Page 42 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

He had committed a whole lifetime of wrongs. His furious outbursts of rage-laced magic had long been the reason his clan despised him.

How would Miranda react when she finally discovered the truth of all he had done? The clan knew of her now. There was no stopping her from speaking with them and no preventing them from warning her of his past atrocities.

He gulped past the lump in his throat. He needed to tell her everything but where should he even start?

What he had done at Clairton was certainly the most heinous act he’d ever committed. It made his other wrongs look trivial. But Miranda had embraced him after he’d admitted it. He could still feel her warmth and acceptance soothing away his deepest aches.

He had to work hard to keep from trembling under the force of such kindness. His knees were almost weak with relief.

As she rolled onto her side so she could more easily take in the image of the mountains and trees he’d carved, the cloak wrapped tight around her, accentuating the globe of her ass.

His blood heated.

Fuck, he really was a beast.

“Is that your only place to store stuff in here?” she asked, sitting up and pointing to the large trunk at the end of the bed.

“Yes.” He barely had anything in it. What if she wanted a present? Perhaps he could quickly carve her something. She seemed to like that at least.

“You must not have much clothing. Not that I mind that.”

Heat pooled in his gut, cutting off his worry as she passed him to go to the washroom. “What’s in here?”

He went to light the torches so she could continue exploring. Her delight at everything had him almost relaxed.

Seeing her in his home, smiling as she discovered new things, caused an odd sensation in his chest. One that made his thoughts drift toward the future. A future where they could create a home together.

Warmth spread through him.

“Oh wow. This is pretty nice. It’s bigger than Viravia’s. Though she probably has two, huh? Since her house is two levels?”

“She does.” He watched as she examined the wood sink that probably needed another sap treatment to keep it waterproof.

He used to use sap on Tavggol’s sinks as well. His brother always forgot until it was long past due. Had Viravia done it recently? He wasn’t certain how to ask to offer aid.

“So...” Miranda paused, searching his face. He tried to hide the remaining bits of his turmoil.

Judging from how her face fell, he wasn’t successful.

“Come here, tough guy.”

He gulped and went to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and forced him to lean down close to her face.

The warmth of her lips collided with his. Her crisp honey scent swirled up into his senses, bursting in his mind. She teased his lips, nibbling.

Fuck, she felt so blasted good. He was about to scoop her up when she broke away with a little chuckle. “We need to teach you how to kiss.”

“I’m not pleasing you?”

“Oh, you are. I just want you to please me more.”

“I will do anything you ask, Miranda,” Govek said, blood heating. “I will give you any boons you wish.”

Her eyes softened, and he helplessly reached to cup her warm face in his hands. Her skin was so smooth, and her eyes were so gentle. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he could be looked upon with such gentleness.

He would do anything to keep her. Anything.

He gulped hard. “Just speak your desires, Miranda. I would move the whole of Faeda for your whims.”

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