by Avery Kloss
A shadow appeared in the doorway, the man now familiar. I recognized him as Enwan, his face having weathered over the seasons, the skin darkened and lined from squinting. He stared at me, his mouth having fallen open.
“And you wanted me to kill it,” murmured Ronan. “Do you not remember her?”
“The gods are playing tricks with my eyes.”
“It’s not the gods.”
“Where did she come from?”
“You don’t remember?” He glanced at his friend. “The clan by the river, before the flood. This is Peta.”
“But, they all died. We never found them. We looked for seasons, and never found them.” He approached, his attention on me. “You were mad with grief having lost her. I thought you’d never recover.”
“I made peace with it, but no, I’ve never forgotten. How could I? Even as a child she was special.”
“And now as a woman, she’s exquisite,” murmured Enwan. “I’m glad to see you alive, Peta.”
I grinned, feeling elated. “I’m glad as well.” I hugged him, the warmth of his bare chest against my skin. “I want to know all about your travels. I’ve quite a story to tell myself.” His hands slid lower on my back, cupping my buttocks. He then lifted me against him. I stepped away at once, while a prickle of alarm drifted through me.
“Where did you find the wolf?” he asked.
“He’s been following me.” Speaking of Wolf, I spotted him in the doorway, sitting there, as if unsure he should enter. “He does as he wishes. Once he knows this place is safe, he’ll come inside.” I felt parched then, my throat dry. “Is there any water?” I glanced between them, feeling distinctly as if I were in a den of wolves myself. Inquisitive eyes noted my every movement, drifting up and down my person. “Please?”
“Yes, of course.” Ronan indicated the entrance. “This way.”
I passed Wolf, the animal staring after us. “I’ve some dried meat in my bag, Enwan. You can give him a piece.”
“I’ve no desire to get any closer to a wolf than that.”
I chuckled, “He’s harmless.”
“I don’t wish to find out otherwise.”
Ronan led me down a path to the sound of trickling water, it falling from a source above. “This is clean. You can drink it the way it is.”
I marveled at that. “Does it run every season?”
“We believe so. Enwan and I found the valley during the last warm season. The cold season was mercifully mild.”
I had a drink, my belly thanking me for the fluid. “Oh, it’s good.” I drank as much as I could.
“We relieve ourselves over there.” He pointed. “Beyond that rock.”
“All right.” As we approached, I could smell the latrine. “Thank you.”
He waited for me, watching my every move, as I squatted near a bush. The wind howled through the gaps in the canyon below, a bird with an enormous wingspan taking flight. The promontories of the land lay before me, the rocky hill providing a natural defense. I glimpsed the mountains here, seeing even more than I thought, the smaller ones at the forefront, with taller peaks behind, and a fine sweep of the valley. Struck by the beauty, I smiled, as a warm breeze caressed my face.
“I didn’t know such a place existed.” I came to stand by him. “It’s perfect.”
His eyes glided over me. “It is.” He grasped my arm. “Come inside.”
He propelled me before him, holding me as if he feared I might run off. Enwan waited, having taken a seat on one of the rocks. He stared, watching our arrival with a dull sort of look, but I felt the weight of his interest. Sliding my arm free of Ronan’s grip, I swallowed a nervous lump in my throat, keenly aware that I was now alone with two virile men. Chewing on a nail, I glanced between them, the tension in the cavern tangible.
The bow and spear lay in a heap with my things, almost within reach. I could easily protect myself, even killing them both, but that was the last thing I wished to do. Despite all of that, I felt twinges of unease, knowing something of great import was about to occur.
“Why do you stare at me?”
“Because you’re beautiful,” said Ronan. “Utterly beautiful.”
A riot of tingles burst in my belly. “And w-what will you do now?”
“Mate you.”
His blunt answer confirmed my fear, and, although I knew it from the start, some part of me rebelled, terrified of what it all meant. I had never felt these emotions before, the sensations almost overwhelming. In confusion, I took flight, dashing for the doorway, but I hadn’t gone far at all, strong arms grasping me, a firm male chest at my back.
“I won’t hurt you, Peta. We won’t hurt you.” Ronan’s mouth lingered by my ear. “You don’t have to be afraid, not of us.”
Gasping for breath, an arm went around my midsection, as my feet lifted from the ground. “You’re scaring me!”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I don’t mean to. It’s been ages since we’ve seen a woman, let alone been with one.” He brought me to the pelt, dropping to his knees while holding me. “And you’re no ordinary woman, Peta. I’ve been searching for you since the day of the flood.”
Falling to my back, I stared at him, his face over mine. I pushed against his chest, feeling the heat of the skin there, the rippling of muscle beneath. “Stop this, Ronan! You must.” When he failed to move, I pummeled him with closed fists, my breath catching in my throat. “Ronan!”
In one move, he grasped my wrists, holding them above my head, leaning near. “You’re a spirited little creature. I can feel your strength, but now’s not the time to fight, Peta. I do not wish to cause you harm, nor will I.”
He straddled me, the weight of him on my belly. “Get off!”
“Just as stubborn as I remember.” A smile lingered around his lips. “I shouldn’t expect any less from you.”
Enwan sat watching us, making no move to come to my aid.
“Ouf!” I struggled in earnest then, writhing beneath him, lifting my hips to dislodge him, but nothing seemed to help. “What if I don’t want to mate with you?”
“You do; you just don’t know it.”
That shocked me profoundly, and I stilled, gaping at him. “What?”
“I surmise this is one activity you’ve not engaged in yet. If you had, you wouldn’t be in fear of it.”
I lacked a proper response, far too confused by the situation.
“Shall we declare a truce then?”
“Will you get off me?”
He fell to the side, but a hand landed on my belly. I pushed it away, only to have it return, his face now in my neck. “Be still,” he murmured, huskily. “Be still, and let me love you.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ronan remained determined to touch me, his hand now drifting between my thighs. He had untied the leather skirt, casting it aside. I knew enough about mating to understand what he wanted, his lips on mine, the feeling intimate and soft, although I turned away from him, afraid to commit to the seduction.
“You’re so perfect, Peta,” he murmured. “I won’t hurt you. You don’t have to fear me.” He stroked deeply, intimately, the touch sending a spasm of pleasure through me. “So wet.”
If I shut my eyes, giving into him, my resistance would crumble. “Maybe … there’s something to eat … ” I said weakly, his touch reminding me of how Ara and I had explored one another out of curiosity, finding a surprising pleasure. “Food ... ”
“We can eat … later.” His lips closed over mine, soft and insistent.
A finger entered, the intrusion stunning, stretching delicate flesh, while provoking an intense throbbing. Ara had never been so bold, her explorations reserved for the upper portion of my womanhood, the place where it felt the most sensitive. He had succeeded in disarming me, my fingertips clutching at his shoulders, our tongues meeting repeatedly, silky and moist.
Whatever objection I might have had slipped away then, my body strung up tightly, as taut as the thin leather on the bow. He kis
sed my chin, lowering to my neck, while his hand applied pressure to my anatomy, the palm pressing in circles. I shuddered then, gasping, the sound echoing in the cave. I was dimly aware of an audience. Enwan remained seated on the rock, although I paid him little attention now. In the grips of pleasure so intense, I closed my eyes and convulsed violently, crying out. This had been far more profound than when Ara had touched me. Utterly spent, I gazed at the ceiling of the cave, seeing deep, dark indentations.
“Now, that wasn’t so terrible, was it?”
I smiled tiredly. “No.”
Ronan climbed on top of me, settling between my thighs, something firm probing my tender flesh. I gasped at the sudden invasion, an object of some girth entering, a brief stinging sensation occurring.
“Oh!”
His kiss drowned out whatever objection I might have spoken, a ragged groan filling my ear. He began to move, driving even further. I grasped at his back, the sinew rippling beneath my fingers, the muscles working. Just when I thought I could not bear the onslaught a moment more, his body thrusting into mine, he stiffened, shouting something incoherent and collapsing upon me. When he rolled to the side, I pondered what had just happened, feeling sore in the place where he had been.
“Come here.” He drew me into his arms, his lips grazing my forehead. “I’m sorry. I hope I can think of something other than wanting to mate you now.” A soft chuckle escaped him. “Are you all right?”
“I’m … ” How was I? I had been good and bred, the experience not one I had anticipated today. “I don’t know.”
“Are you hurt?”
“No, but I’m wet.”
“That will happen.” He lifted his head, glancing at Enwan. “You want to be in my place, don’t you?”
“I will be soon enough. I don’t rut like an animal. I can wait.”
Ronan laughed, the sound rumbling in his chest. He ignored the barb. “I can’t believe our good fortune. I knew coming here would prove fruitful.” He squeezed me. “Where have you been, Peta? How is it you survived the flood?”
“It’s a long story.” I snuggled into him, a warm, contented feeling leaving me tired. “Very long.”
“I searched for you until I thought I might lose myself to madness. I’ve been everywhere.”
“So have I.” A rustling sound caught my attention, Enwan peeking into one of my bags. “What are you doing?”
“There’s quite a bit of meat here.”
“It’s mine.”
“Where did you get it?”
“I killed a stag a few days ago. Why?”
“Women don’t hunt.” He picked up the bow, eyeing it. “What is this?”
I sat up, tossing hair over a shoulder, feeling Ronan’s hand on my back. “A weapon to hunt with. I’ll show you how to use it.”
He held up one of the small spears. “It’s finely made. What does this do?”
“I’ll show you later.”
He studied the bow carefully, moving it in various positions. “I’m very interested in this. You can kill at a distance, can’t you?”
“Yes. It’s most convenient.”
“Fascinating.”
“Stop playing with toys, and fetch us something to eat.”
Enwan smiled, although he appeared annoyed. “You will share her.”
“I will.”
The men from Kia’s clan shared women, although the ones at the river had not. Each man there had a wife and a family, but I knew some sneaked off in the forest to mate with others. “Will anyone ask my opinion?” I lifted an eyebrow, daring Ronan to speak. “Have I not a say in how my body is treated?”
“I do believe you enjoyed the … treatment.” A hint of humor glinted in his eyes.
It was then that I remembered him, his easy, teasing manner from so many seasons ago. A rush of affection drifted through me, the feeling euphoric. But, I had to stand my ground, not letting him sway me so easily.
“You gave me little choice. You took what you wanted.”
“You had a choice. I feel your strength, Peta. You’re no camp flower. You’ve strength in your arms and legs. You could’ve … inflicted damage. You chose not to.”
I considered that, realizing it was the truth. “I suppose.” I eyed him, feeling his hand stroke my back, the touch soft.
“I adore you, Peta. I always have, even when you were a lice-infested little brat. I didn’t wish to mate you then, but I wanted to protect you. You were such a lost little soul.”
Remembering the past brought a rush of pain. “Yes.”
“I want to know everything’s that’s happened to you. We’ve all been through an ordeal. I’d like to know how you survived. Why are you alone now?”
“I’m not alone. I have Wolf with me.” I glanced in the doorway of the cave, seeing him lying there, his snout upon a paw. “And, I’ve found you at last.” I touched Ronan’s face, a bushy beard hiding his handsome features. “I never want to lose you again.”
“You won’t.” He sat up, drawing me near, kissing me. “It’s all been worth it, every bit of suffering. I’d do it again to have it end in such a way, with you in my arms.”
A snort resounded, interrupting us, Enwan rolling his eyes. “God’s teeth! This is too much.” He slid from the rock. “Please spare me the dramatics. I feel ill.” He reached for a spear, grinning.
“He’s just jealous,” murmured Ronan, kissing my cheek. “He’s never loved anyone but himself in all his life.”
I laughed at that, realizing they still teased one another. “Nothing’s changed between you.”
“We’ve more hair and calluses on our feet.”
I pulled on the beard. “You’ve let yourself go. You used to wear it shorter.”
“You may trim it, if you wish.” He stroked my hair, his fingers gripping my scalp, holding me close. A serious light danced in his eyes, all humor vanishing. “I mean it when I say you’re my woman. I thought this place to be paradise when Enwan and I found it, but it’s even more so now with you here. We shall raise our children together, and they’ll grow to be strong sons and daughters. The valley is filled with game. The winters are mild. I now have everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“I do too, but not my family.”
“What?”
“I lost my mother and sisters.”
“How?” The line between his eyes deepened.
“I’ll tell you about it, but I need a drink of water first.”
“All right.” His fingers fell from my hair, although a hand landed on my shoulder. “Are you really here or is this a daydream? I’ve had my share of dreams over the seasons, but none of them this … good.”
“I’m here.” I got to my feet, wetness sliding down my thighs. “I have to go.” Hurrying from the cavern, I ventured down the short path to where the men relieved themselves, squatting and squinting under the intense sunlight. After having a drink, I returned, finding Ronan by the door, standing near Wolf.
He held my spear, eyeing it. “This is well done. Did you make it yourself?”
“Yes.”
“And you hunt?”
“Yes, of course. How do you think I’ve survived this long?” I grinned, drawing near. “I hope you’ll let me continue to hunt. I like it.”
“You’ll be with child soon enough. Your place is in the cave. I need you to warm my bed.” He tossed the spear aside, reaching for me. “Just looking at you makes me want you again, Peta.”
I snaked my arms around his neck, yearning to feel his lips against mine. “This is a dream.”
“Yes, a very, very good dream. I hoped and prayed to see you again. I’m sorry you lost Kia and Ara. I want to hear what happened. I want to know how you came to learn to hunt and make weapons.”
“I want to know what happened to you and Enwan.”
His lips met mine. “You will, my love. I thank the gods for bringing you to me. I still can’t believe it. The last few seasons have been joyless.”
I felt the emotion within
him, his arms trembling slightly. “I walked aimlessly towards the horizon, not knowing what awaited. Seeing you again is a miracle. After all the death and despair, I’ve finally found my home.”
“Yes,” he breathed, the grip tightening. “You are home.”
Chapter Forty
Enwan brought back a stag, having butchered it outside the cave. A roaring fire added heat, the flames curling and singeing everything in its path. I sat on a pelt with Ronan, eating the succulent meat, while Wolf partook in the feast as well, having scooted further into the cave.
“Thank you for the meal, Enwan.” I chewed heartily, feeling full and relaxed, my every need seen to. I could hardly believe the luxury I found myself in, reclining upon thick pelts, while stretching arms over my head. “Paradise,” I uttered, sighing.
Heat flared in Ronan’s look, his hands suddenly touching me, fingers closing over a breast. “Indeed.”
I sat up quickly realizing my mistake, although delighting in the attention. “Tell me how you survived the flood. Now is as good a time as any to have a story.” Enwan joined us, bringing over the meat in a basket, the fire spitting and hissing, hot at our backs.
Ronan appeared thoughtful. “We were in the middle of a hunt, the ground soggy. I remember being annoyed by it. It made running difficult. The wetness wouldn’t stop, the water rising. We hadn’t had rain, so where it all came from, only the gods know.”
“I saw rain in the distance. I climbed a tree, and saw it.” I shrugged. “Perhaps, it rained in one place, yet flooded in another.”
“Perhaps.” He chewed on a piece of meat. “In the end, we had to quit the hunt and look for higher ground. None of us could agree on where, so we went our separate ways. Some men returned to the river campsite, while Enwan and I ran for the trees. It seemed the logical choice.”
“I was in the woods foraging, but we hadn’t gone far, because Kia had been sick. We found refuge in a tree as well.”
“We were stuck in ours for several days,” said Enwan. “It was excruciating.”
“Yes, we saw people and animals dead in the water.”
