Chapter 46

Theystayed up late into the night, intensively discussing their plans for the SkaiSummit. First working through a draft schedule, and then priorities for safety and security, and finally, a list of possible activities, games, and events.

"What kinds of games and activities would you consider traditionally Skai?" Rosa asked Ulfarr and Killik, as her quill raced across what must have been her dozenth sheet of paper. "Something your fathers would have done, maybe? Or their fathers?"

Killikand Ulfarr exchanged a thoughtful look, and it was Ulfarr who spoke first. "Knife-throwing, and tracking, and sparring-matches, always," he said slowly. "AnySkai gathering ought to have a sparring tournament. But" — he grimaced — "we should not wish to frighten the humans with blood or wounds, either."

ButKillik's mouth pursed, his head tilting. "Unless we could gain a healer for the Summit. ASkai healer, mayhap."

"Wait, there are Skai healers?" Rosa cut in, her voice sharp. "Who? Where?"

Killikshook his head, and twitched a wry half-smile. "Only one," he said, "up in the north. Though we may regret inviting him, I ken."

ButRosa was already writing it down, and frowning irritably between them. "What else?" she demanded. "What other Skai secrets are you keeping from us?"

Ulfarrwas still looking thoughtful, his fingers drumming on the table. "I have not seen rope-walking since I was an orcling," he said, with a wry glance toward Killik. "ButI should like to see you try this, pup. And do you recall the hirthskalds who once ran in Sichfrith's pack?"

Killikcracked a bright, sudden laugh, his eyes glinting on Ulfarr's face. "Ach, and their wild tales," he replied. "And how they sought to best each other with their drums and flyting! They were as fierce as any warrior, I ken."

Ulfarrwas grinning now too, and his hand dropped to grip Killik's knee under the table. "I should like to see you try this, also," he said. "You and Louisa together, mayhap."

Louisa'sbrows snapped up, and Killik angled a brief, lingering glance toward her, as though he might have been considering it — while Rosa frantically took notes, her mouth set thin. "I have never heard of this before," she said, sounding scandalized by this fact. "And you will do it, Killik. And then explain to me all about it!"

Killikrolled his eyes at her, but didn't actually argue, either. "We could also show forging, and rope braiding, and rope swinging," he added. "And what about honey hunting? I yet remember my father climbing to the treetops with a pole and a basket."

Rosa'sbreath caught, and she scribbled even faster. "Brilliant," she said breathlessly. "This is an excellent list, thank you. And" — she shot a piercing glance between Killik and Ulfarr — "you'll also tailor some of these activities for orclings and children, right? So you can both lead some classes during the Summit, too?"

Ulfarrblinked, while Killik's brow furrowed — and before either of them could speak, Rosa frowned, and waved her quill between them. "Teaching is absolutely an extensive Skai skill, whether you realize it or not," she said flatly. "And the Summit is the perfect time to showcase that, and maybe also to start advertising for your school, too. Because you are going to start a school here, aren't you? A satellite for the mountain's school, perhaps?"

Wait. Killik and Ulfarr were going to start a school? Here? But when Louisa gaped between them, they weren't at all arguing this, just exchanging a long, meaningful look. "Ach, mayhap, if Louisa would welcome this," Ulfarr replied carefully, with a glance toward her. "The orclings here ought to have a school, so they do not fall behind. But we do not yet have a safe place we can devote to this."

Hecast a rueful look across the room, to where a few telltale moans and slaps were emanating from the beds beyond the curtain. WhileKillik gave a disgruntled huff, and pointed his dagger toward Rosa. "Wewished to dig more rooms and tunnels here for this," he snapped, "but the Ka-esh have left us to moulder at the bottom of their fool list!"

Rosasniffed and kept writing, seemingly unconcerned. "I told you, I have no control over that list," she replied primly. "And you ought to have a better sense of your school's potential attendance before you start sourcing a venue anyway — especially since you might have human children wanting to attend, too! Now, I've added classes to our list, so" — she raised her brows between Killik and Ulfarr — "is there anything else you can think of to add? Or anyone else we ought to consult with?"

Ulfarrand Killik exchanged another glance, and finally Ulfarr took a breath, squared his shoulders. "I should yet wish to ask — Simon," he said slowly. "Not only upon these games, and the school — but whether he and Maria would welcome this Summit at all. I have vowed to honour and serve them, and I should never wish them to see this as a stand from me against them."

Noone argued this, though neither Rosa nor Killik looked pleased about it, either. "I can write him a letter, I suppose," Rosa replied, without enthusiasm, as she pulled out a fresh sheet of paper. "Can you have it sent to him as soon as possible? We don't have much time to prepare all this."

Ulfarrnodded, while Killik huffed a sigh, and swiped the sheet of paper out from under Rosa's nose. "We shall write the letter," he said, as he plunked the paper in front of Louisa. "Make it as pretty as you can, woman."

Louisablinked at him, as something simmered in her belly — Killik wanted her to write the letter, on their behalf? But yes, he was watching, waiting, his brows raised — so she nodded, and took Rosa's proffered quill. And then began writing, doing her damnedest to make the letter as clear, compelling, and respectful as she possibly could.

We truly feel this event would honour and celebrate Skai culture, she wrote, while also helping to protect the camp, and build connections with the broader community. We want to offer Skai an opportunity to rest and play and learn together, while also meeting new friends and possible mates. And if you would welcome it — she shot a furtive look at Killik, but wrote it anyway — we would be delighted to host you as our guests of honour.

Butonce the letter was done, both Rosa and Ulfarr praised it, and even Killik looked grimly satisfied. "Igull is on the mountain run tonight," he told Ulfarr, as he passed the sealed letter toward him. "Have him wait for Simon's reply, and bring it back tomorrow, ach?"

Ulfarrnodded, and clasped both Killik and Louisa's shoulders before striding out of the room. WhileRosa began gathering up her papers, a satisfied smile on her mouth. "Excellent work," she said. "Now, tomorrow we'll need to start preparing advertisements and invitations, and organizing security, and planning distribution and outreach. And also" — she narrowed her eyes at Killik — "this doesn't mean you can stop your plans for updating and preparing your camp, either. I'd also suggest you arrange a special place for Simon and Maria to stay when they visit, too. Something large enough for them and their sons."

Killikgave a deep, exasperated groan — as well he might, since Rosa and her family were now staying in the kofi they'd originally planned for Simon and Maria. "And also," Rosa continued, with relish, "we'll need to decorate! And some signage would be helpful, don't you think? And" — she wrinkled her nose at John-Ka, who was still watching her with fond approval — "I have a thought about digging those tunnels. None of us will like it, though."

Onthat ominous note, she swept up her papers, and sailed from the room, with John-Ka close behind her. LeavingLouisa and Killik alone at the table, looking at each other, while those gasps and grunts kept filtering from beyond the curtain. But it was late, and the room was otherwise empty, and Killik slowly stretched in his chair, his eyes glittering on Louisa's face, and then…

Heleapt up, and grabbed her. Gripping her waist, hoisting her up bodily onto the table, so he could… so he could start shoving up her skirts.

"Killik!" Louisa hissed, darting a look toward the door, where anyone could walk in at any moment. "What the hell are you doing!"

Sheshould have expected that derisive roll of Killik's eyes, the mocking scoff in his throat. "Climbing a tree," he replied. "Playing a lute. Churning butter."

Louisa'scursed mouth twitched, even as she sputtered an incoherent protest back toward him. While he just kept prodding her upper body back to lie on the table, so he could crowd himself between her legs, oh gods…

"I am finally gaining some relief," he snapped, as he snatched his dagger out of his hair, and flipped it in his fingers. "For thanks to you, I have borne naught but toil and pain all this eve! Ka-esh come to stay! Classes for human younglings! Another new kofi! A school! Decorations! And a SkaiSummit for Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Rejuvenation!"

Hisvoice was viciously sharp, but it wasn't at all matched by the bright, gleaming glint in his eyes. As if he… didn't really mind. He was only… barking at her. Seeking to play.

"You are such an ungrateful cockroach!" Louisa managed, between her already-gasping breaths. "We're just trying to help you! And help your camp! And —"

Hervoice wrenched into a yelp, because Killik had snapped his dagger toward her mouth, and… thrust its blade between her teeth. Not sharp, not painful, only the blunt length of it pressing long against her mouth, just enough to stop her from speaking.

"I said, I wish for relief," Killik drawled, his eyes glittering, as his hand reached down to the front of her dress, and began yanking it open. "And peace, and quiet. Not a wild Skai harpy wailing yet more demands at me!"

Louisasputtered and glared at him, gritted her teeth against that dagger — and she should have just spat it out, thrown it straight back at him, but she didn't. She didn't, and Killik kept smirking at her as he grasped that chain belt on her dress, and drew it out with a flourish.

"So you shall behave for once, woman," he drawled, as he swiped for her arm, and thrust it down to the table's hard wood above her head. "And you shall learn."

Oh, gods, he wasn't doing this, shoving her other arm up over her head alongside the first — and then wrapping that chain swiftly around her wrists. Binding them close together, and then deftly swinging the chain's other end down around the table leg, and — trapping her there. TrappingLouisa here, on this table, in this public room, with a dagger between her teeth, and with — she shot a chagrined glance downwards — her entire front now bared for his cool, glinting eyes. Except for that leather loincloth, hanging over where her legs were now spread around his hips…

Butwith an easy flick of Killik's hand, the loincloth flipped up, too. While his other hand yanked down his own trousers, revealing the sudden, shocking sight of his rigid leaking cock. Waiting, hovering, jutting straight out toward her…

"Better," Killik breathed, his eyes gleaming on the sight. "Now open wide, woman."

Oh, hell. AndLouisa should have argued, or made some effort to extract herself — right? But instead, she was… nodding. Obeying. Opening her thighs wider, waiting, breaths gasping and heart pounding, as Killik leaned forward, lined them up, and then plunged himself fast and deep inside.

Louisa'smoan rang through the room, her body convulsing and clamping against Killik's jabbing strength inside her — but he hadn't betrayed even a gasp, and was already drawing out again. And then snapping back inside, hard enough to make her teeth clack on the dagger, her breasts jiggling for his cool watching eyes.

"Even better," Killik drawled, as he drew out again, and sank back inside. "You are so much sweeter, woman, when you are stuck silent and shivering upon a strong Skai prick."

Louisagrowled and glared at him, but still didn't spit out the dagger, and he smirked at her as he kept plunging, faster and harder, his bollocks slapping, the slick sounds rising between them. AndLouisa's groans were rising too, thick with longing and craving and frustration, and curse him, Killik was enjoying this. He was doing this on purpose, making a damned show of her, his smug eyes sliding sideways, toward —

Ulfarr. Ulfarr, standing just inside the common-room's door, and staring at them. His lips parting as his eyes swept over Louisa's chained hands, her blocked mouth, her juddering jostling breasts, and Killik still pounding away between her legs.

"Come mark this, Wolf," Killik said, without even a catch in his voice, or a break in his rhythm. "She has finally stopped with the ceaseless demands, ach?"

Ulfarr'smouth twitched, and he strode over toward them, his hand adjusting the front of his trousers. "Killik," he said, as he came to stand behind him, his eyes still raking up and down Louisa's chained, jiggling body. "She may yet wish to speak."

Histone was admonishing, even disapproving, but it didn't at all reflect the hungry glitter in his eyes, the brush of his black tongue against his lips. WhileKillik rolled his eyes, and then reached and snatched the dagger from Louisa's mouth. "Ach, then, woman?" he demanded. "Aught to say?"

Louisagulped for air, tugged at the chain, and glared up at Killik's face. "Such a tyrant," she gasped at him. "Such an arrogant, belligerent degenerate, so obsessed with your damned show —"

ButKillik promptly shoved the blade back in place between her lips, and gave Ulfarr a smug, placid smile. "See?" he said. "Much better to shut her up, you ken."

Louisagrowled back at him through the dagger, and Ulfarr's tongue again brushed his lips, his eager eyes flicking back and forth between them. As if he liked this, wanted more of this, and Killik's grin quirked higher as he searched Louisa's flushed face.

"And if she thinks this is degenerate, Wolf," he drawled, "I ken she needs another lesson, ach? And a better seat in my show."

Wait, wait, what did he mean, but he was slowly drawing out again, bobbing fully free of her with a slick squelch. And then he gripped both hands at Louisa's thighs, and shoved them upwards, backwards, toward her chest. So his glistening, dripping length could slide further down her slippery open crease, lower and lower, until…

Louisachoked, her body quaking all over, her eyes jolting wide — but Killik only raised his brows, and kept giving her that cool, challenging smile. Waiting for her to refuse this, perhaps, to spit out his dagger and demand he release her. To tell him she would never allow him to do such a thing, let alone where anyone might walk in and see it. And perhaps more importantly, where Ulfarr would see it…

Butwhen Louisa darted a glance at Ulfarr, his eyes were still warm, glittering, approving. As if he wanted this, too — and he'd even shifted closer, so he could stroke his hand against her hot sweaty cheek. "Should you ever need it, Louisa," he murmured, "this is our sign to stop."

He'draised his other hand, fingers outstretched, and flicked it sideways. A small movement, but an obvious one, and one that could still be used with bound wrists, too. AndUlfarr was telling Louisa this, because Ulfarr wanted this — and gods, yes, she wanted it too. Enough that she nodded at him, at Killik, and then made that circling motion with her hand, instead. Saying, Keep going.

Killik'sgrin curved higher, and yes, he was gently prodding into Louisa now, into that place where even LordScall had never once touched her. And it felt so foreign, so strange, Killik's hard tip seeking into her tight rim, and — oh — maybe even sinking a little inside. Because they were both so wet and slick already, and she could feel more of that thick fluid sputtering out of him, seeping its way inside her, oh…

"Careful, pup," murmured Ulfarr's low voice, making Louisa's heart skip — and his glinting eyes were intently watching this, one hand again adjusting the bulge in his own trousers, as his other hand stroked Killik's back. "Be gentle, and slow. Grant her as much seed as you can, to ease the way."

Fuck. Even his voice twisted Louisa's hunger harder, surging it deeper into her belly. And perhaps Killik felt it too, because instead of making some snide comment in return, he only nodded, and shifted his grip on Louisa's thighs. So he could drop one hand down to his cock, and begin… pumping. Milking himself with firm, steady strokes, and Louisa could feel his gently invading tip shuddering against her, squeezing out more of that slickness inside her, so he could sink a little deeper, please, yes, please.

Hiseyes stayed intent on what he was doing, on his body slowly, slowly pressing into her, sinking deeper and deeper, opening her wider and wider. He was doing this, Louisa was doing this, craving this, needing this. She was bound and gasping and arching on a table, in public, as an orc coolly, casually fed himself into her most secret place, skewering her whole upon him, while a second orc watched, and approved.

"Breathe, Louisa," Ulfarr murmured, as his warm hand slid down, and curved against one of her heaving breasts. "Seek to be soft for my pup, and open."

Right, right, and somehow Louisa nodded, and obliged. Dragging in a deep, desperate breath, drawing up the strength of the table beneath her, willing her body to relax, to welcome this. To welcome Killik's hard intruding flesh, still pressing in breath by breath, pushing his way through her resistance, slower, and slower, deeper and deeper, until…

Shearched and groaned as Killik's skin met hers, his hips jutted tight against her arse. Because he was inside her, he was all the way inside her, his cock straining and pulsing, his eyes hazy and hungry on her face. "Ach, thus, woman," he breathed. "And now, you need another strong Skai ploughing, I ken."

Louisagasped through his dagger and glared at him, even as her body powerfully clamped against his invading strength — and she didn't miss Killik's low hiss through his teeth, his cock's long, sustained spasm inside her. WhileUlfarr hissed too, his eyes angling narrow and flinty toward Killik's face. "I said, gentle, pup," Ulfarr ordered, as his own hand carefully stroked Louisa's peaked nipple. "And guide her through this with you, also. You shall not harm her."

Killikbetrayed another hard shudder inside her, but again, he didn't argue, or protest. And instead, he even bowed his head toward Ulfarr, and swiftly signed something that might have been, I understand, Wolf, before meeting Louisa's eyes again.

"Keep breathing, woman," Killik said, low, as he slowly began sliding himself out again. "Follow my breaths. Draw up strength from my strong Skai prick inside you."

Oh, gods, he wanted Louisa to draw strength from that. And it was absurd, ridiculous, but somehow — somehow — she was doing it. FollowingKillik's breaths, feeling that power of him still inside her — and when she clamped tight, as if wanting to stop him from pulling out any further, he obliged, and waited. Waited, holding her gaze as he let her clutch him, feel him, pull that strength from him.

Andwhen her bound hand jerked another sign at him — keep going — Killik obliged with that, too. Sliding slow and careful back into her, breath by breath, and then waiting there, buried all the way, while she shuddered and grasped against him, drew up his air and his strength, the truth of his body within her, filling her, making her his, oh.

Ulfarrwas still watching it, the warm approval flashing in his eyes, as his hand kept stroking Louisa's jiggling breasts. All of it so strong, so painfully intimate, so close and raw it ached. Killik's breaths guiding, Ulfarr's hand caressing, as Killik's cock just kept on plundering, easing in and out, so slow and steady, and so thoroughly, desperately devastating. She needed this so much, craved him so much, please…

Anddid Killik know it, could he see it, just looking at her with those half-lidded eyes as he ground himself deeper, pressing, straining, gouging — but fuck, now he was groaning, stiffening, hissing hoarse and low. And suddenly she could feel his hot fluid flowing, flooding up into her, deeper and deeper, while he quaked and spasmed and crumpled inside her, oh gods, oh gods…

Andfor a breath, as Louisa gasped and shuddered and took it, there was an unthinkable, appalling urge to — to weep. To weep, and to spit out that dagger, so she could beg him to keep going, to give her more. And maybe even to ask if she'd proven it, if he would stay, he would forget the three nights. Or was it just two now, no…

ButKillik's eyes had already dropped from hers, holding on the sight of their joined-together bodies. On where he was now prodding in and out a little, giving a probing little circle inside her, making her gasp and twitch with every slight movement.

"I ken you could now try a turn, Wolf," he said toward Ulfarr, smooth and almost casual. "She is soft and wet, and there is not a trace of pain in her scent."

Oh. Oh, sweet gods, he wouldn't, they wouldn't. But something flared in Ulfarr's eyes, something damnably like eagerness — and he reached up, and carefully plucked the dagger from Louisa's mouth. "Is this good for you also, Louisa?" he murmured, as he absently slid the dagger back into Killik's topknot. "Might you wish to try more?"

Louisa'sgroan choked out on its own, her head rapidly nodding. "Yes," she gulped. "Yes, Ulfarr, please."

Thewarmth and the approval flashed across Ulfarr's eyes, his hand gently caressing her face. And then he reached down, loosened his belt, and drew out his huge, dripping cock.

Damn. It looked even more massive than Louisa remembered, and he wanted to put it — there. And gods, wait, was this even physically possible? Surely it wasn't, not even with Killik still there inside her, and circling a little stronger, as if opening her up more, oh…

"Ach, she longs for this, Wolf," Killik drawled, his eyes glittering on her face. "Longs to prove she can handle the most powerful seat in my show."

Louisagroaned again, and valiantly attempted a glare up toward him. "And then it's your turn, you great snake," she managed, through her shaky breaths. "We'll finally get to see you impaled on your own damned dagger."

Killik'sscoff was loud and instant, but there was no denying the sudden shudder of his cock inside her. While a low, husky groan rumbled from Ulfarr beside him, and oh, Ulfarr was stroking his own exposed length now, his hand sliding smooth and brazen, pumping out an ever-lengthening string of glossy white. And his eyes darting between Killik and Louisa looked hopeful, even reverent, as he leaned sideways, and drew in a long, deep breath against Killik's hair.

Killikrolled his eyes back toward him, but he didn't actually protest, and finally he began drawing out of Louisa, away. The feeling so strong, so strange, and she gasped as he slipped free with a soft wet sound. Leaving her empty, and — and open. So open, damn it, her body lax and slack and fully on display, with Killik's hot seed now seeping out from inside her…

Killikand Ulfarr were both looking, blatantly watching it, and oh, Killik even grasped a familiar hand to Ulfarr's straining shaft, drawing him closer toward Louisa, toward there. Until that dripping-wet head just gently brushed against her, and both Louisa and Ulfarr groaned at once, as Killik coolly began stroking. Pumping out more of Ulfarr's seed onto her, into her, as Ulfarr settled a little closer, and Louisa felt the full dizzying breadth of his slick nudging cock, oh gods.

"You are sure, Louisa?" Ulfarr murmured, with a searching glance at her face. "You yet wish for this?"

Eventhe question stirred something, flaring it stark in Louisa's chest. He was again asking, making sure it was her choice — and she was facing this, she was speaking truth, she was proving this. Hers.

"Gods, yes," she gasped. "Please, Ulfarr. Please, give this to me."

Butthere was no judgement in Ulfarr's eyes, only relief, and hot hungry approval, and maybe another glimmer of that reverence. "I shall be honoured to grant you this, Louisa," he murmured, as he again reached up, and stroked her sweaty face. "And you shall again follow my pup's good guidance amidst this, ach? And speak or sign to us of any pain?"

Louisa'snod was again rapid, fervent, and oh, the way Ulfarr kept looking at her, as his huge hardness nudged closer, deeper. Not pushing, not demanding, just letting her feel him there, feel the warmth and the power of him, that hot fluid still steadily pulsing out from inside him…

"Breathe with me, woman," came Killik's low order, darting Louisa's eyes back toward him. "Draw up from Wolf's great strength within you."

Right, that again, and yes, yes, she would. FeelUlfarr's strength, welcome him, draw from him, let him come a little closer, a little deeper…

"Good," Killik said, his eyes glinting as they flicked downwards, and then back up again. "More. Breathe. In, and out."

Hisshoulders purposefully rose and fell as he spoke, making it easy for Louisa to follow, and she was suddenly, frantically grateful to him, nodding as she followed, in, and out. And in, and out, again, and again, softening, opening, welcoming that prodding warmth, willing herself to let it in…

Shemoaned as it pressed a little harder, opening her wider, but Killik was still here, still holding her eyes, still breathing in and out. "Good," he said again. "He feels good, ach?"

Louisajerked another nod, her eyes darting to Ulfarr's flushed, reverent face. Because yes, yes, he always felt so good, always — but somehow, doing this here like this together, while Killik watched, it was more than just pleasure. It was something even deeper, raw and rippling and… right. She was safe. She was alive. She was whole.

Shewas theirs, and they were hers.

Andwith another desperate, dragging breath, Louisa bore down, and… welcomed it. Welcomed the full, impossible girth of that gently prodding head, the slow inexorable stretch of it, opening her wider and wider around it. Until she was taut and straining, quivering and gasping at the shocking tightness of it, the whispering promise of pain — but oh, a cool touch of fingers to her cheek, tilting her head, drawing her eyes back to his face. Killik's face, Killik's glittering eyes, Killik's steady, deliberate breaths.

"More," he murmured. "Draw up the Wolf of the Skai's great strength. Make this yours."

Hers. And yes, this was hers, she wanted this, she needed this. And she would draw up that strength, drink up its stretch and its burn, its power and its safety. She would open more, welcome more, feel it fully spreading her, breaching her, ramming its way inside her, oh…

Shearched and cried out at the truth of it, the utter unreality of it, because Ulfarr was — inside her. Inside her. And his eyes were blazing, his broad shoulders heaving, his huge invading flesh spasming, juddering even fuller. Quaking her whole body upon it, because oh, they were fully locked together, stuck together, trapped. Hers.

"Good," came Killik's low, heated purr, and oh, he was truly smiling at her, without even a whisper of mockery in his eyes. "Now keep breathing, and swallow him deeper, whilst I make you dance."

Louisanodded again, swift and urgent, dragging in another breath — and yes, yes, Killik's clever fingers were now slipping downwards, sliding against her slick, open, spasming crease. Stroking it, oh gods, teasing it, while she bucked and cried out, her taut invaded body clamping on Ulfarr's stabbing strength, and then… softening. Opening. Taking more.

"Ach," Ulfarr groaned, his eyes rolling back, and oh, Killik's smirk only drew higher, his playing fingers delving a little deeper. Scattering out more impossible, overwhelming sensation, shivering Louisa all over, gripping her harder against Ulfarr, swallowing him deeper, oh…

"Ach, dance for us, woman," Killik breathed, heavy and hot, as his fingers kept taunting, playing, stroking. "Show us how hungry you are for my wolf's perfect Skai prick. Show us how you quake and squeal for him. How deeply you long for him, and his strong Skai seed."

Itwas too much, so much, consuming Louisa from the inside out, but she was still nodding, yes, yes, as her stretched, burning, overfilled body writhed and shouted, her arms straining against the chain. "Yes," she moaned, helpless, lost. "Yes, Wolf, yes, Killik, oh gods, please."

Itdidn't make sense, nothing made sense, nothing but the power and the pleasure plundering her, consuming her, wrenching her inside out. AndKillik's stroking hand, his sinking fingers, pressing even deeper, his low voice crooning, taunting, in her ear. "Keep begging, woman. Beg for my wolf's power, and his seed."

Yes, yes, Louisa's trapped body bucking and dragging for air, her eyes frenzied on Ulfarr's flushed, stunned-looking face. "Please," she gasped. "Please, Wolf, grant me your power, and your seed. I need it, I need this, I need you."

Andfuck, fuck, Ulfarr was staggering too, his groan rising to almost a roar — and then he was breaking, bellowing, as his strength inside her shuddered, and sprayed. Surging out its molten seed in burst after burst, flowing into where it already felt so full from Killik, but there was still more, pulsing and squeezing and filling, finding room, flooding her with both of them, hers, hers, hers…

Andit was that certainty that finally wrenched Louisa to the edge, to the dazzling shimmering height — and then it all crashed down in furious flashing torrents. Clamping her against Killik and Ulfarr again and again and again, wrenching them tighter and tighter together, wringing out more of that hot sweet seed, drawing up their strength, making it her own. Hers.

Thetruth of it crackled and shimmered and swayed, spinning the room around them, and for a brief, beautiful moment, there was only peace. Only certainty, and contentment, and that same quiet, whispering rightness. Hers.

Itwas Killik who shifted first, his hand snatching away from her, while Ulfarr just stayed there, breathing hard, as his body slowly softened inside her. His eyes gone hazy and hooded, his lips parted, his cheeks deeply flushed. "I — I th-thank you, Louisa," he stammered, his voice rough. "You are — this was —"

Louisaswallowed and nodded, her smile quivering on her mouth. "So good," she whispered. "So fucking good, sweetheart."

Ulfarr'seyes fluttered as he nodded back, his groan rumbling low from his throat. "Ach," he rasped. "You are so — right, Louisa. So fierce, and so true. So — so Skai."

SoSkai.It sounded grateful, almost worshipful, hovering there between them — but then Ulfarr's eyes flared with unease, with panic, as they darted toward — toward Killik. Toward where Killik's expression was carefully distant again, his hand flipping a dagger back out of his hair.

"Ach, she is Skai," he said, clipped. "You ken I would bring you a simpering Grisk? Or a bossy, nattering, vexing Ka-esh?"

Heshot a baleful look toward the door, his mouth twisting with genuine, bitter distaste. Enough that Louisa suddenly seemed caught in it, blinking up at Killik's face. He'd complained about the Ka-esh so often, more than almost anything else…

Andmaybe it was the lingering contentment, or Ulfarr's half-hard strength still within her, or that still-whispering truth. Hers. But somehow, Louisa drew in a breath, met Killik's eyes, and finally just… asked. "What do you have against the Ka-esh, anyway? What did… what did they do to you?"

Becausethere had to be something, right? Killik could be petty, yes, and vindictive, and cold — but he always had a reason for what he did, too. And even if he was frowning, now, holding his gaze purposefully away from her, Louisa could still perhaps follow it, because so many of Killik's reasons seemed to have to do with…

Hereyes trailed back toward Ulfarr, to where his face looked more drawn than before, his swallow spasming in his throat. "I… near had a mate, once," he said, very quiet. "But she… left me. For a Ka-esh."

Oh. The sympathy stabbed through Louisa's chest, together with the swirling comprehension — and a stark, rising disbelief. "But — why?" she demanded. "How could she possibly have left you, sweetheart? What the hell was she thinking?"

Toolate, she winced, and clamped her fool mouth shut. But damn it, she'd said it, and now Ulfarr was staring at her, his eyes flaring strange and intent. While beside him, Killik's lips pursed, and he gave a firm clap to Ulfarr's shoulder. "Ach, just thus, woman," he said flatly. "And just as I have told him, again and again."

ButUlfarr grimaced, and shook his head. "The blame was not hers," he said. "I was oft… burdened, back then, and heartsick, and wrathful. And she did not wish to bear a rut to become my mate, also."

Right. The rut. The… sharing. AndLouisa's still-rising sympathy caught, stuttered, because yes, that was still an appalling requirement to put on a woman, especially that possibility of bearing another orc's son…

ButKillik's snort was sharp, scornful, and his dagger waved irritably at Ulfarr's chest. "You spoke not a single harsh word to that fool woman," he snapped. "You doted upon her, just as you doted upon your pack. And in this rut, you should have lavished her with pleasure, until she was screaming for more — and you should have made sure she bore your son, also!"

Louisablinked blankly between them, because how could any orc have made sure of such a thing — but Killik had already followed the question, his gaze flicking toward her face. "There are ways," he said, clipped. "Ach, lest the orc in charge has weakened seed, as long as he goes first — and takes his time and care upon this — the son shall always be his."

Oh. The vision of Ulfarr taking time and care upon another woman, making sure to grant her his son, was coiling in Louisa's belly, burning tight in her throat, oh gods. And she was not going to weep over something so foolish, she was not…

"Well," she said, with a wavering smile at Ulfarr's still-haggard face. "She still would have been a very lucky woman, then. And" — she swallowed — "I'm sure she's missing you now, sweetheart. And your favourite pup, too."

Fora long moment, Ulfarr blinked back toward her, looking blank, almost dazed. And then he slowly bent forward, closer over her, so he could — so he could inhale, his nostrils flaring as he drew in deep. As if he was seeking to prove this, to scent her truth in this…

Andoh gods, maybe he thought Louisa was lying, and she pulled in another thick, unsteady breath. "I mean, not to say Killik still isn't an arrogant tyrant," she said, too quickly, "but he does put on a good show, don't you think?"

Andcurse her, what was she saying, why was she giving Killik this, again — and what was Killik thinking, what was that odd glint in his eyes, flicking from her, to Ulfarr, to her again…

"Ach, I had naught to do with that woman," Killik finally said, his voice flat. "She was Wolf's alone. Andshe would not allow him to touch any others, either. Most of all me."

Oh. Just like Louisa hadn't allowed Ulfarr to touch Killik either, at the start of all this. And then that woman had taken Ulfarr away from Killik, she'd hurt Killik, and then… then she'd turned around and hurt Ulfarr, too. She'd left Ulfarr, and left Killik to pick up the pieces.

"Well, clearly you're both better off, then," Louisa said, a little too sharp. "And to be fair to her, she's probably better off too, because you two probably never would have been able to stay away from each other. You'd have ended up sneaking around in some dark tunnels somewhere, chaining each other up, while she was stuck at home alone and pregnant!"

Therewas another instant of startled silence, Ulfarr's eyes still blinking with odd intensity on Louisa's face, while Killik huffed a wry chuckle. "Wrong, woman," he replied. "ForWolf does not chain me up, ach?"

Louisalaughed too, rolling her eyes at him. "Not yet, you mean," she said, as lightly as she could. "But now that I've kept my part of the bargain" — she gave a shaky nod down toward where she and Ulfarr were still locked together — "we now have a new show to look forward to. The one where you're stabbed on this huge dagger of his, and screaming for mercy."

Shegave Killik her coolest, most complacent smile, as he scoffed and sputtered, jabbing his dagger toward her face. "You need to prove this first, woman," he snapped. "AndI told you, a true Skai woman does not just swallow her orc's prick, and sit pretty upon it. She must welcome its rutting, and its good strong ploughing!"

Louisascoffed back at him, because gods, he was enraging, he was changing the rules to suit him, like the slimy snake he was. And she should be saying all that, demanding Killik keep his part of the bargain, and instead she was only thinking of…

"But," she said, and was that a crack in her voice, "we only have — two nights left. Right?"

Yetmore silence followed her voice, falling like a heavy crushing weight, and she couldn't at all follow that look in Killik's eyes, in Ulfarr's eyes. In how they were looking at each other, holding too long, too intent — until Ulfarr's eyes squeezed shut, his head jerking a curt nod.

Andblinking up toward him, it occurred to Louisa — for perhaps the first time — that Ulfarr wouldn't defy Killik in this. And even if she had tried to concoct some plan to keep seeing Ulfarr after this, or to steal him away altogether — he wouldn't have done it. He cared about Killik too much, about his family, about Sune.

Andmaybe Louisa should have been hurt by that, or insulted — but instead it only wrenched the longing deeper. Ulfarr was such a good father. Such a good partner. And she was going to miss him so much, miss them so much, and she wasn't going to weep again, she wasn't —

"Ach, two more nights," Killik finally said, into the taut silence. "Two more nights to show us your mettle, woman. To prove how you dance, how you beg, how you scream."

Itsounded hard, merciless, almost menacing — but Killik's eyes were glinting, with a look Louisa knew all too well. And suddenly it caught, clutched, careened through her screeching thoughts.

Becauseit was — it was still the challenge. Wasn't it? She had two more nights to show him. To prove this.

"Fine, you absolute tyrant," Louisa said, breathless, as the hope pounded through her heart. "Two more nights."