Chapter 60

Louisastartled and stared, her mouth fallen open, her heartbeat pummelling in her chest.

Ulfarrwas… chaining Killik. Trapping him. Circling that thick, strong steel around his neck, and drawing it close.

AndKillik looked — stunned. Incredulous. His mouth slack, his eyes blank, his hand snapping up to feel the truth of that chain. Not pulled tight, not enough to break the skin, but still solid, powerful, dangerous.

"You yet wish for this?" came Ulfarr's voice, sounding resigned, shaky, hungry. "Both of you?"

ButLouisa's eyes had caught to Killik's, the silent awareness flying and flashing between them — and they both nodded at once, rapid, desperate. Needing this, whatever the hell this was, while Ulfarr drew in another ragged breath, and…

Hesnapped. His huge body snatching for Killik, yanking him hard beneath him, shoving him face-down into the earth. Keeping one hand gripped to that chain, while the other reached for Killik's trousers, dragged them down with a sharp ripping sound — because his powerful thighs had already spread Killik's knees wide apart, pinning him to the earth, oh gods. SoUlfarr could mount up over Killik's prone body, looming massive and deadly and vicious, with his scarred, swollen, pendulous cock prodding downwards, his full bollocks swaying behind them.

"Then open wide, pup," he growled, hot and dark in Killik's ear, as he gave a firm tug on the chain. "And beg your wolf to fuck you, and own you."

Thesheer disbelieving shock again flashed across Killik's eyes, but it was instantly chased by hunger, by a wild pleading craving. "Ach, yes, Wolf," Killik gasped. "Fuck me. Own me."

Ulfarr'sgrowl went deeper, harder, and his huge hanging shaft prodded downwards, even as he shook his head. "More," he hissed, with a hard, ringing slap of his big hand to Killik's bared arse. "Beg me. Use your sharp clever mouth for me."

Killikshivered and nodded, hauled in a deep breath. "Fuck me, Wolf," he choked. "Use me. Fill me. Grant me that perfect Skai prick, and your strong Skai seed. Teach me how this feels, how it scents, let me milk this from you, and taste this great gift. Please, Wolf. Please."

Itwas unlike anything Louisa had ever heard Killik say, unlike anything she'd ever seen on his face. That frenzied, abject yearning, that fierce urgent need, without even a twinge of his usual coolness or sarcasm or pride. And oh, Ulfarr knew it too, his eyes fluttering as he shoved Killik's legs wider apart, as his dripping, pulsing head bobbed for its place, searching, settling, prodding…

Andthen it… plunged. Punched sharp and deep, in one single, devastating stroke.

Killikflailed and shouted, his head arching up, his eyes rolling back — but Ulfarr only grunted, and yanked the chain down again. ShovingKillik's still-bloody face into the earth, as his other hand spread wide against his back, holding him tight and firm. So he could watch his own huge length slowly sliding out of Killik, slick and glossy with his seed — and then he drove it back in, even harder than before.

Killikjuddered, moaned, but that was still only pleasure in his eyes, all over his flushed face. Wanting this, needing this, maybe waiting for this for twenty damned years. TheWolf of the Skai overpowering him, holding him down, mounting him, and ploughing him with all his strength. Making him his.

"You are mine, Killik of ClanSkai," Ulfarr snarled, with a snap of his teeth toward Killik's pointed ear. "You have always been mine. And henceforth, you shall never touch another again, without my leave."

Killik'snod was instant, fervent, but it wasn't enough, Ulfarr's hand yanking on the chain, his steady plunges driving harder into Killik's trembling body beneath him. "Never, Killik," Ulfarr hissed. "And when I wish you in my bed, you shall be there. You shall stay there. You shall not speak false to me. You shall not keep plots or secrets from me. And" — another loud, ringing slap at Killik's red arse — "you shall never again plan to leave me! You are mine!"

Killikwrenched all over, his moan breaking into a cry — but he nodded again, jerking his neck hard against the chain. "A-ach," he gasped. "Ach, Wolf. Yours."

Ulfarr'sgrunt was low and satisfied, but he still nipped sharply at Killik's ear this time, his hips driving in that same furious rhythm. "And," he continued, "you shall honour this good woman you have hunted us. You shall treat her as the rare Skai prize she is. And when I ask you to tend her, and speak truth to her, you shall do this. You shall stop play-acting as though you care naught for her, when you have just gutted this man for her, and would do it again in a breath!"

Killik'swild eyes flicked toward Louisa, but he nodded again, and moaned into Ulfarr's furious onslaught. "Ach," he choked. "I will, Wolf. I shall."

Ulfarrgrunted again, and shoved Killik down harder, jerking the chain sideways. Baring more of Killik's exposed neck for his hard, greedy eyes, and oh, Killik's head was even tilting further away, as if offering it, wanting it. AsUlfarr's growling mouth drew closer, his breath sharply inhaling, his plunges gone slower, harder, gouging in with deep, ruthless purpose —

"Suck your wolf's good seed deep," he hissed, into Killik's ear. "And beg me to drink you, my sweet pup."

Killik'svoice was babbling now, begging in words Louisa couldn't understand, his hips shoving up, his eyes furiously fluttering — and then Ulfarr thrust his head into Killik's exposed neck, his jaw clamping down tight. As his hips plunged in one last time, ramming Killik into the earth —

Killik'sroar tore through the air, his body kicking and writhing, his eyes squeezed shut. AsUlfarr kept grinding hard against him, pouring himself out into him, his throat rapidly, rhythmically swallowing. Taking from Killik, and giving to Killik, giving and giving and giving — until Killik finally sagged heavy and defeated beneath it, his body sprawled and slack against the earth.

Onlythen did Ulfarr twitch backwards, drawing his reddened mouth away from Killik's neck. His eyes blinking down toward it, hazy and dazed at first — but then wider and wider, as his breath caught, and his shoulders stilled. And as he stared, his face went paler and paler, his head shaking, his hand dropping the chain to the earth with a clatter.

Asif — he was shaken. Shocked. Appalled at the sight of Killik lying beneath him, his trousers torn and ragged, his body covered with mud and dried blood.

Killikhad half-turned to look at Ulfarr too, his mouth opening and closing, and then — quivering. As if he was about to start weeping, oh gods, but as Louisa blinked at him, she knew he wasn't hurt, or in pain. No, no, it was just the relief, and the pleasure, and the sheer aching joy in it. The… peace.

Butperhaps Ulfarr couldn't see that right now, or scent it, not with the mud and the chain, the shock and the horror slowly etching into his sweaty, haggard face. AndKillik couldn't say it, either — couldn't just say I loved that, I love you, thank you —

Andgods, this was just what had gotten them into this mess in the first place, wasn't it? And before she'd even caught it, Louisa shifted her own muddy, bloody body down beside them, and patted her hand at Killik's hot, flushed face.

"Yes, you ought to weep," she told him, as lightly as she could. "After finally gaining your wolf's strong ploughing, after so many years. Even better than you've always dreamt, wasn't it?"

Killik'sfluttering eyes slid toward her, but yes, that was relief, warming those eyes, wavering on his mouth. SoLouisa let her smile draw higher, into something smug and satisfied, as she gave another pat to his cheek. "It was even better thanI dreamt, too," she said. "Seeing you stuck and stabbed on our wolf's good seat, and screaming for mercy. My favourite part of this show so far."

Killikscoffed and rolled his eyes, and even jabbed a wavering claw toward her face. "Still not your show, you greedy harpy," he replied, between heavy breaths. "It is mine. You dance for me!"

Buthis expression was warm, even grateful, he was just meeting her, just playing. AndLouisa rolled her eyes back at him, and gave a purposeful, sweeping wave down at where Ulfarr's big body was still pinning Killik to the earth, his softening cock still jutted halfway into Killik's crease. And yes, yes, Ulfarr's expression had softened again too, his eyes slowly clearing, and flicking almost hungrily between Killik and Louisa's faces.

"You keep telling yourself that, you wily weasel," Louisa drawled at Killik, with another pat at his sweaty cheek. "Pretend as though we all didn't just see you begging, and whimpering, and squealing, just like a sweet, helpless, adorable little puppy —"

Butshe was cut off by Killik's sharp, thrilling growl, his body kicking up with astonishing speed, and landing over hers. And oh, now his legs were shoving hers apart, his own hard cock seeking up between — and then sinking deep inside her, while she choked and moaned upon it.

Butoh, it felt so good, so perfect, most of all with Ulfarr now settling shaky and heavy onto his side next to them, his hand skittering against Killik's back. "Gentle, pup," he said, hoarse. "She is yet wounded, you ken. And mayhap — mayhap you are wounded now, also."

Hisvoice cracked, his eyes still too hazy and bright, but Killik only rolled his eyes back, and then leaned toward Ulfarr, and pressed a brief, biting kiss to his mouth. "I ken I have never felt so good in all my life, Wolf," he murmured. "I… I thank you."

Hisgaze briefly dropped, his face flushing, and Ulfarr blinked hard, his body shifting closer, so he could inhale deep at Killik's neck. "I thank you also, my sweet pup," he whispered. "And" — his eyes flicked toward Louisa — "and you, sweet Louisa. You spoke such truth upon us, upon this, for I ken I have — I have —"

BothLouisa and Killik turned to look at Ulfarr, waiting, and Killik leaned in for another brief kiss to his mouth, even as his shaft quivered and pulsed inside Louisa, and her invaded heat clutched back. Both of them still wanting this together, yes, but both of them needing this from Ulfarr, too. Needing to help him face this.

"I have loved you so deeply, Killik," Ulfarr rasped, on a slow, heavy exhale. "For so long. For all these summers I have known you. And ach, I have thus so greatly feared — harming you, also. Drawing you into my weakness, and my darkness, and my grief, and my — evil. WhenI had vowed with all my strength to care for you, and keep you safe."

Hiseyes glimmered on Killik's face, his truth heavy in his voice, and he drew in a deep breath. "I have not — trusted myself with you," he continued. "I have not trusted I could keep you safe, most of all if I forever bound you to me, in the ways I most longed for. And thus, I have pushed you away, and hidden my own truth, for so long. Even as I have wished for yours. Even as I have raged with envy every time I have seen or scented you with another."

Killik'sexpression flickered as he watched, as something like comprehension — or even relief — flashed across his eyes. WhileUlfarr dragged in another slow, shaky breath, shuddering all through his big, sweaty body. "And in this, just now, pup, I should not — I ought not — I yet had — no right. I lost my bearings, lost my control, ought not have commanded you, and pushed you, and —"

Hewas speaking so quickly, stumbling over the words, the distress again rising in his eyes. But oh, that was another lingering kiss from Killik to his mouth, a caress of his hand to Ulfarr's sweaty cheek.

"Ach, I follow now, Wolf," he murmured. "ButI have always wished for this from you. AndI should be most glad if you should yet grant it to me."

Itfelt so simple, so soft, even gentle, in a way Louisa couldn't ever recall seeing from Killik before. OfferingUlfarr his forgiveness, his truth, his hope, with such openness, such quiet, ready ease. With such… love.

AndUlfarr seemed struck by it too, his throat convulsing, his hand skittering down Killik's back. His eyes shining with reverence, with hunger, with raw, radiant adoration. "Ach, then," he whispered. "I shall, pup."

Itshot a swift, stunning smile across Killik's face, swelling him fuller inside Louisa, too — and he drew Ulfarr close again, kissing him so sweet and so hungry, even as his hips against Louisa finally started circling, grinding himself slow inside her. Feeling so foreign, so strange and soft and new, because he'd never done it like this before — and he'd certainly never tugged Ulfarr up behind him, and flashed him such a taunting, tender smile.

"Again, Wolf," he murmured. "But more gentle this time, mayhap."

Ulfarr'sexhale was half-laugh, half-moan, but he wasted no time in shifting up behind Killik again, and — Louisa could feel Killik startle — easing back inside him. Indeed moving slow and careful, now, his movements gently rocking Killik into Louisa, while Killik gazed down at her with hooded, fluttering eyes. But not speaking, just looking, breathing, as his body kept filling her, meeting her, shuddering deep within her…

Butthen his head dropped, his face bent into her neck, his pointed ear lightly tickling at her cheek. "You ken I love you," he whispered, so quiet, into her ear. "Ach?"

Louisatwitched, and exhaled a breath that felt like relief, like wonder. "I… hoped you might," she whispered back. "I… wanted you to. So much."

Killik'slaugh was low, choked, his hot breath huffing against her skin. "How could I not?" he murmured. "My strong, fierce, hungry harpy, fighting with me, playing with me, hunting with me, even flyting with me. Seeking my help and my wisdom, and seeking to help me, also. Showing such kindness to my wolf and my son and my kin. Even bearing the Ka-esh for me, and writing all these pretty letters, to spare me such pain."

Louisahuffed a shaky laugh, but her hands had circled up around him, slipping into his sweaty, straggly hair. While his mouth gave a soft, gentle nip at her neck, his body still grinding slow and sweet between her legs. "And all this pleasure, also," he said. "Sucking me, tasting me, screeching upon me. Tending and taunting Wolf with me. Ach, even writing that curst letter to Wolf of me. Speaking of how I thronged within you, and granted you such great and wondrous gifts."

Louisashivered all over at even the memory of it, and wait, that was a low chuckle from Ulfarr behind Killik, as he gently drew one of the daggers from Killik's loosening hair, and then set it carefully onto Louisa's collarbone, where Killik could still see it. "Ach, this letter," he said, with a twitch of a smile down at Louisa's face. "I caught him reading it, with his prick in his hand. Twice."

Killikshot a sharp, betrayed look up over his shoulder, but Ulfarr just smiled back at him, so fond, and pulled out the other dagger, too, and set it onto Louisa with the first. ReleasingKillik's hair in a dark silken curtain, falling around Louisa's face, and she could just make out Ulfarr nuzzling against Killik's head, inhaling slow and deep. "This pleased you, pup," he murmured. "It has always pleased you, to be thanked, and to be honoured. To be… seen, for all you do, and all the great gifts you grant to us."

Killikmade a face, but he didn't argue, and his glance back toward Louisa looked almost embarrassed. But no, no, he couldn't be, and Louisa held his eyes, drew in his strength. "So many gifts, Killik," she whispered, beneath the shifting fall of his hair. "So many things I didn't even realize. Not just the food, and the help on the property, but all those lessons, all those explanations, even when you thought — when you thought you were teaching me to replace you. Not to mention Rikard, and how you guarded me from him, and defended me, and — and killed him. Or — almost killed him."

Itstill sounded hushed on her voice, not quite real, but Rikard's immobile body was still just over there, only a few paces away. While she was so alive, so whole and warm and safe, with Killik twitching her such a wry, satisfied little smile. "Ach, I have been plotting to murder him for weeks," he said lightly. "Since that first day he dared to touch what was mine."

Sincethat first day. And that day… that had been way back at the beginning, hadn't it? After that first good night with Ulfarr in her bed? After she and Killik had fought, and Killik had threatened her and stormed out, and now…

Killikglanced away again, wincing, but didn't argue it, either. As if he really had considered Louisahis for that long, for all that time. And the truth of it flipped in her belly, tightened against his hard body still filling her, rocking so slow and steady and safe.

"Thank you, Killik," she murmured. "It was so good of you."

Andyes, yes, he did like that, the warmth deepening on his cheeks, sparkling in his eyes. And when Louisa drew him down for a kiss, he willingly met it, his mouth so soft, so sweet, his tongue tangling slick and languid against hers.

"And you really didn't mind," Louisa whispered, once he'd drawn back again, "about LordScall, either?"

Killikblinked at her, looking briefly bewildered — and then his expression cleared, and he laughed, bright and almost merry. "Ach, no," he said. "I scented his death upon you from the start. We well knew the measure of this man, and this only raised you in my eyes, ach? Made me see you as a better woman for my wolf."

Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Killik had — known? He'd known she'd killed LordScall, all that time? And oh gods, had Ulfarr known, too?

ButLouisa's glance up toward Ulfarr said that yes, yes, he had — and Louisa had kept it from them, that entire time. And damn it, they'd both even hinted at it, hadn't they? They'd both given her opportunities to tell them, to be honest with them. You can speak truth to us, ach? And no matter what this is, we shall yet stand beside you, and keep you safe…

"I'm sorry," Louisa croaked, blinking back and forth between them. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. I was so — so afraid of it, for so long, and I just wanted to — forget. To keep it buried forever, where it might be — safe."

Butthere was no judgement in their watching eyes, only patience, or even sympathy. ThoughKillik's head tilted, his brows raising, as if he was… waiting. Wanting to hear the rest.

"Living with LordScall was like being trapped in a nightmare," Louisa made herself say, her voice catching. "I had to watch everything I said, everything I wore, everything I did. And if I angered him, or gods forbid, lost my temper in return" — she gulped for breath — "he would do whatever the hell he wanted with me. Shout at me, throw things at me, pressure me into his bed, lock me in the cellar. I even went into debt to buy a townhouse in Dusbury, all on my own, just to escape him — but I hated being trapped there too, with no forest or horses or fresh air, and nothing productive to do with my time. But it was enough to get by, to keep up appearances, and there was nothing I could do against him, and — and —"

Shewas breathing too hard, but Killik was still above her, still inside her, his hair still shielding her face — and above him, Ulfarr was still here, too. She could speak this. She was safe.

"And then I found out about Scall's infection," she whispered. "The reason I kept having those miscarriages. And he didn't just do it to me — he was infecting other women, too. Killing them, just as carelessly as he killed the orcs he kept warring against. And then he started turning his attention toward Joan, and I just — I just couldn't bear it anymore. I had to do something. Had to — try."

Hervoice broke, but above her, Killik nodded, and pressed a soft, quiet kiss to her mouth. "You did well, Louisa," he murmured. "You did all you could to care for your kin, and keep them safe. This is what any good Skai would do, ach? This was the hand of Skai-kesh upon you, I ken."

The hand of Skai-kesh. It was just what Ulfarr had told her, too, back on their very first night together — and despite her prickling eyes, her too-tight throat, Louisa felt her breath exhaling, her body sinking heavier into the earth. Into relief, into safety, into… peace.

LordScall was dead, and she was alive. She was whole.

"But this was yet a heavy burden for you to bear, most of all alone," Killik added, his eyes shifting on Louisa's face. "I ken I ought to have sought deeper for your truth, and taken more care with you. Ought not to have pushed you so much, or fought you, as I did. Most of all" — he sighed — "upon this."

This. He meant his hips grinding against her, his hard body still buried inside her, and Louisa swallowed, shook her head. "But you were so patient, too," she said thickly. "You helped me so much. Both of you."

Killik'shead tilted again, listening, and Louisa drew in a deep, shaky breath. "You gave me all those lessons," she whispered. "You guided me, and encouraged me, and made this — safe. You showed me an entirely different side of it, and gave me joy, and safety, and peace. And now" — her voice cracked — "I truly love doing this with you. Both of you."

Shedarted a glance up at Ulfarr, who was softly smiling toward her, his hand stroking warm against her hair. WhileKillik's mouth quirked up, and relief — or even approval — glimmered in his watching eyes. "Ach, I did scent this upon you," he said lightly. "You could not hide your longing for strong Skai prick, ach?"

Louisasmiled and rolled her eyes back toward him, but then felt the smile fading, twisting into a grimace. "I did hide," she whispered, "the son part, though."

Killik'smouth pursed, his breath slowly exhaling. "Ach, you did," he replied, quiet. "But mayhap this was also the hand of Skai-kesh, and a great gift toward us. ForI would not have chosen you in my hunt, had I known."

Hewouldn't have chosen her. A convulsive shiver rippled up Louisa's back, her eyes briefly closing — but wait, that was another kiss from Killik, firm on her mouth. "A great gift," he repeated. "For with another woman, with a new son, I ken — I ken I would yet have left, ach?"

Right. BecauseKillik hadn't wanted the woman to begin with, he hadn't wanted another son — and above him, Ulfarr gave a low growl, a sharp nip at his ear. Enough that Killik winced, and sighed, and twisted up to meet Ulfarr's eyes.

"I could not have left Sune, ever," he said, harder. "And mayhap I could not have stayed away from you forever either, Wolf. ButI should not have cared for this woman, or shared your bed with her, or wished to make her our —"

Hebroke off there, but Ulfarr's eyes cleared, and he nuzzled at Killik's hair again, drawing in a deep, relieved breath. "Our mate," Ulfarr finished firmly. "You wish for this also, ach, pup? For the three of us?"

Louisa'sheart skipped, her eyes widening, as a shivery thrill flashed up her spine. Ulfarr still wanted to make them mates? All three of them, together?

Butabove her, Killik hesitated, his eyes carefully searching hers. "But mayhap you do not wish for this, Louisa," he said. "You did not wish to be a wife, ach? And whilst matehood bears no legal standing amongst humans thus, it is yet much the same."

Right. Louisa inhaled as she considered that, turning it over in her thoughts. But there was no judgement in Killik's watching eyes, no impatience, no command. As if Louisa truly could… choose. Could choose to say yes, or no. Or perhaps…

"CouldI just… think about it, for a while?" she finally asked. "Is there any… rush?"

Killik'sgaze again angled up toward Ulfarr, but Ulfarr shook his head, and gave a soft smile toward her. "We shall be glad to wait as long as you need, Louisa," he murmured. "And we shall be here whenever you are ready — or even if you are never ready at all. You have granted us so much, and we should be most honoured to grant you whatever best pleases you."

Louisasagged heavy against the earth, sinking into the truth of it, the relief of it. In both Killik and Ulfarr giving her the choice in this, recognizing her autonomy, respecting her needs. Making it clear that this truly wasn't about the land, or the camp, or their kin. They cared about her. Hers.

"Thank you, sweetheart," she whispered, with a slow smile back at Ulfarr's watching face. "And you know, if you'd really like to please me, maybe you could…"

Sheshot a meaningful glance toward Killik, but oh, Ulfarr was already nodding, the comprehension glinting warm in his eyes. "Ach," he murmured, as he pressed another kiss against Killik's hair. "I shall yet take a mate tonight."

Therewas a jolt of stillness, and then Killik's eyes snapped wide, his head whipping around to stare up at Ulfarr's face. ButUlfarr only smiled back at him, fond and wicked, as his hand gently loosened the chain still around Killik's neck. "I have waited long enough," he said. "And tonight, Killik, I shall finally make you mine."

Killik'sgasp was hoarse and disbelieving, his eyes fluttering, while Ulfarr only kept smiling at him, and then kissed his way down to the fresh red teeth-marks he'd left on Killik's neck. "I shall need to rut you, you ken," Ulfarr breathed, hot, and oh, he was grinding into Killik again, shifting him purposefully against Louisa. "Before all our clan."

Killikgroaned and shuddered all over, his head tilting away to welcome more of Ulfarr's kiss, his seeking mouth. As if — as if he didn't mind the prospect of this rut whatsoever. As if he would… welcome it.

Buteven the thought of it choked in Louisa's breath, and flashed sudden and cold all down her form. "But — doesn't the rut mean you'd still share him?" she demanded at Ulfarr. "With — other partners? After all this?"

Andcurse her, that was distinct disapproval in her voice, or even jealousy. Enough that Killik and Ulfarr exchanged another brief, speaking glance, Ulfarr's eyes narrowing, while distinct redness crept up Killik's cheeks.

"No, I shall not share him in this," Ulfarr said, flat and decisive, as his eyes met Louisa's again. "But we spoke of how Simon altered this rut, ach? Apart from the hunt, it is yet how we claim a mate — but now all parties must freely choose who else is part of this. And should you wish, Louisa, in claiming Killik, I should welcome only… you."

Oh. Only her. The relief shuddered through Louisa's breath, and she quivered a small, grateful smile back toward him. "ThenI'd be honoured, sweetheart," she murmured. "Of course. We can put on a good show together, don't you think? Make your adorable puppy spurt and scream for us."

Killikloudly snorted, but Louisa and Ulfarr ignored it, and grinned at each other. And already Ulfarr was grinding against Killik again, his face seeking hungry against his throat, while Killik gasped and shuddered, and swelled fuller inside Louisa. Sparking and stoking her own hunger, and she clutched back against him, sank her hands into his beautiful silken hair. And then drew his head down for a deep, dragging kiss, because she could do that now, she could — and oh, he even moaned into it, his tongue plunging deep, his teeth scraping against her lips.

Itwas perfect, perfect, their bodies all locked together, rocking together with such sweet, staggering bliss. Wringing them higher, closer, tighter, Ulfarr's slow, heavy thrusts juddering Killik into Louisa, all over Louisa, his claws skittering at her face, tilting it to the side. So he could scrape those sharp teeth over her bare, exposed neck, in a silent, tantalizing threat — but Louisa didn't care, she didn't, and she might have even drawn him down harder, please…

Shearched and gasped as the pain flashed deep — and oh, oh, at Killik's very first gulp, his cock inside her shuddered, and sprayed. Streaming her full of slick molten heat, even as his hard, rhythmic swallows rang through her ears. Drinking her, even as she drank him, clutched to him, gasping beneath his strength and his seed and his teeth — and fuck, her own pleasure seized, surged, crashed. Milking at Killik again and again, swallowing more and more and more, firing her full of fizzing, flaring ecstasy. While behind Killik, Ulfarr was shouting too, his weight pinning them both to the earth, as his own hard swallows gulped against Killik's arched throat.

Theworld seemed to blink away beneath the strength of it, leaving only the pleasure, the warmth, the relief. The truth of Louisa held so certain, so sheltered, beneath her fierce powerful orcs. She was safe. She was whole. She was… Skai.

Butno, no, perhaps not entirely, not officially, not yet. And for an instant, there was the reckless, overwhelming urge to just say, Yes, yes, make me your mate, please —

Butthen Killik drew himself up, away from her throat. And when Louisa's hazy eyes found his face, it was streaked with red, his long black tongue licking slow and decadent against his stained lips. While behind him, Ulfarr licked at his own red lips, and then frowned down at the broken, throbbing skin of Louisa's neck.

"Killik," he said, his husky voice almost, almost disapproving. "That is a mating-bite."

Killik'sbrows rose, his eyes leisurely sliding down to hold on Louisa's neck. "No, is it?" he drawled. "I thought it was a bee-sting. Or a new Ka-esh tattoo, mayhap."

Ulfarr'sexpression wavered, clearly caught between amusement and rebuke — and somehow, curse her, Louisa smiled up toward them both, too fond, too grateful. Her hands even drawing Killik's face down again, so she could find his mouth, taste herself on his lips.

"Tyrant," she murmured, and then kissed him again. "You and your damned show."

ButKillik was smiling against her lips, huffing a laugh into her mouth. "Ready yourself, harpy," he whispered back. "For it has only just begun."