Page 64 of The Serpent’s Shadow

Chapter 20

Ravinica

WE WASHED OURSELVESin the lake, since we couldn’t well return to Vikingrune Academy covered head to toe in blood and expect anything other than spears at our necks.

I spotted a shallow point on the other side of overgrown weeds and mossy stones on the shoreline, and started moving toward it. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me . . . so I decided to do something daring. The bitch in me wanted to see what would happen.

“Grim,” I murmured from the bank, kicking my boots off and wading a foot into the water. “Join me? I can’t reach everywhere.”

If there was innuendo in my loaded words, Grim understood it. Even if I hadn’t meant it, the bear couldn’t stop the low rumble from slipping past his lips.

Sure enough, I got the response I expected when Grim lumbered toward me at the bank: Expressions of dismay from Arne, jealousy from Sven, and practiced stoicism from Corym. Magnus’ gray eyes flared with a lustful promise, to get me back for what I was doing to him.

I hoped he made good on the promise, once we had more time together.

I peeled off the rest of my clothes, back facing the entire gathering, and walked into the water, giving everyone a full-moon shot of my large ass, thick thighs, and toned back.

It made me smile when I heard the hisses and sharp rattles of breath from everyone.

Once we were in the lake, hidden from view by weeds and stones, Grim asked, “What makes me the lucky one, little sneak?”

I chuckled and glanced over my shoulder at the giant man. His clothes had magically disappeared, of course.As it should be.

“I trust you the most, Grim,” I said simply.

“Even after what you just witnessed me do?” He clicked his tongue. “Your trust may be misplaced, lass.”

“Bullshit. I’m the only one who can calm you. I know you’ll never hurt me.”

He let out a low sound, and his hands fell on my shoulders. Gently, he poured water on me and soaked my back and hair, plastering it to my scalp. “You’re right about that. I’ll also kill anyone who tries.”

“Exactly. That’s how I know I can trust you. You’re my protective bear-serker.” I bobbed my eyebrows at the joke.

Something is seriously wrong with me that I’m joking after such a bloodbath.

The location where we stood, waist-high in clear water, was gorgeous. The surface shimmered like moving crystals from the moonlight, which was softening and giving way to early daybreak as we stared up at the sky. Stars beckoned to us.

The circular lake was more of a large pond, ringed by wildflowers, mossy banks, and an entire ecosystem of kaleidoscope colors and wildlife, with the tall peaks of the trees of Delaveer Forest spreading out in every direction beyond us.

This place was a hidden gem. A secret lagoon I wanted to swim through and get lost in for days. I could do it, too, with Grim Kollbjorn by my side.

Grim let out a contented sigh behind me, his fingers kneading in my silver hair made dark from the water. I closed my eyes and leaned back into his chest, the feeling of his fingers on my scalp nearly orgasmic.

“Careful how close you get, little sneak,” he murmured. “I have half a mind to ravage you right here in the lake, where everyone can hear you.”

“I have half a mind to let you.”

I could feel Grim’s smile as his chin fell on top of my head and his hands roamed my shoulders and back. “Alas, we don’t have time, as much as it pains me to say. I’d never be finished with you—not until you were a satiated, mewling mess.”

His words brought a delightful shudder to my body, heat pooling deep in my belly. It wasn’t like him to talk like that. It sounded more like what I imagined Sven would say, the arrogant wolf that he was. Possibly even Magnus.

But Grim?Hmm. I like this side of him.

“We should be away from this area soon,” he finished.

His logical words killed the moment, and I frowned. My eyes opened. “I know. That’s another reason I know I can trust you, Grim. You aren’t afraid to be pragmatic, even when I’m practically begging for you.”

“Believe me, it pains me to do so.” A soft sigh escaped his lips. “We’ll have our moments. Many of them. Again and again—”

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