Page 111 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Was he thinking about holding her baby? Miranda’s mind tipped toward the idea of Govek cradling a newborn and her heart thundered.

How would he be with her babies once she’d saved them? Gruff and overprotective and kind. Her chest warmed at the thought.

How... might he be with their children? If they decided to have them.

Her heart fluttered and she shook her head, concentrating on Viravia. “Your baby is lucky to have you.”

Viravia’s cheeks colored even as she smiled. “I certainly hope so. I was never around any babies growing up. My father was a traveling merchant, so we moved around a lot. You must have learned so much from your village. There must have been many babies to care for there.”

“Oh yeah, uh, it was... huge.” Her throat closed. Dang it, the woman had asked a simple question, and she couldn’t even bring herself to answer.

Warmth covered her fingers, and she found that Govek had engulfed her hand with his own and gave a comforting squeeze. Miranda relaxed, soaking up his strength and letting him soothe her like he always did.

Then Viravia cast her an easy smile. “I’m sorry, Miranda. I didn’t mean to pry. We all harbor things in our pasts. I’m certain that we will get to know each other well in time.” She rose from her seat. “Could you favor me by calling a messenger to take this to Gladen at Oakwall, Govek? If I send it tonight, he might have time to adjust the bottles before the trade.”

Call a messenger?

Viravia went to her window and opened it just as Govek whistled low.

A little robin flew in a moment later, glided across the room, and landed on Govek’s outstretched finger.

“Oh my gosh!” Miranda gushed, heart hammering. The bird was so tiny and cute sitting on Govek’s hand. “That’s so cool! You can call birds? You’re like Snow White.”

“What is a Snow White?” Viravia asked, coming over with a string and a much smaller note she’d made.

“She’s a princess,” Miranda said with a smirk. Did they have princesses here?

Apparently, they did, because Govek’s face darkened into a scowl and Viravia burst into laughter.

Govek snapped his gaze to Viravia’s face. Watching her close.

Viravia patted Govek’s hand affectionately. “Well, you do look as pretty as a princess.”

Miranda’s stomach churned again.

She was being stupid. They weren’t flirting. Govek wasn’t dumb enough to do something so horrible, and Viravia was nice. Really nice. Miranda liked her.

Which made watching the two of them smile at each other even more difficult.

He was finally making friends. Miranda felt like a complete ass for putting a downer on that. What was wrong with her?

“Are you well?”

Govek asked, and her guilt mounted that he’d noticed. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.” Goddamn, she couldn’t even make herself sound fine.

This was so stupid. She was so stupid.

“You two seem quite close with your teasing,” Viravia said, pointedly, making Miranda’s cheeks heat. “Tavggol was wonderful too. He really helped me feel comfortable here. I could never imagine a better partner.”

Miranda sagged. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Viravia.”

Viravia’s eyes fell, and she stroked her stomach. “It is hard. But I have many fond memories. And some not so fond. Does Govek slam doors and stomp his feet as loudly as his kin?”

“Maybe?” Miranda wasn’t sure where this was going.

“Well, I have advice on how to fix that.” Viravia grinned. “I make these perfumes, you see. Very fragrant. Very effective as discipline.”

Miranda half gasped. “No. You didn’t.”

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