“Are you asking me to make love to you?”
“You don’t have to fuss, just a good pounding that will wear me out and let me sleep,” she explained, making it sound a simple request. Her hand hurried to take a strong hold of his shaft. “I felt you stir against me, so it shouldn’t be a chore for you.”
“Making love to you is never a chore, but if you want it fast, then I suggest you tease him hard,” he said with a nod toward her hand beneath the blanket.
“I can do that,” she said.
She did much too good of a job and it wasn’t long before Wolf couldn’t take much more, he yanked her to her hands and knees on the bed. “Grab the board, I’m going to give you what you want.”
She was glad she did since he kept his word and it wasn’t long before they both climaxed together once again. And it wasn’t long after that, that they fell asleep, both completely spent.
“I don’t need to be watched over,” Raven argued the next morning, after stepping outside.
Wolf turned a generous smile on her. “Your brother, Arran, would disagree.”
She slipped out of his arms, annoyed his smile alone could flutter her stomach, but he caught her around the waist before she could get far and eased her back into his embrace.
“My men and yours will stick close with you whether you like it or not. I’m not finished,” he warned when she went to protest. “Take pity on me, wife, and do as I say, since I love you far too much to lose you.”
The flutters in her stomach multiplied and she jabbed him in the chest. “That’s not fair.”
“Fair or not, wife, it is true, and,” he said his voice taking on a note of command, “I expect you to spare my poor heart and not purposely lose the men who follow you, since your men made it very clear that you could escape the guards anytime you wanted to.”
“I need to talk with my men,” she mumbled.
“Your men worry about you as much as I do. You are well-loved and protected by those who care for you. Keep that in mind.
“I will not cause any problems today,” she said in peaceful surrender.
A small chuckle slipped out with his smile. “I’ll believe that when you’re in my arms in bed tonight.”
She kissed his cheek and whispered, “If you change that to you’ll believe that when you’re inside me in bed tonight, then I will make sure no trouble finds me today.” She went to flee his arms and he yanked her back against him.
“I will definitely see to that and I look forward to a worry free day.” A quick kiss to her cheek and Wolf left her side.
“Change is in the air.”
Raven turned to see Detta standing not far from her. “How so?” she asked, walking over to the woman.
“You and Lord Wolf appear to be getting along and anger no longer lingers in your eyes.” Detta took a step and faltered.
Raven was quick to steady her with a firm hand. “You shouldn’t be outside with so much snow on the ground and you shouldn’t walk the hill to the keep. Ice hides in spots beneath the snow.”
“Lars helped me make my way and will do the same when I am ready to return.”
“What brings you out of the keep?” Raven asked.
“Curiosity?”
“Over the dead man?”
Detta’s eyes shot wide. “How did you know?”
“With Greta still residing in the keep with her son, I assume she told you about the dead man, hence your curiosity.”
Detta bobbed her head. “Your mind is sharp, my lady.”
“I believe yours is far sharper.”
“I am nothing more than a humble servant,” Detta said, bobbing her head again.
Raven didn’t believe that for a minute. There was more to her than a humble servant and she was going to figure out what it was sooner rather than later. She didn’t believe that Detta was connected with Brynjar. Too many, including Wolf, treated her as if they had known her for years.
“It is good you’re curious about the dead man,” Raven said. “You might recognize him. Come, I’ll take you to the shed where he lies.”
Raven thought the old woman might refuse her when she hooked her arm tighter with hers. But she didn’t. She nodded and went along with her, Raven keeping her steps slow and careful.
Detta remarked on how well the clan was doing since Wolf became the new lord, pointing out the many improvements he’d made and how content the people seemed. Raven listened, asking only a few questions to show her interest. What truly captured her interest was the way the old woman spoke with pride about Wolf. Had Detta helped raise him as Bethany did her? Did she have some special place in his heart as Bethany did for her? Could that be why he sent Detta here to live and report to him what she learned? Did he have complete trust in her?