but Master Johan.”
Thorlak stared at her before repeating, “My attention is not a request.”
He pulled her into his arms, again slinging her over a shoulder. Knowing fighting would do no good, Asta still resisted, “I can walk.”
“So ye have proven. I choose that ye do not.”
She slapped his back, grimacing when his heavy hand came down on her already stinging rump. Given no other choice but to follow, Tani hurried after them. Covered in dirt and marred from her jarring side, Asta winced every time Thorlak took a step.
When they entered a cavern, Tani’s surprise made Asta look around. Thick, soft furs were covering the floor and braided fabrics were strewn about. Trickling water could be heard but the source was out of sight. Tani stumbled after him, looking everywhere at once. Light from a natural chimney flooded part of the cave, while torches along the wall sufficiently lit the rest.
Within their own clan, these accommodations were considered too lush. Thorlak did not put Asta down until he stopped by a clear pool of water. Pure white fish swam about in the pool. Tani squeaked in awe, “Fish.”
She reached for one but Thorlak caught her wrist. His other hand, streaked with dirt and blood, splashed the water. The fish swarmed, churning the liquid in a frenzy.
“They hunger for flesh. Pain me and they will grant pain.”
He pointed to a waterfall that fed the pool, “We shall wash.”
Tani stared at him with such shock that he tilted his head, “I know Zajihn to be barbaric but ye must surely bathe.”
Tani’s mouth opened and closed as a stunned look flooded her face. Asta’s bark of amusement bounced off the cavern walls. It still echoed as she corrected him, “Zajihn are not barbarians. The Vojihn…”
Thorlak towered over her, waiting for her to disrespect his clan. Thrusting her chin forward, Asta jabbed a finger at his chest, “Your own first lieutenant proved that ye are the barbarians.”
“Zekia’s temper rages. He is a true warrior but has needs.”
Knowing she would get nowhere with this line of argument, Asta shot back, “What of the slaughtering nature of Vojihn?”
Thorlak countered, “All clans’ nature is to war and slaughter. Ye cannot tell me different.”
She scowled at him but Tani spoke up, “Zajihn does not rape, pillage, or eat humans.”
Thorlak’s eyebrows rose, “I hear different.” His gaze licked down Asta’s body, “Besides, a tasty female of two is never bad.”
Tani’s eyes widened. Asta snapped, “She means not in the mating way.”
Thorlak roared with laughter, almost deafening them from his echoes. They nervously shuffled their feet, unaccustomed to a clan leader acting this way. He ignored their anxiety and pushed Asta toward the waterfall, “I refuse to taste such filth.”
She curled her lip but blushed at the hungry way he looked at her. Since the water was cold, she easily covered her rebellious body’s response. Gritting her teeth, she rubbed furiously at her skin. The coldness stung but stopped the oozing of her cuts.
“Go fetch some furs, Girl.”
Tani shivered all the way back to the main room. While she did his bidding, Thorlak watched Asta scrub at her soiled hair. She tried not to shake but it was impossible.
“AHH!”
Asta spun around and almost fell on the slick rocks. Thorlak had stripped his clothing, proudly displaying a cock just as huge as Johan’s. Asta’s jaw dropped. She dragged her eyes up to his chest. Her body was suddenly hot under the cold cavern falls. Blushing furiously, she jerked her gaze to his face.
A smirk rested there. Spinning to hide her discomfort, she completely missed Tani’s wide gaze focusing on his back. The dark phoenix birthmark spread over it, larger than Johan’s and appearing to take flight every time he moved. Before Tani could find her tongue, Thorlak stepped forward and clasped
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