Page 5 of Luna Cursed

"I'm Scandinavian. Of course I have something alcoholic." Tor disappeared for a moment before returning with a small glass of black liquid. "You covered? I remember how shy you are about nudity."

Ciara's knees were still tucked up to her chest. "Covered enough. And I'm not shy about nudity. I only liked to be warned."

Tor removed his hand from over his gray eyes. His gaze skimmed over her back, and he froze. "Gods below, you are covered in bruises."

"It's a hunter's life for me," Ciara replied and held her hand out for the drink. "What is it?"

"Something the elves make. It's alcoholic, but it's good for you. It'll help with your healing." Tor passed her the glass. "You want help taking the bandages off? Gudrun's ointment should have healed up your wounds by now."

Ciara sipped the herby drink. It burned on her tongue and throat, and something in her relaxed. "Go ahead."

With gentle movements, Tor helped unwind the bandages over her shoulder and neck. Goosebumps spread over her skin with every brush of his fingers against her skin.

"They are closed, but I bet they are hurting like a bitch," Tor said, examining them.

"Closed already? That's some ointment."

Tor took a clean flannel from the small cupboard under the basin. "Gudrun knows her business," he said, but there was a slight hesitation in his voice that Ciara couldn't interpret. Tor soaked the flannel under the hot water and placed it over her shoulder.

"Are you seriously going to wash my back for me?" Ciara asked, sounding far more annoyed than she meant.

"Well, you can't do it just yet. Besides, Layla would kick my ass if I didn't help you," Tor replied, unfazed by her. Just like always. "You came to me for help, remember? So let me help."

Ciara swallowed hard and then tilted her head so he could wipe over the back of her neck. She couldn't remember when someone else had helped in such a way. Probably not since her mother… Ciara shut that thought down.

"Does Layla know I'm here?" she asked instead.

"Alruna told her. I can get her to come if you want, but due to the circumstances, it's better if you give it another day," Tor replied.

"What circumstances?" Ciara's eyes drifted shut against her will as the warm cloth swiped over her back.

"You were bit, Ciara. I don't need to tell you what that means. Gudrun did her best to try and stop the infection from spreading, but until the full moon, we aren't going to know if you will…if you…" Tor struggled.

"If I'm going to turn into a wolf," Ciara said to him. Ice was running through her again, and she sipped her drink, washing her tears back.

"Yes." Tor resumed the gentle strokes of the cloth like he was doing his best to soothe her. There was no soothing the turmoil rolling through her. She wanted to run and scream but only had the strength to sit there. "There's something else."

Ciara sniffed back her tears. "There always is. Out with it."

Tor placed the cloth over her shoulder and took a step back from the bathtub so he could look her in the eyes.

"You were dying, Ciara, and didn't have enough strength to pull yourself back from it." Tor crossed his arms. "I…gave you my strength."

Ciara frowned. "I don't understand."

"Ulfheðnar can create bonds with other people. I created a bond with you and shared some of my strength and healing abilities with you to help you survive."

"A bond." Ciara glared up at him. There was only one such bond she knew of. "Like a mating bond?"

"Fuck no. We aren't mated," Tor hurried to explain. "It's just a bond. A power share. Some warriors are fighting pairs. They use a bond to share each other's strengths and abilities. It's not mating. The last thing I want is to be mated to you."

Ciara flinched by that unexpected stab but did her best to hide it. "I have some of your strength."

"Yes, and some healing abilities."

"And nothing else? Nothing like the crazy mark thing Arne put on Layla?"

"Nothing like that." Tor shook his head. "If you turn, you will be more powerful than most. I'm an alpha, so you will be too."

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