Page 106 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Govek said nothing, but his expression was doubtful.

“We’re going to ask her. It can’t hurt,” Miranda said. “And then we’ll just have to do our best at the trade. If the clan wants to hold a judgment against you, then so be it. They can’t banish you if they aren’t here to uphold it, anyway.”

Govek paused. “That’s... true.” He met her eyes with a nod. “We will ask and I will try.”

Triumph burst in Miranda’s chest, and she kissed him hard. “Thank you, Govek. I promise it will be worth it.”

He nuzzled against her cheek and took another deep breath.

“It already is.”

Chapter

Eighteen

GOVEK

“You’re seriously not going in with me?”

Govek leaned against a tree part way into the woods where they could not be easily seen, arms crossed, eyes fixed to the dwelling before him. The ancient home that had always belonged to the heir of this clan. The massive, multi-level structure he’d last been in when Tavggol was still...

“No,” he said slowly. “I’m not going in.”

Tavggol was no longer within. He had no ties to this place now.

“Govek.” Miranda crossed her arms over her chest and leveled him with a hard look. It was too dark for her to see his scowl clearly, but she certainly could make out the glow of his eyes.

“Miranda, I was not invited.”

“What do you mean you weren’t invited?”

“The missive did not mention me in it.”

“Govek, we’re a couple, and she’s your sister-in-law.”

“I highly doubt she sees me as such,” Govek muttered, looking toward the darkened windows again. The scent of sage was overpowering so he could not scent Viravia within and her home appeared shuttered. He scrutinized the windows for movement, but saw nothing.

Was she even there? Why would she invite them and then leave?

“She doesn’t see you like a brother?” Miranda’s brow screwed up.

“No,” Govek said honestly, wondering why his mate was so unsettled by that fact. “Viravia was not from Oakwall originally, so we did not have the time to grow familial bonds.”

“Did... you grow any bonds? Like, just as family?” Miranda asked. “She defended you in front of Maythra.”

“Viravia has always been kind.” Too kind. She was his brother’s mate and yet she cast Govek constant smiles and tried to draw him into frivolous conversation.

Admittedly, Tavggol had never seemed affronted by her shows of affection. At the time, Govek thought nothing of it, but now that he had Miranda...

If Miranda had cast easy smiles at Tavggol, Govek knew he would likely be goaded into violence. Brother or no.

“What’s wrong? Out with it. Don’t be so quiet.”

“I’m always quiet.”

“You’re really not,” Miranda muttered, but softened the blow by taking his hand in both of hers. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Unwilling to admit imagined jealousy toward his own brother, he said, “The house is dark, and I have not seen movement.”

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