Page 52 of Wulver's Flame

Sköll snickered.

I lingered on top of her, my face buried in her hair, inhaling that scent I’d memorised.

Wildflowers, smoke, and honey. She smelled exactly as she should.

When I lifted my chest, she clamped down on me, unwilling to let go.

I pushed her hair aside and dragged my tongue along her salty neck and spine. She shivered. Sighed.

“Don’t worry, little Skækja,” I murmured on her back.“I’m not leaving this cunt until the midday heat.”

“Brynhild will come looking for me.” Her voice muffled on the pillow. Too lethargic to move her head.

“She can watch.”

Her head snapped up so fast she hit my chin before twisting back to look at me.

“Do you have no shame?” Wide-eyed and wild hair.

“None. I would knot you regardless of who watched,” I mused, pulling her to her side to lie behind her.

I held her close to me, bound by the bond.

My chest fluttered, and I felt the peace settle.

The thought of her running away again made my heart pound. I reached for her neck, curling my thumb and fingers around it. She no longer wore her iron collar, but this is how she would sleep with me now.

Knot-stuffed cunt with my hand holding her in place.

Right where she belonged.

???

Brynhild had our meal prepared when I reached the kitchen. I promised my mate that I would remain inside her until the midday heat, and I kept my word. Unfortunately, her belly growled louder than Sköll’s most ferocious snarl, leading me to release her long enough to feed her. Seed-surge wouldn't sustain her or our pup.

She slapped a small bowl of honeyedskyron the hefty platter. It was loaded with a variety of food, more than the usual amount.

“About time,” she grumbled under her breath.

I knew the two were as thick as thieves, so I did not reprimand her.

As I was about to turn, I heard a frantic knock as another thrall went to open the door. Bjorn stumbled in, face red and sweat beaded on his forehead.

“We have a small party approaching. They wear the colours of Dunraith,Dróttinn,” he gasped.Lord.

Sköll became restless.

“How far?”

“Hakon spotted them by the village. They approach by foot.”

“Weapons?”

“They are not equipped for battle. They only brought one pony.”

Sköll relaxed.

“Keep the men close and send a message to Sigurd to return from trading. Take a drink from Brynhild before you go.”