Page 34 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

He flinched and looked away.

“He’s a possessive idiot, that’s what’s wrong,” Karthoc said, his tone laced with amusement. “For fuck’s sake, Govek, I’m not going to take your woman. Get control of yourself.”

Miranda blinked. Govek had indicated a jealous streak, but she hadn’t thought it would be this bad. “Govek, he’s your cousin, for crying out loud. You’re this upset because I’m talking to your cousin?”

Govek raked a hand through his hair but still said nothing.

“There will be another time to discuss the seer. Best we part ways now,” Karthoc said, already turning away. “I will see you at the hall for the announcement tomorrow. Do not be late.”

“Announcement?” Miranda asked as Karthoc disappeared up the path.

“Why are you here, Miranda?”

The tension in Govek’s voice made her bristle. “You said I should get clothes.”

“I said they were to bring the clothes to you. At my home,” he growled, spearing heat into her stomach. Dang it, why did his rumbly voice always have to cue her up?

“Well, they didn’t. That Maythra woman is bossy as heck. But your sister-in-law is nice. Learned all about that. And a bunch of other stuff, too. I see now why you didn’t want me getting all social with your clan here. Why didn’t you tell me you were the chief’s son? And why were you...?”

Miranda trailed off as Govek’s expression paled, and the harsh reality hit her—his brother had been killed recently.

“Govek . . . about your brother, I’m really sorry?—”

“We’re going,” Govek snarled. He gripped her arm and pulled her down the path. “Now.”

“Oh, heck no. You let go.” His hold wasn’t tight enough to hurt, but she still would not tolerate him dragging her around. “Govek, let me go.”

He froze in an instant, and his eyes flashed. He released her and stalked away, yanking at his hair with both hands.

It only took a few steps for him to stop. Turn. Open his mouth to speak and snap it shut. He had his jaw all tucked up again. It looked so uncomfortable.

“Come, please.”

The tone made her chest ache and she nodded, falling into step beside him. She examined his tense face, his rolling muscles, the tick in his jaw. She should let him calm down before interrogating him. Really.

“Govek, are you really the chief’s son?”

He picked up the pace slightly, shoulders bunched.

“Govek, hold on! That’s too fast.”

“Yes.” The word came out strangled but he did slow his pace.

“Yes?”

“Yes, I am the chief’s son.”

She paused and caught her breath. “And... then you left to go to war?”

The look he sent her was so dark and pained she forced herself to drop it.

“Viravia was nice,” Miranda said, grabbing a topic right out of the icy air. “She makes soaps? She must really like the scent of sage because oof. Even her tea was sage. I guess it was fine, a bit overwhelming. At least I’m not allergic like your poor cousin?—”

Govek let out a low growl so deadly it actually straightened Miranda’s spine.

Oops. Probably best not to mention other guys right at this moment. “On Earth, I had lots of different soaps. They came in all kinds of scents. I liked the natural ones best which is all you guys have here, huh?”

God, what was wrong with her? All the shit going on and she was blathering about soap and sage.

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