Page 96 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“You liked it well enough when I fed it to you the first day.”

“Yeah, only because I was starving.”

“It will keep you hale, Miranda.” He would have been insulted but watching her try to gnaw on the hardened loaf was far too entertaining.

“My jaw can’t handle another workout this morning. It’s sore enough.”

The devious image of his woman’s lips wrapped around his cock flashed into his mind’s eye and his blood boiled even before her words registered and iced him over. “Woman, you needn’t go to such lengths to pleasure me.”

“I absolutely should,” she insisted.

“If the act causes you pain, then I don’t want?—”

Miranda crossed the room and gripped his chin before he could finish. “You know very well it doesn’t cause me pain, Govek.” She stroked his cheek as he huffed with pleasure. “But I’m still not eating anymore of that bread.”

He grumbled half-heartedly as she leaned into him, fluttering her soft lips right over his thundering heart, flooding him with contentment so deep it pulsed through his veins.

“Let’s finish getting ready,” she said, moving to pack and pick up the living room, quietly taking on half of the tasks, working in tandem with him.

It felt incredible. Govek had never imagined having someone live with him could be so pleasant.

“Don’t pack the bread,” Miranda groaned, just as they were finishing up. “I beg you.”

“You should save your begging for later, woman,” he teased before shoving the bread into the pack and moving over to the back exit.

She hit his arm, and he chuckled, delighted by her boldness.

Miranda walked out into the icy morning, leaving him to bar the door. The forest was still quite dark and glittered in the heavy frost.

A parchment stuck to the door caught his attention. He hesitated, noting that it smelled strongly of sage. Like it had been doused in the plant’s oil.

“Oh, what’s that?” Miranda asked, coming over. Govek pulled the note free. “Was it on the door?”

“Yes.”

She looked over his arm. “I still don’t understand how I can speak your language, but not read it.”

“The Fades work in odd ways,” Govek said absently, earning a scoff from her. “It’s to you. From Viravia.”

“Viravia? What does she say?”

“She has invited you to spend time with her in her home tonight.”

“Really? Does it say for what?”

“No.”

“Will you read it?”

“Miranda, I would enjoy your company at my home tonight after the evening meal. From Viravia.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes.”

Miranda puffed out an irritated breath. “But that could mean just her, or it could mean all the women, right?”

“It did say ‘I,’” Govek said, instantly understanding Miranda’s concern. “It’s doubtful that Maythra will be there, and even if she is, you could leave.” Maythra had come by more times than any other, even more often than Rogeth.

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