by Mary Morgan
Bending on one knee in the tub, he waited for her to dump the water over his head.
Elspeth deposited the bucket onto the floor.
Raking a hand through his damp hair, he bit out, “About bloody time.”
“I am not finished,” she announced and knelt down in the water in front of him.
Before he had a chance to move, Elspeth grasped the outside of his thighs.
“Elspeth,” he rasped out in warning.
She would not be forestalled.
Her husband made her feel wanted—a woman. She tried to slow the dizzying current racing through her veins. How she had been tempted in their time together to touch and taste her husband. He had tormented her once with his tongue, and now she pondered what it would be like to do the same. Willing to try something new, she moved forward.
Yet first, she yearned to feel his hardened length. When her hand took hold of him, he let out a low moan. She stroked him in a leisurely fashion. And when her lips lowered over the top of his heat, Magnar growled and began to move in a steady rhythm.
The power she had over him filled her, making her eager to please him as well.
Elspeth continued to give her husband pleasure with her mouth and hand. His hands covered her head, urging her along. A ripple of desire grew within her each time Magnar groaned. She wanted all of him—to take him totally inside her. No longer shy with her husband, she became brazen.
“I can…cannot hold back,” he rasped out.
The heady sensation of passion overtook Elspeth. Giving Magnar pleasure stoked her fiery desire.
With a guttural cry, Magnar bellowed her name within their chambers and emptied himself into her.
As she slowly withdrew, Magnar lifted her to standing. His gaze roamed her face as if he wanted to make a declaration. Her heart pounded fiercely against her chest, waiting, pondering his thoughts. He drew in a ragged breath and released it slowly. Yet, he remained silent.
One day you will share your thoughts—your feelings with me, Magnar, and I shall do the same. But this is not the day, my warrior wolf.
And in an instant of clarity, Elspeth knew her heart had opened to love this man. She did not ken when it happened or the exact moment, but she knew and allowed the feeling to blossom. She banished her concern that he believed in the old Gods and Goddesses. Had he not asked for her opinion, taken care of Erik, and not once did he object or complain about her beliefs.
Honorable, loyal, and noble. Trust will come, Magnar. You must learn to trust and love as I have learned to trust in God’s plan for us.
She brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. “Make love to me, husband.”
Chapter Eighteen
Magnar cradled his wife close while his fingers trailed through her flame-red locks. Earlier she had caught him by surprise with her eagerness to pleasure him. When her lips covered him, he thought the world had shattered around him. Each time they made love, it seemed like the first, and his wife’s desire to learn certain pleasures enchanted him.
He lifted a curly strand. “You have the most stunning hair, Elspeth.”
“Thank you, but ’tis a matted mess,” she murmured against his chest.
“Nevertheless, I am fond of your hair,” he confessed, dropping the silken tress.
Lifting her head, she stared at him. “You are the first.”
He scowled. “And the last.”
Resting her chin on his chest, she reached out and traced a finger over his torc. “Tell me about your home on the Orkneyjar Isles. Where did you live?”
Magnar tensed. He had nae desire to speak of his other home.
“I want to learn more about you, husband,” she pleaded.
Tucking his arm under his head, Magnar glanced upward before giving into her request. “For the first ten years of my life, I lived on Orkneyjar to train—learn the ways of the wolf in a town near the coast called Kirkjuvágr. That is where I was born. My father, the former leader, often in his duties visited Scotland. He left most of my training in the care of another man and wolf called Berulf. Upon my ten-year completion, I was sent to live in Scotland with my parents. I furthered my training and studies at the Sutherland keep with my father. We are a vital part of the Sutherland clan and a stronghold for King William.”
“And your mother,” asked Elspeth. “Did she not stay with you?”
He grinned. “Nae. She preferred to stay away from the conflict intense training can bring to us and sought out a smaller keep deeper in the forest. We would return to her every other sennight and stay for a few days.”
Magnar noted her expression stilled and grew serious. He dared to pose the question and feared her response. “What are your concerns, Elspeth?”
She tapped his torc. “Must our first-born son live on Orkneyjar for his training?”
With his wife’s beliefs, this is what frightened him the most. Would she easily banish the child into the care of another because he was part wolf? From the moment the king demanded he take Elspeth as his wife, he knew the day would come when they would be forced to have this discussion.
He kept his gaze steady with hers. “Aye.”
She blinked and lowered her head.
Sorrow filled him. So…you would hate our son.
When Magnar felt moisture on his chest, he gripped her chin. Stunned, he wiped the tears from her cheek with his fingers. “Why do you weep?”
Her lips trembled. “How can you expect me to give away my child to someone in a land far away? Given I ken nothing about the ways of the wolves and traditions—I ache at having to relinquish my son. Is this what you want as well?”
Relief coursed through his veins, and Magnar wrapped his arms around his wife. “My kærr, I am happy to hear you would not send our son away. I feared—” Magnar paused, unsure how to continue with the conversation. Had she not called him a heathen on several occasions? He winced at the memory. Even so, the time to speak about their gnawing concerns had to be done.
Easing her gently from his body, he scooted back against the pillows. From his new position, this advantage roused his lust as he viewed her naked form. He patted the spot next to him. “Come sit next to me.”
She smiled warily. Moving to his side, she brought the fur covering up to her chest.
“Since you have spouted about my heathen ways, I feared you would not love the child, and would be eager to banish him from you.”
Her eyes widened in alarm. “Sweet Mother Mary and all the saints! How can you think so foul of me? Any babe I bring into this world is one I shall love with my whole heart.” Determination echoed in her words. “We can choose to live with him together in Kirkjuvágr or here in Scotland. I will not be parted from my son. Ever.” She jabbed him in the chest. “Nor should you think of doing so, unless you have a task for the king.”
His heart swelled at her declaration. Elspeth repeatedly stunned him, and he ached to confess what was in his heart.
But his fickle tongue twisted and remained silent.
Reaching for her hand, he placed a kiss against the vein along her wrist. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I have nae ambition of having another train my son. However, Berulf was an excellent tutor and loyal friend to my father.” He shook his head solemnly, recalling his time spent on the Orkneyjar Isles. “In truth, I yearned to be in Scotland with my family. The people fear and respect the wolves on Orkneyjar, but there is jealousy as well. Here in Scotland we are spoken of as legends around the fire. Tales to frighten the young. Few believe we truly exist.”
On a choked sob, she lowered her head onto his chest. “My heart is happy to ken you feel the same, Magnar. You must understand how difficult this is for me to fathom.”
He cradled her gently. “Aye, aye. From this day forward, you will learn all about the Wolves of Clan Sutherland.”
“Magnar?”
“Aye, wife.”
“Tell me about my pendant—the blue stone.”
Unsure how to explain its meaning, he sought only o
ne recourse. The truth.
“The Blue Stone of Odin was given to the second leader of the wolves many moons ago. Legend recorded by an ancient skald—”
“Bard,” she interrupted on a yawn. “My grandmother used to teach me some of the words.”
He smiled at her knowledge of his other language. “You are correct. The skald spoke of a bright, burning summer day. Though not a cloud showed in the sky, fierce lightning slashed across the land. As the leader grew concerned, he ordered the other wolves to protect the people and all were ushered indoors. The leader traveled down from the hilltop to the valley floor. Fearing he had displeased one of the Gods, he knelt and begged for mercy for his people. The sky split in half and Odin appeared, holding out the blue stone. Sensing a division among the other Gods, Odin judged it wise to bestow a secondary gift of power to the wolves and placed the pendant around the neck of their leader. Never could another man attempt to remove the stone for fear of death or weakening a wolf.”
Elspeth lifted her head. “But how did my grandmother come into possession of the pendant? By her account, the stone has been in our family for hundreds of years. She was adamant I wear it on my wedding day.”
Magnar blew out a frustrated breath. “I do not ken the answer. Only a reference by a Scottish bard who spoke of the stone being lost after its power was misused. You can imagine my shock at seeing you had in your possession one of our most powerful stones. By rights, ’tis mine.”
She swallowed visibly. “Is it that important to you?”
He regarded her for several heartbeats. “Immensely.”
“What can it do?”
“Not only can it control the wolf in each of my men, but all the beasts of the earth. One must ken the ancient words to bring forth the power.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “Nae.”
Each time Magnar sensed they were coming to an understanding, another problem presented itself. “Do you see me as a demon, Elspeth?”
Her features softened, and she cupped his cheek. “Nae, husband.” She lowered her head against his chest. “You must give me time to pray on this new predicament.”
“Good. And remember, as long as you possess the blue stone, nae one can take it from you without your consent.”
“Thank you.”
Watching as the setting sun bled into the sky toward gloaming, Magnar allowed the warmth of his wife to fill and soothe him. On a sigh, he closed his eyes.
“Have I earned your respect to see your wolf?” asked Elspeth softly.
His wolf lifted his head. A sure sign that the animal had heard his wife’s plea. The bond between the two was important—one he had not envisioned on witnessing so soon in their marriage. Perchance the Gods and Goddesses favored this union? His wolf rose to a sitting position.
“When the moon shines fully in the night sky this evening, I shall take you to the forest and introduce you to my wolf.”
“Finally,” she whispered.
****
As her husband bent down on one knee, Elspeth watched him scoop up a clump of moist dirt near the base of a yew tree. Moonlight filtered through the tree limbs, dusting the forest floor with its gleaming beauty around him. He inhaled the rich scent, and on the exhale, tossed it outward.
Standing, Magnar asked, “Do you fear what I am about to show you?”
Elspeth told him earlier she had nae indecision within her, but she understood Magnar required hearing her consent out loud, once again.
Elspeth reached for his hand. “Nae. Are you not one and the same?”
“The beast and I are one, yet I am in control. I shall allow the wolf to appear in the ancient way of calling, instead of simply giving him free rein to shift.”
She dropped his hand and took a step back. “I am ready.”
After giving her a swift nod, Magnar removed his boots and clothing. “All that will remain is my torc, which shall be transferred to the animal. He turned away from Elspeth and lifted his arms and head to the sky. Digging his feet into the ground, Magnar spoke the ancient words.
“From this veil to the next. From my skin to his fur. From my blood and bones to his. With my heartbeat to the heart of the wolf. Hail the Gods of Asgard. Bring forth the beast.”
Tendrils of cool mists swirled around her. Clutching a hand to her chest, Elspeth watched in awe as her husband shimmered into a gray mist and into the form of a huge gray wolf.
Sweet Mother Mary.
The animal sniffed his surroundings and turned to face her. Regarding Elspeth for several moments, he padded near and sat in front of her. Gone were the blue eyes she loved. What stared back at her were glassy orbs as black as the night sky, flecked with silver. The animal tilted its head to one side as if waiting for something.
Should she acknowledge him in a matter fitting to wolf and man? Her husband had not given her instructions on what was to happen after he transformed into the wolf.
Elspeth uttered a silent prayer, and a sense of calm settled inside of her. Bringing her cloak more firmly around her body, she took her place beside the wolf on the ground. “You are mighty handsome.”
Her hand shook as she reached out to stroke the smooth fur on his back. When her fingers brushed across his fur, the animal imparted a low groan, causing Elspeth to grin. She remained focused on the animal, noting the darker gray on the tips of his ears, and the solid black patch in the middle of his brow. Unusual darker coloring dotted the back of his thick coat as well.
On a deep sigh, the wolf stretched fully out on the ground and rested his head on his legs. The animal’s warmth surrounded her, and she scooted closer to him. After scratching behind one of his ears, she placed her hands in her lap and lifted her gaze to the moon.
“You were correct, Grandmother. The tales you told me were true.” Smiling longingly, she added, “Oh, for you to see me married to one, aye? I can hear you boasting to all the elders.”
Joy filled her at the trust Magnar gave her this night. Elspeth doubted he would hear her words, but threw caution aside, yearning to profess a part of her heart. Foolishly, she believed she must speak with her husband regarding these matters and not to his wolf. Yet in the quiet forest under a moonlit night, she found the words tumbling free.
“Will you ever learn to accept all that I am? Can we find more in this marriage?” Twisting the folds of her cloak, she added hesitantly, “I desire more, but if you can only give your friendship, then I shall not complain.”
The wolf lifted his head and licked Elspeth’s hand.
Surprised by the animal’s tenderness, she burst out in laughter. “Pray tell, who am I speaking to—the man or animal? Perchance both can understand me?”
This time she tilted her head to the side, waiting patiently for any sign from the wolf.
Exhaling softly, he lowered his head back onto his outstretched legs.
When a nocturnal animal skittered past them, the wolf rose from his position.
“Goodness! Pray tell me you do not stalk and eat other animals?” Horrified, Elspeth never considered the wolf might want to roam the hills for his meal.
The animal let out a low growl and padded away from her.
She shrugged. “Forgive me, but I do not ken your ways. If you can understand my words, Magnar, then give me the added particulars, so I do not offend your wolf.”
Elspeth could have sworn the wolf smirked. She extended her arm outward, and then waved her hand in a circle. She prayed he’d understand her meaning. “I give you consent to leave, if that is what you wish.”
This time the wolf snapped his teeth in obvious anger and took off running.
“Wonderful. I have been left all alone in the forest. Why am I not surprised? You are simply an animal in search of your next meal.”
Giving out an unlady-like snort, Elspeth attempted to stand, only to be shoved back onto the ground by a snarling wolf. In less than a heartbeat, the animal shimmered into her naked husband.
Trapping her with his body, he leaned near h
er ear. “For one, the wolf does not require meals to sustain him. He receives his sustenance from me. Second, the wolf is your protector. To believe he would wander away and leave you—my wife—undefended is madness.”
Smiling broadly, Elspeth wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck. “’Tis good to ken I am protected, and your wolf does not need to kill for his meals. I would loathe having him present his recent kill in my lap.”
Magnar threw back his head and roared with laughter. “Will you ever cease to amaze me, wife?”
Shoving aside her sudden turmoil, she waited until his humor lessened. “I pray to never bore you, husband.”
“Elspeth MacAlpin, you have nothing to fear. You have enchanted me since the moment I saw you in the hall at Vargr.”
She gasped. Her heart skipped more than a beat at the mention of her name and his confession. “Truly? But—”
Magnar silenced her with a scorching kiss, leaving her senses reeling.
Chapter Nineteen
Shifting his stance from the afternoon sunlight, Magnar studied the group of men wandering across the expanse of the meadow toward him. Rain had drenched the ground earlier in the morn, and he smiled. His keen observation detected those who would not remain standing after a few blows. Too much drink from the night before had many already stumbling over their feet.
“Again, what is the name of this game?” asked Elspeth in a guarded tone.
Giving her a quick glance, he replied, “’Tis called Skinnleikr—a skin throwing game. Usually we play indoors—inside the hall.” He gestured outward with his hand. “Many of my men suggested we take the game out in the open to show everyone how ’tis played. We judged it wiser outdoors, since we do not want to cause further damage to Steinn.”
She tapped a finger against her chin. “And ’tis made from the skin of a bear?”
“Aye. You take the skin and roll it into a ball.”
“Procured from your home in Kirkjuvágr.”