Page 64 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Govek gritted his teeth, stomach rolling. He did not want to see his mate in any pain. No matter how short. And the Fades only knew what horrors Hovget would dredge up.

“I want to do it,” Miranda said firmly, releasing Govek’s arm, leaving him cold. “What do I need to do?”

“Miranda, no,” Govek said. His guts were twisted about this, warning him. “This isn’t the way.”

“I have to at least try.”

“No—”

“Govek,” Miranda said, hard and clipped. Her eyes flashed with the kind of anger that made him ice over. “I’m doing this. You can either help me or step aside.”

Fear snapped in his spine.

She would leave him over this?

He looked into her determined eyes and instantly knew he was not brave enough to take the risk.

“Fine.” His voice came out strangled. “I stand with you, Miranda.”

The hard expression fell away, and she gifted him a little smile. He wished it was enough to ease the turmoil rolling in his guts. The bitter, bone-deep warning that this was not the way.

Miranda stepped closer to Hovget. “What do I do?”

“Just stand here.” Hovget rose his hands to the top of her head again. “We’ll see. It is not a skill I have practiced.”

Fuck. Govek’s claws dug into his palms.

Wellia stepped closer to Miranda as if to offer support and Govek did the same, coming close but not touching her. Hovget’s eyes shut and Govek watched Miranda’s slack face.

For a moment, only the bird calls could be heard.

And then Miranda’s face contorted, and her body quaked as if struck by lightning and her legs gave out from under her.

Govek snapped her up, catching her before she hit the ground. She wailed and it seared him through with agony.

“Oh god, oh god. Help!” she cried. Pleas that caused the imprint inside Govek’s chest to blister. He clung to her and pulled her into his chest.

“I’m here, Miranda. I’m here with you. I will help you.”

“God . . .” Miranda whimpered. “Oh god . . . Govek?”

“Yes,” he said, lifting her a little higher as she pressed her palms to her forehead. “I am here. Are you in pain?”

“Yeah,” she admitted, and it spiked fury behind his eyes.

“Help her.” He ordered Hovget. Though now he saw the male was equally disheveled, bent over at the waist, clutching his own head. Wellia was holding his shoulder. Her brown eyes frantic as she peppered him with questions about his pain and symptoms.

“I’m okay,” Miranda said, drawing Govek’s attention back. Her eyes were red rimmed, her cheeks pale and sunken, and her body was shaking all over. “I’m okay. It almost... it almost worked. I saw things I didn’t remember. Things from when I was inside the vent...” She pressed her fingers to her lips, face pale, skin clammy.

“Are you sure you’re well?”

“It’s just a little headache now. I’m fine,” she assured him, patting his arm. “Put me down, Govek. I want to try again.”

“No,” Govek nearly snarled. Fuck, she wanted to do this again? It was ruining her. Ruining him too.

Why must she remember things that caused her such horrible agony?

“Govek,” she said threateningly, and terror raged in him again. “I have to try. What if I remember something important?”

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