Chapter 51

Thejudges of Ulfarr's fate were here.

Theyboth looked distinctly uneasy, Maria clutching their younger son close, while Simon gazed straight ahead, his hand clasped to their older son's shoulder. And for a breath, the rest of the activity around them seemed to go still, the voices quieting to hushed whispers, every eye intent on the sight.

BesideLouisa, Ulfarr still hadn't moved — he had that blank, distant look in his eyes — but after a glance toward Killik, Louisa joined him in guiding Ulfarr forward to meet Simon and Maria. "It's so good to see you again!" Louisa told them, smiling as brightly as she could. "We're so glad you came, and we've even built a new kofi for you! Are any of you hungry? Or would your sons like a horseback ride, perhaps?"

Theirolder son — Bjorn — visibly brightened at this suggestion, especially when Sune strode up beside Louisa, and signed swiftly toward him. You will like this, little brother, he said. Come, I will show you. Should your father allow this.

Bjornshot a beseeching glance up at Simon, whose expression had softened, and he nodded as he waved Bjorn forward. And thankfully, the voices and activity had begun rising around them again, too — but when Louisa glanced upwards, Ulfarr still hadn't spoken, still just standing there with that empty blankness in his eyes. SoLouisa again stroked at his stiff back, and even gave a brief, surreptitious squeeze to his arse. He could do this, he could face this, he could….

"It is — an honour, my brother and sister," Ulfarr finally said, rushed and hoarse, as he put his fist to his heart, and bowed low toward first Simon, and then Maria. "A true blessing from Skai-kesh, to host the Enforcer and his fierce mate and sons as our guests of honour at this SkaiSummit. We shall welcome your strength here, and your good guidance toward us all."

Itstill sounded stiff, perhaps rehearsed, but he'd said it, and he'd even thrust out his hand toward Simon. Holding it there, despite the faint tremor in it, twitching his fingers. Waiting, waiting, until…

Simon— nodded. Nodded, and clasped his own hand to Ulfarr's wrist. And then he even stepped close, brief but purposeful, and thumped his big fist against Ulfarr's back.

"We are glad for this Summit, and for your hosting it here, brother," Simon replied, in his deep, steady voice. "We have long needed a meeting such as this, bringing us together, and honouring our clan. It was wise of you to see this, and offer this."

Ashe spoke, he cast a narrow, knowing look at Killik, who was wearing a placid, innocent smile. "Ach, and Ulfarr has long wished for this also," Killik replied blandly. "Most of all for our mates and sons who need this care from us."

He'djerked his head behind them, toward where most of Ulfarr's former packmates were lingering close by — Ragni and Kori and Fasti, Leikr and his friends, Polly and Igull, Annie and her son, even Thomas and Elgr and Angus. And when Simon followed Killik's gaze, he exhaled, and gave a curt nod. As if… he was agreeing to this. SupportingUlfarr, in this.

Itwas something, maybe it was everything, and Ulfarr slightly sagged beside Louisa, a tentative but genuine smile on his mouth. "Thank you, brother," he said, bowing his head, his hand over his heart. "And you also, sister. Now" — he squared his shoulders, and glanced behind them — "have you yet met Hrafn's young son? OrIgull's?"

Therewas nothing like adorable babies to settle some tension, and Louisa eagerly joined Simon and Maria in cooing over them, and then laughed when Maria began teasing Simon about having another son of their own, too. "I'm more than ready for it," she told Louisa, with a wry grin. "It'sSimon who can't handle the thought of it, right, love?"

Simon'sglance toward Maria looked equal parts fond and alarmed, and he reached to take their heavy-looking toddler from her arms. "You ken we shall make another hungry, hearty son who shall never let you sleep, my Maria," he replied. "I only wish you to be well, and safe."

Itwas such a Skai thing to say — like something Ulfarr himself would say — and Louisa exchanged another knowing grin with Maria before waving her toward the camp. "CanI give you a tour?" she asked. "And we can give your hungry son some of Thomas' delicious cooking, maybe?"

Mariawillingly agreed, and soon Louisa was escorting her around the camp, while Simon stayed behind with Killik and Ulfarr and Drafli. They were already deep in discussion, and that seemed promising, too, settling the determination deeper in Louisa's belly. She was doing this. Facing this. Proving this.

Therest of the afternoon passed in a whirl of activity — welcoming and settling their guests, confirming numbers for supper, and then meeting with multiple orcs and women to finalize preparations for the next day's public OpenHouse. A project that still felt impossibly massive, but they'd been preparing for weeks now, and Louisa was determined to do her best, and carry it off as well as possible. To do whatever she could to help, and to face this.I fear you not.

"We thank you for all your work upon this, Louisa," Ulfarr regretfully told her after the meeting, as he stroked a hand against her back. "I ken this was not at all what you wished for, when you first began sharing your lands with us."

Louisasmiled and waved it away, but Killik's sidelong glance was a little too knowing, his hand giving a gentle slap to her arse. "Ach, and thus tonight, you shall rest, and forget all this," he said. "And only enjoy a good Skai frolic with us."

Louisacertainly wasn't about to argue, especially when it turned out that a good Skai frolic included not only a delicious feast around the roaring fire, but also drums and dancing, and an adults-only party in the common-room. And once Killik had signed a good-night to Sune — and ordered him and his friends to behave — he grasped Louisa and Ulfarr, and drew them down into the midst of the party.

Itwas already busy inside, with multiple guests drinking and eating and chatting together, and one of the drummers was beating out a steady, sensual rhythm from a corner. AndLouisa caught a glimpse of movement and bare skin in one of the beds behind the curtain, along with the distinctive sound of a low, hungry groan.

ButKillik didn't lead them toward the beds, or the curtain. Instead, he took them straight toward the blazing, crackling fireplace, and shoved Ulfarr down onto his back on the large fur before it. And then — in full view of the room — Killik knelt over him, and began unfastening his trousers.

Louisafroze — Killik wasn't truly doing this, here, now, in the middle of a party? — but his narrow look toward her said that yes, yes, he was. "Our kin know not to allow the younglings down here," he said, under his breath. "And you can do as you wish, but I wish to honour the Wolf of the Skai before his clan, on the night he has gained so much before them."

Oh. SoKillik thought today had gone well too, then. As if maybe, maybe, this was working, and Ulfarr was proving this. Serving and honouring his kin, showing himself worthy of Simon's approval, and earning his place as a good leader, and a strong Skai.

AndUlfarr wasn't protesting, only blinking at Killik with such longing and gratefulness shining in his eyes. Wanting this, too, or maybe needing it, because yes, he deserved it. He'd worked and prayed and fought so hard for it, and now it was so close, almost here, near enough to touch.

Andsuddenly it seemed — right, somehow, that Killik should strip off Ulfarr's clothes, and then his own, too. Right, that he should lie down long and languid beside Ulfarr on the fur, kissing slow and soft at his neck, while his hand lazily stroked up Ulfarr's bare belly. Honouring him, showing him as strong and capable and desirable, in the camp that meant so much to him. In the place Ulfarr longed to keep as his home.

AndLouisa longed for that too, needed that too, far stronger than the curious eyes glancing toward them — and in a shaky movement, she sank down to Ulfarr's other side, and touched a hand to his warm, silken skin. Stroking him with Killik, kissing him with Killik, tasting the salty sweetness of him, feeling the hungry shudders of his big body beneath them.

Killikhad kissed his way up Ulfarr's cheek to his mouth, plundering it with his teeth and his long twining tongue — and when he drew away, he nudged Ulfarr's face toward Louisa. So she could kiss him too, softer and sweeter, but still kindling the hunger hot in her belly. He tasted so good, he looked so good, he was the Wolf of the Skai, showing his strength, regaining his place amongst his kin — and in this moment at least, he was theirs. Theirs.

AndKillik knew it too, his hand now stroking possessively up and down Ulfarr's slowly swelling cock, while Louisa fondled and caressed at his bulging bollocks. Their hands brushing, their mouths still taking turns kissing him, their gasps deepening into groans. AndKillik's bare groin was rhythmically rocking against the side of Ulfarr's hip, his long leg hooked around his thigh, and Louisa was beginning to feel distinctly irritated by her dress, how it felt clammy and constricting in the crackling warmth from the fire. And when she awkwardly tugged at it, Killik's steady hand was there, guiding it up her leg, higher and higher. His eyes glinting on hers in a silent question, and then casting a brief, meaningful glance around the ever-filling room — but Louisa was doing this now. Facing this, proving this, I fear you not…

Killikhelped her tug the dress and shift off over her head, leaving her clad only in her boots and loincloth. And though the air prickled on her bare skin, firing a furious shudder up her back, she drew up strength from the fur, from Ulfarr's strong body against her, the hazy awe in his blinking, watching eyes. And then — oh, please — that was Killik's hand on her face, drawing her across Ulfarr toward him, so he could press a brief, scraping kiss to her mouth, too.

Louisamoaned, hoarse and breathless — and beneath them, Ulfarr moaned too, vibrating all through his big warm body. And with another purposeful nudge from Killik, she and Killik bent down to kiss Ulfarr's mouth together, sloppy and hungry. Tasting him, sharing him, honouring him, and oh, those were hands, Ulfarr's hands, guiding Louisa up closer upon his solid body, settling her over that leaking ridge on his belly, oh.

Itfelt so good, grinding so thick and hard just where Louisa most craved it, bare skin to bare slippery skin. And she was distantly grateful for her still-present loincloth, both concealing the worst of this, and offering such warm indecent wonders beneath it. Ulfarr's slick pulsing shaft, sliding long and fat and ridged against her hot crease, opening it wider and wider. And she only had to shift a little, meet where Killik's steady hand was already between them, guiding that hard cock up, notching its slick head into place…

"Fuck," Louisa gasped, arching up upon it, against the sweet perfect press of it. Showing off far too much, giving the whole room a damned good show — but yes, she was doing this, proving this. She was taking Ulfarr's huge, shuddering heft inside her, and she was doing it without any of their usual preparation, without any of Killik's slick seed easing the way. And she was watching that look on Ulfarr's flushed face as she did it, the awe and the frenzy glimmering in his eyes, as his trembling hands caressed her, drew her closer. Drew them ever deeper together, his body sinking into hers breath by breath, please, please…

"So good," he whispered, his voice cracking, his eyes flashing. "So good, sweet Louisa. So kind, so brave, so perfect. Mine."

His. A sharp, shaky thrill wrenched up Louisa's body, clamping her tighter upon him — and Ulfarr bucked up to meet it, his eyes rolling back. "Mine," he repeated, harder now. "My woman. My good, fierce Skai woman. Ach?"

Itwas as though he'd plunged himself into her throat, too, yanking out her truth, because Louisa was choking, nodding, holding his shimmering eyes. "Yes," she gasped. "Yes, Wolf. Yours."

Shesank down the rest of the way as she said it, full of the strength and the bulk and the ache, the truth of him twitching and spasming inside her. ButUlfarr's eyes were steady, now, satisfied, and he nodded, brought up his hand to caress her face.

"Good," he murmured. "Now show me. Fuck me. Honour me."

Damn. It shot like a streak to Louisa's groin, stabbing her certain and deep, sparking out with wild, convulsive need. The need to oblige him, to honour him, to offer him this, to prove this. And her nod was rapid and desperate, her gaze tearing away toward Killik, because he was —

Watching. Staring. Still.

Louisa'sthoughts skipped, stumbled backwards, because — oh. Mine, Ulfarr had said. Mine.Show me. Fuck me.

Withno… no Killik.

AndKillik had heard that, watched that, caught that — and it had meant something to him, something Louisa couldn't at all read in his eyes. Was it shock, was it fury, was it… hurt.

Butwait, yes, Ulfarr had caught it too, his eyes following Louisa's, his hand slipping up to skitter against Killik's cheek. "And she is yours also, pup," he breathed. "Do this with us, ach?"

Killik'sbreath shuddered out, but he nodded, quick and furtive, his eyes dropping. And then, without a word, he shifted around behind Louisa, his warm familiar body settling against her, sliding up the back of her loincloth, and prodding… there.

Louisa'seyes snapped wide, her breath caught in her throat — was he really going to do this, did he really even want this, did they need to talk about this? But oh, Killik was still jabbing, seeking, and now Ulfarr's hand was here again, his eyes were here again, searching her, safe.

"You are sure you wish for this with us?" he asked her, quiet, darting a purposeful glance around at the room. "Both of us? Here?"

Louisahauled in a breath, fought to consider the question, as her gaze followed his around the room. Which had continued to fill up with guests and revellers, most of them caught in their own drinks and discussions and laughter — but some of them were watching, too. Including the Skai smith Argarr, wearing an appreciative smile, and Filak, lurking in the opening of his new tunnel, his eyes glinting in the firelight. And also the healer Rurik, sprawled on a bench with his arms crossed, his pale eyes balefully flicking toward Filak, and then back toward Louisa on the fur. As if he was… assessing her. Judging.

Louisa'sface heated, her gaze darting away, and finding… Rosa. Rosa, giving an encouraging little grin over her shoulder, and then settling down over John-Ka, who'd been reading at one of the tables. And who was now marking his place in his book, so he could slide his clawed hands up Rosa's short skirt, scraping red lines into her pale skin, while she arched and gasped upon him.

Andwait, they weren't the only ones in a similar state, either — Jule's mate Grimarr had her backed against a wall, while the RightHandDrafli was fondling both his mates at once. And over there, even Simon was sitting bared on a bench, hazily watching an also-bared Maria as she slid down onto his thick, glossy, Ulfarr-sized heft.

Andit was that, perhaps, that finally set Louisa nodding, her eyes finding Ulfarr again, her hands clutching to his shoulders. Yes. Yes, she wanted this, wanted to prove this, to feel this. To feel Ulfarr's solid strength filling her, anchoring her, as Killik kept guiding himself in behind. Using his hand to pump out more slickness, to help ease the way, but it was already so tight, so full, oh gods — because despite everything they'd done, they still hadn't done it like this. Not all together like this, two hard male bodies on either side of her, seeking to share her, to sink into her at once…

"More," Louisa gasped, and even with the stretch and the pain she needed this, needed it so much it felt alive, like a shouting scrabbling clamour inside her. She needed them, more of them, needed to honour them, prove it to them, face this, fix this…

"Breathe," Killik hissed behind her, with no tenderness in his voice, or in his strong hands drawing her wider apart. Showing the whole room this, now, his hard length stabbing into her, sinking deeper, bit by bit. WhileUlfarr stayed embedded deeper below, swelling and spasming, waiting for Killik to find his seat, to prod deeper and deeper, breathe, relax, breathe…

Louisajolted all over as Killik finally sank to the hilt, skin pressed tight to skin, his breath skating shaky across her back. Oh, hell, he was in, they were both inside her at once, shuddering and squeezing out their slick seed, stretching her wide open. And anyone could see this, everyone could see this, Louisa's body hot and quivering and impaled upon two hard, hungry Skai pricks.

Andthen — then — movement. Killik's embedded strength lifting her up on Ulfarr's thick length, and then guiding her down again. And then Ulfarr holding her there, gouged deep upon him, while Killik slowly slid out, until he'd bobbed free of her. His slick heft lightly slapping her skin, streaking her even wetter, before slowly, steadily sinking back inside. Putting on a show, damn him, more brazen and obscene than anything else he'd ever done, with all these people watching — and Louisa could only shudder and spasm upon it, and beg and wait for more.

"More, please," she gasped, earning a smattering of low, approving laughter from behind her, but it didn't matter, nothing mattered, but the strong Skai orcs taking turns with her, sliding themselves in and out of her, swifter and smoother with every breath. WhileLouisa clung to Ulfarr and welcomed it, wanted it, needed more and more of it, all of it, closer, please…

Sheshouted as the ecstasy careened and crashed, wrenching through her again and again. Stabbing her with wave after wave of raw, rampant relief, crushing it against all that hot flesh buried inside her — and then Killik stiffened, stuttered, while Ulfarr arched and groaned, yanked her down tight and deep. And then they were both shaking too, falling with her into the abyss, their bodies pulsing and pouring her full of them, flooding her inside and out. So much, so much, everything, everything, she'd done it, she'd honoured them, she'd proven it. She had.

Thetruth of it sagged her heavy down onto Ulfarr, into the strength of his warm waiting arms, curling around her back. Already caressing her, comforting her, as he kissed her damp hair, and a low, contented growl rumbled through his chest.

"So good, Louisa," he breathed, so soft. "Mine."

Itshuddered Louisa all over, struck at something solid and deep and true. And she couldn't stop clinging to him, breathing in the sweet safe scent of his neck, dragging in his strength and his truth. As she felt him relaxing further and further beneath her, his breaths gone slower and deeper, until they escaped in a heavy, rumbling snore. Asleep.

Louisa'seyes had fluttered closed too, her own awareness shimmering away into peace, into this sweet perfect safety — until a movement jarred against her, within her. Killik, finally slipping out and away from her — but now, where he'd been, there was something soft, a rag, tucking in close. And then warmth, heavy and velvety, drawing over her. A fur.

But— wait. Wait, now Killik was shifting sideways, he was swiping for his trousers, he was — he was leaving? And just in time, Louisa's hand snapped out, clutched tight against his wrist, against his strangely clammy skin.

"Wait," she breathed, forcing her hazy eyes to focus, to find Killik's kneeling body in the dimming firelight. "Where — where are you going?"

Therewas a beat of stillness, filled by the distant babble of voices and groans, the low pulsing drum. Until finally Killik sighed, and shrugged, and ran a hand against his messy hair.

"To build a wagon," he replied, a little flat. "Or poke a wasps' nest. Or write some pretty Ka-esh letters, mayhap."

What? Louisa's flinch was too obvious, too betraying — and that was hurt, coiling sudden and dull in her chest. He… he didn't want to tell her. He'd just done that with her, with Ulfarr — and now he wanted to leave. And he didn't want her to know why…

And— wait. This was ringing at something, something familiar, something crucially important. Enough that Louisa clutched Killik's wrist tighter, frantically searched his unreadable eyes.

"Just — don't go off with someone else," she croaked. "Please, Killik. Don't."

Killik'sshoulders rose and fell, his eyes shifting away, almost as if — as if that was exactly what he'd been about to do, gods curse him. He'd worked so hard to help Ulfarr, he'd honoured him before his kin, he'd gotten him a woman, and the camp. He'd perhaps done everything he'd set out to do, and now —

Nowall he had to do was slide the dagger deep, right where it would hurt most, and then walk away.

"Don't do it, Killik," Louisa breathed, begged. "Don't, for the love of Skai-kesh. Ulfarr still needs you. Heloves you."

Butthat was pain, flaring brief but unmistakable in Killik's eyes, as he shot a glance down at Ulfarr's relaxed, softly snoring face. "Ach, does he?" he asked, far too steady, too calm. "And when has he ever spoken this? Or shown me this? When has he ever told me to fuck him, and honour him? Or called me his?"

Louisa'smouth opened and closed, and she drew in an unsteady breath. "He praises you all the time, Killik!" she countered. "He calls you quick and clever and loyal, his fierce lusty pup, with your sharp words and your strong prick and —"

ButKillik's hand snapped up, signing, No, leave it, even as he barked a thin, hoarse laugh. "Any worthy Skai speaks praise thus to his bedmates," he replied, clipped. "Most of all ones he wishes to keep. But it is not the same" — he jabbed a wavering claw toward her — "as how he speaks to a true mate. To one he wishes to claim as his, for always."

Louisa'sthroat spasmed, her eyes darting back down to Ulfarr's sleeping face. Because of course he wanted to claim Killik as his for always, right? Surely he did, Louisa was certain of it. Because the way he looked at Killik, the way he touched him, the way he spoke of him, the way he'd been so upset about Killik's other bedmates. Ulfarr did love Killik, he did, but…

Butwhy — why hadn't he ever said those things? Done those things? And now Louisa's thoughts were flicking back to how Ulfarr hadn't wanted to share his kofi with Killik — and how he'd kept avoiding the topic of fucking Killik, too. And then, how Killik had told her he would never stop upholding Ulfarr, even if Ulfarr didn't want it anymore…

Andsurely Killik had caught Louisa's confusion, because he laughed, low and almost easy. "Now you follow, ach?" he said, again with that unnatural lightness in his voice. "I am… useful. Always at hand. A good friend, a lusty bedmate, a good loyal pup, forever underfoot. ButI am not" — he drew in a guttering breath — "not thus. Not… wanted."

He'dgiven another sharp jab toward Louisa, still wrapped safe and warm in Ulfarr's strong arms. Because — because he was saying Ulfarr wanted her, not him. But it didn't make sense, Ulfarr did want him, he did —

"He does want you, Killik," Louisa gasped, because it had to be true, it had to be. "He loves you. Iknow he does."

ButKillik only shrugged and laughed again, his eyes unnervingly empty on her face. "Ach, do you?" he drawled. "After these few short nights? WhenWolf has had twenty whole summers to say this, or do aught about this?"

Louisacouldn't find her voice, her eyes again searching Ulfarr's relaxed, sleeping face. Curse it, why hadn't he done anything? He was happiest with a woman. He has always longed for a woman. Sune wished to face the woman who will steal Wolf away from us…

"Then just — ask him, Killik," Louisa said, pleaded. "Just — give it one more night. Give him a chance to explain, before you run off and do something you'd regret. It's been a long day, and we have a big day tomorrow, and I'm sure we're all tired, and…"

ButKillik was already looking away, she was already losing him, of course she was. Twentyyears, and Ulfarr had never said anything, but now he had gone and said all these things to her. AndUlfarr couldn't even speak for himself now, he couldn't try to make Killik stay, but…

ButLouisa could. She could prove this. Face this. Fix this.

"AndI — I need you, Killik," she whispered. "I — I can't bear the thought of you going off with someone else. Not now, not after all this. Please."

Killik'seyes snapped back toward her, his brow deeply furrowing, but he was listening, yes, yes — and Louisa drew in breath, strength, truth. "I need you here," she choked. "With me. With us. Most of all with this Summit tomorrow, I don't know how you expect me to deal with everything involved in it, when I know — when I know you've left!"

Hervoice had risen too high, too shrill, her eyes pleading on his face. "I would — I would make you mine," she breathed. "If you'd allow it, Killik. I'd give you everything I could, tell you anything you ever wanted to hear. BecauseI… I love you."

Thewords cracked in her voice, prickled behind her eyes — because they were probably shameful, surely pathetic, and most certainly… truth.

Sheloved Killik. She'd loved him for so damned long. Maybe since that first night he'd shown up in her bedroom, and told her of the sad, wounded kin-brother he'd do anything to save.

Andgods, the way he was staring at her. Like she'd shouted at him, thrown something at him, slapped him across the face. "No, woman," he finally replied, his voice wooden, his hand flipping his dagger out of his hair, jabbing it at Ulfarr's sleeping face. "You love him. Him!"

Andyes, yes, that was true too, and Louisa jerked a nod, gripped her hand tighter at Killik's arm. "Yes," she whispered. "Him, and you. You, Killik."

Hewas shaking his head, his eyes too wide on her face, but Louisa had to keep saying it, keep trying, proving this, showing him. "I know we haven't always gotten along," she rasped. "I still think you're rude and obnoxious and infuriating, and the most enraging tyrant in the realm. But" — she flapped her hand at him, fought to find the words — "you're also… brilliant. Loyal. Funny. Generous. You see so much, you know so much, you do so much. You're a spectacular teacher, you're a devoted father, and you're an absolute fiend in bed. I will never, ever get over you, Killik."

Itwas more raw, humiliating truth, hurled out between them, smacking Killik across the face. And not even his dagger could defend him, or hide that sharp flinch raking up his back —

Andwait. Wait, that was more hurt, there in his eyes. More… pain. As if Louisa truly had wounded him with this, somehow struck her own dagger deep, without even knowing how, or why. No, no, no…

"I must — go," Killik finally said, too fast, too shaky on his breath. "I shall — see you come morn."

Andthat was his hand, coming to his chest, saying, Sorry, sorry, forgive me —

Andthen he leapt to his feet, and left.