Page 6 of The Billionaire Orc

A human, Merle had told him, which surprised him somewhat. But then, a lot of what he’d heard about Motham since he’d left surprised him. Things had changed since the Hole In The Wall opened up a year or so after he’d left (quite literally—a hole had appeared in Motham’s wall) and humans and monsters had started to trade there more openly.

As his private jet finally drew to a standstill and the flight attendant opened the doors for him, Tor swept past with a gritted thanks, out into the smog of East Motham.

He pulled a face at the familiar acrid smell of the chimneys.

If he lived here, he’d clean this shithole up.

You’re not going to live here, you’re just going to buy a luxury pad for when you visit.

He wouldn’t be here any more than necessary.

But at least he wouldn’t have to stay in his parents’ traditional orc home, with its smoke-blackened ceilings and open fireplace, the uneven stone floors, drafty windows and infernally uncomfortable beds.

No staying in his sister’s apartment either, with her vampire partner, Lucia. He had nothing against Lucia, per se, but everyone knew orcs and vampires were a terrible combination.

Once inside the terminal, he strode through the VIP exit, then sighed with relief when he saw the chauffeured limo waiting.

Merle had organized the best of everything: the best hotel, Hotel Briar Rose in The Hole In The Wall district, the best restaurant to dine out in—what was it called? Oh, that’s right, Goblin’s Den. The reviews were promising.

The cicada driver gave a little bow, touched his mandibles as he opened the passenger door. “Mr Arquin, Sir, may I humbly welcome you to Motham City.”

Nice.

Tor smiled tightly before throwing himself back on the leather seat.

Then he called up Katrina.

“Yay, you’re here!” she screamed so loudly that Tor winced. “Are you coming straight to Mom and Dad’s place?”

He paused. “I’ll be there this afternoon. I have a meeting first.”

“Gods, you’re hopeless.”

Should he tell her? Yes, he decided, he should. “With a realtor. I’m thinking of buying a property here.”

“Really, Tor? Oh my goddess, that would be amazing. Tell me everything later. Lucia and I are cooking dinner at Mom and Dad’s.”

“Wouldn’t you rather come and dine with me? I’ve heard Goblin’s Den is excellent.”

“That’s a seriously dumbass idea. Mom won’t feel comfortable eating anything that isn’t orc staples and Dad has a leg in plaster and a neck brace. Or… what? Were you planning to leave them at home?”

Tor winced. He’d forgotten how to do family stuff. “Guess I wasn’t thinking of the logistics. Okay, I’ll be over to eat.”

“Lucia’s bought steaks. She cooks them to perfection.”

“Don’t tell me—super rare.”

“Shut up, bro. If you make any blood jokes in front of her, I swear I’ll thump you.”

“Gotta catch me first.” He was grinning when he put the phone down. The one orc he missed most in the world was Katrina. Three years younger than him, they’d rough and tumbled their way through childhood. She’d clambered up his chubby orcling body, giggling and laying punches before she was even out of diapers.

Tor sat back in his seat and grinned, remembering the good times in his childhood.

They’d reached The Hole In The Wall district before he even realized it. Looking around, his eyes widened. Ye gods it had changed around here. There were shops, cafés, bars. Even a smattering of modern high-rises with sparkling glass facades reflecting the morning sun. And the place was bustling with all sorts of folks, a wide range of monster species and a fair smattering of young, professional-looking humans.

Ducking his head, he climbed out of the limo. Standing to his full height, hands on hips, he stared at the building in front of him, an older-style stone dwelling with lattice windows in the traditional style of old Motham. The signage made him smirk.

“Find a home to love

---