Page 27 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“The baby teeth don’t. Thank Fades, because he’s such a gusty eater. I expect he’ll be breastfeeding for a long time to come.”

Miranda laughed, but it was cut off by the sound of one of the orcs near the front announcing that it was time to head out. Chief Ergoth had taken his place on the first cart, and Govek craned his neck to see Karthoc and his warriors taking up the rear. Karthoc’s expression was incredibly smug.

This would be a trade to remember. Govek couldn’t decide if he was lucky to witness it or not. But his time for musing was over and the line of wagons began a steady pace.

“I’m surprised orc babies are the same size as human ones since orcs are so big.”

“They get their growth spurts once they hit puberty. Until then they’re pretty much human size. Otherwise, I don’t know how I would manage. My arms would have fallen off already to say nothing of the birthing.”

“Yeah, I can imagine that it’s not particularly fun,” Miranda said lightly, even as Govek’s stomach twisted. How would he manage watching her go through such pain?

Then he shook his head. This was not even something he should consider.

“I also imagine that a lot of insanity goes on with only boys running around. I once cared for a group of seven three-year-old boys for an entire shift—er, day. The place looked like a natural disaster had torn through. There was freaking poop on the ceiling.”

Savili laughed—a genuine one—and Govek noted that Iytier shifted his head to listen, his expression lightening. “Oh Fades. I’ve never had it that bad. But I bet you and Roenia could compete. She has five children.”

Fades, Estoc had five sons? Govek hadn’t known that. It was a wonder he’d ever had time to join their fishing trips.

“Govek.”

The sharp tone Iytier used instantly brought Govek’s attention back to the task of pulling. Was he being too slow?

“I apologize.”

“For what?”

Govek bristled, but managed past his anger. “I apologize for being distracted. It will not happen again.”

There was a brief pause before Iytier said. “That’s it?”

Anger bloomed in Govek’s throat, but he managed a thought. “And for listening in on your mate’s conversation.”

He could feel Iytier’s glower lingering on him, but he refused to give into the male’s ire. He would not lose control this day. He would not risk being seen as a beast in Miranda’s eyes.

He’d worked so blasted hard to win her. He’d do anything to maintain her trust.

“Fades help me.”

Govek shot a brief glance in Iytier’s direction before saying, “Was there something else I was meant to feel remorse over?”

“I cannot believe you, Govek. This is exactly why everyone?—”

“Iytier.”

The warning call came from Savili and he glanced back to find she was now skewering her mate with a much hotter glare than the one Iytier had used on him. The male all but balled in on himself as he went silent.

Govek sighed raggedly, already exhausted by the brooding male. “It’s a long trek. Speak plain, Iytier.”

Iytier blinked and straightened himself. Govek readied for the onslaught of accusations and tried to convince himself that nothing Iytier said could make him feel more guilty than he already did about Tavggol’s death.

“Why did you leave for Clairton without me?”

Govek tripped.

“You are so shocked? You honestly think so little of me?”

Of course, he was shocked. Iytier’s specialty in magic was gardening. How could a male that grew strawberries in snow patches ever think to hold his own against soldiers of the Waking Order?

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