Living in Blidsfell I'd only heard tales of the wolfpack, the mysterious clan who was Freke's family, but I had never actually met them.

During special times of the year my lover would run back to them, to celebrate milestones and traditions unknown to the common man. Freke would tell me about their siblings and their friends with love in their voice, but I had never actually met them.

I wondered how the people of Skal would greet them, and I had decided to step forward and tell them the truth. That their former Jarl's son was out there with a mission to harm us for killing his father.

The hall was crowded, every man living here had stepped foot inside, some women had followed, but this time the children were led outside. Ivar had informed them all that their Jarl had important things to announce, and the air was gloomy, since they already understood the news would be grim.

"Some of you might have noticed our Seer's absence in our village," I called out with a deep and steady voice, creating instant silence in the otherwise loud hall.

I peered at Freke who stood by my side, the skin around their eyes was freshly painted with black coal, their clothes were washed, and their hair was combed back. The wolf looked healthy again and their orange eyes were filled with love and determination when they met mine.

"I had a run-in with one of your former peers, Bjarke son of Brokk."

I heard gasping sounds leaving their puzzled faces, grunts of annoyance and sounds of fear spreading through the air. And my thoughts were confirmed, they all knew him, and they knew he was someone to fear.

"I don't know this man." I continued, "but anyone who attacks a member of this village, unprovoked, is my enemy, and that is why I will act accordingly."

"Bjarke is not a common man," someone to my right threw at me, "his magic is not like the wolf's. It is rotten and foul."

"You're right." Freke sighed. "He lured me to him and used my curiosity to his advantage. But now I know what we are up against," they said, trying to console them.

"Our weapons won't help against him," another one said, and again we had to agree with them.

"We know that," I placed a hand on Freke's shoulder. "And that is why I have asked my partner to summon their family to our aid."

Everyone's eyes fell on Freke with anticipation, and the wolf enjoyed every moment of it. "And they have answered. They will travel here," they proclaimed proudly.

I could sense the relief in the room, and it amused me. Once they feared the magic wielding vitki, my lover, our seer and protector. But now, with a threat they could not fight on their own, they gladly accepted more of their kind into their homes.

"Until they arrive, we need to prepare," I declared. "No one leaves the village alone, keep an eye out for unnatural behaviour amongst your kin. When Freke came back to me, their mind was affected by the níðingr and they were acting erratically."

A low murmur erupted as everyone started to speak to their neighbour with hushed voices. They were bothered by the news, some even feared this man who was hiding like the weak coward that he was. But I, and my partner, stood strong and fearless before them, and even though it was all an act, I knew it would help.

"Now, go home to your families, prepare them for a fight," Freke called out to them, and instantly the crowd started to move. Some towards the open doors, but some walked towards us.

"I am sorry for doubting you, my Lord Vitki," one of the younger men said and bowed his head. "You must excuse our lack of knowledge of your kind. But know that we truly appreciate your help."

"Thank you, Truls," the wolf answered gently, with a kind smile on their lips. Surprised, I turned to them and raised a brow.

"You know this boy's name?"

"I do. I know all of their names," they said with a shrug, and gained a smile from the young man in front of us.

An elderly man asked a question we knew would be placed before us. "How long until they arrive?"

"It's at least a week's travel," I answered. "The wolves move fast, but I have asked them to protect our families and act as their guards on their way here."

"Will they bring food?" Another one asked, and I raised my hand to gain their attention.

"We have sent word to my father, the Jarl of Bildsfell, and I expect him to give us livestock and supplies. It will arrive here along with our wives and the children of my Hird."

My response seemed to have calmed them, and half an hour later it was only me and Liv seated by the fire. Even Freke had left. Perhaps the wolf knew we had things to discuss, she and I.

"Do you still want me to leave for the trade route?" She asked when I seemed to ponder why she was still in the room with me.

"No," I said simply and poked the fire to keep it alive. "I need you here."

"You will have a whole pack of wolves to protect you soon enough, you wont need me," she said, with bitterness in her voice.

"Is that it? You want to be my hersir?" I asked.

She furrowed her brow and crossed her arms before her chest. "Why do you sound amused, I'm perfect for the position."

"Because we fight a lot," I told her honestly.

"Which is a good thing, it will be easier to protect you if I know what is going on inside your stubborn head."

I nodded a few times. "Ivar is in charge of protecting Skal."

"I know," she said, "and I'm not asking to protect the entire village. I am asking for the duty to protect you and your family, as the head of your Hird."

I squinted my eyes as I wondered why this was so important to her. How had our relationship gone from barely knowing each other to this?

Something inside me told me to be watchful, to suspect she had further motives. But then I took a deep breath, gave her a smile and sighed. "I'm starting to grow paranoid, this Bjarke fellow is getting to me."

She took a step forward, her hands shaking slightly as she placed her palm on my cheek. "I saw Freke's condition when they arrived. I understand your fears."

"Do you fear for my life? Is that why you feel the urge to protect me?"

"Yes, and no," she answered. "I fear for your life, I know many men outside this village would want to kill you. But the reason why I want to protect you, is because I'm in love with you."

Surprised by her honesty, I rose from my seat and removed her hand from my body. "You shouldn't spill your emotions on fruitless crops," I mumbled.

"I know," she whispered. "But how can I not? You freed us from Brokk's rule. You fought by my side, saving me over and over again. You are so honourable, Tyr. You follow the will of the gods and you make them proud every day. How can I not fall in love with the man you have become before my eyes?"

I shook my head and chuckled, "Your words do not fit me, Liv. The person you speak of is a myth and a legend that we created together."

"No," she said, stepping forward to kiss my cheek gently. "He is you, you are the legend, and it will grow, and you will keep growing and I will stand there by your side to see it through. With or without your love, I will help you achieve your goals."

I inhaled a sharp intake of air. "Why?"

"I told you," she whispered, "I have fallen for you."

And then she gently kissed me on the lips before turning and leaving me flustered and confused. Whatever she was planning it was for the good of Skal, I knew that. But I also knew I did not need this kind of drama in my life, not now. Not when my wife was on her way here, and not when Freke was more fragile than ever.

"Liv," I called after her and she instantly turned around. "When my wife arrives, I need you to help her acclimate to this place. And as head of my Hird, her wellbeing is your responsibility, same as Frekes."

A wide smile spread on her face, "I know my Lord, and I will do everything in my powers to protect them."

"Thank you," I said with a nod, watching her leave with lighter stepps than when she'd arrived.

"You should bed her," Freke's voice mocked me from behind. I had no idea how long they'd been standing there.

"Why do you say that?" I asked them and turned around.

"Because, she'll calm down after she gets what she wants."

"And what about what I want?" I sighed and grabbed their belt and pulled them closer, knowing this was their way of testing me. It annoyed me and amused me at the same time.

"What do you want?" They teased and placed their arms around my neck.

"Only you," I whispered in their ear and started kissing a trail down their neck to the wolf's profound joy. "So tell me, why are you acting this way? Spying on me?" I mumbled between kisses.

"I don't trust her," Freke moaned low from my touch.

I stopped instantly and bent my head backwards to gaze into their eyes. "Don't you trust me?"

"I do. Of course I do," they insisted with their lips desperately pressed against mine. "But things change. Your wife will be here soon, and my family as well."

Freke's tongue invaded my mouth before I had time to answer, and I welcomed it.

Our clothes fell to the floor with a feeling of despair and possessiveness in the air. I didn't know why they'd think I'd leave them for anyone. I had left my wife behind, not them. Wasn't that proof enough?

In the back of my head, a thought had started to grow. Maybe it wasn't my family who was the cause of their fears. Maybe it was the arrival of their pack that put them on edge?

But seconds later my thoughts were lost, and all I could think of was their lips moving down my chest, creating fire within me from the simplest touch. And all I could do was call out their name and wish that this moment would never end.