The heavy snow made the task more difficult. Visibility grew worse and made it almost impossible to see anything. She was relieved when she caught the outline of a cottage and followed it. She kept her eyes peeled as best as possible and her ears alert, surmising that it wouldn’t be long before he attacked if she was truly the target.
She caught a dark blur out of the corner of her eye race her way and turned knife in hand, but the man never got a chance to reach her. She scrunched her eyes trying to make out what was happening only a short distance from her. Her heart caught in her throat when she heard the distinct growl and saw the blur of fur sail through the air.
A wolf?
It took a few moments to see clearly enough and realize it wasn’t a wolf, though in a way it was… it was her husband, the Beast. Though the heavily swirling snow prevented a clear view, she was able to see enough to know why he was called the Beast. He fought like one, relentless, unforgiving, determined to conquer. His prey didn’t stand a chance.
Her husband’s warriors appeared as if they had materialized from the snow and formed a circle around their leader. Her men joined her, standing at her side.
Fyn was the first to speak. “His name fits him.”
Iver added his own thought. “He tears at his prey like a beast.”
They were right. It was as if he unleashed a wild animal and she hated to admit that watching him sent a bit of fear rumbling through her.
When the fight ended, the man appeared as if he’d been torn apart, though there was enough life left in him to speak. At least her husband had been wise enough to let him live long enough to question.
The man lay on the ground and struggled to speak. “You’ll not stop him.”
Wolf’s breathing was ragged, his anger still strong, and his hands fisted at his sides, fighting the urge to finish the man. “I will,” he affirmed as if pledging a vow.
“Not before he has his way,” the man said and managed to grin. His movement was so rapid no one caught it before it was too late. The man grabbed the knife that his fingertips faintly touched and slid it across his throat. His blood quickly spilled out along with his life.
Wolf stared at the man, an angry growl rumbling from him, then he looked to Gorm. “See that he’s tossed in the woods for the animals to feast on.”
A chill ran through Raven when he turned his eyes on her. She suddenly felt like the wolf’s prey, his dark eyes looking as if they waited to stalk her every move. He raised his arm and pointed. “The longhouse now!”
She wasn’t about to be dictated to and went to protest.
Wolf was ready for her. He raced at her so fast that it had her men jumping out of his way. He scooped her up, dropped her over his shoulder, and headed to the longhouse.
Fyn went to follow and George stopped him. “It’s time they worked this out between them.”
Fyn nodded. “You’re right.”
Brod agreed with a nod. “No more can be done with this snowstorm bearing down on us. Time for the heat of a roaring fire, tankards of ale, and plenty of food.”
“Snow doesn’t stop a Northman,” Gorm said, coming up behind them.
“Join us in food and drink and tell us Northmen tales,” Brod offered with a grin.
“Join me in the keep where there is heat, food, and drink a plenty,” Gorm invited and looked to Fyn. “Lord Wolf has already instructed that Greta, Tait, and Eria seek shelter there while this snow rages. It’s also an easier place to keep them safe.”
“I’ll go escort them there,” Fyn said.
“I’ll help,” George offered and the two hurried off.
“Women can turn a man’s head to mush,” Iver complained shaking his head.
Brod and Gorm laughed and the three men headed to the keep.
Wolf deposited his wife in the common room near the fire pit and slapped his hand over her mouth before she could speak. “Listen well, wife. If you ever chase after danger again, I will throttle you senseless.” He pressed his hand firmer to her mouth when her eyes widened as if she was about to argue and he was well aware of what that argument would be. “I know you can take care of yourself, but you no longer have to. You have me now. I will see you kept safe.”
Her blue eyes betrayed the battle she fought with herself and he knew what stopped her.
Trust.
She didn’t trust him.
Wolf’s hand fell away, giving her a chance to speak.
Raven shook her head. “Until trust exists between us, I trust myself and my men to keep me safe.”