Page 8 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

It was Maythra who called for her this time. For fuck’s sake, had she really not given up? Her two orcs were retreating. Rogeth supported Wolvc’s weight as they loped through the woods.

Miranda glowered at the woman. “Fuck off, Maythra. He’s not gonna go crazy. Except for my cunt, of course.”

Govek twitched, eyes wide as he slid his gaze between the two.

“He’s a beast, Miranda.” Maythra balled her skirts in her fists. “One way or another, we will?—”

The threat made Govek tense again, but Miranda had no problem soothing him. She stroked his arms. Pushed for him to look at her instead of the vile woman. “Hey, tough guy.”

He swallowed thickly and his eyes flickered over her.

“My tough guy.” She continued to rub him. “I’m okay. See? I’m just fine.”

He shuddered, almost made a move to step past her.

“They didn’t hurt me,” she said quickly. “But my stomach hurts. I feel sick. Can we go?”

“They grabbed you, Miranda.”

“Yeah.” She stroked up to his jaw. There was no denying it. She knew she smelled like them where they’d grabbed her arm and covered her mouth. “Yeah, they did. And I want to get away from them. Let’s just leave. Let’s just find a quiet place to calm down. Okay?”

Govek growled, still undecided.

“Please, Govek?” Miranda murmured. “Please don’t attack them. It would make me upset if you did.”

His face twisted with anguish. It made guilt roll through her stomach. But still she pushed.

“I wouldn’t like it if you attacked them. Can’t we just let them be for now? Once you’re calmed down, we can talk about what to do, okay?”

Govek took a deep, shivering breath and closed his eyes. Then he nodded.

“Why don’t you pick me up, tough guy?” Miranda said. He lifted her before she’d even finished. “Let’s go calm down. Together.”

“Yes,” Govek whispered, and Miranda touched her forehead to his, gently stroking her hands through his hair. He cradled her into his frame and began to walk away.

She only glanced back once to find Maythra still standing there, shaking and glowering, before she ran off to find the two other orcs.

Chapter

Three

GOVEK

Govek’s blood raced, his teeth gnashed, his heart pounded behind his eyes. His body felt too small to contain his rage, and he worried the force would break him apart at any moment.

His vision flashed with images. The scent wafting off Miranda was maddening. They had put their hands on her. They had touched his mate. He was going to rip them apart. He would sink his teeth deep into their flesh until their blood gushed against his tongue.

His stomach rolled, and he was certain he would vomit. The images wouldn’t stop.

“Set me down here.”

Miranda’s voice cut through the fog but didn’t clear it. He managed to get her safely to the forest floor before he curled in on himself, clenched his hands to his scalp as if the pressure might squeeze the thoughts from his mind.

“Govek?” Her soft hand tenderly stroked his arm, leaving torrents of prickles in their wake. “Talk to me. What are you thinking?”

“Carnage,” he managed between the rolling madness. His muscles bunched up with the longing to charge back toward the males and slaughter them. To paint the trees with their blood.

He sucked in a breath and Rogeth’s stench overwhelmed him.

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