Page 112 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Viravia shrugged, her smile widening. “They have these nice little dispersers on the tops so you can spray them. Hiding behind the door was usually a good location. That way you can spritz the moment they err.”

Miranda burst into laughter. “Oh my god. That’s genius.”

“Miranda,” Govek said warningly. She shot him a grin.

“And if they don’t learn the first few times, you can aim for the eyes.”

Miranda laughed even more, tears flooding her own eyes in her mirth. “So, you have some, right? I’m sure I can find a way to repay you.”

“Miranda,” Govek repeated, but Miranda only shot him a sly grin.

And then a hard knock sounded at the door.

Chapter

Twenty

GOVEK

Viravia rose. “Who could that?—”

“Maythra,” Govek said, and Viravia’s expression went dark.

She muttered. “I’ll get rid of her.”

Govek moved closer to Miranda so he couldn’t be seen as Viravia opened the door. “Maythra, hello. You already brought food by earlier. I don’t need this.”

The scent of barley and fish wafted from the door.

“Yes, well, I wanted to make sure you’re eating enough. Tavggol’s son won’t be healthy if you don’t eat properly.”

“I told you already, I’m fine.”

“How can we be sure our next chief is hale if you do not eat what I provide?”

“Wellia has assured me I’m healthy.”

“Pah, that youngling.”

“She’s very experienced under her mate’s guidance, or are you saying that Hovget isn’t knowledgeable enough?”

“Of course, I’m not saying that. Here, just take it.” There was jostling as Maythra handed over the bowl of fish soup. Viravia began to close the door when Maythra said, “You have a guest?”

Viravia was thrown off. As was Govek, since they had been silent and could not be seen from where Maythra stood behind the door. “I’m very tired. I’m not up for entertaining more visitors.”

Maythra scoffed and pushed Viravia’s door open fully, barely noticing that it knocked the soup bowl. Some of the liquid sloshed onto the floor. “I am not a visitor. I am mother to all in this clan. I am family.”

Govek rose to his feet just as Maythra’s lofty features fell. “What are you doing here?”

Miranda took Govek’s hand as he withheld his irritation.

“Come away from him, dear.” Maythra waved at Miranda as if she were a child in need of direction. “I want to check your condition without this male looming over you.”

“I’m perfectly fine.”

“Honestly, if something I did a few days ago offended you, I apologize. We were all rather out of sorts from the announcement, but it’s past us now. Our chief is handling it. There’s no reason to turn away from the clan who has embraced you out of fear this male might retaliate.”

“Wow.” Miranda snorted.

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