Page 22 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“I believe the hope that Corine might return to be his mate blinded him,” Govek managed to say even as the memory of the clan’s haunting silence descended on him. Of their piercing eyes as they watched him walk his death march.

Perhaps his father was too consumed by grief to think, but the rest of the orcs should have known. And not one of them rose to stand on his behalf.

Govek no longer wanted anything to do with them. “I was not going to Estwill. I was going to travel to you. To finally take you up on your offer to join your clan at Baelrok.”

Karthoc’s brow furrowed deep. “Is that . . . so?”

“Yes. With Tavggol gone, there is nothing holding me here.”

“Hmm.” Karthoc muttered looking back to the still fighting orcs. Each blow cracked like thunder. “Tell me, Govek, are you still able to conjure magic?”

Govek’s stomach twisted. Was his cousin changing his mind about inviting him? Had Karthoc decided that he and his cursed magic were too dangerous to live among his warriors after all?

But he could not lie. “I . . . can.”

Karthoc nodded and his face relaxed, and Govek wanted to sigh with relief. “I am making an announcement at your hall tomorrow after the morning meal. You will be there.”

“Yes, Warlord?—”

“Govek! My son.”

Govek turned, chest tight, and saw his father moving toward him through the camp with opulent purple robes billowing around him. His slender arms were outstretched, and his white hair was tight in neat braids.

“My son!”

Ergoth threw his arms around Govek and he jolted, a sweltering zing of shock shot down his limbs and froze him to the spot.

His mind reeled at the oddity of being touched by his father. He could not recall a time Chief Ergoth had ever done so for any reason.

“My son, you have returned alive and successful!”

“Chief,” Govek managed, though the greeting came out strangled. His tongue tasted sour.

“Let me look at you.” Ergoth released him and Govek took a breath. “Let me see that you are well. Are you harmed? Since this afternoon when Karthoc told me of how atrocious Estwill was, I’ve been in utter ruin thinking that I had sent you to your death. By Fades, Govek, tell me, how do you fair? Do you have any injuries?”

“He’s fine as you can see,” Karthoc said, standing back to watch the uncomfortable exchange.

Ergoth continued his examination, embracing Govek quickly again and babbling about how well he looked. Govek could not for the life of him recall his father ever greeting him with such exuberance before, especially not in such a public place. All of Karthoc’s warriors were watching.

It made Govek’s skin break out into prickling discomfort. His hands balled into fists and his jaw clenched tight, covering his teeth.

He’d longed for his father’s approval all his life. He should be grateful for it now. But instead, he wanted the male to get off him.

“You are certain you are well? You were not attacked on the way to Estwill?”

Govek resisted the urge to step back, to put distance between him and his father. “I was attacked by a boar. One that was blighted. It had spikes tied to its tusks that were laced with goblin poison.”

“Goblin poison?” Karthoc exclaimed. “Fuck the Fades, how did you survive that? And who did it?”

“It must have been humans,” Ergoth said, finally stepping away. Govek breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “Oh, the horror. I cannot believe I nearly sent you to your death.”

“Calm down, Ergoth,” Karthoc snapped. “Goblins went underground more than two decades ago and took all their magic with them. Govek, do you know how humans could have gotten it?”

“No.”

“Those Waking Order wretches must have stolen it,” Ergoth said. “And does it matter? My son was nearly killed.”

“So worried now when it was you, uncle, who sent him to his doom.”

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