Epilogue

Thesedays, Louisa barely recognized her own house.

Shedrank up the sight of it as she strode up toward the kitchen door, eyeing the fresh paint, the new shutters, the large open field for playing games, and the expanded, well-tended garden. It all made the house look like a cheery, welcoming place, a place to learn and play and grow, and that was reinforced by the new sign out front, printed in large, familiar block letters.

THEWOLF-CAMPWILDERNESSSCHOOL, it announced. ACaring, ContemporaryCross-CulturalEducationalExperience!

Ofcourse, Killik had thrown a tantrum over the subtitle, but he'd gotten his way with the school's actual name, at least. And as the president of the Wolf-CampSchoolRath — or Council — Killik had continued to get his way with the school's curriculum, too. Ensuring it taught not only the usual subjects like languages, history, and mathematics, but also multiple Skai-focused subjects, like hunting, tracking, climbing, knife-throwing, and rope-braiding. They'd also added a variety of other practical pursuits, too — horseback riding, gardening, swimming, shelter building, and even tunnel digging, with regular guest appearances from Filak and his lovely new mate.

ButLouisa's favourite classes of all were the ones that studied and shared the forgotten parts of Skai culture. She'd continued working with Rosa and Ulfarr to unearth more Skai history, often with the help of Skai elders scattered across the realm — and so far, they'd discovered Skai drumming, a Skai ball game, and even a near-forgotten board game of secrets and strategy. And of course, they'd continued with flyting, too, and these days it was common to see the school's students flyting together for fun, laughing and challenging and teasing one another.

Butnow — Louisa gave a warning knock on the kitchen door, and then eased it open — their two dozen students were all gone for the day, and it ought to be only the teachers left. And she'd already seen Kori and Fasti playing ball outside with the cheerfully squealing trio of Leikr and Stefan and Ame, so that meant…

"Joan?" Louisa called, as she strode through the ground floor — first the three schoolrooms, then the art room, and then the shrine, with its new carving of Skai-kesh. "Halthorr? Elise?"

Butyes, there, a voice, in the new library — but even as Louisa pushed the door open, she faltered, and wrinkled her nose. Because yes, that scent was far too clear, and now —

Nowthe truth of it was here, before Louisa's bemused, blinking eyes. Halthorr sprawled naked on the floor in the library, with Joan's lean brown body — dressed only in a loincloth — straddled over his bucking hips. WhileElise's plump pale form was spread over Halthorr's face, and her own face was caught in Joan's hand, their kisses hungry and fervent, as Halthorr jerked and moaned and slurped beneath them.

Louisabriefly considered leaving, but she was already here, and gods knew she'd caught these three in similar states multiple times before. The only slight obstacle was still Elise, who now — predictably — gasped and cringed at the sight of Louisa at the door, clapping a hand over her full breasts. WhileJoan fondly rolled her eyes at her bashful mate, and then raised her brows toward Louisa, even as she kept grinding against Halthorr's bucking hips.

"I just wanted to let you know," Louisa told Joan, "that Sune is taking May to the mountain soon. He's planning to stay there with his friends for a few days, so if you could make sure he has everything May needs, I'd be grateful."

Joannodded, and gave Louisa a too-knowing grin, without even slightly breaking her rhythm. "Getting him out of the camp for the night, are you?" she asked. "Don't want him to stumble on something he shouldn't?"

Louisarolled her eyes back at Joan, even as her face heated. "My son is far too clever to stumble on something he shouldn't," she said archly. "But — yes. It's just —"

Shecouldn't even speak it, suddenly, and Joan gave a wry laugh, and shook her head. "We'll be wishing you luck, Lou," she replied. "And we'll see you in a few days, I expect."

Louisaswallowed and flashed a rueful smile back, but her face still felt hot as she waved goodbye, and headed toward the door again. Because tonight, after almost a year together — tonight, Louisa would finally become Ulfarr's mate. In a large, public Skai rut, before all their clan.

Andyes, the prospect still felt deeply daunting, but it simmered low and hot in her belly, too. She'd taken her time thinking about it, learning about it, even experimenting a little with it. One night, Ulfarr had allowed a handsome visiting Skai to lie with them in bed, watching and stroking his own prick, and another night, he'd allowed another Skai to kiss Louisa's breasts and her neck. And on another, vividly memorable night, when Louisa had been riding Killik on a bench, Ulfarr had allowed a watching orc to kneel before them, and lavish the rest of her invaded crease with his slick hungry tongue.

Andwhile it had felt surreal, and salacious, and still a little dangerous, it had also made it undeniably clear to Louisa that it was different, like this. It wasn't her going off alone and finding pleasure elsewhere, the way Killik had for all those years. No, this was Ulfarr guiding this, commanding this, approving of this. It was the Wolf of the Skai, flaunting and caring for his prized woman, and generously sharing her as he pleased.

And, Louisa had begun to realize, it was the Wolf of the Skai showing off his fierce, lusty pups, too. Showing her and Killik together, as a matched set. How they fought each other, and faced each other, and fucked each other, often with their gleaming blades in hand, or between their teeth. Putting on a show, perhaps, for each other, for anyone who wanted to see. And most of all for their wolf, who watched them with such wicked indulgent fondness, and so often goaded them on, commanded more.

"You shall not speak to my mate thus, Louisa," he'd ordered one night a few months before, when a sparring lesson from Killik had turned into a mess of insults and dagger-waving. "Silence her, pup. Teach your wilful mate how to behave."

Killikhad already shoved Louisa down to her knees before him, his hand yanking open his trousers — but at that, they'd both halted, and stared at Ulfarr. Louisa with shock juddering through her chest — had he just called her Killik'smate? — and Killik with wry resignation in his eyes, or maybe even guilt. And when Louisa had aimed her disbelieving look up toward him, he'd only shrugged, though a slight flush had crept up his cheek.

"I hunted you, all those moons ago," he'd murmured. "Then marked you, with my seed and teeth. Thus for us, it has long been done, but I ken you did not wish to —"

ButLouisa had growled at him, and then lurched forward, and sucked his bobbing cock deep into her mouth. And when Killik had tilted his head back, looking supremely satisfied, she'd bitten him as hard as she dared, earning a sharp yelp in return. And then a firm slap at her cheek, too, and then she'd slapped him back, and then they'd been at it again, rolling on the floor and hissing and snapping at each other, until Ulfarr had ordered them to stop, and make love to each other. And afterwards, once Killik had asked if she'd really wanted it, he'd whispered the vows of matehood in her ear, cradling her face in his hand, kissing so softly at her throat.

Ithad felt right, so right, and whenever Ulfarr had flaunted them together after, that had felt right, too. She and Killik were mated, perhaps they had always been, and of course their wolf could show them off together, and command them however he pleased.

Butit still left Ulfarr and Louisa without a vow, without that same kind of promise. AndLouisa had felt herself wanting it, craving it, until finally one night she'd just asked him, when they were all curled up together in their kofi. "Would you still mate me too, Wolf?" she'd asked, searching his eyes. "With the rut?"

Ulfarr'sbreath had choked, his eyes snapped wide — and then he'd clutched her close, squeezing her tightly to his chest. "Ach, Louisa," he'd croaked. "I should be most — most honoured."

Ithad led to a glorious session of lovemaking, with Louisa gasping and writhing on Ulfarr's hungry tongue, while Killik had plunged in behind — but afterwards, as they'd sprawled sated together on the fur, Ulfarr's eyes had gone watchful, careful on hers. "And how would it best please you to do this rut, Louisa?" he'd asked. "With only Killik and me, mayhap? Or with… more? Whatever you wish."

ButLouisa hadn't missed that hungry shudder of his softened bulge against her thigh, and she'd smiled fondly toward him, leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I'd be fine with more, sweetheart," she'd murmured. "As long as you both are, too."

She'dmeant it, because along with their experimenting, she'd also gradually told Killik and Ulfarr more and more about LordScall, too. About various memories that still lingered, or ways all those years of marriage had impacted her. And in return, Killik and Ulfarr had listened, and comforted her, and murmured their own harrowing tales into the darkness. Facing the past with her, rather than seeking to escape, or forget.

Butit had somehow weakened the old memories even further, sapping them of their power. And these days, intimacy had lost any connection whatsoever to LordScall, and had been fully consumed by this. By the stunning Skai orcs in her bed, in her heart.

"You are certain, Louisa?" Ulfarr had asked next, his eyes rapidly searching hers. "You would welcome other Skai, in this rut? How many? And only touching you, or tasting you, or…"

He'dleft that question hanging, but Louisa had smiled at him again, and twitched a shrug. "Whatever you think is best, sweetheart," she'd replied. "And however many you prefer, too."

Ulfarrhad betrayed a full-body shudder at that, his eyes wide and disbelieving on her face, while Killik had bent his head into her neck, and inhaled. Making sure she meant it, making sure it was truth.

"And who should you wish to have in your rut, woman?" Killik had asked, with an edge of challenge in his voice. "And when?"

He'dagain been testing her, still smelling for the truth of it, and Louisa had shrugged again, and held her gaze to Ulfarr's. "We can do it whenever you like," she'd told him. "And you can choose who you'd like to have as part of it, sweetheart. Whoever you think would be best."

Ulfarr'sbody had spasmed again, his breath exhaling harsh, because yes, she'd known he'd wanted that, too. He'd wanted that right, that power, and maybe even that leverage. Not only over her, but over whatever orcs he allowed to touch her. AndLouisa had known that he would already have a mental list, a breakdown of Skai he'd wanted to court, or bring closer to him and the camp — and that the rut would offer a powerful incentive. A bond.

Andmaybe that had been wrong, or drawing too much on the darker ways of the Skai, and of the old packs — but at some point, Louisa had found that she hadn't much cared. Over the past year, Ulfarr had gradually become the clan's most respected resource and advocate for Skai history and traditions, and if anyone should plan and lead a rut in the old Skai ways, it should be him. It should be the Wolf of the Skai.

Afterthat night, Louisa had often heard Ulfarr and Killik discussing options, but she'd tried to ignore it, and to trust that they would make the best choices for them, and for her. And then she'd even written the letters of invitation, as she always did, with Killik reading over her shoulder.

Andnow — now, it was the night. AndLouisa sought to breathe in deep from the earth as she strode back to the camp, moving swiftly and silently along the path — until she happened upon an unsuspecting pheasant. So she made a quick, clean kill with her knife, and then dressed it on a nearby rock before carrying it back into the camp.

Thomasroundly thanked her for the meat, and then let her know a new letter had come in for her from the lawyer. SoLouisa gratefully took the distraction, and headed down into the common-room. Where she poured her full focus into evaluating this latest update against Rosa's extensive notes, and then writing out a detailed response. Doing her damnedest to make her case, and reclaim Rikard's land for her son.

Ithad turned into a complicated legal battle over the past year, after Rikard's death in bed from his so-called sudden illness. A distant cousin of Rikard's on his maternal side had materialized to claim the land and the title, but his claim was far weaker than Louisa and Sune's — partly due to the fact that one of the realm's northern lords, LordNash of Albajar, had recently used adoption to cut out his own firstborn son from inheriting his own entailed property. Meaning that there was a well-established legal precedent in place, and one that the realm's ruling Council wasn't eager to revoke.

Andwhile the matter wasn't yet settled, it was settled enough that the orcs had been hunting on Rikard's land for months now, and tending its herds and valuable crops. And thereby bringing in enough coin that Louisa had finally paid the last of LordScall's mortgages, and gained her property for her own. Forever.

Andtogether with her kin and her friends — and especially Rosa — Louisa was confident they would gain the rest of it, too. They would keep working together to face this, and to build the biggest, safest, most prosperous Skai camp in all the realm.

Butfirst, she had to get through tonight. The rut.

"Finished?" came a husky voice from behind her, along with a telltale nip at her neck — and Louisa smiled at Killik over her shoulder, and handed up her letter for him to review. And though he read it without comment, she could see in his smug little smile that he approved, and he even signed at Ragni and his new mate across the room to come fetch it, and deliver it at once.

"I scent fresh blood upon you," Killik murmured afterwards, with another nip at her neck. "Pheasant?"

Louisanodded, tilting her head away to welcome more of his kiss, more of that sweet scrape of his teeth. "Good," he said. "Now come. Wolf wished me to tend you and ready you for tonight."

Hehad? Louisa's brows shot up, but she didn't argue as Killik led her toward one of the common-room's multiple tunnels, the one heading east. The one where they'd carved out a second room of their own, not far from the common-room, so they had a private place for meetings or lovemaking as needed. And now their room had a steaming washtub in the middle of it, along with a full bottle of oil, a large basket of fruit and dried meat, and several fresh towels and furs.

Itwas surely Ulfarr's doing, but Killik would have implemented it all, and Louisa kissed him and thanked him before lowering herself into the hot water. And instead of Killik leaving, as he usually would have — he was never one to lounge around relaxing — he settled behind her, and stroked his claws through her hair. As if he really did want to ready her, and prepare her for this.

Itwas a lovely, shimmering feeling, especially when he began washing her all over, and then carefully dried her off, too. And next he spread her out on the bed, and rubbed oil all over her heated body, his capable hands smoothing steady and firm. UntilLouisa felt languid and drowsy and decadent with it, but Killik kept going, bending down to kiss softly at her neck, her ear.

"Rest, my sweet mate," his voice murmured, very far away. "For you shall need it, ach?"

Anddespite the flare of alarm at that thought, Louisa somehow did sleep, sprawled relaxed and boneless on the fur. And when she awoke again, it was to the feel of Killik patting her cheek, the scent of him strong in the air.

"Ready, woman?" he asked, his eyes glittering on hers. "Your wolf and his chosen band are ready for you."

Louisa'sheart thudded, but she nodded, and allowed Killik to draw her to her feet. And when he passed over her loincloth, she pulled it on, and then stood still as he swung a glossy grey fur over her shoulders. Tying it, and then spreading out her loose hair over it, and standing back to look, his eyes sweeping up and down.

"Good," he murmured, with a gentle pat to her cheek. "You look just as a Skai mate should. Now breathe, and come, and stand before your kin."

Breathe. Come. SoLouisa clasped Killik's hand, and then drew down deep breaths as he led her down the tunnel again. Not to their main open common-room, but to the new one they'd dug, far deeper beneath the earth. This one much darker and cozier, with nooks and crannies cut into the walls, and fur-covered benches and platforms scattered throughout, many with conveniently placed drainage grates beneath. And lined along the walls, there were a variety of chains and shackles, and rassjas, and even dull knives and daggers. All meant not for harm, but for pleasure.

Theroom was called a dyflissa, and was in fact based on a similar Ka-esh room at OrcMountain — and when Louisa had first taken Killik there, and suggested they build a dyflissa at the camp, he hadn't even pretended to argue. And then he'd willingly sat through all Rosa's lectures about safety, and agreed to her recommendation around only allowing entry after reading her extensive informative publication, and swearing a vow to adhere to its rules.

Butonce it had been done, the dyflissa had given them a whole new place to play together, and it had had the surprising side effect of bringing multiple curious Ka-esh to come visit, too. A development that had done wonders for inter-clan relations, because any irritation a Skai might have felt toward a pretty, chattering, scholarly Ka-esh was rapidly forgotten, once said pretty Ka-esh was gagged and bound and squealing beneath his daggers and his cock.

Buttonight — Louisa's steps faltered at the door — tonight, there were only Skai in the dyflissa. And in the dim torchlight, she could scarcely even make out their faces — but it felt like there were dozens of them, all waiting and prowling and hungry, watching for their prey. Almost like… a pack.

ButLouisa knew Ulfarr's old pack would be standing guard outside — they'd even passed a few on the way here — and that many of the Skai would have come to bear witness, rather than participate. But it still sent a strange, shuddering thrill up her back, especially once she recognized some of their faces. Rurik, the healer. Argarr, the smith. Tarr, from the eastern camp. Airik, from the south.

Andthere at the front of the room, clad only in a loincloth, was Simon, with a heavily pregnant Maria on his lap. AndMaria even smiled and waved toward Louisa at the door, and Louisa managed a smile back, despite the thunder now pounding through her chest, her ears. She was doing this, facing this. She wanted this. And she wanted —

Him. Her huge, hulking, dangerous wolf, standing in the middle of the room. Wearing a fur and a loincloth too, with his silver-streaked hair falling over his shoulders, his claws extended sharp from his fingertips. Looking, for a breath, like a true wolf, a predator, capable of causing great pain and grief and darkness.

Buteven so, the sight of him settled Louisa's shoulders, drew her breath in deep. She wanted him. She trusted him. He wouldn't hurt her, no matter what. He wouldn't.

Soshe held her head high, held her eyes on his dear familiar face, as she strode across the room toward him, with Killik silently prowling beside her. And when she reached her wolf, she waited as he gently took her hand, and brought it to his mouth. Kissing it, so soft, before turning her around, and raising her hand high into the air.

"One summer past, my faithful mate Killik hunted this woman for us," Ulfarr said, his voice deep and carrying. "He knew her to be a shrewd, strong, steady woman, and hoped she would grant us pleasure, and peace."

Therewas silence around the room, waiting, and Ulfarr reached to clasp Killik's hand, too, drawing him close to his other side. "As always, my clever pup showed great wisdom in this," Ulfarr continued. "For not only has Louisa granted us pleasure and peace, but she has granted us great hope, and great strength, and great joy. She has upheld us, and stood tall beside us, and freely shared her goods and her home with us. She has brought schooling to our sons, new mates to our brothers, and kindness to us all. She is a wise, worthy, wondrous woman, and tonight" — he drew in a breath, and bowed low toward Simon — "with your blessing, my kin, I wish you to join me in claiming her as our own, and as my bonded lifelong mate."

Therewas another moment's silence, quivering through the air — and then Simon rose to his feet, his hand over his heart. "You have my blessing, Wolf," he called back. "MaySkai-kesh bring you great blessing, also."

Therewere multiple nods, and murmurs of agreement around the room, and then more voices, too. You have my blessing. You have my blessing.

Itshivered up Louisa's spine, sparkling behind her eyes, and she trembled when Killik came to stand before her, his fingers carefully unfastening her fur, and spreading it on the large stone platform behind them. Baring her upper body for the entire room, even as he held his glittering eyes on hers, with a look she knew all too well. Show me. Prove this.

Louisadrew in a breath, gave a shaky nod — yes, yes, please — and in a jolting flash of movement, Killik swept forward, and tackled her onto her back on the fur-covered platform. His swift strong hands already grasping her wrists, pinning them above her head, and binding them together with Ulfarr's thick steel chain. As his knees swiftly kicked hers apart, his hard cock seeking, finding its place — and then he plunged deep in a sharp single stroke.

Louisaarched, cried out, but oh, yes, it was so good, he was always so good, so swift and strong and hungry. Her fierce, gorgeous mate, ploughing her hard and fast before all these watching Skai. Showing them something, proving something of his own. She was Killik's, because he'd found her first, and claimed her first. And she would always be his first, maybe even before Ulfarr.

ButUlfarr liked it that way too, wanted it that way — and he'd even settled his big body down beside them to watch, as he so often did. StrokingKillik's back with one hand, as his other hand gently caressed Louisa's face, and brought her mouth to his. "You are so stunning, my sweet Louisa," he murmured, between kisses. "It is such a great honour to claim you thus tonight. And if ever you wish to stop, or return to only us, you shall sign this, or speak this, ach?"

Louisanodded and kissed him back, her hunger already blooming, her body arching beneath Killik's onslaught. "I will," she gasped. "But until then, I — I trust you, Wolf."

Shedrew back to hold his eyes, to make sure he understood it — she was giving him permission to run this, to command this, to do whatever the hell he wanted with this. He was the Wolf of the Skai, he was leading a rut upon her, and he was damned well going to do it properly.

Butyes, yes, he understood, the warmth and the gratitude again glimmering in her eyes. "I thank you, Louisa," he murmured, with another soft, almost painfully tender kiss. "You honour me. And you ken I have granted our rutmates leave to touch you and taste you, and share your womb. But naught else beyond this, ach?"

Louisanodded, because yes, they'd talked about this, and agreed on this — but then Killik's hand clutched around her neck, his body arching up, his hard cock gouging deep inside her. And he groaned as he poured out, flooding her with his hot slick seed, its distinctive rich scent rising through the air.

Louisashuddered and gasped and inhaled, dragging in that heady scent deep. While above her, Killik twitched a fond smile toward her, and gave an approving little pat to her cheek, and then —

Heyanked backwards, pulling himself out of her in a sharp, sudden movement. Showing off the mess he'd just made of her, streaming out from between her parted thighs. Showing how she belonged to him, how she was his to plough and fill first, before all others.

Butoh, now Ulfarr was shifting on top instead. His big body so heavy, so familiar, so safe, his thick, leaking cock gently prodding into Killik's mess. And as always, he pressed inside her slowly, carefully, giving her time to adjust to him, to welcome him. And when he finally sank bollocks-deep, his pulsing shaft fully sheathed inside Louisa's tight heat, there were a few appreciative murmurs around the room, and even a low whistle.

Ulfarrtook his time taking her, too, sinking in smooth and steady, while Killik sprawled long and languid beside her, kissing at her neck, pinching her nipples to tight, aching peaks. And once she was gasping and arching, her shaky hand signing for more, Ulfarr carefully drew back onto his knees, pulling her along with him. So her lower body was now propped up in his lap, her upper body fully on display on the fur. So they could all see Killik touching her, playing with her, showing them what was on offer…

"You may now come, my chosen rutmates, and lie with us," Ulfarr's low voice said, ringing like a dark, hazy bell through the room. "And you may take turns touching our woman, also, and letting her learn you. Gently."

Oh. Oh, gods, they were doing this, they were starting this. And yes, yes, a group of orcs were breaking from the rest of the room, and silently striding forward. Almost all of them dressed in loincloths, too, and Louisa's breath quickened as she scanned their faces. Yes, there was Rurik, and Argarr, and Tarr, and Airik. And a few other Skai she'd met over the past year — Dvergr, Vaeni, Hjalt — and then three more she'd never even seen before. One who must have been near seventy years old, one who might have been twenty-five, and one who was so scarred, Louisa couldn't even tell the original colour of his skin.

Herheart had begun pounding again — that meant there were twelve orcs total, including Killik and Ulfarr, twelve, and they were really doing this — but Ulfarr's hands stroking her were still steady, strong, safe. AndKillik's hand had begun stroking now, too, his teeth gently nibbling at her ear.

"Breathe, Louisa," he murmured, into her ear. "You are my mate. You have borne my hard ploughing all this past year, and my wolf's perfect prick, also. And thus, Iknow you shall easily bear a band of Skai in your bed — and you shall enjoy this. Ach?"

Louisagulped for air, followed his steady breaths, and nodded. Because yes, she could do this, yes, she wanted this, yes, she could face this. And she could even face the orc who settled nearest to her on the bed — Tarr, the burly camp leader from the west. His gaze warm and genial on hers, his soft rounded belly gently brushing her hip. "So pretty," he murmured, with an appreciative glance up and down her impaled, gasping body. "MayI touch you, beautiful?"

Killikwas still breathing in and out beside her, his breaths slow and steady enough that Louisa could easily follow — and somehow, somehow, she nodded at Tarr. Saying — yes. And then watched, with a dazed juddering disbelief, as Killik cupped her quivering breast, and guided it toward Tarr's big waiting hand. As if it was… a gift. An offering.

Tarr'sfirst gentle touch to her peaked nipple felt like a jolt, wrenching all through her — but that look in his eyes was only awe, or even reverence. And his glance toward Killik was grateful as he touched her again, more certain this time. But still soft, careful, and now another orc — the lean southern leader Airik — had knelt beside him, and signed the request to touch her, too. And when Louisa agreed, his touch on her belly was more confident, his hand warm, his claws very gently scraping. ScatteringLouisa full of more hunger, more pleasure, most of all with Ulfarr's strength still gently grinding within her, and Killik still lying by her side, lazily stroking her. Showing them how to touch her, and then murmuring it aloud to them, too. Giving them — a lesson.

"Gentle with her nipples," he told Tarr. "No claws there, or" — his hand slid down, brazenly stroked around where Ulfarr's thick shaft was still plunged inside her — "or here. But she likes them otherwise, ach, woman? And tongues, also."

Andwait, that was a hint, his eyes dancing on hers — but Tarr was already bending closer, stroking her nipple with his slick black tongue. WhileAirik's claws gently scraped lower, down the inside of Louisa's thigh. All of it flickering and fluttering with pleasure, firing it through Louisa's trembling body, and on her next deep breath with Killik, she glanced around at the rest of them, and signed, Yes. More.

Andthen — yes — there were more. More hands, more claws, more slick hungry tongues. Too much to even follow, to break apart, but Killik and Ulfarr were both here, both guiding this, directing this. Ulfarr even signing for Tarr to move aside, so another orc could lie beside her and have a turn, and then another. Rotating through all of them, so Killik could give them lessons, could touch her with them, could murmur softly into her ear.

"This is Asbrandr," he breathed, as the twenty-odd-year-old tentatively carefully caressed her breast, his face bright red. "He has never before touched a woman, ach? Same as Stigr, and Saxar. This is a great gift from Wolf toward them, and one they shall return with their fealty."

Stigrwas the older orc, and Saxar the scarred one, and the awareness made it easier for Louisa to lean into their tentative touch, to gasp with their pleasure. To watch that awe shimmering across their eyes, shivering through their bodies, straining beneath their loincloths. But none of them had gone any further than touching and kissing, just stroking her tingling skin with hands and hungry tongues.

Atleast, until Rurik settled down across from Killik, and gave him a sly, sharp-toothed smile. "Saving me for last, ach?" he said coolly. "You ken she shall care naught for the others, after me."

Therewere a few low growls from around them, and Killik glared darkly toward Rurik, too — but he didn't stop Rurik's long-fingered hand from spreading wide against Louisa's belly, and then sliding smoothly downwards. Making straight for her crease, for where Ulfarr was still stretching her wide open around him, and then —

Louisashouted as the pleasure sparked and flared, flashing deep — within her. Within her, oh hell, beneath her very skin, as if her nerves were on fire, shouting and blazing and gasping for more. As if it was — magic.

Andoh, Ulfarr had even picked up his pace, his own eyes fluttering, while Rurik huffed a satisfied laugh, and leisurely stroked his hand lower. ConvulsingLouisa tighter around Ulfarr, oh gods, his fingers' touch so brazen and obscene, curving up against Ulfarr's straining shaft, too. Enough that Killik growled at Rurik, baring all his teeth, and glanced sharply toward the door. Clearly saying, If you keep touching him, you leave.

Rurikrolled his eyes back at Killik, but accordingly slid his hand back to Louisa again. Stroking her, tingling that shimmering pleasure beneath her skin, whipping the sheer sensation higher, hotter, closer, oh — until Louisa's relief thundered through her, raging and roaring, clamping her against Ulfarr again and again. Enough that he gasped, arched, plunged himself deep — and then poured out in sharp, shuddering surges, as his howl echoed through the room.

Itleft Louisa shivery and shaky all over, but Killik kissed her, whispered praises into her ear, while his hand reached down to where Ulfarr was slowly sliding out of her. FeelingUlfarr's mess, even lingering his fingers into it — and then stroking it up Louisa's belly, painting it onto her nipples, slipping his wet fingers into her mouth. "Good, woman," he murmured. "Now, I ken Rurik ought to clean up his mess, ach?"

Heshot a saucy glance at Rurik, his brows raised — and oh, gods, Rurik wasn't even arguing. He only glanced dispassionately down toward where Killik and Ulfarr's combined seed was now streaming from between Louisa's legs, and then he shrugged, and shifted downwards. As if he was going to — he was going to —

Louisashouted again at the first touch of Rurik's tongue, firing out more impossible sparkling sensation beneath it. Licking her, tasting her, caressing her. AndRurik was doing this, Rurik — and Killik even reached down a hand, and shoved Rurik's dark head in closer, while vindictive satisfaction flashed through his eyes. "Better," Killik snapped. "Taste good, clever healer?"

Rurikreplied with an obscene sign from his hand, so Killik just shoved his licking face in deeper, and returned to kissing Louisa's neck. "Near as bad as a Ka-esh," he muttered. "Enjoy it whilst you can, woman, for never again."

Louisashuddered a laugh, maybe a groan, because it did feel good, impossibly, unthinkably good, most of all with Tarr now lying on her other side again, caressing and kissing her, his tongue so hot and sweet. His thick cock now grinding against her thigh, streaking wetness against her skin, while the pleasure between her legs kept coiling, skittering, rising. Rurik's brilliant sparkling tongue thrusting deeper, his throat rapidly gulping, swallowing, fuck, fuck —

Thepleasure again wrenched through Louisa's body, wringing her out with astonishing power, blazing her hot and bright all over. So strong she very nearly wept with it, but Killik was still here beside her, kissing her, and her wildly fluttering eyes had found Ulfarr, too. Ulfarr, who'd had his hand on Rurik's shoulder all that time, and was now drawing him away, and… smiling at him. Smiling that sharp, wicked wolf smile of his, as he gave Rurik an approving little shake.

"Good, Rurik," he said, his voice firm. "I thank you, for granting our woman such joy, and readying her for our rutmates."

Butwait, wait, was that what Rurik had done? PreparingLouisa for the rest? But he only shrugged and nodded, wiping at his wet face, and giving Louisa a not-so-nice smile. "It is good practice," he replied. "I shall have my own woman crawling after me begging, I ken."

Killikloudly scoffed, and irritably waved him away — and then signed for Tarr to take his place. ButLouisa's awareness had begun flickering back in again, and Tarr… wasn't kneeling, like Rurik had. No, no, he was instead shifting aside his loincloth, and revealing his bulky, jutting, liberally leaking cock. One not quite as large as Ulfarr's, but close, and Ulfarr was even watching — approving — as Tarr stroked it fuller, slicking it with his wetness…

"Are you ready for your next ploughing, woman?" Killik murmured, hot in her ear. "You ken you can open wide for him?"

Louisadrew in a deep breath with him, and blinked down at Tarr, at his worshipful eyes and round belly, his slick thick cock. AndUlfarr's hand on his shoulder, Ulfarr's eyes now searching her face, too. Because yes, Ulfarr had chosen this for her, chosen Tarr as her first after them, and Louisa trusted him, she did.

"Yes," she gasped, before she'd even caught it. "Yes, please."

Tarr'sgroan was husky and low, his hand signing a shaky thank-you toward her. And as he leaned forward toward Louisa, lining himself up, Killik even drew her thigh higher, opening her wider. Watching with intent, glittering eyes as Tarr's leaking crown settled against her own leaking, quivering body, and slowly pressed in.

Louisamoaned, dragged for air, clutched back against Tarr's thick warm shaft — and yes, yes, it felt different. It felt foreign and salacious and — strange. New. To have another orc, another body, inside her, filling her, finding pleasure with her. Because yes, yes, that was unquestionably pleasure on Tarr's flushed face, fluttering his eyes, spasming his cock inside her…

Butas Louisa wildly glanced between Killik and Ulfarr, both of them watching this with hooded eyes, it didn't feel — wrong. No, not wrong, because it was still both of them, allowing this, offering her this. Them giving her this experience, this connection, this power over their kin.

Andit was power, Louisa realized, as Tarr gasped and moaned, his belly shuddering, his head tilted back. It was Ulfarr and Killik's power, yes — but it was also her own. Binding this strong, influential Skai leader closer to her, to them, and thus gaining his scent, his protection, his allegiance. And if Louisa ever needed his help, he would offer it, without hesitation.

Soshe gasped for him, clutched at his fat Skai cock, even praised him and begged for him, when she felt him getting close. And when he bucked, and spurted out into her in sharp, irregular torrents, she welcomed the great gift of his Skai seed, swarming into her, marking her, fusing that bond between them.

"Thank you, handsome," she murmured afterwards, and that might have been tears, glittering in Tarr's eyes — but he fervently nodded, and signed his own thanks back toward her with shaky hands. And when he drew away, releasing yet another surge of hot fluid between Louisa's thighs, that was only pride in Ulfarr's eyes, in his big hand slowly caressing Louisa's trembling thigh. AndKillik looked smug, even chipper, as he gave a sharp little nip at her ear.

"Good show, woman," he purred. "He shall be dreaming of my mate for years, after this."

Thesatisfaction was almost vicious in his eyes, in his wicked gleeful smile, and he curtly waved the next orc forward — Airik, from the south. And while Airik was far harder to read than Rurik or Tarr, and didn't speak a single word toward Louisa, his cock was eager and hungry, delving into her dripping, open body with swift, willing ease. Filling her with lean, solid Skai strength, and then plunging, pumping in and out with firm slaps of his hips.

"Gentle, Airik," Ulfarr chided him, earning a wry scoff from Airik, and then a purposeful glance down at the sticky mess spurting out all around him — but after another sharp look from Ulfarr, Airik sighed and nodded, and slowed his thrusts. But oh, now Killik's hand was slipping downwards, straight into the mess, and Louisa gasped as he slipped one finger inside her, and then another. Filling her together with Airik, oh hell, while Airik moaned and shuddered, his thrusts slowing, deepening.

"I ken he only needs a little help," Killik murmured lightly, as his fingers stroked and tickled inside her. "No wonder, for I ken I should not wish to plough a womb after Wolf and Tarr, either."

Louisamade a face at Killik, but he only grinned back at her, and kept stroking. "Now beg for him, woman," he whispered. "Make him forever dream of my mate, also."

SoLouisa did, gasping and begging Airik for his strong Skai seed. And yes, yes, he liked that, his growl rumbling low as he emptied himself in a smooth steady stream, his head arched back, his eyes closed.

Afterwards, Louisa thanked him too, and then smiled at Ulfarr's next choice — Argarr, the smith. Whose veined, tapered cock was already seeking, finding its place, and then plunging deep with a loud, obscene-sounding squelch. "Ach, to feel that again," he breathed, as he held himself deep, let both him and Louisa feel it. "A hot, hungry Skai womb, full to bursting with my clanmates' strong Skai seed, and seeking to milk out mine. There is naught else like it, I ken."

Besidehim, Ulfarr gave a brief, knowing nod — as if he agreed with this? — and again smiled at Louisa, and caressed approvingly at her thigh. Watching as Argarr just kept circling inside her, his groans deepening — until he flooded out too, with what seemed to be a shocking quantity of seed. Enough that when he drew away, Killik even shoved up to look, watching with smug satisfaction as it spewed from inside Louisa's quivering, overfull body.

ButUlfarr didn't clean it up, though he did bend down, and inhale slow and deep. And then he drew over the next orc — Asbrandr, his face still deeply flushed, his slim cock ruddy and leaking. And then, together with Killik, Ulfarr proceeded to give Asbrandr another comprehensive lesson, and then watched approvingly as he carefully slid in and out of her, his eyes stunned and awed on the sight.

Nextwas the older orc Stigr, who needed some help from Rurik to finish, but afterwards fervently thanked Louisa, and told her how beautiful she was. And next was the hulking, heavily scarred Saxar, whose prick wasn't much to look upon, either, with its strange curve and veins and heavy scarring — but it felt wondrous inside, thick and ridged and alive, and Louisa gladly told him so, and begged him for more.

Andthroughout it all, the pleasure kept rocking and writhing, whipping up tighter and closer, and she didn't care anymore how she looked, now pouring out that constant stream of Skai seed, or how it sounded, slick and slippery and squelching. Only how it felt, with the orcs who had already had their turns still touching her, caressing her, while the remaining orcs gave her their bodies, their praise, their gasps, their seed. Feeling more and more like power with every breath, like vivid wild life, sparkling beneath her skin, between her trembling thighs. They were marking her together, making her theirs, making her Skai in a way she hadn't at all understood, until this moment.

Andwhen she gasped and begged upon Hjalt — the last orc, who had water streaking freely down his face — she could almost understand about the son, too. If she'd been able to bear a child from this, it would have felt like — all of theirs. As though they'd made it together, knitted it together inside her, with the sweet messy blend of their seed. And when the son was born, they all would have welcomed him, cared for him, treated him as their own.

Louisanearly wept as she thanked Hjalt, too, and told him how lovely he was, how good he felt. And when he drew out, it was a teeming flooding mess, spattering all over him, and onto Ulfarr behind him, too.

ButUlfarr just clapped Hjalt on the shoulder, and thanked him for his care and his good seed. And then, once Hjalt had collapsed down onto the platform, Ulfarr stepped closer between Louisa's legs, his eyes glinting on the mess between them. And he even spread her thighs wider, gently tilted them up, so he could look his fill — and then he slid his hand down, too. Stroking against her soft, spewing, wide-open heat, and then sinking three fingers slow and easy inside.

"Ach, we have well ploughed and planted her, my lusty rutmates," he murmured, as he slipped his fingers in and out, squelching in the mess. "I have never before witnessed her opened so wide, or pouring forth such rich bounty."

Therewere a few appreciative murmurs, a few of the orcs shifting around to look. One of them — Argarr — even bending down to lap against it, his tongue tingling against Louisa's swollen skin, and Ulfarr indulgently watched, and then slipped his slick hand further down her open, messy crease. Nudging carefully against where it was still tight, resisting, despite all the hot fluid pouring down over it.

"Come, pup, and open this," Ulfarr murmured. "Make your mate ready for your wolf's strong ploughing."

BothLouisa and Killik groaned at once, and Louisa willingly turned onto her side for Killik, fought to breathe and open for him. But they both knew this so well, now — it was so often part of their show, their dance — and they both groaned again as Killik sank inside, into the place that was still untouched by the others, still only theirs.

Andonce he was in, locked tight and deep, he grasped her, and rolled onto his back. RollingLouisa up with him, so she was again looking at Ulfarr, splayed and exposed for Ulfarr, waiting for Ulfarr — but now already gasping upon the strength of Killik inside her. AndUlfarr was watching that, too, watching that hot seed flow down onto Killik with hooded, approving eyes. His slick, dripping-wet hand now stroking his own jutting cock, which looked thicker than Louisa had ever seen it, oozing out a steady stream of white toward the floor.

"Tend her, my rutmates, and honour her," Ulfarr ordered, husky. "WhilstI stopper all your good Skai seed, and plough it deeper inside her, ach?"

Therewere multiple gasps and groans around them, and then more warm caressing hands, more hot sliding tongues. Shivering and skittering all over Louisa, and strongest of all was Rurik's hand, slipping downwards, sparkling sheer raw sensation in its wake. But then it all splintered, scattered, as Ulfarr finally put his huge, leaking, pulsing head to Louisa's streaming, wide-opened crease, holding, opening. Watching her swollen, tender body clutching and kissing against him, coating him with more of his rutmates' Skai seed, tempting him inside…

Onemore breath, one shudder against her — and then Ulfarr plunged deep, in a single shattering stroke. Hard enough that Louisa screamed, the sound ringing through the room — but there was no pain, no sharp scent of blood. Only the raw raging intensity of it, of being jammed so impossibly, tenuously full. Full of not only Killik, but all that seed, and Ulfarr's own huge demanding cock. A cock that had never taken her like that before, and Ulfarr held her eyes as he drew out, almost all the way —

Andthen he rammed back in. And then again, and again, pounding into Louisa, ploughing all that rich blended seed deeper inside. Mounting her, rutting her, claiming her with all his strength and will, while all his rutmates urged them on. AndLouisa was begging, weeping, pleading for more, for everything, for all he could possibly give her, signing it and speaking it and needing it. They were so close, almost there, almost mates, please, please, please —

Therush struck like a blow, like a great towering wave, like a fuelling raging inferno. Burning and charging and trampling, flattening all the world in its wake. Blasting out sheer seizing ecstasy, unlike anything Louisa had ever known, ever tasted — and it just kept wheeling, reeling, in the strength of her wolf, the strength of his fiercest pup, the strength of his rut-pack. All of it pouring out onto her, into her, the scents and the heat and the bliss, the power, the honour, the safety.

Shewas Skai. Skai. Skai.

Shecouldn't have said when it finished, or whose hands were touching her, or whose seed had spattered all over her quivering, sticky body. Because there was only the Wolf of the Skai, here, still locked and mounted upon her, cradling her face in his trembling hands. Kissing her again and again, not only on her mouth, but her nose, her eyelids, her forehead, her cheeks. Kissing with such sweet, aching tenderness, as warm salty liquid dropped onto her cheeks, her lips.

"My mate," Ulfarr whispered, hoarse, raw, disbelieving. "My mate. Mine."

Louisanodded, brief but fervent, and oh, the chain had released around her wrists, freeing her tingling hands. And she finally fluttered them downwards, touched all that warm, powerful, sweaty skin above her. TheWolf of the Skai. Her mate.

"Mine," she repeated, her voice a croak, as she clutched him closer — and then her hand scrabbled downwards, found Killik's own hand too, laced her fingers tightly with his. "Mine."

Ulfarrnodded and kissed her again, again, again — down her cheek now, to her jaw, her throat. His sharp teeth seeking, finally finding their place, after so long — and when they bit down, sudden and deep, Louisa didn't feel even a flicker of pain. Only more of that shaky, aching pleasure, that relief, that safety. Her mate. Hers.

Andwhen Ulfarr finally drew away again, his mouth smeared with red, his eyes glittering wild on her face, she could only caress him, try to smile at him, to sign at him, through the water streaking down her own cheeks.

I love you, Wolf. I love you. Mine.

Ulfarr'seyes shifted, shone, and he signed it back, his hands just as shaky as hers.I love you, Louisa. You are mine, Louisa.

Hername was a downwards dagger-strike, a mirror image to Killik's, and though they'd settled on it months and months ago, Louisa still shivered whenever she saw Ulfarr sign both of their names like this, both his hands striking at once. But this time, it was together with that — Mine. Mine, Louisa-Killik. Mine, Killik-Louisa. Mine.

Louisasigned it back, and then pulled up Killik's other hand, too. All of them now saying it, swearing it together, and somehow it was a vow of its own, shimmering out pure and new between them. She was theirs, and they were hers. Mates. Skai.

"I see you, my brave mate," Ulfarr whispered now, soft, holding her eyes. "I pledge you my sword, and my favour, and my fealty. I shall keep you safe, so long as I am able, and so long as you shall wish."

Thevow caught Louisa's breath, shot deep into her chest, and now she was full-on weeping, and nodding, and trying to sign it back at him. And oh, the tenderness in his eyes, the pride, as he nodded, and then gave her one more slow, worshipful kiss.

Andthen, finally, he drew backwards, out of her, away. RevealingLouisa's sprawled, sated, seed-spattered body, ploughed wide open by her new mate, and again pouring out his riches. All the bounty, all the great gifts he had given her, all his powerful rut-pack still crouched around her.

TheWolf of the Skai had claimed a mate.

"I see your gain, Skai," called a voice, Simon's voice. "You have my blessing."

Therest of the Skai's voices rose around it, speaking aloud their assent, their favour. I see your gain. I see your gain.

Andagain, still lost in the hazy spinning wonder, Louisa could see it, too. Could see it, and feel it, like a soft tangible thing, glowing in her chest. With this rut, Ulfarr had gained a mate, yes — but he'd also gained, perhaps, a second pack, a shadow pack, to run alongside his first. A group of Skai who would support him, and guard him, and uphold him — and who would offer the same to his mate. To… their mate.

Butno, that wasn't right, not quite — and when Louisa shifted to look at Killik, he was already meeting her, shifting too. Releasing yet more slick seed from inside her as he settled beside her on the fur, his face again buried in her neck. "What is it?" he murmured. "Any pain?"

Louisashook her head, drew in a breath with him. "So what am I now," she whispered, "to them?"

Sheglanced at all the orcs still around them, and comprehension flashed across Killik's eyes. "Ach, they are all yet your rutmates," he murmured. "They are each bound to help you, and guard you, until they swear vows to a mate of their own. And should your mates meet death, any unmated orcs amongst them would come to you and offer to mate you, instead."

Oh. Of course. So it was also a way to protect the woman, to guard her even beyond death. And suddenly it felt almost — generous. Almost noble, to share a mate like this, and to ensure she and her children were cared for, no matter what befell them. And amidst that endless war, death would have come for the Skai so often — and the danger for their human mates would have been so great, too.

Buteven now, even without that, it was still a gift. Still a pack, a band, strengthening Louisa, supporting her. And as she blinked at the orcs surrounding her, she could suddenly appreciate Ulfarr's care in choosing them, and in gaining such a breadth of them. Powerful orcs, and common orcs. Known orcs, and unknown orcs. Orcs at multiple camps, orcs at the mountain. Fighters and healers and craftsmen, young and old and scarred and hale. Making sure Louisa had many, many options, spread across the Skai and across the realm.

Ulfarrhad still been standing before the platform, his head bowed toward the watching Skai, his hand over his heart. Praying to Skai-kesh, Louisa knew, and she offered up a brief, heartfelt prayer of her own. She was so, so blessed. So grateful.

Sheonly distantly noticed Killik gesturing for Rurik to look her over, or the brief touch of Rurik's hand stroking against her, firm and efficient this time. Because her eyes were only on her mate, her wolf. Waiting for him to turn back toward her, to drink up the sight of what he'd done to her, marked and claimed and safe amidst the pack he'd chosen for her.

"I thank you for your great fealty tonight, my rutmates," Ulfarr told them, his hand over his heart. "Now you may kiss her farewell, until next time."

Until next time. It shot a shivery little thrill up Louisa's back, her eyes darting toward Killik — but he hadn't even blinked, and his eyes looked almost indulgent on Hjalt as he leaned in, and gave a soft, reverent kiss to Louisa's cheek. And then Vaeni, and Dvergr, and Saxar, working their way backwards, one by one. UntilTarr was kissing her reverently on the mouth, his tongue brushing hers, his hand cupping her sweaty cheek.

"I hope to see you again soon, beautiful," he murmured. "You have brought me such joy this night."

BesideLouisa, Killik scoffed and rolled his eyes, and then he drew her in for a kiss, too. His teeth sharp and scraping, in a way none of the others had dared to do, and Louisa moaned beneath it, clutching back toward him, while a few indulgent laughs rose around them.

Andthen it was Ulfarr again, her mate, her mate, kissing her with his usual deep, steady thoroughness. Making her his, his, his, and then slipping his strong arms beneath her, lifting her up close into his warm, safe chest. And after one more thank-you to their rutmates, he strode from the room, with Louisa in his arms, and Killik striding beside him.

Sheinhaled Ulfarr's sweet, beloved scent as he carried her down the tunnel to their room, and then settled her carefully on the fur-covered bed. Not seeming to care about the mess she was making on the fur, and when Louisa grimaced and glanced downwards, Killik was already here, settling back in his familiar place beside her, patting her cheek.

"No bathing until the morn," he said lightly. "Need to let the seed settle, and sink inside you."

Louisablinked vaguely back toward him — why did they need to do that? — and now here was Ulfarr, her strong, gorgeous new mate, sinking down onto her other side, inhaling deep against her hair. "This will deepen the bonds between you and your new rutmates," he murmured, "and make it easier for them to track and scent you, should we ever need this. And mayhap, if Skai-kesh has blessed us, their seed shall grant you traces of their strength, also."

Tracesof their strength? Louisa still wasn't following, but Ulfarr gathered her a little closer, pressed a kiss against her hair. "All your rutmates bore great gifts, ach?" he said. "Tarr is mayhap the strongest orc amongst the Skai, and Argarr our best smith, and Hjalt our best scenter. AndStigr and Saxar are both fearsome warriors, and Rurik —"

"Ach, do not even speak of Rurik, Wolf," Killik cut in, his voice sharp. "He did not even grant her his seed! Cannot bear the thought of another Skai healer to rival him, I ken."

Wait, were they implying — did they think all those orcs' gifts would now — filter into Louisa, somehow? And somehow — become hers?

"Ach, but Rurik yet gave us much else, I ken," Ulfarr said, his voice mild. "And his skill in pleasure greatly pleased you, ach, my sweet mate?"

Louisacouldn't quite seem to meet Ulfarr's eyes now, though a convulsive shiver rippled up her back. And when she curled closer into him, his warm arms circled around her, his mouth gently kissing at her hair. So lovely, so perfect, but that question still kept nagging, scraping at Louisa's thoughts.

"You don't really think," she murmured, "orc seed is strong enough to transfer an orc's — skills? And strength?"

Butwhen she drew back to look at Ulfarr, his nod was immediate, his eyes on hers astonishingly sincere. WhileKillik scoffed, or maybe laughed, and flicked his sharp claw at her cheek. "Ach, no, woman," he drawled. "Have you not seen yourself hunt, these past moons? Or climb? Or spar? Or have you not heard how oft you speak of scents? Ach, how just last week" — he jabbed his claw at her — "you told me you could scent the Ka-esh stench, also!"

Louisawrinkled her nose and grimaced, because it wasn't a stench, exactly — just a sharp flavour that the Ka-esh all seemed to share. And while orcs from all five clans seemed to carry a distinct clan scent, the Ka-esh somehow seemed the strongest, and Louisa could now understand — far more than before — how it could be particularly irksome, when combined with chattering and condescension and correction, too.

"Ka-esh smell just fine," Louisa said loyally, to which Killik loudly snorted, and even Ulfarr chuckled, too. ButLouisa's thoughts were still caught on this, spinning on this, because — they couldn't possibly be right. Could they?

"And if you should wish to bed any of your rutmates again," Killik continued, with a shrug, "their gifts may yet grow stronger upon you, also."

What? There was again far too much to untangle in that statement, and Louisa's mouth opened and closed, as her traitorous thoughts flicked back to Tarr, kissing her with such gentleness. I hope to see you again soon, beautiful. And how Ulfarr had said, You may kiss her farewell, until next time…

"But," she began, her eyes darting back to Ulfarr's watching face. "You wouldn't still — want that, now that the rut is over. Would you?"

Andno, no, of course he wouldn't, not after how he'd struggled with Killik's other bedmates for all those years — but damn it, Louisa knew that look in Ulfarr's eyes. That longing. That… hunger.

"I wish for naught you do not wish for, my sweet mate," Ulfarr murmured, with another soft kiss to her hair. "And your rutmates shall always offer you their fealty, whether or not they share your bed again."

ButLouisa frowned up at him again, searching his too-familiar eyes. "But you — wouldn't care?" she demanded, and then glared at Killik, too. "Or you?"

ButKillik briefly met Ulfarr's eyes, and then shrugged, shook his head. "I should care if you ran off and did this without us," he replied, "just as Wolf cared when I did this, ach? But should we bring your rutmates into our bed now and then, I shall gladly make them dance in my show, until they are begging and weeping for my mate. Except" — he frowned, jabbed his finger between Louisa and Ulfarr — "no Rurik! I am done with Rurik!"

Ulfarrnodded, smiling fondly toward Killik, as if this was already decided. WhileLouisa could only seem to keep gaping between them, the disbelief pounding through her skull. And perhaps they'd both scented it, Killik bending down to nip at her neck, while Ulfarr gathered her back against him, close into his strong safe chest.

"Ach, Louisa," he murmured. "You must ken — you are yet our mate. Only our mate, for always. I have claimed you, I have led a rut upon you, I have sworn the vows of matehood to you. I have made you mine. Ours. And there is naught in the realm that shall alter this, or weaken the depth of my love for you. My fealty, and my care."

Louisanodded, but then drew back, needing to see his eyes. His warm, glimmering eyes, so soft and intent on hers. "And when I offered these orcs to you, in this rut," he continued, slower, "I… showed you my care. I showed myself a good mate. I showed myself a wise, strong, generous Skai, who offers great pleasure to his mate, and grants her many strong Skai to guard her and help her and keep her safe. Many strong Skai to rely upon, whenever she might need this. For she is the mate of the Wolf of the Skai, and she deserves this right. This power."

Right. And yes, yes, Louisa could admit, she understood that. She'd seen that in all their plans for the rut, and then all throughout it, too. Ulfarr had seen the rut not only as a tradition, a way of gaining pleasure — but as a way to show himself a good partner. A worthy, powerful Skai mate. TheWolf of the Skai.

"And in this," Ulfarr added, "I also offered gifts to my kin. I offered fealty to the strongest and wisest amongst us. I offered comfort to orcs who needed this. I offered guidance to orcs who have never before touched a woman, so they may seek their own mates, and carry less fear upon this. I ken" — he hesitated, his eyes flicking brief to Killik's — "I showed myself what I always wished my father to be, ach? A wise, watchful Wolf of the Skai, with great reach and power, who wields his power for not his own gain, but for all his clan."

Louisaswallowed and nodded, because Ulfarr still so rarely mentioned his father, let alone admitting he wanted to be like him, even in some small way. But she could see the truth in his eyes, could maybe even scent it upon him. So strong, so decisive, so passionate about his people and camp and his clan. Just as the Wolf of the Skai should be.

Andblinking toward him, it occurred to Louisa that it was such a bizarre, stunning difference from just over a year ago. From when Ulfarr had been so quiet, so uncertain, so resigned.

I fear for my wolf's life, Killik had told her. I fear that one day, he shall awaken, and find he can no more bear the shame.

Andnow — now their wolf was here, warm and powerful and alive. Speaking so earnestly of his longing and his truth and his care. Following through on his repentance with his amends, and his peace. Hers.

"Well, then, sweetheart," Louisa said, her voice thick in her throat. "I'd be happy to try it, if you like. Of course."

Ulfarr'sgrin was broad and delighted, while Killik rolled his eyes, and gently scraped his claws at Louisa's neck. "Ach, it did not even take you a day, woman," he drawled. "I ken you only wish Tarr and Stigr to call you beautiful again."

Louisatwisted to scoff at him, elbowing him in the gut. "Well, when have you ever called me beautiful?" she demanded. "It's always a shrill vicious harpy, or —"

ButKillik clapped his hand over her mouth, his eyes glittering on her face. "I called you comely this first day we met," he shot back. "And this was after you called me a rude entitled trespasser!"

Louisauselessly tried to shove at his hand, and then snapped up her own hand, and signed in front of his face. You are a rude entitled trespasser, Killik of ClanSkai, and you ought to be —

Butnow Ulfarr's hands were here, clasping at both of theirs, drawing them downwards. "Peace, my quarrelsome pups," he said, though his smile was so approving, so fond. "I wish to give Louisa a mating-gift."

Hedid? Louisa and Killik both jerked to look at once, because yes, Ulfarr was reaching behind him, and pulling up something wrapped in cloth. And he looked almost shy as he gently placed it in Louisa's hand, his eyes searching her face.

"I hope these will please you, my beautiful mate," he murmured. "AndI hope they shall please you also, Killik."

Louisa'shand trembled as she carefully unfolded the cloth, and found — daggers. A new, gleaming, matched pair of daggers, exactly like — Louisa's eyes snapped toward his hair — exactly like Killik's.

"I gave Killik his blades soon after he first joined my pack," Ulfarr said, soft. "And they have helped to keep him safe for me ever since, even when I have otherwise failed him. And tonight" — he gave a wavering smile — "I wish to offer you this safety also, Louisa."

Louisa'seyes were prickling, blinking hard at the daggers, and she couldn't hide her helpless sniffle, her weepy little smile. Gods, it was so good of Ulfarr, so generous, as he always, always was — and she hurled herself closer toward him, squeezed him as tightly as she could. "Thank you, sweetheart," she choked. "They're so perfect. Just like you. And just like your perfect pup, too."

Ulfarrsqueezed her back, his breaths shaky in his throat. While behind them Killik gave a low chuckle, and reached over to swipe the daggers out of Louisa's hand. "Ach, they are just the same, Wolf," he said, after a few experimental spins in his fingers. "Argarr knows his work, if not his ploughing. Now" — another satisfied spin of the dagger — "I shall need to teach you to wield them well, woman, and put on a good show."

Buthe sounded smugly pleased at the prospect, and he'd even reached for Louisa's sweaty, sticky hair, and began binding it up. Doing it just the same way he always did his own, and it felt so right, so good. So… Skai. Just the way her clothes did, just the way the camp did, the hunting, the flyting, the school — maybe even the rut, too. I fear you not.

SoLouisa breathed in deep, and nodded, and turned to smile up at her first fierce mate. Earning one of his rare, genuine smiles in return, his hand lightly patting her cheek. "Better," he murmured, his eyes lingering on her hair. "Shows you even more ours than before, ach?"

Evenmore theirs. It seemed a rather ludicrous statement, suddenly, considering how Louisa had just gone to bed with ten other orcs — but as always, Killik's too-quick eyes caught that, and he shifted himself up in the bed, settled his body long on top of hers. "You wear our blades and our chain," he murmured. "You live in our kofi, and sleep in our bed, and carry our vows, and raise our son. And even as you leak all this" — his hard cock was already jabbing, sinking deep into it, as Louisa arched and gasped — "you yet reek of Wolf and me, far stronger than the rest. This only shouts of our power over them, and" — his head bent down, his teeth nipping at her throat — "our power over you. For you are ours now, woman, both of ours, for all the rest of your days."

Louisanodded and clung to him, wrapped her arms and legs around him, just needing his certainty, his strength. She was theirs, they were hers, and now Ulfarr was shifting up behind Killik, and finding his place, too. All three of them here, healed, together, Skai.

Andas the pleasure flashed and surged, danced them high into the light and the flame, there was only more rightness, more certainty. All of Louisa's deepest longings, all her amends, her forgiveness, here beneath her hands, safe in her bed, quiet in her heart. Finally, finally, at peace.

"Yes, Killik," she whispered. "For always."

* * *

THE END