Page 10 of The Orc's Stolen Bride

"Eager to bring home your bride?" Lothar teased.

"Yes," he said truthfully, unwilling to give Lothar the satisfaction of a reaction. His younger brother's mockery was familiar, comforting in its normalcy amidst the strange events of the past day.

Egon merely nodded, but a flicker of longing crossed his older brother's scarred face before it was quickly masked. Guilt swept over him again, but he pushed aside his conflicting emotions as he prepared his own pack. The rest of the camp had been dismantled while he worked on Kari's shoes, leaving no trace of their presence.

As he rolled up his sleeping furs, he began making plans to prepare his home for Kari's arrival, to make her feel welcome and safe. The thought of her in his rooms gave him great satisfaction, but he needed to concentrate on ensuring her comfort during the journey first.

"Should we create a litter for your little bride?" The teasing tone was back in Lothar's voice, but Wulf heard the genuine concern beneath it.

He looked over at Kari, watching them with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He suspected that the trek would be difficult for her, but the thought of conveying her like an invalid didn't sit well with him. He'd rather have her at his side as an equal, even if it meant a slower pace. He shook his head.

"Not unless it becomes too much for her. Despite my eagerness - as you put it - we can take our time on the journey."

Lothar rolled his eyes and grinned at him as he shouldered his pack. He picked up his own as Kari rose, giving him a questioning look.

"Time to leave," he told her.

She gave a quick look around the now deserted clearing, then fell into step beside him, her smaller strides matching his purposefully shortened ones. Her presence beside him felt right, as if she'd always belonged there, but he couldn't let it distract him. He didn't anticipate any immediate threats but the wilderness was not be taken lightly and her safety was paramount.

As they headed back towards the shrine, the forest path narrowed, and he moved slightly ahead to push aside low-hanging branches and clear the way. He kept a careful eye on her, enjoying the wonder on her face as she took in their surroundings.

She was so busy looking around that she stumbled over a fallen branch. His arm shot out, steadying her before she could fall. The brief contact sent a jolt through him, reminding him of their newfound bond. He lingered a moment longer than necessary, savoring her warmth before reluctantly letting go.

Despite his watchfulness, he continued to consider ways to make his rooms more welcoming. They were utilitarian at best and she deserved a place more suited to her delicate beauty. Perhaps he could trade some furs for embroidered fabrics, or fashion some furniture better suited to her smaller frame. The thought of her in his home filled him with joy.

A rustling in the underbrush caught his attention, his hand flying to his weapon. But it was only a startled marta, bounding away through the ferns as Kari watched with wide-eyed curiosity. Lothar hadn't missed his reaction, shaking his head in amusement, but Wulf didn't care. He'd rather be prepared for a threat that didn't occur than overlook one that did.

The path widened again as they approached the lake and the shrine. He would much rather have avoided the spot but it was the only direct path to the pass leading towards his holdings. Despite his apprehension it looked peaceful enough, sunlight dancing on the shimmering expanse of water that reflected the surrounding peaks.

As they emerged from the woods, she froze, her eyes fixed on the lake. She looked from it to the shrine on the hill next to it and her eyes widened. She gestured towards the shrine, then back to the water, her movements becoming more frantic.

"Is this where I arrived? Will it send me back?"

His chest tightened as she spoke, her words incomprehensible but her meaning clear. She wanted to go back. Back to the lake, back to the shrine, back to wherever she'd come from before Wold had answered his prayers.

His instincts demanded that he comfort her, that he give her everything she desired. But this... this was the one thing he couldn't give her. And would I, even if it were possible?

The thought of losing her was unbearable, but it didn't prevent guilt from gnawing at him. His actions had brought her here, torn her from everything she knew. His chest tightened as he watched the hope drain from her face. He steadied himself against the weight of her disappointment and his own conflicting emotions and stepped towards her. Slowly, he shook his head, watching as the last flicker of hope faded from her expression.

He held out his hand as he had the previous night. Although he'd failed to give her what she truly wanted, he needed her to know that he would protect her and care for her.

Her eyes darted between his outstretched hand and the shimmering lake for an endless moment. Then with an almost inaudible sigh, she placed her small hand in his.

Relief flooded him as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, marveling at how perfectly it fit in his own. With a final glance at the shrine that had changed both their lives, he led her away from the lake and towards her new home.

CHAPTER SEVEN

By the time the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. Kari's legs burned with each step, her muscles protesting the unfamiliar exertion. The makeshift shoes Wulf had crafted were surprisingly comfortable, but her feet still protested the long walk. Her interest in her surroundings, in picking out the strange from the familiar, had long since faded, replaced by the necessity of placing one foot in front to the other.

A gnarled root caught her toe and she stumbled forward, a startled squeak escaping as her hand shot out instinctively to break her fall. Instead a strong arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her upright.

Wulf's big hand spanned her waist, his touch both comforting and unsettling. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, seeing the concern in those deep green eyes. The connection between them flared but then he turned his head and his tusks glinted in the fading light, a stark reminder of their differences.

"Thank you," she murmured, the words feeling inadequate. She straightened, willing her trembling legs to support her weight once more.

He rumbled something in his language, frowning as he studied her face. He gestured towards a clearing ahead, then mimed eating and sleeping.

"Eat. Rest."

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