Page 91 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“Miranda,” Maythra said, stepping toward her. “I know you have been through quite an ordeal. But I promise you, the pain is over. Govek cannot hurt you again.”

“Again? He hasn’t hurt me at all.”

“Our wise chief told us you were lost, afraid. In a bad way. I know you feel you owe Govek for saving your life but?—”

“Whoa whoa. Hold on there. I don’t feel?—”

“Govek, come out. Now.”

“More visitors?” Miranda looked up at Govek and found his face stricken. “Hey, let’s just tell them all to leave.”

“No.” Another familiar orc pounded up from behind the two already crowding the stoop, forced both of them and Rogeth into the tiny kitchen. Miranda suddenly felt like a worm surrounded by gulls. Dang orcs were tall.

“Govek.” It was Agol and another younger orc who was basically a carbon copy of him. Maybe with a tad more muscle. “Chief Ergoth has demanded your presence.”

Govek tensed under her fingers and Miranda instantly clung tighter. “We’re about to eat right now, so he’ll have to go later.”

“Miranda, I have plenty of delicious food at my home that I would love to share with you,” Maythra said, stepping closer with her hands still extended. “Please, come enjoy my hospitality. We can eat and discuss your new lodgings.”

“I don’t want new lodgings, and I’ve got food here,” Miranda said as Govek began to pull away. “Where are you going?”

“My father has ordered my presence.”

“So, you have to go? Couldn’t you go later?”

“Do not keep the chief waiting, Govek,” Agol said.

“Rogeth, why don’t you join us for a meal at my home? I’m sure Miranda would enjoy the added protection and you can get to know one another better.”

“I don’t need extra protection. And I’m not going with you.” Govek worked his hand out of hers. “Govek, stop it. I’m not going.”

“I must go, Miranda.”

“Why?”

“Miranda, please, let us care for you. This is for the best,” Maythra said. “Rogeth is a fine male.”

Govek went still, a rumble in his throat.

“No, he isn’t,” Miranda snapped, keeping her eyes on Govek as his eye began to twitch, “I don’t want anything to do with Rogeth.”

There was a sharp intake of breath and Miranda’s eyes only flickered to Rogeth long enough to see him looking affronted.

“That is perfectly fine, Miranda,” Maythra said with a wave of her hand. “You needn’t bother with him if he isn’t to your liking. There are many males. Why, Wolvc is also here. He would be glad to offer you his aid, I am sure.”

“What the heck? Is this a meat market?” Miranda snapped, gripping Govek by the wrist since he’d balled his hands. “Look, I’ve already got a prime cut and he’s keeping me extra stuffed and satisfied so you can all just skedaddle.”

There was an instant stillness from the group before Govek broke it.

With bellowing laughter.

“For the will of Fades,” Govek managed, covering his eyes with his hand. “Miranda, fuck.”

“You need some water, tough guy?” Miranda asked, tension evaporating as Govek worked to recover.

Then Maythra ruined it. “Miranda, you are confused but we understand. You are only with him because you feel indebted to him for rescuing you. But you are safe now. We can care for you far better than this dangerous male ever could.”

“Wow. Bold of you to assume that. You don’t even know me.”

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