Page 53 of Tears of the Wolf
Brynn looked to the puppy, sadness creasing her face. “You killed her.” The words weren’t an accusation, just a statement of fact.
Cenric lowered the pup. He felt it had been justified, but felt a little shame, nonetheless. “She went after Snapper.”
“Is he alright?” Brynn looked over to the dyrehund in question.
“Fine, just a little shaken at the time.”
Brynn’s shoulders relaxed a little. “I see.”
Cenric followed her gaze to Snapper, currently gazing fondly up at the puppy. “I can take her back to my aunt.”
Brynn frowned, looking at the small ball of fur in his hands. “I don’t understand.”
“Because you like dogs and I thought…” Cenric’s chest deflated. He’d hoped Brynn would be happy. “I thought having your own dyrehund, might…help.”
“She’s…for me?” Brynn seemed genuinely surprised.
Cenric shrugged, feeling awkward. “A gift.” He wasn’t sure why the word came out sounding like an apology.
Brynn hesitated, looking between him and the puppy. “You brought me a gift?” She licked her lips, almost like she didn’t believe it.
“You don’t have to accept it,” Cenric said. “She’s going to be a handful, and I don’t blame you if you don’t.”
“No,” Brynn said quickly. “No, I want her.” Brynn scooped the puppy from his hands and cradled it against her ribs. Naturally and easily, like she’d missed having living things in her arms. The pup still whined, but it burrowed in the crook of Brynn’s arm, small tail flicking. Brynn shushed the pup, stroking her grey fur. “She’s beautiful, Cenric.” Brynn’s voice cracked with emotion.
Cenric watched as his wife petted and soothed the small animal. Had no one ever given this woman a gift?
Puppy,Snapper snorted with approval.
Cenric allowed himself a sliver of satisfaction. “I need to tend to the docks and check the fields. But I will return.”
Brynn’s mouth pressed into a stern line. “Do what you must.” There was a shortness to her tone. Anger?
Cenric arched one eyebrow. His return wasn’t going the way he had expected. “Has something upset you?”
Brynn broke eye contact, looking away even as she nestled the puppy into the crook of her elbow.
“I did not mean to spend last night away. Believe me, I would have preferred to be here.” Yes, he would have much preferred to sleep with Brynn instead of on the hard floor of his aunt’s cottage.
Brynn looked down at the pup in her arms. The small creature peered up at her, whimpering. Brynn stroked its head and cuddled it against her chest. “I believe you. I’m glad you’re home.”
She didn’t sound glad.
Cenric would sort this out later. He looked to Edric. “Anything I should know before I head to the fields?” For now, he needed to check the progress of his fieldworkers, fishermen, and shepherds. He’d already been gone for too long.
Brynn
Brynn bit the inside of her cheek as Cenric walked away, heading to the fields. Her heart felt like a tangle of brambles, knotted and slicing her every time she tried to sort it out. She hadn’t realized how fond she’d grown of Cenric in such a short time.
She thought her heart had been seared away, yet despite everything, the stubborn organ had survived years of an unhappy marriage and the loss of her only child.
It would hurt to share Cenric. There was no way around that.
The puppy wiggled in Brynn’s arms and she stroked her head, shushing gently.
“What did the lord give you?” asked one of the girls, a freckled young thing that was all knees and elbows.
“A puppy.” Brynn turned to show them.
