Page 9 of Thorulf
Chapter Three
“WE NEED TO get to theash tree,” Thorulf roared when not one but hundreds of crows manifested over the ocean and zoomed their way. “We need to get there before Mórrígan gets here.”
“What about my aunt?” Jade frowned at Thorulf. “Won’t she be in danger if we leave?”
“No.” He shook his head, appearing convinced. “Mórrígan will follow me until she gets Loki's Dagger.”
“It’s alright, sis,”Trinity said into her mind, evidently following the conversation telepathically.“Raven and I are heading that way so she won’t be alone.”
Part of the mental discussion, Aunt Elsie frowned.“Is that really so wise? If Thorulf is wrong and Mórrígan doesn’t follow, then—”
“Then we’ll be there to help you.”Trinity’s tone left no room for argument.“From here on out, I think it’s best we stick together.”
Jade nodded, chanting herself into stylish sneakers highlighted with a saucy pop of bright green. “I agree.”
“We need to go,” Thorulf persisted, eyeing the incoming birds. “Now.”
No matter her thoughts about him in general, Jade knew he was right. Mórrígan was after his dagger, so the best thing they could do was leave. That in mind, she gave her aunt a quick hug, a reassuring look that all would be well, then got moving. Before Thorulf pulled her after him or, God forbid, threw her over his shoulder like Dagr had Maya on their adventure, she side-stepped him and shot out the deck door.
“Come on,” she called over her shoulder, not frightened but outright exhilarated. She was long past ready for some action. And, of course, ready to make Thorulf’s life pure hell. She wasn’t sure how she’d do it yet, but she would. She just needed to get a lay of the land he came from and his life in general, then she’d know what to do. How to press his buttons. How to make him suffer.
She had just made it to the tree when Thorulf yanked her against him, braced his hand against the trunk, and angled his back to the birds, so he took the hit if they reached them. Fortunately, seconds before they did, golden light swallowed them, and she felt weightless. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been with a guy since she’d come to Maine, so she was long overdue for intimacy.
Surely that's why she reacted the way she did to Thorulf’s touch.
She knew they had history, but she wasn’t prepared for the high-octane impact her inner beast felt at his proximity. At how the lout somehow looked even better in person with his days old five o'clock shadow and rock-solid body. His spicy pine outdoorsy masculine scent engulfed her, so damn intoxicating she nearly gave in to her baser instincts. Nearly pulled his lips to hers and showed him pure bliss before she smartened up and reined it in. Reminded herself that he had shunned her. Hurt her deeply. Best to stay strong. Hold her ground. And she was doing great.
Until she felt the long, thick ridge straining against his pants.
She groaned before she could stop herself, not surprised when he dug his hand into her hair and angled her head until her eyes locked with his. Until everything faded away but them. This moment. A lustful connection she’d experienced before with him but couldn’t remember when or where.
Her dragon eyes flared when his did, and she licked her lips. She knew she shouldn’t kiss him. He didn’t deserve it. Never would again. Yet, by the same token, she knew if he closed his mouth over hers, she’d allow it. Then lose herself in it. In him and everything she wanted from him. Had craved for far too long. Had wanted but never got because there had been another woman.
Wasanother woman.
Outside of her nightmare, she didn't know why she felt all this, only that it was true. Her thoughts about him and, most especially about the other woman, the purple dragon, were spot on.