Bear Naked 4: The Sons of Garm

Chapter 24

Erica ducked to one side of the tent, not wanting the woman to know that Erica had seen her naked, but not ready to leave, not without finding out if she was okay. Moments later she came out from behind the tent, dressed in brown cargo pants and a tight white shirt.

She started down a narrow lane between the tents. Erica followed, catching up to her in a couple of strides.

She looked over and met the woman's eyes. They were a deep brown and red from crying. Her nose was short and upturned. Erica thought she was pretty.

She shied away from Erica's gaze. "Are you okay?" Erica asked. "You look like you've been crying."

"I'm sorry, sir — ma'am," the woman said. "I shouldn't have presumed." The woman started to hurry on.

Presumed what? To cry in someone's presence?

"Wait," Erica called and the woman froze, still looking down. "I just want to talk."

The woman waited but said nothing.

"I'm Erica." Should she announce her tribe, too? Erica wasn't sure. "What's your name?"

The woman mumbled something.

"What was that?"

"Myrna," the woman said, louder. "I am called Myrna, Ma'am. I apologize if my crying upset you, Ma'am. I should not have."

"It's okay," Erica said again. "I just want to know what's wrong."

Myrna choked on the words, pushing the heel of her right hand into her cheek to stop the tears, like a small child. Erica grabbed her shoulder and pulled her close as Myrna began to dissolve into sobs again.

"Hush, it's okay," Erica said. "Come on, lets' get out of the way." She pulled Myrna, unresisting, from the lane and found a downed log near the edge of the meadow. They sat and Erica cradled Myrna's head while she cried.

After awhile Myrna managed to collect herself. "I'm so sorry. It is shameful for me to make such a display in front of you, Ma'am. If you must punish me, I understand."

There was something in her voice, something almost hopeful. "No! Why would I do that?"

Myrna looked up and met Erica's gaze for the first time. Her eyes went wide. "So young," she muttered. "I'd have not guessed." She shook her head, looking away. "I should not have involved you, Ma'am. I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize, or call me Ma'am. Just Erica. And just tell me what's going on Myrna."

Myrna startled. At her name, perhaps, or being told to use Erica's name.

"He took the collar," Erica said, forgetting that Myrna didn't know she'd seen. "He called you slave."

Myrna's hands went to her throat. "No more," she cried. "I'm his slave no more." She dissolved into tears again.

"That's a good thing, isn't it? I mean you are free. You can do what you like, go where you want?"

It was, apparently, not a good thing. Myrna just cried harder. She began a high pitched keening when Erica mentioned being able to go anywhere. Erica wrapped Mryna in her arms again as she sobbed.

Erica buried her face in Myrna's brown hair. It smelled of things she could not identify, forest duff, pine needles, some deep must. It was exhilarating and Erica felt herself aroused by the scent. She shoved the thought down.

When Myrna seemed to be more composed, Erica asked. "What is your tribe? I am not familiar with that scent."

"The stench is Volkov. I apologize for it," Myrna said stiffly.

"I like it," Erica snapped.

Myrna gave her a mystified look. "It stinks of failure."

Erica wasn't sure how to answer. It seemed like anything she said to cheer the woman up had the opposite effect.

Myrna bent, nuzzling Erica's open palm. She inhaled slowly, causing Erica's chest to clench. An involuntary groan of pleasure nearly escaped her. "This scent? If I may be so bold?" Myrna said.

"Leidulf. I'm Erica Leidulf, sworn to Connor Leidulf."

"You are not alpha?" Myrna seemed genuinely surprised.

The mention of her alpha made Erica think of the present. The challenge over the campsite, the need to get camp set. And here she was, talking to some strange woman instead of helping. She blushed and looked around.

Amanda was directing the others to raise the pavilion. So they'd kept the site. Erica felt torn between running to help and feeling like Myrna still needed her, though for what, she couldn't say.

"What will you do now?" Erica asked. "Do you have a place to go? Will you be at the council. I want to talk more."

"It is as you say," Myrna replied, her head down again. "I am free. I can go anywhere." Her lips trembled and she glanced nervously around the growing camp. "Anywhere." She glanced up, a look of wild daring in her eyes.

She threw herself on the ground. "I've never been slave to a woman but Mistress Erica is kind. I would do my best. I promise." It all came out in a rush.

"What?" Erica squawked. "We don't have slaves in Leidulf tribe."

"It's as they say," she hissed in an awed voice. "The fierce Leidulf slay all their enemies, give no quarter?"

"What? No. We aren't like that. We don't... we don't kill unless we have to."

"But no slaves?"

"We don't take slaves either," Erica snapped.

"I've angered you. I am sorry." Myrna moaned, starting to cry again.

"No, no, it's okay. Look you can stay with us awhile. Just until you figure out something." She hauled Myrna to her feet. She started towards their camp, pulling Myrna along.