by Bekah Clark
“He needs to report to Donner.”
“And we’re leaving first thing in the morning?”
His fingers ran feather-light through my hair. “Before dawn.”
“Which means we have to go to sleep early,” I said with a pout. He laughed and kissed it.
For a moment, I hesitated. Then I deliberately stood. Staring down at him as he gazed up at me, I could see the raw want in his eyes. My skin flushed; I felt shy, and yet, so at ease with him. I touched his face gently and smiled. Leaning forward, I kissed his brow and then I hitched up my skirt to straddle him. His eyes brightened in surprise. Each time we made love, he had initiated it. This time, I decided I would show him how I felt. This time, I would be in control.
He leaned back, studying me curiously. I ran my hand down his cheek and his eyes warmed. When he reached for me, I grabbed his wrists and set his hands on my waist. Slipping my arms around his neck, I pressed my lips to his. My kiss was soft, tender, and full of need. He responded with his own. I pulled myself closer to him and slowly ground my hips against his. He gasped, and I smiled in delight that I could elicit such a response from him. Deepening our kiss, I let my tongue dance along his as I slowly teased him with my body. His hand rose to caress my breasts, but I drew back and smiled down at him. Returning his hands to my waist, I slid my body along his, teasing him as I nipped at his neck. His fiery voice, laced with amusement, caressed my ear. “You’re quite the vixen today. What’s gotten into you?”
My answer was a frenzied kiss, letting my hands run over his chest. I grasped the hem of his jerkin and broke the kiss long enough to wrench it off him. I opened my eyes as we kissed and for a moment, his gaze met mine before I started kissing down his throat. I let my tongue trail down the column of his neck as my hands ran down over the hard muscles of his chest and then to his abdomen. When my hands came to the laces of pants, there a sudden hitch in his breath. My eyes met his as my hands worked to free him. He grinned at my boldness, but I could feel my cheeks heating. It was exciting and awkward as I gently caressed the length of him, and his breath became ragged. Slowly, I ran my hands up his strong arms.
Before I had met Torric, I had never known a man’s touch. and now, I was initiating a carnal act with a man that I loved. I kissed him, letting my love flow through it. His response sped my heart into a wild frenzy as his hands on my waist clutched me. His tongue caressed mine and drove me wild.
Biting my bottom lip, I shyly let my hands caress him again, and he quaked a moment. Our eyes met and he watched me with great interest. Intense desire filled me. The need to be one with him overwhelmed me and turned my hesitation to dust. With a swift thrust, we joined. A cry of delight tore from my lips. His emerald eyes were on fire as his hands slipped to my bottom and held tightly to me as I ground against him, gasping out in delight.
Excitement filled me, and I stared into his eyes as we made love. He grinned at me, one hand remaining wrapped around my hips as the other grasped my hair and held me in place with my head tilted back so he could scrape his teeth over my neck. I whimpered out his name, and his answering cry caused an intense blaze through me. My body started to twitch of its own accord, and I gasped rapidly before I went off for him. When his body quaked with his release, he roared my name, and I collapsed onto him. He drew me closer, his hand softly playing with my hair.
I said with a little voice, “I supposed since we couldn’t be together for a while, I just…well…”
He laughed. “I enjoyed your boldness. And I like when you get shy, too.” He inhaled along my neck before he bit softly. “And I can never get enough of you.”
Despite myself, I pouted. “It’s going to be strange having someone with us.”
“I know. But Vonn needs to see Donner, and I want the extra protection for you.”
“What’s going on that makes you so worried about that?”
He lifted me and dragged me into the bed to curl up against my back. I snuggled back into his arms, reveling in the heat of his skin and the scent of his body. As his rough fingers gently caressed my stomach, I relaxed in his arms. I nearly started to drift. “What are you worried about?” I forced my eyes open as I spoke.
He laughed softly. “Well, I thought I’d be able to sway you.”
I turned in his arms to face him and softly traced his jaw with my fingertips. “Please tell me.”
“There have been reports of Moritzan spies in the land. Some of them are entering villages and hunting for something.”
I studied his face for a long moment. I bit my bottom lip a minute before asking, “Something or someone?”
He frowned, and for a moment, I didn’t think he’d speak until he finally said, “They’ve been asking about healers.”
Things clicked into place. “You’re worried they’ll find me.”
He growled, “You’re safe here in the fort, but once we leave, if anyone sees you…”
I chewed my lip for a moment and thought about it. “I could dye my hair with telkroot or something. It wouldn’t last forever, but it should get us by.”
He took one of my locks and curled it around his finger. “I’ll miss these lovely flames.”
I laughed. “Think of it as having another woman for a while.”
“Why would I want another woman when I have you?” His tone was so serious, my breath hitched, and I stared up at him with wide eyes. He grinned down at me and brushed his lips against mine.
I didn’t know if he loved me. I thought he might, but he never said it. The fear that he’d grow bored with me one day tried to burrow into my heart. Taking a deep breath, I decided to bury that fear and wait to see what the future held for us.
“Then remember it’s me under that dye.”
He tugged me closer, his hand grasping my bottom tightly. “Rest here.”
“I’m supposed to help Kayla this afternoon.”
He pressed his lips to mine and held me in his arms, his kiss growing more ardent with each slant of his lips. He growled, “Rest here.”
“For now,” I said in a little voice. He grinned and kissed me again.
I never did see Kayla that afternoon.
Chapter Thirteen
With the decision to dye my hair, we decided to leave later in the morning. I was happy about that because I had wanted to take the time to say good-bye to Kayla. I knew I’d see her again, but I wasn’t sure how long until I returned to the fort. I had trained her as best as I could, now it would be up to her to be strong and continue. At least I could arm her with the book we had worked on together.
Kayla helped to dye my hair, and when we were finished and I had braided it, I studied myself in the mirror. Fortunately, my eyebrows had always been darker, closer to deep auburn. The dark brown hair, however, seemed odd to me. I knew it would slowly fade over the course of two or three weeks, so I was bringing some telkroot to dye my hair again should the need arise. Tilting my head to the side, I frowned. My skin was far too pale.
“I like it.”
Turning to find Kayla watching me, I smirked. “I don’t. But it will get us to Kingshold.”
She folded her arms, her eyes roving over my face and hair. Then she nodded in approval and smiled. “I do like it. It’s different. I wonder if your man will like it.”
Grinning, I turned to her. “I don’t know.” As I looked into her eyes, they suddenly glittered with unshed moisture. Walking over, I drew her into a tender embrace and tried to fight my own tears. I squeezed her tightly and kissed her cheek gently. “There now, you’ll do well.”
“But I’ll miss you,” she said with a small voice as I drew away.
“And I’ll come back. We’ll work more and I’ll help you so you can start your own herbalist shop here.”
“That isn’t why I’ll miss you,” she said as her voice broke.
I turned to study the hanging plants to hide the tears that were threatening to spill all over my cheeks and said, “I know. And I’ll miss you, too.”
; Turning back to her, I found her smiling, her cheeks wet. Giving her another embrace, I studied her eyes and nodded before I headed to the door, where I paused and turned back to her. “I expect this place to be filled with potions, lotions, salves, and creams when I return. Not to mention many teas. And don’t let Ahn get under your skin—she she can’t say anything anymore.”
She grinned. “I won’t.”
I nodded because I couldn’t say the word good-bye and headed to the courtyard, where I was supposed to meet with Torric. He wasn’t there yet, but Vonn was.
He walked over and his eyes ran over me. I wasn't uncomfortable the way I felt when Lane would look at me. Vonn had an obvious affection for me, but it wasn’t anything that was off-putting.
I beamed at him. “Well? What do you think?”
Grinning, he grabbed a loose lock of my hair and gave it a soft tug. “I like it.”
“I don’t,” a voice grumbled behind me. I turned to find Torric glaring at Vonn, who moved away. When Torric came close, he stroked my cheek and gazed into my eyes. “My woman’s beautiful hair, hidden under this dark dye.”
I laughed. “Don’t worry. It’ll wear off soon enough. Depending on how long it’ll take, we may have to dye it again. I have some for the trip.”
He frowned. “I still don’t like it. You don’t look like you.” He leaned forward and smelled my hair, which drew a laugh out of me, not to mention Vonn. “You don’t smell like you, either.”
I leaned up and kissed his jaw tenderly. “It’ll wear off, I assure you.” I met his emerald eyes and smiled. He stared down at me, tenderly stroking my face and I could see the worry in his gaze. I stroked his cheek and tilted my head. “You’re worried about me.”
“Of course I am. Glane is more dangerous now than ever.”
“That’s why I dyed my hair. As long as we keep me away from injured people, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
He frowned. “If we do find any wounded people, you’re not helping them.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t dictate whom I heal.”
“If it means your safety, you won’t heal anyone.” His voice was forceful, and for once, when he turned to me, his gaze was hard. Most would shrink from those eyes—and most would be right to do so.
But I knew that I was safe with him, so instead, I shook my head and walked toward the horses. In a small show of defiance, I said, “Who am I riding with?”
“With me,” Vonn said with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
Suppressing a grin, I turned to him and his horse. Suddenly, an arm came around my waist and Torric snarled, “She rides with me, Vonn.”
I laughed as he hauled me over to his horse and gently set me on the saddle. After, he swung up behind me, wrapped an arm around my waist, and drew me into the warmth of his chest. I could still hear Vonn laughing. A blush heated my cheeks and I peeked up at him. I found him looking down at me, and then he kissed me between the eyes. “You like to be trouble, don’t you?”
I stifled the need to smile as we rode out.
Glancing around, I noticed we had three pack animals with us. One of them carried my grandmother’s wooden boxes. This time I only took what I thought we’d need. Torric had packed many things that were more for beauty than for healing. We had supplies to last us for the trip and my grandmother’s quilt, which I had cleaned and repaired while at the fort. I had needed to do something when I was sleepless.
As we left the safety of the black walls, I turned to look back. I was going to miss it and the people I had come to know.
Torric’s strong arm embraced me tightly to him and I found that he was watching me, his eyes unreadable. Finally, he asked, “What are you thinking?”
My eyes trailed along the road ahead and I whispered, “I’m just going to miss that place.”
“We’ll come back, I promise,” he said, his voice rough in my ear. Then he grumbled, “You don’t smell right.”
I laughed. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Are you two going to be like this the entire time?” Vonn asked, his voice trembling with barely held-back mirth.
“I don’t know,” I said. “He’s rather upset about how I smell.”
“He’s touchy. He’s never been one to share his playthings. Doesn’t like changes, either.”
My eyes widened, but before I could speak, Torric growled, “She’s not my plaything.”
Vonn snickered. “No, my old friend. She definitely is not your plaything.”
“Vonn.”
“Hey, I’m not saying anything.”
My eyes slid over to Vonn and I found him studying us with an amused expression. I glanced back up to Torric, but his face was unreadable. I didn't know what it was, but he was holding something back. I let my eyes slip over to Vonn. He knew. I let out a soft breath and shook my head. Torric would keep me safe. I had to accept that when it was time for me to know, he’d tell me.
Torric and Vonn set a swift pace. When we started, it was late morning; by late afternoon, my stomach was growling. When it got loud enough that Torric chuckled, he reached into a saddlebag, and pulled out some wheat bread and handed it to me. Tearing into it, I immediately let out a sigh of contentment.
Torric nipped my ear. Keeping my voice low, I asked, “You hungry, too?”
“I don’t have a healer’s appetite. I’m fine.”
As I ate, I considered our surroundings. Green was as far as the eyes could see and it was loaded with spectacular spots of late summer flowers. However, there were no mountains around us, and up ahead, the area was vast and broken only by intermittent forests. It was so different from the valley I had grown up in, nestled in the mountains. I felt so small in the wide-open spaces of Glane. But the land had a peaceful quality to it. There were flowers everywhere, some that I didn’t recognize immediately. But, as I looked at them, I realized they were all there on my grandmother’s quilt. I smiled and wondered what my great-grandmother would think of me coming here to her home.
When evening came, Torric brought us to a lake to camp. While the two men set it up, I headed out to an isolated spot to bathe. I had just slipped under the water when hands snaked around me. Fear crawled through me, and I kicked to get away. We broke through the lake’s surface, and I turned to find myself in Torric’s arms. Immediately, I relaxed. Then I thought about Vonn, and my lips twisted as I asked, “What are you doing here?”
“The last time I let you wander off to bathe alone, men took you from me. I wasn’t happy with that.”
Remembering his face when he attacked those villagers set on burning me, I found the idea that he wasn’t happy to be an enormous understatement. His arms held me close, and I searched his face. He was worried. Leaning up, I kissed him tenderly. His hand slid over my bottom, creeping to the back of my inner thigh and stroking softly as he deepened the kiss.
Gently, I pulled away. “I’m fine. You and Vonn are with me.”
“I let you bathe alone before because I didn’t want to scare you. Instead, I should’ve told you that I’d wait for you on the shore. I should’ve made you understand that I’d not have touched you without your permission.”
I laughed. “Yes, but you would have seen me naked.”
“I see you naked now,” he said with a roguish grin.
I snickered. “Yes, well, since that night, many things have changed.” I kissed his cheek gently and his hand slid over my breast, fingers brushing over my nipple. As he gave a soft tug, I gasped out. “Hey! Vonn isn’t far from here.”
His teeth nipped along the side of my neck. I shuddered as he whispered, “He knows not to bother us.”
“No. I can’t. Not with him right there.”
His head tilted back and he let out a hearty laugh. When his emerald eyes met mine, they were full of mischief. He kissed my temple and my jaw and whispered in my ear, “You people from Renth are so foolish.”
“Yes, well, back at home, I would now have a very bad reputation.”
His hand snak
ed over my backside and brought my hips to his as we floated in the water. “Those fools had no idea what an incredible woman they had.”
Giggling in embarrassment, I pushed off him to swim out into the lake. The cool water felt like silk against my warm skin. Soon, it would be too cold to take long swims like this.
As I swam, Torric kept pace with me. I’m sure he was moving slowly for me. I turned my eyes to him with a coy grin. Splashing water into his face, I swam backward. He laughed and splashed me right back. I dove and swam quickly, but I knew I couldn’t outpace him. He dragged me into his arms, and we rose to catch our breath. As I stared up at him, my heart swelled and felt so full I thought it might burst. We kissed slowly and leisurely, my legs around his waist as he propelled us at a gentle pace toward the shore. When we finally reached it, he carried me out as I kissed his neck. From deep inside him came a rumble: “Are you sure you don’t want to…”
“No,” I laughed. “Set me down.”
He held me out and gently let my feet touch the ground. We dried, dressed, and then headed back to the camp. There were two tents set up and a fire. Vonn was tending the fire.
He turned, and an evil gleam lit up his eyes. In a teasing tone, he asked, “So, how was the lake?”
Immediately, heat filled my skin and I blurted, “We only swam.”
Torric grumbled as he sat down, and Vonn hooted loudly. “I told you she wouldn’t with me here, my friend.”
My eyes flew to Torric. “You two were talking about it?”
Vonn laughed even harder. “What do they teach you girls in Renth? Sex is the most natural thing in the world. Especially between—”
“Vonn.” Torric’s harsh voice cut him off.
A sigh escaped me. The truth was, that I wasn’t his wife. Maybe that didn’t matter here in Glane, but back in Vella, my reputation would sink further. I smiled—I’d be more of an outcast than I already had been. Here, despite everyone knowing I was with Torric, despite being a healer with hair the color of fire, for that matter, I had respect. Even Vonn’s teasing wasn’t malicious.
After the meal, I crawled into one of the tents. When I realized that Torric wasn’t coming in behind me, I leaned out to look for him. He was standing by a tree.