Page 75 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“More like the tease of a taste where my big mouth is concerned.” He gently pushed the bird onto his massive finger and untied something from his leg. A piece of paper.

So, someone had sent them a message? “You have the opposite of a big mouth, Govek,” she said, thinking of the common Earth term that referred to someone prone to revealing secrets.

“I think I’ve proven my mouth is plenty big.” His tone reverberated through her whole body. “Big enough to wrap around your thighs anyway.”

She shivered, the memory spiking heat and curling her toes.

He finished the task of retrieving the note, and the bird took off out the window.

“Who is it from?” She craned around to look, even though she knew she couldn’t read it.

“Viravia. She has invited you to have mid-morn meal at the hall with her and the other women who’ve returned from the seasonal communion.”

“I... thought she was having trouble getting to the hall for meals?”

He hummed in confusion and then shrugged. “Perhaps something has changed?”

“Maybe.” She had never been pregnant, but she could imagine that some days were better than others. “I’m not really up for a big meal like that.” She looked out the window again. Her brow pinched. The sun was in an odd spot.

Wait. “Govek, did you just say mid-morn meal?”

“Yes.”

“But it was mid-morning when we left the hall and then I had a long nap and... Govek, what time is it?”

He hesitated only a moment. “You slept through the rest of the day and night.”

Her stomach dropped, and it was in that moment she realized just how famished she was. “I slept through the...? Are you saying I slept for almost an entire day?”

“Yes.”

Her mind reeled. God, no wonder she was so sore. “I’m sorry. You should have woken me up.”

“Never.” The vehemence in his voice made her blink.

“But you must be starving, Govek. And thirsty. And needing to pee. Why haven’t you gone to the bathroom yet?”

He met her gaze. The gold in his eyes caught the light and lead her to distraction. His face was loose and calm, jaw untucked, expression so soft and warm it melted the aching in her chest.

“Miranda, there is nothing in the world I would rather do than hold you in your times of need.” His voice was a soothing rumble that pushed bliss into every corner of her body causing her heart to soar. “The Fades gifted you to me and I will take on as much of your strife and chaos as I am able. I would harbor the darkest parts of you, Miranda, if it meant I was allowed the honor of watching your happiness bloom.”

Her stomach flipped right over. Throat tight. Eye’s prickling. “Come here, tough guy.”

He did not hesitate to wrap her up, tuck her into his warm chest, and curl around her like a wall of protective muscle. She breathed in his crisp pine scent, stroked her hands down the sides of his back, brought them around to cup his face and pull him down further.

“God, Govek. I love you.” She showered his face with kisses, soothed his forehead, and caressed his hair. “I’m never going to let you go.”

His voice was tinged with delight as he said, “That is my goal.”

Chapter

Nineteen

GOVEK

Govek had not realized bliss such as this existed.

His belly was full, his body washed and clean and now he had his mate cuddled up with him on the couch, nestled in his lap. He rubbed his cheek against her soft hair. The warm scent of the safril tea Miranda had made curled around them, mingling with her sweetness.

---