, Louisa," he rasped, as he gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "You ken you must not always obey Killik, ach? This is always your choice, and —"

ButLouisa had already flailed forward, lurching shaky and awkward toward Ulfarr, crashing into his solid bare body with shameful, pathetic urgency. And for an instant, there was only more shrieking alarm, because what the hell was she doing, what would Ulfarr do, his muscles stiffening against her, his wide eyes darting toward Killik, who —

Nodded. And even smiled, brief and approving, as he reached out his dagger, and tapped its blade against Ulfarr's cheek. "Good," he said firmly. "Now breathe, and settle, both of you."

Right. Ulfarr twitched and nodded, his body slowly relaxing beneath Louisa, while Killik's eyes flicked back and forth between them. "Sink into him, woman," he ordered, "and feel him draw up into you. Feel how warm and strong he is. Ach?"

Itwas just the same way he'd spoken that afternoon in the forest, when Louisa had nearly fallen into the bog. And to her vague surprise, it felt almost instinctive to obey, to curl up sideways in Ulfarr's lap, to sink into the solid steadiness of him. So warm and strong, just as Killik had said…

Ulfarr'sbig arms slowly circled around her, drawing her closer against him, tucking her into his chest. And oh, it felt so good, his warm bare skin so smooth and alive against hers, his breaths steady and slow. His hands gently spreading, stroking against Louisa's back and shoulder, and her breath shuddered out in a sigh, her eyes fluttering closed. Gods, how long had it been since someone had just touched her, held her like this, breathed in against her hair…

"Good," Killik said again, and when Louisa blinked toward him, he did look pleased, spinning his dagger in his fingers. "Now, again, we speak. Mayhap" — his lips pursed, his brows raising toward Louisa — "you tell him of how you spent this day."

Louisamanaged a nod, and drew in a deep, fortifying breath. "Well," she began, "Killik took me hunting today. And he got a buck for us!"

Hervoice sounded far too shrill, and it belatedly occurred to her that Killik had probably already told Ulfarr this, right? And beneath her, Ulfarr's body indeed didn't betray any surprise, and his hands kept stroking, tentative and slow. "And how… was this?" he asked, his voice just as careful as his touch. "DidKillik shout at you, or swear to bind you to a tree if you spoke to him?"

Wait, he was making a joke — and Louisa's laugh was wry and genuine, her head shaking. "He was actually — very patient," she said, with a glance toward Killik's face. "He's an excellent teacher, and I learned a lot."

Shecould almost feel Ulfarr's surprise beneath her, while Killik shrugged, and looked away. "Ach, I ken this was only because you did not babble at me all day," he replied, with a careless wave of his hand. "Or stomp about making noise at the worst moments. This was almost… restful."

Louisablinked, while beneath her, Ulfarr's chest faintly shook, in what might have been a laugh. "This is true praise, Louisa," he murmured, "for Killik never finds humans restful, ach?"

Hisvoice sounded warm, almost easy, and Louisa sank closer into him, flashing a brief, grateful smile up at his face. But he was looking at Killik, who again rolled his eyes, and huffed a loud snort. "You humans speak too much," he said archly. "Always speaking, prattling on and on and on, whilst never taking time to watch, and listen, and learn. Never asking the right questions, or" — he jabbed his dagger toward her — "allowing the truth of the answers. Never seeking the other side of the tale!"

Therewas surprising vehemence in his voice, enough that Louisa stiffened in Ulfarr's arms — but Ulfarr only cleared his throat, and drew her a little closer. "Ignore him, Louisa," he said. You ken if he is forced to be kind all day, this is oft what comes next."

Hesounded almost indulgent, his eyes soft on Killik's face. And to Louisa's vague surprise, Killik's eyes softened, too, and he barked a laugh, and kicked his foot at Ulfarr's knee. "Traitor," he snapped. "Ought to bind you to a tree, instead."

BehindLouisa, Ulfarr's breath drew in, short and sharp — and when Louisa glanced up again, his eyes were glinting on Killik's face. As if he would very much enjoy being bound to a tree by Killik… and wait, that was new, wasn't it? And curse it, that was not jealousy, plummeting low in Louisa's belly — and maybe Killik had caught that, glancing narrow toward her, and away again.

"Now keep speaking, both of you," he snapped, waving his dagger between them. "And keep touching her, Wolf. Cover her all over with your hands, so she shall scent fully of you."

BeneathLouisa, Ulfarr betrayed a curious shiver, his hands stilling on her skin — but he was still so warm, so damnably comfortable, that Louisa sank closer into him, and twitched him a hopeful little smile. As if… as if she did want him to keep touching her, and yes, yes, she did. And what was she supposed to do, speak about something, anything, so he would keep going…

"Um, well, Killik also told me more about your camp," she said, a little rushed. "And how you're trying to help your clan, and give them a safe place close to your mountain."

Somethingflared in Ulfarr's eyes, warm and surprised — and yes, his big hands were touching again, one slipping tentative toward Louisa's hip, the other skimming up her shoulder. "Ach, this is truth," he replied. "In days past, our clan oft had camps like these. Women oft prefer them to the mountain, and it is good for our young brothers to run free under the sky, and learn our Skai ways. These camps bring gain to our mountain also — they serve as outposts, and as a refuge for any passing orcs. Skai travel the most out of all the clans, so we ought to bolster this, and offer our brothers safety."

Itwas perhaps the most Louisa had ever heard him speak at once, and the enthusiasm was almost palpable in his voice, in his touch. And it was easy to keep smiling back up toward him, to sink deeper into the caress of his warm hands. "Do you still have other Skai camps as well?" she asked. "Or were they all… taken, during the war?"

Shebelatedly grimaced, recalling how LordScall had raged against the province's hidden orc camps. How he would seek to hunt them out like fox-holes, and then come home covered in fresh blood. But no, no, LordScall was dead, dead…

"Ach, many camps were taken," Ulfarr replied, his voice rough, his exhale fluttering at her hair. "But three now yet remain, all to the west and south of the mountain. We have long wished for one to the north, and now" — his hand spasmed, just below her collarbone — "you have granted us this, Louisa. This is… a great kindness."

Oh. Louisa's skin was prickling, her body sinking deeper into his touch. "I'm — glad to help," she said, and then gasped as his warm hand stroked lower. Skimming over her soft breast, the rough skin of his thumb brushing her nipple, sending out sparks of heat and hunger all around it…

"Ach, she likes that," Killik's voice cut in, his eyes glittering. "More, Wolf. Both hands. Gently."

Ulfarrnodded, darting a grateful glance toward Killik, and then he slipped his other hand up, too. Both hands cupping and cradling Louisa's breasts at once, now, and oh, it felt so good, arching her against his solid strength…

"Good," Killik murmured, his dagger circling, saying, keep going. "I ken she wishes for more, Wolf. One of your hands down her front, mayhap."

Yes, please, and Louisa couldn't stop her full-body shudder, her pleading look up at Ulfarr's eyes. And that was a low, heated groan in his throat as he nodded, and slipped a hand downwards. His fingers spreading over her belly, gently smoothing lower. Easing slow but certain toward where Louisa most wanted it, craved it…

"Ought to make her more comfortable, I ken," Killik purred, his smug smile quirking at his lips. "Turn her to face me, mayhap, so she can lie back against you."

Therewas no thought of refusing, no resisting. Just following the purposeful movement of Killik's dagger, the careful guidance of Ulfarr's strong hands. TurningLouisa so she was facing Killik, her back flat against Ulfarr's chest, her bare arse jutted against his groin, which — she shivered all over — felt distinctly more prominent than before. WhileKillik appeared entirely unaffected, looking them both up and down, and then leaning forward, and tapping Louisa's knee with his dagger.

"Open wider," he ordered. "So my wolf can touch you, and learn you."

Andoh, this wasn't happening, Louisa wasn't doing this, nodding, shifting, obeying. AndUlfarr was even helping, lifting her lower body with astonishing ease, so she could settle lower between his big crossed legs, and… spread her knees wide over his.

Itwas a shocking, thoroughly compromising position, with Louisa's body now fully, blatantly on display — not for Ulfarr, but for Killik. For where Killik was still sitting over them both, his eyes cool and assessing, lingering for far too long on the sight he'd exposed between Louisa's spread legs, oh hell.

"Good," he said, husky. "Now touch her there, Wolf. Claws in. Gentle."

Louisacould feel Ulfarr's nod, his shaky exhale, the tremble of his fingers against her thigh. But yes, yes, he was doing it, his warm hand slipping down further, closer…

Louisagasped as it skimmed between her spread thighs, just brushing against her — but Killik's dagger was still circling, his eyes alight. Watching as Ulfarr's hand lingered, skating over where Louisa already felt swollen and hot, quivering against his gently stroking fingers. But he just kept touching, slipping up and down against her clutching wetness, flaring out bright spikes of sensation with every juddering breath…

"How is she," came Killik's voice, as his eyes flicked between Ulfarr's face, and Ulfarr's hand between her legs. "Is she wet and hungry for you? Enough to touch inside?"

Ulfarr'sshudder wrenched through them both, his fingers skittering against Louisa's slick, pulsing heat. "A-ach," he croaked. "Very much."

Louisa'sface burned, her leg reflexively drawing in — but Ulfarr's gentle hand held it there, making her obey, showing her off for Killik, oh gods. Showing how his finger could slide up and down, lingering against where she was brazenly grasping at him, welcoming this, wanting this…

"Good," Killik said, husky. "One finger, then, to start."

To start. Louisa's groan escaped on its own, her body desperately trembling against where that thick gentle finger was again… obeying. Nudging closer, firmer, carefully seeking its way… and then pressing, slow. Sinking its way inside her, filling her breath by breath, while Killik watched, judged, with such cool, approving eyes…

"Deeper," he ordered. "All the way."

Ohgods, oh please, Ulfarr was doing it, sinking further and further, that one finger feeling far too large, too powerful, please. AndLouisa choked as she felt the last of it, his warm hand pressing close against the curve of her, his finger buried fully inside.

"Good, woman?" Killik asked her, brows raised, and somehow Louisa nodded, shivering against Ulfarr's strength behind her. To which Killik smiled, dark and dangerous, as he kicked his foot at Ulfarr's other hand, still gripped against Louisa's thigh. "Now use this hand upon her, too. Mayhap she can show you how it could best bring her pleasure."

Louisawas scarcely following, barely breathing, but that big hand skittered toward hers, again seeking to oblige, to obey. Wanting her to show him what felt best, and it was just this, just his warm fingers gently grinding against the top of her opened crease, while his other hand kept pressing below, that finger still buried inside.

"Only thus?" Ulfarr murmured, soft in her ear, and Louisa fervently nodded, her breaths heavy and gasping as her body trembled and circled, pressing into his safety, his touch, his everything…

"So good," she choked, tight in her throat. "You feel so good, sweetheart."

Ulfarr'sbreath caught, in something that felt like disbelief, or maybe a shocked little laugh — while before them, Killik smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Good," he said. "Now give her more, Wolf. Wish to see her full of you. Writhing and whimpering upon you."

Hisvoice lowered as he spoke, his eyes hooded and hot, and both Louisa and Ulfarr shivered as Ulfarr drew in a deep breath, and again… obeyed. Gently drawing his first finger out, and then nudging a second one in alongside it. Easing it in slow and careful, stretching Louisa wider and wider upon it, filling her full of him, please…

"Good," Killik said again, his voice hitching. "More."

More? Oh, it was already so much, so full, everywhere, inside and outside, and Ulfarr hesitated again, too — but Killik's laugh was low and scornful, his tongue dragging against his lips. "I watched you swallow his rassja whole, woman," he drawled. "I ken you can bear three fingers for us, ach? Breathe, and open."

Fuck, fuck, and yes, Louisa was nodding, gasping, opening wider — and oh, that was the third finger, obediently nudging up beside the first two, and slowly, gently pressing. Stretching her wide open around him, tight and strained and spasming, but she dragged in deep breaths, fought to relax, to welcome it. While those fingers kept sinking deeper, filling her to her limit, just to the edge of pain —

Butthen they stilled, buried deep inside, because yes, yes, they'd done it. AndLouisa was gasping and shivering all over, impaled deep on an orc's strong jutting fingers, while Killik just sat there and watched. His throat bobbing, his black tongue brushing his lips, as he reached down beside the haybale, and drew up —

The— the replica itself. The huge stone — rassja, he'd called it. Here. Now.

Louisa'sheart skipped, her body jolting to stillness — and behind her Ulfarr flinched too, his breath hissing out harsh against her shoulder. WhileKillik smiled again, a little softer this time, and held the — rassja — out toward them. TowardUlfarr.

"Now, I ken you ought to welcome this, Wolf," he said. "Ought to see how she shivers and squeals upon it. Uponyou."

Ulfarrhesitated, his breath still heavy against Louisa's neck, and her own face was burning, her eyes darting wildly between them. ButKillik just kept waiting, holding it out, holding his gaze on Ulfarr's face.

"For it is yet you, Wolf," Killik added, husky. "Even if this rassja was not made after you, it is yet you, granting her this. It is you, offering her this pleasure. Ach, even if this was another Skai ploughing her, here in the flesh, it is yet you — for she is yours, for these next nights. Yours to open and plough and please as you wish. Ach?"

Louisashould have countered that, somehow, but instead she just kept waiting, searching Ulfarr's face. At where he looked just as stunned as she felt, his face flushed, his mouth tight, his eyes intent on Killik's. As if he were truly considering this, facing this…

Heswiped for the stone with a sharp jerk of his hand, but oh, now he had it, he was holding it, turning it around with easy familiarity, guiding it down between Louisa's splayed thighs. And then — Louisa spasmed, choked — he slowly, gently drew his slick fingers out of her, and instead nudged that smooth round hardness against her opened, clutching heat.

"You are sure?" he whispered, close in her ear, and Louisa gasped and nodded, already craving it, consumed by it, shaking all over at the feel of it. Its huge strength already slipping deeper, spreading her open around it, oh…

"Ach, thus," Killik murmured, his eyes held on the sight, his dagger making slow circles in midair. "Open her wide for you, Wolf. Fill her with you. Make her feel you."

Fuck, yes, Ulfarr was doing it, guiding it in deeper, and his other hand had resumed its stroking, circling gently above the huge stone stretching her open. And it was so much, too much, most of all with Killik watching like that, his eyes still brazenly fixed on the sight, on Ulfarr's hand guiding the stone deeper, deeper, deeper...

"More," Killik purred, as Louisa shuddered and moaned. "Fill her with as much Skai as she can bear, Wolf. Can you scent how she longs for this? For you?"

Ulfarrgroaned, and that was a nod against her shoulder, as the stone pressed in even deeper. So much more intense than his fingers, invading and conquering her breath by breath, until Louisa was impossibly, unthinkably full, her entire body writhing against him, her moans high-pitched and helpless, please…

"Good, ach?" Killik's cool voice asked, and in the spinning shouting chaos, Louisa couldn't tell if he was asking her, or Ulfarr — but they were both nodding, shivering together, and Killik's smile drew wider, hungrier. "Now more, Wolf. Wish to see you ploughing your hungry woman. Making her spurt and squeal upon you."

Oh, hell. Louisa gasped, as Ulfarr growled behind her, his face ducking into her neck. His own cock's hardness now straining behind her, streaking wetness against her back, while the one in his hand began slowly moving, gently slipping in and out of her, as his other hand kept grinding exactly where she wanted it. The hunger hitching and swelling, wheeling higher with every touch, every slick slide of his thick strong stone…

Louisacouldn't stop trembling, now, her thighs quaking hard, her body helplessly spasming against his slow, steady thrusts. The sounds wet and lurid, now, slurping out shamefully between them — but Killik didn't seem to care, his eyes fluttering as he watched, his dagger still circling, saying, More, more, more. And yes, Louisa needed more, needed all of it, arching and writhing for it, so close, so close, please —

Theecstasy charged through her with a shout, a desperate careening crush, crumpling her against Ulfarr's stone again and again and again. So good, so right, so glorious, the release and the relief flying and flailing and finding — safety. Safety in Ulfarr's huge body all around her, beneath her, inside her, and safety, somehow, in Killik's hooded watching eyes, too. In the immutable truth of his presence, his dagger, watching and guarding over them, guiding them to this pleasure, this peace.

Andit was peace, now, only peace, as Louisa's eyes fluttered closed, her shaky, boneless body collapsing back into Ulfarr's solid warmth. Her awareness floating, whispering away, only vaguely noticing as Ulfarr drew out the stone and then sank sideways, settling them both down onto the fur. It was so soft, he was so warm, and Killik's voice was so far away…

"Good, Wolf," it was saying, flickering low into Louisa's ears. "Now rest, ach?"

Louisacould feel Ulfarr nodding, his fingers spreading against her skin, his breath exhaling heavy into her hair. And it was so easy, so right, to curl closer into him, into that warm thud of his heartbeat, into those strong arms circling around her, her thoughts twining away into darkness…

Whensomething — nudged her. From behind. SnappingLouisa's heavy eyes open, whipping her around to where — oh. Killik. Jabbing at her with his boot, as his eyes angled brief but purposeful toward — her house.

"Do you wish to sleep here, woman?" he asked, his voice carefully light. "I have elsewhere to go after this, so I shall not be here to awaken you before sunrise."

Right. Louisa's stomach dropped, and she squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head. No, no, she couldn't risk sleeping here, and having her staff wake up to find her missing — or worse, curled up in the hayloft with an orc. But — wait, was this just a tactic to get her away from Ulfarr? And — was this why Killik had wanted to meet out here? Because unlike in Louisa's bedroom, now he could send her away, and keep Ulfarr all to himself, and as soon as she left, he would break his word to her, and —

Butbeside Louisa, Ulfarr had stiffened and shoved up too, his brow furrowed, his eyes clouded with confusion. "You are — leaving, Killik?" he asked thickly. "Why? Where? What must needs now be done?"

Killikshrugged and glanced away, his mouth thin. "Naught of import," he said, a little too casually. "AndI yet wish you to sleep here for a spell, Wolf, and heal."

And heal. Louisa blinked at Killik, and then at Ulfarr, who was grimacing, and shifting his forearm downwards. As if seeking to cover his groin, where he was now fully soft again, but — wait. Wait, was that blood? But yes, yes, it was blood, seeping out dark red from inside him, dribbling down his thigh toward the fur.

"Oh, hell, sweetheart," Louisa gulped, her eyes wide on Ulfarr's face. "Was — was that — something I did? Or didn't do? Damn it, I didn't even —"

Shewinced and shook her head, because curse her, she hadn't even touched him, or attempted to return his generosity in the slightest, had she? And now he was lying here wounded, bleeding, and looking at her like this, with such mortified misery in his eyes.

Butthen — another nudge of Killik's boot, jabbing light but purposeful into Louisa's bare side. "I told you, woman, these are old wounds, and have naught to do with you," he said, clipped. "Or what you have done, or not done. This only comes upon him now and then, and I ken he would not have wished it touched tonight at all. Ach, Wolf?"

Ulfarr'smouth contorted, his eyes dropping, clearly betraying the truth in Killik's words — and wait, was this why Killik had directed them the way he had, too? OrderingLouisa into Ulfarr's lap, wanting her to face him, giving them all those commands. Not because Killik had actually wanted to see her, or please her, but because… because he hadn't wanted her trying to touch Ulfarr. He hadn't wanted her to bring Ulfarr pain.

"Oh," Louisa managed, over the sudden lump in her throat. "Well. I — hope you heal quickly, Ulfarr, and I'm sorry I — didn't realize. I still had — such a lovely time. Thank you."

Therewas only silence from Ulfarr, another twisting grimace on his mouth, and finally Louisa jerked away, groping for her clothes, yanking them on with shaking hands. Because suddenly she just needed to leave, needed to be away from him, from this, from them. Seven nights, only seven more nights, now, and how did she keep forgetting that? And even if Killik wasn't yelling and raging this time, he'd still made his point just as loudly, made Louisa's place just as clear. No matter how many hunting trips he took her on, no matter how much pleasure he gave her, he still only cared about Ulfarr. This was only a deal, only about gaining her land, her freedom, her future. And that was all.

Buteven as Louisa lurched up, her eyes fixed on the hayloft's ladder, something — grasped her. Something hot and powerful and — familiar, curling around her wrist.

Louisaflinched, whipped around toward it — but she was already relaxing again, because it was only Ulfarr. And when he blanched, and hurriedly released her wrist, she even clutched for his hand again, squeezing it tightly in hers. Because she — she liked Ulfarr touching her. She wanted Ulfarr touching her. Ulfarr was… safe.

"What is it, sweetheart?" she asked him, searching his eyes. "Is there anything else you need?"

Ulfarr'sbig shoulders heaved, his pained eyes rapidly blinking on hers. "I only —" he rasped, wincing, shaking his head. "I wished to say — if you should ever wish to — to visit our camp, I should be most honoured to — take you there. Show you."

Really? Louisa's eyes widened, as a slow, genuine smile pulled at her mouth. "That's — very thoughtful of you," she said. "I would — love that. Of course. Anytime."

Ulfarr'sbreath exhaled, his stiff shoulders sagging, and he smiled back toward her, small but true, the warmth shimmering in his eyes. And then he brought Louisa's hand to his mouth, pressing a soft, sweet kiss against it. And for a breath, she only wanted to throw herself at him, curl back up in his strong safe arms, forget Killik, forget everything…

Butshe could still feel Killik behind her, could almost taste his rapidly rising anger, scraping against her skin. Because she surely wasn't supposed to have agreed to such a thing with Ulfarr, this was only supposed to be seven more nights, right?

Butshe couldn't seem to take it back, couldn't bear to break that hopeful smile on Ulfarr's face. And finally she twitched backwards, away, drawing her hand out of Ulfarr's warm grip, away from his soft sweet mouth. Away, past Killik, past his frowning, disapproving eyes, scramble down the ladder, away…

Andthough Louisa kept her head bowed as she went, she could still feel Killik's eyes, burning into her, dragging down her back with seething, unsettling certainty.

He's mine, they said, without speaking a word at all. Seven more nights, and then I shall never set eyes upon you again.