Chapter 50

Whenmorning came, the whole world felt… changed. Felt bright, and shimmering, and new.

Maybeit was just waking up in a tree, with the cheerful birdsong all around, and the dappled sunlight peeking through the entwined branches of the kofi's roof. Or maybe it was Ulfarr's soft steady snores, and the relaxed contentment on his sleeping face.

Ormaybe it was Killik. Lying sprawled and sleepy on Ulfarr's other shoulder, squinting a bleary eye over at Louisa — and then shoving up onto his hands and knees, and prowling over Ulfarr toward her. Flicking at Ulfarr's cheek on the way by, enough to stir him awake, and then turning his attention back to Louisa, rolling her onto her belly, settling his lean warm body over her. And then — Louisa gasped — his slick prodding head slipped into her crease, and found the place Ulfarr had filled the night before. It was still supple and soft, almost as if waiting for this, welcoming this — and in a smooth, single stroke, Killik sank himself deep inside.

Louisamoaned and writhed at the sudden shock of it, but there was no thought of protesting, not in the trees and the sunlight and the birdsong. And not with Ulfarr now lying on his side watching, his head propped on his hand, an approving smile curving on his mouth. "Gentle, pup," he murmured, husky. "She may yet be tender from last eve."

ButKillik only snorted, and even gave a light slap to Louisa's bare arse. "She is yet wide open and dripping wet from you, Wolf," he said coolly. "I ken she can scarce feel this, ach, woman?"

Louisacould still most certainly feel it, and she shot a disdainful look over her shoulder toward Killik, even as she shuddered and groaned. And oh, that was Ulfarr's hand on her cheek, Ulfarr's soft, searching gaze on her face. Still making sure she was safe, even now, and she twitched a smile at him, between her sharp, shaky gasps.

"Your pup is a — a tyrant, Wolf," she breathed, as Killik picked up speed, his bollocks slapping against her skin. "An infuriating, unfeeling tyrant — who can't let anyone else — run his show — for one damned day!"

ButUlfarr only smiled back at her, so fond and approving, while Killik gave her arse another stinging slap, followed by a snap of teeth near her ear. "Ach, just thus," he purred. "You are learning, woman. Now be good, and suck your fresh Skai seed deep, where it belongs."

Oh, hell, he was already grinding, gouging, his claws pricking into her shoulders — and that was yet more flooding heat, pooling in fast and deep. Filling her, yet again, and it should not have felt that good, that… right. AndUlfarr should not be leaning over to kiss Killik like that as he poured out, slow and filthy with tangling tongue — and then drawing away and guiding up Louisa's face, so he could kiss her, too. Sending more shivery rightness up her spine, especially when Killik sagged heavy against her back, and then yawned, and gave a slow, luxurious stretch. "Better," he murmured. "Now behave, woman, and mayhap I shall grant you more."

More. It caught Louisa's breath, because again, it really did mean — the ten nights were over. And she was still here, still in their bed. As if she truly was proving this, and had almost — almost — earned it.

Louisa'sgrin was swift and genuine, the warmth simmering in her belly — and once they'd all washed and dressed, she eagerly joined Killik and Ulfarr in another busy morning at the camp. First prayers and breakfast, and then more Summit preparations with Rosa, and then another session of flyting with Sune and Killik, and now with Kori and Fasti, too. And next, Louisa and Killik worked more on the kofi with Ulfarr, helping him build a large bed out of supple, springy boughs, covered with multiple thick furs.

Thebed was big enough for two — or even three — people, but Killik still kept referring to it as Ulfarr's, so Louisa followed suit, too. And while she still wanted to push that further, to demand why in the name of Skai-kesh Killik couldn't just move in, she couldn't bear to break the lightness that kept sparkling between them. Making it easy to talk and laugh and sign with them, and then, beneath the early afternoon sunlight, to join Killik in helping Ulfarr christen his new bed. This time just making Ulfarr lie back between them on the furs, so they could both take turns touching and tasting him, spoiling him, adoring him.

Butthis, too, felt easy, and warm, and bright. LikeKillik's thoughts, Killik's desires, were crackling into Louisa's very thoughts, and together they kept deepening that new awareness from the night before. Ulfarr was afraid of hurting them, of failing them — and that meant they needed to prove him wrong. They needed to praise him, to call him strong and safe, to show him how deeply they trusted him. And as part of that, neither of them even looked at the chain, still hanging on Ulfarr's trousers — and it was even better to have Ulfarr's big hands caressing them, guiding them, skittering into their hair, stroking their hot cheeks.

"Ach, my pups," he gasped afterwards, once they were all sprawled on the new bed together. "What have I done to deserve this?"

Louisaand Killik exchanged a brief, satisfied look, as a hot thrill hurtled up Louisa's spine. My pups, he'd said again, to both of them, and Louisa impulsively kissed his cheek, and gave a gentle, audacious pat to his soft, saliva-streaked prick. "You're just — you, sweetheart," she said, a little helpless. "How can we not adore you?"

Killik'sflickering eyes again met Louisa's, looking almost pleased, almost… approving. And even as they climbed back down to the camp, she could still feel the thrill of it, the rightness of it. Killik was pleased with her. She was proving this to him. She was.

Thatcertainty kept shimmering for the rest of the day, even when Louisa accompanied Rosa on a trip to town, where they hand-delivered more invitations to the Summit. A venture that Louisa only reluctantly agreed to, at Rosa's repeated urging — but she soon discovered, to her genuine surprise, that she almost enjoyed seeing her old friends and acquaintances again. That it didn't seem to carry the same tinge of loss and loneliness it once had, back when she'd been trapped with LordScall, or crushed beneath his debts. LordScall was dead.

Ofcourse, Rikard's name still frequently came up in their conversations, especially since he'd apparently already begun spreading word in town of the trespassing orcs. ButLouisa and Rosa countered his claims as firmly as they could, and reminded the townspeople of all the good the orcs had done throughout the province these past few years. And by the end of the afternoon, they'd gained multiple expressions of interest in the Summit, and at least a few tentative promises to attend.

Louisawas still smiling when they returned to camp again, and didn't even pretend to argue when Killik ordered her down into the common-room to write more letters. These ones turned out to be updates to the various Skai leaders on the Summit's final schedule — which now included a few days only for the Skai, along with the public OpenHouse. And as Louisa wrote out letter after letter, adding in all the bits of diplomatic flattery Killik was entirely incapable of, he didn't once complain, and afterwards he even bent down to nibble lightly at her neck.

"Good, woman," he murmured. "Just as pretty as a Ka-esh, but without any of the torment."

Itwas a true compliment, and Louisa nearly floated through the rest of the evening, which culminated in another glorious session together in Ulfarr's bed. And though they again didn't use the chain, it was still Killik in charge, snapping heated orders as Ulfarr's big body moved and groaned over Louisa — so afterwards, once they were all sprawled and sated together, Louisa waggled her brows toward Killik, and even gave a light pat to his cheek.

"And maybe next time, it'll finally be your turn for some strong Skai ploughing," she told him. "You can't think I've forgotten our deal, have you?"

Killiksputtered and scoffed, though an unmistakable flush was creeping up his neck, his eyes darting narrow toward Ulfarr. "There was no deal," he snapped. "This was only your wishful thinking, woman!"

Louisapouted back, but didn't miss how Ulfarr was looking away now, too. Not even hinting that he might want such a thing from Killik, even though Louisa knew — she knew — he did. AndKillik had glanced away too, his mouth tight and thin, as if this was again something they couldn't talk about, or couldn't do. Just like they couldn't live together in this kofi, either. But — why? Why the hell couldn't they? What the hell was stopping them?

Butwhen morning came, with yet more dappled sun and birdsong, it was so easy to shove the questions away, and embrace another day of busy, intriguing work. Prayers, and a delightful hunting trip with Killik and Sune, followed by a surprisingly enjoyable sparring lesson, during which Killik snapped out orders and praise from the sidelines, while Louisa and Sune faced off against each other with fur-wrapped wooden daggers. Circling and attacking again and again, until they were both sweaty and grinning at each other.

Afterwards, they practiced more flyting together, first with Kori and Fasti, and then with Igull and Polly and Elgr, too. Working through all the verses Killik could remember, and then trying out a few of their own, too. Preparing for what had somehow become an actual performance, written in black and white on Rosa's draft schedule.

TheSummit was now less than a week away, and it had begun to feel more momentous — and perhaps more intimidating — with every passing day. And as much as Louisa fought to forget, those threats of Rikard's kept hovering over it all, too. I know how to ruin you. Cancel it. Get rid of the orcs. Or say your farewells, forever…

But— no. No. They'd already expanded the Summit's security, scheduling guards and patrols throughout, and Louisa couldn't bear even the thought of cancelling it, not now. She needed to see this Summit through. She needed to keep helping Ulfarr, and seeking amends, and finding peace. And she often found herself repeating that first flyting verse she'd learned, one they often returned to in their practice, too.I fear you not, feeder of wolves. I fear you not.

Soas the next few days passed, full of plans and meetings and hunting and flyting, Louisa did her damnedest to keep hoping. To keep praying. To keep trying. And keep enjoying this time with all these lovely new friends, with Rosa, with Sune, with Killik and Ulfarr.

Andwhile Killik and Ulfarr didn't again return to any serious discussions — either the kofi, or to that still-hanging question of Ulfarr ploughing Killik — Killik didn't bring up the ten nights, or the payment, either. And instead, they just kept spending every night together in Ulfarr's bed, playing together, enjoying each other. Sometimes with the chains, but often without — and some nights, if Ulfarr's body wasn't in agreement, without his hard prick, either. ButLouisa and Killik took care to still lavish and praise him, to welcome his hands and his mouth and his rassja, and to remind him that he was desired, he was trustworthy, he was safe.

Andevery morning, waking up in the sky amidst the birdsong, Ulfarr seemed… better. Easier. His smiles coming swifter and brighter, his hands relaxed and hungry against them. And he commanded Louisa and Killik more, now, too — not only in the bedroom, but also outside it. Never in a way that felt overbearing or demanding, but in a way that felt natural and familiar upon him. As if he was long used to being in charge, and directing the busy world around him, while also accommodating his kin's needs, and considering their advice.

"Pup, I wish you to stay with me today, so we can welcome our kin together," he told Killik, on the morning their Summit guests were due to start arriving. "I shall have much need of your sharp wits and wise guidance. AndLouisa, I wish you by our side also, but first you ought to again visit your sisters, ach?"

Overthe past week, Louisa had indeed continued making regular trips back to her house, meeting with her staff, and working out plans for the Summit. It had taken some careful discussions, and much reassurance from Halthorr and Joan, but Elise and Gladys had even agreed to open the house to host any families with children who wanted to sleep indoors, so the camp's common-room could instead serve as a dedicated place for Skai to eat and gather together.

"Of course, sweetheart," Louisa said now, leaning up to press a kiss to Ulfarr's cheek. "I'll take Sune again too, if you don't mind."

ButUlfarr always endorsed Louisa spending time with Sune, and his grin was broad and grateful, his hand patting her arse. "Ach, Sune shall welcome this, most of all if you again offer up your horses," he replied. "Thank you, my sweet Louisa."

Louisaflushed and waved it away, while Killik snatched up his nearby pack, and shoved it into her hands. It always seemed to have a full waterskin inside, as well as a good quantity of Sune's favourite dried meat, and fruit for her to eat, too. AndLouisa foolishly smiled at Killik as she slung the pack on her back, and then lurched up to press a furtive kiss to his hard cheek, too.

Thetrip to her house now seemed far shorter than it once had, especially with an excited Sune to sign with along the way. And once she'd helped Sune saddle Max, Louisa headed for the house, where she found her staff all in the kitchen with Halthorr, and discussing their hosting plans for the Summit. Which seemed to be progressing well, apart, perhaps, from Elise's ongoing anxiety about the situation.

"Look, I'm willing to go along with the rest of you on this," Elise said, frowning down at the dough she was kneading. "But you can't blame me for being concerned about having a dozen strange orcs in the house, for some summit that has nothing to do with us!"

Louisawinced and opened her mouth, but Halthorr had already stepped closer toward Elise, his hand over his heart. "I swear to you, my lady, my kin should never harm you," he told her. "And some of these orcs are my close brothers, and they all have mates of their own, also."

Eliseshot him a dark look, but it had none of the fear she'd once held toward him — and Halthorr offered her a kind, encouraging smile, and came a careful step closer. "I should yet be honoured to do all I can to ease your distress upon this, my lady. MayhapI could sleep outside your door, should you welcome this."

Itwas perhaps a sign of how many nights Halthorr had now spent here, sleeping in odd locations around the house, because Elise still didn't look slightly alarmed, and instead aimed another sharp glare toward him. "Oh, really?" she asked, in icy tones, as she hurled her dough onto the counter. "But what about Joan? You wouldn't want to leave her at risk too, would you?"

Ahunted look crossed Halthorr's eyes, and he glanced uneasily toward Joan, who was watching all this in silence, her arms folded over her chest. "N-no, my lady," Halthorr replied, too quickly. "Mayhap you — you two could bed together, so I could guard you both at once?"

Thehopefulness was almost comical on his face, while Elise and Joan exchanged a furtive, speaking look, and then frowned away from one another. LeavingHalthorr to blink helplessly between them, his shoulders sagging, and finally Louisa took pity on him, and cleared her throat. "I think that's an excellent idea," she said firmly. "And with the children's room attached to Elise's, it makes the most sense for them, too."

Shedidn't wait for them to argue further, just ducked out the door again, smiling to herself as she headed toward the stable. Where she found Sune riding Max in a swift, fluid canter around the paddock, and Louisa's smile drew higher as she watched him sweep past. He was a natural rider, with an easy affinity with the horses, and it had been a genuine pleasure seeing his rapid progress, and the true joy he'd seemed to find in it.

Looking good, Louisa signed at him, when he came around again. Max likes you.

Sune'sface ducked, but he furtively signed back on his next swing past, saying, Thank you. And then, Do we have to leave already?

"Well, our guests are arriving, and I promised WolfI'd come back to help," Louisa replied. "ButI also promised we'd set up some horseback rides, so why don't we take them back together?"

Sune'sgrin flashed wide and stunning across his face, and he eagerly nodded. And soon they were companionably riding south together, as that warmth again shimmered in Louisa's belly. Ulfarr wanted her by his side. He wanted her to meet his kin. He was working so hard to earn Simon's approval, to regain his place amongst his kin — and he wanted her to be part of it with him, and with Killik. His pups.

Theywere so close. They were so, so close to making this work. To redeeming Ulfarr, and making this his home. Gaining that peace.

Louisadrew in a deep, contented breath, drawing up strength from May beneath her — when she caught sight of Sune signing at her. The movements quick and furtive, almost as if he didn't want to ask.

Now that you live at the camp, he said, will you now wed Ulfarr, and grant him a son?

Louisanearly choked, her hands spasming on May's reins, as the warmth caught, curdled into something cold and still. Would she wed Ulfarr, and grant him a son.

Itwas as though time had swallowed her up, somehow, and spat her out weeks ago, when she'd first taken Sune on horseback, and he'd asked her this same question. Because — because the answer hadn't actually changed since then. Had it? Despite all her time with Killik and Ulfarr at the camp, there had still been no agreements, no commitments between them. Any night could still be the last, and Killik only had to choose it, and say it, for it to be the end. Forever.

Get rid of the orcs, shouted Rikard's voice, deep in her skull. I can ruin you. Get ready to say your farewells…

"Um," Louisa began, with a grimace. "No. We're still just" — she swallowed — "friends."

ButSune frowned straight back at her, and then gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes.I can scent you, he signed. You are not only friends.

Right. Louisa swallowed again, drew in the breath from May beneath her. "Look, it's just — I've already been married, and it was an absolute disaster, and I already have people I need to care for, and…"

Hervoice trailed off, because she probably deserved that incredulous look in Sune's eyes — and she sighed, squeezed her eyes shut. "We just — haven't made any commitments," she finally said. "I'm not sure we're all… ready for that yet. Or if we ever will be."

Shehoped it wasn't too much, or betraying Killik and Ulfarr somehow, but Sune's expression cleared, his hand again signing toward her. But you love them. And they love you.

What? Louisa nearly laughed, but stopped it just in time, biting her lip — but Sune was frowning again, and nodding. Wolf loves you, he signed. Killik, also.

Louisa'sthoughts were swimming, her heart erratically pounding, because — no. Ulfarr, maybe — but not Killik. Of course not. No. They'd learned how to get along, how to find pleasure together — but it still wasn't that. Right? Killik hadn't even wanted her at all, he'd only done this for Ulfarr…

So you shall now stay, Sune signed at her, his mouth tight. You shall wed them, and grant them sons.

Therewas no reply to that, no words in Louisa's churning brain, but perhaps Sune didn't expect an answer, frowning darkly forward over Max's head. Almost as if… as if again, he still didn't want that. He didn't like the prospect of Louisa marrying Killik and Ulfarr, and having their sons. Did he?

Sune wished to face the woman who will steal Wolf away from us…

Butno. Louisa would never have sons. Theirs, or anyone's. And she hauled in a deep breath, let it out, as a distant whine rattled in her chest. Because after all this time, she still hadn't brought up that one crucial point with Sune — or with Killik and Ulfarr, either. She'd never spoken it to anyone, not once, not ever, not after Scall had died. It was too risky, too dangerous, she needed to escape, forget, run, run…

ButSune was still frowning like that, his jaw set tight as he glared straight ahead. And gods, he deserved to know, didn't he? They all did, especially Ulfarr — because what if he still wanted more sons, too? AndLouisa needed to face it, needed to try,I fear you not, I fear you not…

"Sune, you really don't —" she began, between her gasping breaths. "It's not — I can't —"

Butbefore she could continue, Sune straightened in the saddle, his nostrils flaring — and then he bent low, and kicked into a gallop. Heading toward the camp with obvious urgency, and Louisa raced to catch up, her heartbeat thundering, jolting between alarm and relief. She'd escaped it for now, but now —

Nowthere were people. Multiple new people. The first of their guests, beginning to arrive for the Summit. AndSune had already leapt off Max's back, so he could sprint straight toward two of the guests — his friends Timo and Cecily, both broadly grinning as they hauled him into a tight, excited hug.

Oh. Louisa's driving heartbeat slowed as she watched, and a small smile pulled at her mouth. And then she startled all over as Killik materialized beside her, and grasped May's bridle. "This was a good surprise for him, ach?" he said, with a nod toward Sune and his friends, and then beyond them, too. "It has gone well, so far."

Right. Louisa fought to follow Killik's eyes, to focus on the moment, on the camp. On this. On all the new adults milling around behind Sune and his friends, cheerfully conversing with Ulfarr and their campmates. There was Argarr, the Skai smith, and Kitty with her two mates, and Geva, the director of OrcMountain's school, together with a big, handsome orc, and an adorable, bright-eyed orcling.

Andas Louisa's gaze settled on Ulfarr speaking to them, smiling as he welcomed them and introduced his campmates, she felt her breath exhaling, her heartbeat slowing further. BecauseUlfarr looked — at home. In charge. Confident, and caring, and capable, just as a leader should be. Just as a Wolf should be.

Killikwas watching too, his swallow bobbing in his throat, and for a breath, there was an almost overpowering urge to draw him close, to squeeze him tight. To say, Even if this doesn't work, even if Simon doesn't forgive Ulfarr, even if he's never fully restored to his kin — you still did it, Killik. You've helped him. You saved him.

Butif it was done, finished, then where did that leave Louisa? I can ruin you. Prove this. Say your farewells. You shall wed them, and grant them sons. I have no wish for you. The woman who will steal Wolf away from us…

"Come, woman," Killik's low voice said, as he passed May's reins into a nearby Ragni's hand. "Prove this to me."

Prove this. It was enough to shove the rest of it away, for now, at least — and Louisa nodded and stumbled over toward the group, smoothing out her slim black dress. She would face this. Prove this.

Ulfarr'seyes brightened as Louisa stepped in beside him, and his hand slipped around her back, drawing her closer, while his other hand reached for Killik, too. Wanting them both here beside him, flanking him, supporting him.

SoLouisa drew in breath, and poured her full focus into it. HelpingUlfarr greet and welcome their guests, asking after their journeys and their children, waving them toward where Thomas had assembled a stunning buffet on all the camp's tables. She also helped sort out who would be staying at her house, and then guided them over to Ragni, who had agreed to escort them there — and who, together with Sune, had also begun offering the horseback rides around the clearing, much to the orclings' delight.

Itwas intriguing to meet some of the other Skai leaders, too, and to match their faces to all the letters Louisa had written. Tarr from the western camp was a big, burly fellow with a mashed nose and a broad grin, and Airik from the south was lean and watchful, speaking in fluent signs to Killik and Ulfarr. WhileRurik, the Skai healer Killik had mentioned, was tall and startlingly handsome, with a cool smile that didn't at all touch his pale, glittering eyes.

"Another bored noblewoman, then?" he asked Killik, with a jerk of his head toward Louisa. "Of all the women in the realm you could have hunted for your elskan?"

Louisablinked, while beside her, Killik's eyes blazed with sudden, surprising ferocity, his hand clamping against her side. "Ach, and you ken you could do better," he drawled, "than a fierce, hungry, handsome woman with good lands, much Skai skill, and the ear of the most powerful orcs and women amongst us!"

Rurik'smouth pursed, his eyes running up and down Louisa's body, while Killik's mouth widened into a chilly, vicious smile. "And what woman have you found for your own elskan?" he added. "Or do you even yet have one? Ach, there is a northern Ka-esh here who you may wish to scent, I ken."

Alook of genuine alarm flashed across this Rurik's eyes, and he spun around and stalked off, his claws jutting from his fingers. LeavingLouisa to angle an uneasy glance toward Killik, who rolled his eyes, and gave her arm a reassuring little pat. "Rurik's favourite pet is a pretty little orc at the mountain who Filak has been ploughing for many moons now," he said lightly. "What curse has Skai-kesh cast upon me, that I am gladdened by a Ka-esh stealing a Skai's mate."

Louisalaughed, but her heart was oddly skipping — not only at Killik telling her this, gossiping with her like this, but also at what he'd said about her. A fierce, hungry, handsome woman, with much Skai skill…

ButKillik was already looking away, grinning at where the Skai'sRightHandDrafli had arrived with his mates and son — and behind Drafli was a beaming Jule, with her own mate and sons in tow. "Louisa!" Jule exclaimed, rushing over to pull Louisa into a tight hug. "Oh, it's so good to see you again! And so brilliant of you to organize this Summit, too."

Louisasmiled as she waved it away, but she'd again caught Killik's eyes, and found them glinting with something almost like pride. As if he really had meant what he'd said about her being a fierce, hungry, worthy woman. A woman who was pleasing him, proving this to him…

SoLouisa again focused on speaking, smiling, standing by Ulfarr's side, being a good host to their guests. And it still all seemed to be going even better than they could have hoped — at least, until Ulfarr stiffened beside Louisa, his eyes snapped toward the trees.

Towardwhere — Louisa stilled, too — Simon and Maria had arrived.