Chapter 234 – To Pack or Not to Pack

Chapter 234 – To Pack or Not to Pack

After walking a short distance from the settlement, we make a brief stop during which the Oreads slip into the mansion. We won’t need their assistance for this part so they can relax in the comfort of our mobile home. Ianthe loves the baths, spending literal hours soaking in the hot water. Thanks to her nature, her skin is unaffected, allowing her to ignore the usual side effects of such actions.

Quite a few ladies envy her.

Biding a temporary farewell with the stone ladies, not without a bunch of deep kisses, I hoist the suitcase onto my back and we get on the road. Codae has offered us a pack animal or a few, but we politely refused. Carrying weight and volume isn’t an issue. And as for travelling on foot, while it would be better to have some mounts, we can still run faster than most horses if needed, not to mention our enhanced stamina.

Lilia and Lilie get extremely clingy the moment it’s just me, Sirgia, and them. Each flowery girl takes one of my arms and nuzzles her cheek into my neck from the side. They do so in perfect harmony, fitting for their characteristics. It’s as eerie as it’s intriguing. Also, it’s a bit harder to move but my Dwarf wife shows no intention of prying them off me.

Seriously, you could be a little more jealous, you know?

At first, we follow a path that’s been an old route, the ancient traces still visible in the ground. Nothing dares to bother us, clearly thanks to the Lilies. Some of my divinity might be leaking too as I’m practising my control whenever possible. Unfortunately, that also means most of the less dangerous fauna avoid the general area like fire, making our trip almost completely silent if not for the noise of the wind.

A few hours later, we step off the beaten path. Our guides take us through the thick of it and we start putting some more effort into cutting the obtrusive foliage ahead of us. According to them, we should reach the other mountain range before it gets dark if we keep our current pace. They are the experts in this jungle so we leave leading to them.

The good thing about that is the fact that they actually need to put a bit more work into their task, which means my sides are finally free. That state doesn’t last long as Sirgia wastes no time in making use of such an opportunity and takes their place. Though, she doesn’t hang off me like they did, simply entwining our fingers together and sending me timid smiles. She’s always so sweet and understanding.

If not for the load I’m carrying on my back, I would gladly give her a ride. I still can take her onto my shoulders, but the trees and bushes are too chaotic, unfortunately. She wouldn’t have a good time being so high and brushing against multiple branches. So, this is pretty much all we can do. Not that I’m going to complain.

The deeper we move into the exotic forest, the bolder the fauna becomes. The Lilies are more than happy to handle any creatures silly enough to get close, bringing back their kills to proudly display before us, expecting praise. They receive it, naturally, in the form of headpats they are starting to grow fond of.

I would say that it becomes a competition between them of who takes down more and stronger opponents, but that’s not completely right. They are still one single entity in two bodies. No matter which half wins the round, they both experience the reward. And boy, when they tie, it gets quite intensive. It did happen in the past to me, but still, seeing them almost climax just from having their hair stroked affectionately is something else.

Only Sirgia’s scolding stops them from jumping on my dick in the middle of everything.

Well, at least for a little while.

It’s technically my fault they get like this so we make a quick stop to provide the pent-up Liliraune some good dicking. My amazing mate willingly takes the watch while I take responsibility for my actions. After I’m done planting my seeds in those colourful flowers, I offer her an equal opportunity, but she settles on some loving kisses and cleaning me up with her skilful tongue.

She enjoys looking up at me from down there way too much.

Delayed a tiny bit, we resume our journey, the two plant girls gaining a springy bounce to their step. We make a good time, though, since they no longer drag every kill back to buy more pats from me. The sun is slowly descending towards the horizon, yet we still have some distance to cover. Our guides assure us that we will get there before dark, even with the recreational break we have taken.

And they are right. Sirgia spots the familiar tiles announcing the ancient craft of Dwarves maintaining this sector in the long past. From there, we simply follow the decrepit road and soon find ourselves before another massive gate on an impressive cliff. Same as the last time, it showcases depictions of multiple scenes. I kind of hoped that they would be the same as before, but this passage must have a different password.

Not like we will fail to figure it out with my genius wife with us.

As we are admiring the fine craftsmanship, I feel a knocking on my back and realise that it comes from the suitcase. Setting it down, I lift the lid and help Ianthe step onto the ground, getting rewarded with a delicate peck on the cheek. Three of her subordinates follow, subscribing to the same custom.

“I see we have arrived,” she comments with a gentle smile.

“Yep!” Lilie beams at us, setting her fists on her hips. “As promised, before night!”

“Thank you.” Sirgia comes up to them and both girls lean forward to let her pat them. “You did a good job.”

“For the next part, you might want to switch with the Oreads,” I suggest. “Or you can stay in the jungle until we come out on the other side. I bet it will be uncomfortable for you to move through all that stone without your flower being able to accompany you even if I shall be by your side all the time.”

“We can return to the village for now, Master,” Lilia replies while her other half nods. “We can feel how deeply our bond with us runs, so it should be no problem moving over this much of a distance. Call for us whenever you need our help with anything.”

“Will do.” I nod back at them and take a glance at our pale friends. “Do you maybe know the answer to this riddle? Was this passage under your care too?”

Ianthe shakes her head. “We have made an agreement with Lady Sirgia’s family, who controlled the other location. I’m afraid I don’t know much about this one. But, since it feels like it has been constructed with the same principle, we can simply phase through the walls.”

“You can?” Sirgia raises a curious brow at her.

“Naturally.” The Oread lets out a ladylike giggle. “Inversicate doesn’t impede our natural abilities. We have moved through it back in the first underground pass.”

“I guess you are a direct counter for this type of defence.” I chuckle lightly. “No wonder the Dwarves decided to befriend you. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened in the future. If someone else managed to gain your favour, the rulers of these mountains would be powerless against such an alliance.”

“And now such power is in your hands, Den Master.” She bows and her companions follow. “We shall aid you to the best of our abilities.”

“I’m certainly not planning to abuse your trust and devotion.” I bring them up and look at each stone woman warmly. “If one day we do end up going against Dwarves or other races, I apologise for dragging you into it.”

“We will crush all your enemies, Den Master,” one of the ladies announces with a resolute expression.

“And gladly help resolve your post-battle needs,” another added, sporting a fair blush on her exquisite cheeks, her gaze skipping to the obvious region.

Ianthe rolls her eyes at the lustful remark of her subordinate. “We are yours to command, Den Master.”

“Alright.” I step back. “Then my command is simple. Get us—”

My gaze snaps to the back as multiple presences make themselves known. Sirgia reacts just as quickly, readying her hammer for the monsters that have somehow snuck up on us without anyone noticing. It’s fairly late now so shadows surround the thick greenery, but my eyesight is more than enough to discern huge shapes peering through the trees and bushes.

A sea of purplish points appears throughout the jungle and I ready myself for a fight. One pair of such violet spots moves closer and becomes more recognizable as thick darkness wafts off the hulking frame, revealing its owner. A big bad wolf steps into the clearing in front of the gate, and immediately, all the tension disappears.

“Good gods, Diana, don’t sneak up on us like that.” I sigh lightly and chuckle. “I guess I should have been paying more attention to our connection. But, you should have given us a heads up if you were on the way already.”

The proud lupine saunters up to me and I notice some scars that weren’t present on her body before, the most notable one running over her right eye. It doesn’t look like her sight is impaired, but whatever she’s been up to, it wasn’t a walk in the park. I kind of regret not going with her. She wouldn’t have been left with a scar if I healed her instantly.

Actually, borrowing some magic, I should still be able to take care of it.

Diana nudges my hand and slips her snout underneath it, prompting me to caress it affectionately. Her deep gaze finds mine and it conveys the message clearly. She appreciates the thought, but those scars are a matter of honour. They are her marks of victory, elevating her position in the pack.

And, on the mention of the pack, the rest of the glowing spots parade into the open space too. Lupus Voidis, all of them. Beasts of various sizes and ages, from what I can tell. Some look fresh and inexperienced while some bear even fiercer wounds of old, even missing part of their ear or tail. Diana’s thoughts reveal that there are fifteen of them following her.

As I stroke my chin ponderingly, a window pops up in front of my face, making me jump a little.

“A Pack Bond?” I read out the offer presented to me by Diana. “Well, if you are sure then I see no reason to decline. Is everyone on board, though?”

She nods her head confidently.

I drag my gaze over the furry faces of her subordinates, and it seems that seeing the affection between the two of us, they have gotten rid of their suspicions. Some have even moved closer, their tails starting to wag a tiny bit.

Someone is starved for some rubs, aren’t they?

No wonder, they most likely have never experienced a humanoid’s hand.

“Okay, I accept.” I express my agreement to her gift.

A faint pulse travels from me and causes their fur to shimmer. Diana raises her head and howls into the sky, her peers joining the group activity. As they do, I feel the bond settle, and even notice the ethereal tendrils of purplish energy extend from me to her, and then spread to the others. Since Sirgia and the Lilies say nothing about it, I’m fairly sure only I can witness it, perhaps thanks to my divinity.

Additionally, I can feel the rest of the pack joining the bond, their connection settling in. But, it’s not exactly the same as between me and Diana. I can kind of access them through a proxy and I have no doubt that they are going to benefit from it too. Already, it seems like we can understand each other better.

I’m glad this doesn’t mess up the usual pack dynamics. It would have sucked to fuck it up for Diana shortly after she found some new friends. But, I can tell that while they might be nice to me and listen, she is still their boss and leader. And since she considers me as her master, my words are going to carry some meaning and authority.

If things go right, we might have just secured our merc girls their new companions.

As they finish howling, an eerie silence descends upon the clearing. Every set of purplish eyes lands on me. It would have been a scary sight, over a dozen big and bulky shadow wolves staring you down with their fierce expressions, if not for the fact that I’m now able to know what truly hides underneath that cold exterior.

Snorting quietly, I spread my arms to the sides. “Okay, no need to be shy, just come at me.”

Not a second later, the entire pack charges at me, their tongues lolling out of their jaws. I let out a winded oomph when these magnificent creatures slam into me and get me surrounded. Multiple snouts poke me as they start sniffing every inch of my clothes, my hands already working overtime by scratching their ears and necks.

Sirgia and the plant girls join in and we spend a few long minutes getting acquainted with the lupine family. It involves a lot of petting, sweet-talking, play-biting, and so on. Diana just watches us handle her new crew with what has to be a smile on her face. I swear she winks at me when I glance at her, making me chuckle.

The two boys are a bit more hesitant at first so I approach them with more respect and start slowly. As tough as they try to act, their tails are already swishing over the road as they sit in front of me. In the end, they submit to the caresses too, and I can even feel them starting to approve of me as they test my strength during our interactions.

I’ll have to schedule a mock duel with Diana. That might help them become more comfortable with my position.

As we begin wrapping it up, I notice some of the wolves jumping through the shadows as they play hunter and prey with Sirgia, something akin to a game of tag. Watching the scene from the sidelines, I stop by Diana, fluffing her fur lovingly.

“How come they can do this now?” I wonder out loud.

The answer comes quickly, understanding filling my head. That bastard was using his authority over the Pack Bond to seal their abilities, making them weaker, and thus unable to fight back. She has returned what’s rightfully theirs immediately after taking over. Thanks to that, they could reach us so fast. Her subordinates are currently a bit out of shape in terms of using their skills, but it won’t last long.

Plus, she conveys to me that our own bond enhances them greatly. Diana plans on using whatever I allow her to strengthen and develop the pack. She knows of my designs for them and wishes to raise these individuals into formidable war mounts and fierce hunters. So, if she needs my divinity or anything else to do that, I’m happy to oblige, glad that she isn’t afraid of sharing with her subordinates.

A good leader knows how to manage their people without the need for fear.

“Alright.” I clap my hands a few times to gather everyone’s attention. “I think we should camp out before going in. Both parties must be at least a bit tired. We’ll pick up where we left off in the morning.”

No one raises any objections and we start the camp. With so many wolves with us, Sirgia decides not to use the suitcase for tonight and I wholeheartedly agree. The two of us bring out the spacious tent and set everything up while the doggos watch curiously. Diana sends a few of them to hunt for dinner and they bring us a deer, a boar, and what looks like a snake with wings.

All the Oreads join us on the surface as we prepare the food. Then, we feast on the meat and veggies together before going to sleep. The wolves practically inhale their portions, definitely appreciating the juicy meals. I have a feeling that they are going to develop an appetite for grilled dishes. Lucky bastards will eat like kings and queens with my ladies.

No funny business descends upon us as we sleep, thanks to the dutiful watch of our lupine friends. The camp is packed up in a flash, the ladies excited to continue our journey. We stand before the gate, examining it in the light of the early morning.

“Let’s get right into it.” I rub my hands together. “I guess we’ll see you in a bit, Lilia, Lilie. You can hang out with our new friends if you want since only Diana is coming with us for this part. Don’t spook the villagers too much if you decide to bring them there.”

“Of course, Master!” they answer in unison. “Good luck and have lots of fun!”

Having their own fun petting the wolves, they grin at us widely. I chuckle and turn to Ianthe.

“We are ready whenever you are.” I nod at the Den Mother and Sirgia mirrors the motion.

She takes my hand first, pulling me into a sensual kiss as her leg hooks over my side. As our tongues dance wildly, she tugs us to the back and we fall onto the ground, phasing through it. That doesn’t stop the sly woman from pursuing my mouth and rubbing herself all over my thigh. Completely unnecessarily, might I add. None of this is necessary for the transfer.

We show up on the other side. Getting enough, she giggles softly and merges with the floor again, making me snort. Before I fully get up, Ianthe is back with Sirgia by her side. Making one more trip to fetch Diana, she reappears with a mischievous smile. I spank her fine ass, making her yelp in surprise, as a little payback. Though, she ends up enjoying it. Of course.

We find ourselves in an equally dusty and abandoned hallway with an incredibly tall ceiling. The power is out, obviously. We would need to repeat what we have done in the previous location to re-enable it, most likely. If the people who build this haven’t used different schematics and designs.

Not that it matters. This time, we decide to postpone the exploration and jump onto Diana’s back, her harness ready to fit us in the saddle once more. In a flash, we are speeding through the corridors, jumping from shadow to shadow. The layout is fairly similar to what we know so our driver picks almost all the correct turns. No monsters interrupt our sprint, and soon, we find ourselves on the other end of the forgotten crossing.

Ianthe emerges from the floor, already licking her lips.

“Does it really have to be like that?” I roll my eyes at her. “Don’t make me do it myself.”

“Yes.” She nibbles on her bottom lip. “Transportation fee.”

Sirgia snickers and pats my lower back. “In my honest opinion, a kiss is a fair price. At least she doesn’t demand half of your gold like some Trolls in the legends.”

Squinting at the dazzling Oread, I smile at her wolfishly. “Fine. I’ll pay your damn fee. With interest.”

She gasps playfully as I grab her wrist and pin her to the gate, her back smacking against the cold metal. My other hand moves to her smooth side and grazes over that exquisite skin as I go after her lips roughly. Ianthe shudders when my fingers brush against the sides of her tender peaks but don’t do anything else. Whimpers of satisfaction and the need for more escape her sealed mouth as I push her harder into the wall.

Unable to ignore my reminder, she phases us down the floor more, and we land in the same position, just outside the gate. I explore her body for a moment longer before drawing back with a smirk. Ianthe’s cheeks are flushed prettily and she knows she might have bitten more than she can chew. Judging by the heated gaze she directs at me, she is considering upping her price after delivering the service, perhaps hoping for some punishment.

But then, we both freeze at the same time, our surroundings finally pushing into the small world we have surrounded ourselves with. Her eyes widen to the brim and I take a peek over my shoulder, spotting not just buildings but also people, who are staring at us with pure shock and consternation. A glance to one side and the other makes it clear that this particular gate is located... at the edge of a Dwarven town. And we have just popped out of an ancient and forgotten ruin like it’s nothing.

Uh oh.