Page 21 of The Orc's Stolen Bride

The older woman explained that they raised various types of animals. The pigs looked identical to Earth pigs, as did the horses, but the cows had a different build and an odd striped pattern on their skin and the animals they used for wool were as wooly as sheep but had the long legs of a mountain goat.

She nodded, taking it all in as Merow showed her around. She watched as some clan members wove intricate patterns into cloth, while others carved delicate designs into bones. The blend of practical survival skills and artistic expression fascinated her. As the morning wore on, Kari found herself relaxing. Many of the clan's activities were familiar to her through her studies and they had a rhythm that felt oddly comforting.

As they continued their tour, her gaze kept getting drawn to Wulf. He seemed to be everywhere, stopping to speak with various members of the clan. He always gave them his complete attention, offering a word of advice or simply a sympathetic ear. His leadership was a perfect balance of authority and care. He seemed to know each member of the clan personally, addressing their needs with genuine concern.

Their eyes met several times, and the intensity of his gaze sent a thrill down her spine. The morning's interrupted kiss had evolved into something more profound by evening.

She somewhat reluctantly agreed to accompany him to the Great Hall for the evening meal. Although it was still somewhat raucous, she no longer felt as intimidated by the huge males. Their banter, thought loud, was playful rather than aggressive, and she was content to watch and listen.

As the meal ended, Wulf rose to escort her to their rooms. She suspected that a few of the contents in their direction were on the ribald side, but fortunately she wasn't entirely sure and was able to keep a pleasant smile on her face.

He turned to her as soon as they entered his rooms, and her heart skipped a beat as she stared up at him.. He cupped her face, his thumb caressing her cheek as he studied her face. He seemed to find whatever he was looking for because he smiled, and then he kissed her. Kissing him feels like coming home, she thought, leaning into him.

But then he made a harsh sound in his throat and deepened the kiss, his mouth hungry and demanding. They were both breathing hard by the time he pulled back.

"I cannot say I am sorry, but I do not want to rush you," he said, and she understood what he meant.

"I - we - need time," she murmured and he nodded, then gave her a rueful grin.

"I suspect it would be best if I slept in my leathers."

She laughed, but shook her head.

"I want you to be comfortable. I'm sure we can control ourselves."

A week later, she decided she'd been a little too optimistic about their ability to control themselves. The passion between them had only grown stronger and their kisses had become... more. The amount of time they spent together, the intimacy of their bodies pressed together all night with very little between them, along with the kisses - and now the touches - had her in a constant state of arousal.

His caresses had gradually progressed from her face and her hands to her shoulders and arms. When she didn't object, he moved on to her waist, and then her hips, and then even more sensitive areas. The previous night he'd spent a long time caressing her breasts, especially fascinated by her nipples, tugging on them and rolling them between his fingers, discovering the perfect amount of pressure to make her writhe with pleasure.

As delightful as it had been, it hadn't been quite enough to make her climax and the lingering arousal haunted her dreams, leaving her frustrated and needy. She woke before him again and decided that it was time to take matters into her own hands - literally. She slid her hand down between their bodies, shivering with anticipation as she gently touched his massive cock for the first time.

He stirred restlessly but didn't wake, and she carefully tried to close her hand around the thick shaft. As she'd suspected, she couldn't enclose it completely, but she gave him a long firm stroke. His body suddenly tensed and then she was on her back with him looming over her, his eyes almost solid black.

"What are you doing, my gemshin?" he asked, his voice harsh and guttural.

"Touching you. Can't you tell?"

His eyes closed briefly, and when he opened them, she was shocked by the sheer heat in his gaze. He shifted so that he was laying between her thighs, pressing his massive erection against the aching vee of her body.

"This is a dangerous game," he growled, rocking his hips against hers.

She could feel his shaft rubbing her clit through the fabric of his shirt she used as a nightgown and she moaned in frustration.

"A game I want to play," she whispered, her fingers digging into his massive shoulders as she rocked her hips against him. "Show me what pleases you."

He shuddered, a groan escaping him. He propped himself up on one elbow and took her hand in his. The heat in his eyes made her quiver as he guided her hand to his heavy sack, his balls shifting under her palm.

"Here," he whispered, then nudged her hand higher. "And here."

When he guided her hand back to his shaft, he was thick and heavy in her hand, and she could feel every vein throbbing with his desire. The wide band at the base shifted when she stroked it and he growled again, then kissed her, his tongue spearing into her mouth. His hand closed around her breast, his fingers working her nipple, and making her clit pulse with excitement.

She gasped when he broke the kiss, his lips moving to the column of her throat. He licked and sucked, then nipped her collarbone and she whimpered as a hot, tingling sensation rushed through her.

"Please," she begged, and she was rewarded when his head dipped lower, his hot mouth closing around a stiff peak, his tongue swirling around it through the thin fabric of his shirt.

Her whole body felt like it was on fire, her hips moving against his of their own volition. The stimulation took her to the edge of climax but once against she lingered at the peak.

"More," she demanded, and his head snapped up to look at her.

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