Pack (The Ulfhednar Saga bk 1)

Ulfrheim

Torstein had never expected to feel the way he did about Valdis. He never thought, even after he knew he loved her, that they would bond the way they did during sex. His wolf responded to hers. That had never happened to him before. He wasn't sure if she noticed, but he doubted she would have missed it.
"Can I ask you something?" She asked him. He nodded, his chin rubbing against her hair. "Is it normal, for the wolf to ...? Respond?"
"No, it really isn't. Mine responded too, and I haven't ever felt a thing like it." He was being honest. She was his mate. It was rare, but it happened. And he knew that he could never let her go.
"So, now that we are mates, what does that mean?" She asked.
"Well, our bond is stronger, we can feel each others emotions, sometimes feed off of each others energy in battle. Obviously we can talk to each other in wolf form. Most other things vary from pair to pair. So I think we will find out." He kissed her nose making her blush.
"Let me take you to bed," he started, seeing her attention perk, he finished, "in the warmth of your hearth." He wanted to hold her forever but he knew it wasn't safe to stay in the forest. If they were going to lose themselves in each other they better do that where others were watching for trouble.
"Okay, I guess I can handle that" she said jokingly. They both shifted and ran back to the village.
Once there he noticed the villagers watching them pass. He wasn't sure why exactly but since none were hostile he kept moving. They approached the house and he noticed his father standing to the side of the house. He wouldn't hang around for no reason, so he decided to see what was so important.
"I'll be in in a moment Val"
"Everything okay?"
"Yes, it's my father." He nodded towards Ulric. She smiled on response.
"I'll be waiting" She told him. He stood for a moment watching her walk into her home, completely satisfied with his life in that moment. He could barely control himself with her nearby. Putting those thoughts aside he remembered a war was going to begin and his father had something to say to him.
He shifted and walked over to him.
"What is it?"
"She is your mate isn't she?" Shocked by his question, Torstein nodded.
"Frigga told me you were special." Torstein must have looked confused because Ulric explained. "When you were born she told us that you have her blessing, you and Val both. Well, we didn't know it was Val at the time, but your mate she said. Protect her and don't harm her, you're both going to be important."
"What do you mean?" He was very confused.
"You'll see. Now, if you're wondering why everyone is staring, it's because your scent has changed, it has become a sort of blend of the two of you. Not everyone will know why, but it's because you've mated." Until said it so casually that it actually made Torstein blush. "Enjoy son." He laughed and walked into the village. Just like his father. Val really isn't going to like everyone knowing their business, but he had to tell her. He figured most would know anyways, wolf or not.
When he came into the cabin Bran was sitting at the table laughing with his sister. When he saw Torstein he stopped.
"Torstein, hi." He paused."Ulric say anything about our plans?"
"No, it wasn't anything too important." He lied. Valdis gave him a look telling him that she knew he was lying.
Bran just smiled and said, "Hey, you know, I am going to head off to the mead hall for a while, probably stay down at the fires most of the night."
Torstein was taken aback. Bran was still smiling as he passed and mumbled "It's about time" under his breathe. Torstein watched him pass, blindsided, yet happy that Bran was ok with what was happening. He watched the younger wolf leave, then turned to face the room.

Val was in the doorway waiting for him. "I heard your father, well kind of. I heard what he was saying but from your head. Is that part of this blessing of Frigga?" He smiled in mild shock. "I guess it is." He moved over towards her grabbing her and lifting her up, she responded by wrapping her lags around him. "You're so beautiful" he didn't care what anyone had to say, she was his and that was all that mattered to him.
He carried her back towards her bed and she responded with a yip of excitement.

Every moment with Torstein was bliss. She now had even more to fight for and a new drive to survive. She rolled over, feeling Sol's rays against her skin and stretched her body out, taking advantage of her comfort. She took in the sight of Torstein, sleeping, content and perfect in that same light and warmth. His hair was draped across his face, muscles and body relaxed. She traced the lines of his tattoos, wolves running across his skin, free, everything she hoped they could be when this was over.
She kissed his face lightly, running her hands through his hair. He opened his eyes, blue meeting green, and he smiled. He had a beautiful broad smile, she kissed him and her stomach flipped. She didn't think her nerves would ever be calm around him, even if they were together for a lifetime.
"I am hungry, want to go eat?" She asked.
"Two days of feasting, drinking and honoring the Gods? Of course. Let's get started."
He sat up looking for his clothes. She wasn't sure he would find them near the bed, which was where he was looking, if she remembered the night before correctly. The thought caused her to blush. He looked over at her with a knowing smile.
"Well, according to your father, we have to honor Frigga too, so I think we can hide in bed for a while after we eat in order to do so." She giggled. For once she felt like a young, carefree girl, not a Princess with the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Torstein's face brightened at her words. She laughed at his expression. His shock at what she said made her brave.
"I like the way you think woman" he said and grabbed her as he tackled her to the bed nibbling her neck and growling. She wiggled out of his grasp and ran for her clothes. "Eat! Food then bed." She yelled and ran out the door in a simple wool gown, hair flying free because that was how she felt.