Page 33 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“Miranda,” Govek said, his eyes dark and brooding. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh—” Oh shoot. He was big—big mad. But before Miranda could find a way to quell his anger, she noticed the sound of hacking from behind him and craned her neck to find there was another large orc standing on the path having some kind of asthma attack.

This orc looked much more like Govek, with more accentuated muscles and a much larger frame. That Rogeth orc from earlier looked like a twig by comparison—a very uptight twig.

“Is your friend okay?” Miranda asked, as the muscular orc coughed and wheezed. Waving his hand in front of his face as he moved away from Viravia’s house. “What’s going on? Does he need a doctor?”

“Fucking sage,” the male croaked. “Get over here. Both of you.”

Govek gripped Miranda’s arm and led her over to the male. The orc was a darker green than Govek and not quite as tall, but had almost as much muscle. And what he lacked in strength he made up for in scars. The guy was literally covered with them. His arms were cross-hatched. There was a particularly gruesome one on his forehead, right under his cropped hairline. It cut through his eyebrow, stopping just above his eye.

He was also shirtless and wore a pair of shorts just as skimpy as Govek’s. It was no wonder the others hadn’t reacted to Govek’s lack of attire when they were freaking out about hers. They must all walk around half naked. Did orcs not feel the cold?

When the gasping male wiped the tears out of his eyes and looked up at them, Miranda could see an instant resemblance to Govek. Their eyes were the same shape though this new orc lacked the gorgeous gold flecks that Govek’s eyes had.

The orc opened his mouth to speak and started hacking again.

“Are you going to be okay?” Miranda asked, noting how the question made Govek’s grip on her arm tighten. “Lighten up, please.”

Govek’s expression flashed to chagrin, and he instantly released her.

Oh yeah. So dangerous and out of control.

The coughing male cursed loudly between gasps and rubbed his face.

“Seriously, dude. You need help?”

“I’m fine, woman. Fuck. It’s just the blasted sage. Fades curse me,” he said before turning his eyes on Miranda again. He scrutinized her. Those dark eyes flashed from the hem of her slightly too long skirt to the top of her unbrushed head.

Govek didn’t grab her again, but she could feel him step closer. The warmth of his torso against her back was kinda nice. The chill of the night made her cheeks sting.

“Fuck, Govek, don’t you feed her?”

Govek growled.

“He feeds me plenty,” Miranda said, wantonly leaning into Govek so she could feel the rumble against her back. “I’m Miranda. And you are?”

“Karthoc. Cousin to Govek. Warlord of Baelrok Forge.”

Miranda’s breath hitched. “Karthoc? Really?”

The male’s eyes flashed to Govek as he rose a brow. “Yes. What has Govek told you of me?”

“Oh uh. Lots of stuff about your home. He said we were going to live with you. Or”—she looked up at Govek—“that’s still the plan, right?”

Govek’s expression was set with a deep scowl, and his glower made a shiver course through her.

Oh, shit a brick. He was actually really mad she didn’t go straight to his house.

She’d have to make it up to him later. “Karthoc, the seer is in your company right? Could I talk to him?”

“She’s the one who had questions for Evythiken?” Karthoc asked.

“Yes,” Govek whispered. Miranda turned to get a good look and found him twitching, fists curled, arms poised to strike, fierce eyes on Karthoc.

What the heck?

“Govek, what’s wrong with you?”

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