Page 63 of Luna Cursed

Tor kissed her dirty face. "Thank you, but it's unnecessary."

They showered quickly and collapsed into bed. Ciara was aching everywhere, but Tor's warm body wrapped around her, and she was out before she knew it.

* * *

Hours later, Ciara woke with a growling stomach and thirsty as hell. She slid out from underneath Tor's arm, dressed in some of the clean clothes left for her, and went into the kitchen. Lachie was sitting at the counter, drinking tea with a dazed expression.

"Hey, you're up early," he said.

Ciara grunted and drained a bottle of water. "I feel all disorientated. I'll be fine. How are you? You're not hurt anywhere?"

"Bit bruised, and my ass will be aching tomorrow from all those stairs, but I'll live." Lachie frowned, and Ciara knew something else was bothering him.

"Spit it out, little brother."

"You fought like a wolf with their speed and strength. Are you worried about tomorrow night? Or are you looking forward to it?"

Ciara made tea and slid onto a chair beside him. "I think if I turn, I will be okay with it. Tor assures me that it won't change my personality, which was always my biggest concern. He'll help me deal with anything else."

"So you are finally admitting you're all loved up?" Lachie teased.

"Very much so. I know; who would've thought?" Ciara said and laughed a little. "He wants me to be his mate."

Lachie's brows shot up. "Well, well. Not just a bit of fun, after all. I'm happy for you."

"Are you? You're not weirded out that it's with a wolf?"

Lachie put his head on her shoulder. "You've always hated the wolves more than I have, so no, I'm not weirded out. He could be a leprechaun for all I care. As long as he makes you happy, that's what counts."

"You're going to be the only adult Ironwood not shacked up."

Lachie snorted. "And I'm happy to keep it that way. I'm too young and pretty to have a ball and chain around my ankle…" he trailed off, his head snapping up. "We have company."

Ciara turned and spotted the elderly wolf from the council stomping up the stairs to the glass doors surrounding the patio.

"Let me deal with this," she said and went outside. "Can I help you…?"

"Knud. I suppose we didn't get to proper introductions when you were in Ulfheim," he answered gruffly.

"If you are here for Torsten, he's still asleep, and I'm reluctant to wake him," Ciara replied politely.

"I'm not here for Tor. I'm here for you," Knud replied.

Ciara crossed her arms. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, girl. I'm here because you did the Ulfheðnar a good service by proving Petra was in league with Varg, and then you found our enemy and helped destroy him. The council wishes to offer you a favor of your choosing."

"I want nothing from the Ulfheðnar for myself," Ciara replied and slowly uncrossed her arms. "Linnea has been involved with a lot of dark magic, and she's been having visions. I would like you to give her access to Gudrun."

"Linnea has always been welcome in Ulfheim."

"If that was the case, she never would've left. I want you to personally ensure that she doesn't get harassed if she returns to work with Gudrun. She's been through enough," Ciara replied.

Knud's stern expression melted, and he let out a chuckle. "Odin's beard, you really are Tor's mate. That alpha streak in you is a mile wide. I'll make sure Linnea has whatever she needs. Now, another matter, Wolf Slayer. If you turn tomorrow, you will be a part of the Ulfheðnar. Would you consider being an enforcer for the council?"

Ciara frowned. "I already have a job, Knud."

"I know, and we are asking you to keep doing it. The wolves are proud, but maybe you were right. We have become too isolated from the wider world. It shouldn't be left up to humans to hunt down any of our kind that is misbehaving," Knud replied. He scratched at his beard. "You shamed us good, but we need fresh blood to show us another way. Think about it. Your reputation with the backing of the Ulfheðnar will work in everyone's favor."

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