Page 54 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

She looked up into his face and found his brow furrowed. “I know it’s crazy. I know that. Really. But just like... it’s possible, right? I lived. And there were those road signs. Someone must have gotten them working, so why couldn’t it have been them? I’m pretty sure Josephine’s dad even worked for the Highway Department. It could have been him and they could be here now. Lost in the woods like I was, just waiting for us to find them. And the seer would know where they are, right?”

It was insane. She knew that.

But . . . what if?

“Seer Evythiken’s power is immeasurable,” Govek finally said. “If anyone can unlock your lost memories and find other humans from Earth, it would be him.”

“Yeah.” Miranda said, trying to push her stupid hope out of her brain even as it sunk deeper. “Can we try to see him today? Even if he isn’t at the announcement?”

“Yes. We should also see Hovget, the healer.”

“I don’t need a healer.” Miranda said. “I’m not hurt.”

“We need to ensure you’re healthy, Miranda.”

“I don’t...” She chewed her lip. Being told she was healthy was almost more terrifying than being told she wasn’t.

She should be irradiated, but she wasn’t. She should have been burned alive, but she hadn’t. She should have died from falling off that cliff, but she didn’t.

Nothing made sense.

“He could also have something that might soothe your nightmares and allow you to rest well.”

Guilt chewed at the edges of her mind as she looked into Govek’s eyes, noting the dark green bags under them.

He needed rest too. He’d been her rock from the moment she’d fallen out of the sky.

She leaned in and kissed his warm cheek, right next to his tusk. “Thank you, Govek. For taking care of me. You really are a sweetheart.”

He huffed out a laugh that rumbled through his chest under her ear. “Fuck, woman. The things you call me.”

“What? You don’t like sweetheart? Tough guy is better, huh?”

“At least tough guy is an accurate description.”

She smiled. “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you give yourself a compliment.”

He shifted uncomfortably even as he pulled her closer. He turned his head toward her, carefully lowering his nose into her hair. He tried to breathe deep without her noticing, but she totally did.

And it felt good. His attraction to her was so obvious all the time and it soothed that bone-deep wound from her childhood that had never fully healed. “Dang, years of therapy, and it turns out all I really needed was an orc who was magically stuck to me like Velcro.”

There was a slight pause before Govek grumbled. “What do crows have to do with imprinting?”

Miranda gave into laughter so hearty, she actually had to sit up and wipe her eyes. “Oh my god, Govek. That’s not...never mind.”

“Are you . . . upset by the imprint?”

“No. Not at all. Not even a little bit. It’s great actually. Quiets all those orphan abandonment issues that like to pop up from time to time. That’s probably not healthy, is it? Liking that you’re magically attached to me. But whatever. I’ve always liked clingy. That’s why I worked with toddlers. They fall in love with you instantly for the simplest things and try to follow you, even into the bathroom. Not that I want you to watch me pee, that’s not what I’m saying, I just?—”

“Miranda?” Govek brushed the small of her back.

She collected her thoughts. “Anyway, what I’m saying is you can be clingy with me—as much as you want. If I don’t like it, I’ll tell you and we can work it out. Together. Okay?”

Govek’s eyes widened, and she couldn’t decide if his expression was one of surprise or wonder. Regardless, it was good, and she smiled, resting on him again.

“Miranda?”

“Yeah?”

---