Page 58 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“It’s amazing.”

“Yes,” Govek agreed. She shot him a smile as he explained. “The Rove Tree’s leaves don’t fall in the autumn. They remain above to protect the clan from harsh weather. It was one of the Fades first creations.”

Miranda looked up again, so drawn to the sight of the tree that she hardly noticed her surroundings until someone cleared their throat nearby.

She jerked to look, finding several orcs had left their homes and were watching intently.

They looked very different from Govek. Although they were similar in color, these orcs were slender, tall, and lacked the brawny muscles Govek sported. Almost like the difference between a male model and a construction worker. A scented candle versus a roaring bonfire. Flavored water next to a quad shot.

Miranda grinned. She’d always preferred buff over puff.

But all amusement died when a few of the orcs began openly whispering to one another and pointing. One even stepped in their direction.

Govek let out a growl of frustration so deep Miranda thought an earthquake might have been starting up.

And of course, the thrill shot right through her. Her thighs clenched as she squirmed. Damn, his grumbling, and its ability to get her all fired up.

In a flash, Govek’s fury evaporated, and his head whipped toward her. His nostrils flared in a way that was far too telling.

“Oh, don’t tell me,” she gasped out, trying to stifle her arousal even as his hungry expression began to torture her. “Your sense of smell can’t possibly be that good.”

“It is,” he confirmed, and she couldn’t tell if she wanted to spontaneously combust or bury herself alive. “As it is for all orcs.”

All? Her cheeks were rivaling the brightest of the leaves as her gaze shot to the orcs who’d been watching. She caught the tail end of their alarmed and shocked expressions before they bolted in the other direction.

Oh god. “Don’t tell me they’re also going to the hall?”

Govek’s eyes narrowed. “They likely are.”

She let out a ragged sigh. “Any chance they’re going to forget about what they just smelled?”

“You are embarrassed?”

“Well, yeah. I’m gettin’ all hot and bothered in public from just the sound of your voice. They’re gonna think I can’t control myself—which I can’t—but still.”

“You needn’t be,” Govek assured, placing his hot hand to the small of her back to get her moving again. “The scent of female arousal, in varying degrees, is quite common among our clan.”

“If it’s so common, then why did those guys look like they’d just been slapped with a salmon?”

Govek blinked before bursting with booming laughter that spread warmth all the way through her. “Fuck, woman. You are going to ruin me with your words.”

“It will be the fun kind of ruining though, right?” she teased as he got himself under control. His laughter was wonderful, full and rich with a smile that completely transformed him. Her heart was going to burst right out of her chest if he kept looking at her the way he was now.

His laughter finally petered out as he looked up the path. She followed his gaze. Some of the orcs had stopped to openly gawk at them. Even at this distance, she could see that they were disapproving.

She was starting to understand why Govek had left.

Chapter

Ten

GOVEK

He looked down at Miranda, finding her brow furrowed and her lips pursed, as she watched the males mutter among themselves. She saw them look scornfully in his direction. Her eyes did not linger on any one in particular, but Govek inevitably felt rage burn away his humor at the thought that her affection might turn away from him and toward one of his brethren.

Before he could do anything foolish, she spoke. “So... I gotta ask, why does everyone here dislike you so much?”

He startled at the question, which he was certain he’d answered well enough the night before. “I have committed many atrocities, including the murder of humans, Miranda.”

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