Page 18 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Which meant he had to leave her willingly. Convince her to do the same.

“Come, you can trust us.”

“No, thanks,” Miranda muttered dryly.

“You should go with them,” Govek said, earning surprised looks from everyone in the room.

“Are you serious?” Miranda asked, tightening her grip on his arm.

Govek hid his pleasure that she mistrusted them, but cleaved to him. “I must go to address the chief. And I will not take you there in this state.”

The idea of other orcs seeing her half naked made his blood boil.

Calm. Calm.

“I’m not leaving you, Govek.”

“There will be many orcs. Many eyes.”

“I don’t care.”

“You’re barely dressed, Miranda.” Govek gripped her upper arm tight. “My control is in tatters as it is. I can’t let them see you.”

“Yes, dear, the hall is no place for a newcomer.” Maythra stepped forward again, extended her hand out to them.

Govek took a hard breath and loosened his grip on her arm.

“Govek?” Her worried gaze pierced him and made his chest ache.

“They will not harm you, Miranda.” Of that, he could be certain. “And the sooner I go to address the chief, the sooner I can return to you.”

“At your house?” Miranda confirmed.

“Yes.”

“You don’t have to stay with him—” Maythra cut in.

Govek shot her a hard look and, thankfully, the woman went silent. “You will take her to my home. Nowhere else. You will bring clothing to her there.”

Even if they took Miranda elsewhere, he would find her. If she was in danger, he would know. The imprint thrummed its assurance in his chest. Warm and strong.

“You try to give a woman of this clan orders, Govek?” Maythra asked, eyes narrowed. Govek gritted his teeth.

He may have been Chief Ergoth’s son, but the power and authority that came from that position had never been allotted to him.

But this was for Miranda’s safety. He swallowed his pride and it thudded into his stomach like a burning lump of coal. “She is tired from the journey and needs rest. I ask that you take her to my home. Please.”

“I want to go to Govek’s home,” Miranda said clearly.

“Fine,” Maythra agreed—far too easily for Govek’s liking.

“Govek, are you sure it will be all right?” Miranda searched his face, clearly withholding a million questions.

He should have answered them long ago. He should have known that keeping his presence a secret would not be possible. Even for a short time.

He’d been a desperate fool, and now he would pay the price for it.

“They will not harm you, Miranda. You are precious.” Her shoulders sagged, but she nodded. He lowered his voice further, dipping in to speak into her ear. “If you call me by name, I will hear it and come to you.”

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