Page 127 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“She’s pregnant.” Govek reminded Karthoc. Karthoc knew that Viravia was pregnant with the next heir to the clan.

But then realization slammed into Govek so hard he saw stars.

“She’s...” Karthoc’s tone was quiet and rough. “She’s pregnant.”

Lightning spiked Govek and he whipped around to see Karthoc’s face go flat.

“Is it . . . was it Tavggol’s or . . .”

“Brovdir, shut up,” Govek screamed at the male. Words he never thought he would have to say to his usually silent cousin. Brovdir went instantly pale.

“I heard her.” Karthoc charged toward the path to the falls.

Viravia could not even make it up her own stairs, let alone climb this hill.

A scream cut through his gut. The call was thick, vibrant, alive. It rolled in waves so strong Govek staggered.

Miranda had called for him.

She was in danger.

His thoughts winked out, and he flew up the hill to the falls.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

MIRANDA

“Just breathe.” Miranda’s hands trembled as she dug them into the soft, damp ground. Her sinuses flooded as she tried not to sob. “Breathe, Viravia.”

The woman’s cry rose and she writhed as the contraction spiked through her. Miranda braced against the cliffside as Viravia lost her senses, threatening to roll them both off the tiny shelf of dirt they’d landed on. It was barely large enough to fit Viravia and Miranda was forced to claw into the cliffside. She dug her toes into the crevices between slippery rocks. The water raged fifteen feet below them, bellowing mist. The rocks and boulders were jagged, threatening instant death if she lost her grip.

The contraction eased and Viravia gasped and sobbed. Miranda leaned against her, trying to give her own muscles a moment to relax.

“I’m sorry,” Miranda choked on the words. She couldn’t cry now. She needed to concentrate. “I’m sorry I pushed you.”

“I-it’s all right,” Viravia gasped, eyes squeezed shut. “Better that than eaten.”

Miranda let out a half chuckle despite herself. The wild cat had fallen but she couldn’t get a good enough grip to look and ensure it was gone. What if it was climbing up behind them? What if it was getting closer?

Miranda clenched her jaw. She couldn’t panic now. The cat must have fallen. It must have been battered by the rocks. Taken downstream.

Just like they would if she didn’t keep hold?—

Viravia screamed as another contraction hit her. This damn baby was coming too fucking fast.

“Govek!” Miranda screamed again, bellowing into the air around her. “If you don’t fucking come right now, I’ll never forgive you!”

She wouldn’t have a chance to even try to forgive him because she would be dead.

Tears coursed down Viravia’s cheeks. “I didn’t trick Tavggol.”

Miranda warred between the need to know and telling the woman to conserve her energy.

“I knew of the Rove Woods.” Viravia shuddered. “From... Karthoc. I knew it would be safe for...” She touched her stomach and tears streamed from her eyes. “I just couldn’t let him die like I knew his father would. Bloody and battle crazed in a hopeless war. They would both leave me. I couldn’t... I wasn’t strong enough to... you understand? Please, Miranda, you have to...”

“Hush,” Miranda said softly. She wished she could squeeze the woman’s hand, wipe the sweat from her face, soothe her with a caress. But she was too busy convincing her muscles not to give out. The rocks under her feet were crumbling. “I understand.”

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