Page 80 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Brovdir!”

Karthoc’s call came from inside the hall and the male’s face twisted. He scratched at the back of his neck before letting out a deep sigh. “I’m... sorry. Must go.”

“Yeah, sounds like it,” Miranda said. She glanced at Govek and found him looking confused, brow furrowed at the hall doors as Brovdir jogged back over and disappeared within.

“You okay?” Miranda asked, stroking his arm.

“Yes,” Govek said. “That’s fucking odd.”

“Brovdir being in the hall with Karthoc?”

“Yes. Something doesn’t sit right.” Govek began walking and Miranda hurried to match his rapid pace. “Let’s go find out why.”

Chapter

Twenty-One

GOVEK

Miranda babbled constantly as they made their way toward the hall doors. It was as if she could read his mind and knew he needed a quick distraction to keep his tension at bay. Knew he needed something to look forward to.

“So, after this, I think we should stop by the storeroom and pick up all the ingredients for a new food I want you to try.” She stroked his arm. Her fingertips were like the touch of butterfly wings and made him shiver. “It’s called pizza and it’s basically flat bread with a bunch of delicious toppings on it. I’m not sure how the bread will turn out, but it can’t be much worse than the rolls you made for us, or should I say, the rocks.”

Govek snorted and slowed his pace. He wanted a few more moments to listen to her, and the hall was far too close.

“I think we should try to figure out what your favorite of all the things I cook you is. Maybe tomorrow I can make all the best dishes so you can try them together. Then you can choose your favorite. I guess that might be wasteful though, right? Maybe we should invite Viravia and Brovdir over to help us eat it? Man, I forgot to quiz Brovdir about that woman he’s seeing at Oakwall. Dang it, now we have to invite him over for dinner.”

Govek disliked the idea of sharing his time with Miranda. He tugged her closer to his side. “You do not need to invite them, Miranda. I will eat everything you make.”

“Oh really? That sounds like a challenge.” Miranda grinned. “You’ll have to pay attention though, cause I’ll want to know what you like best.”

“I already know what I best like to eat.”

Her eyes danced with mischief. “Oh really? What might that be?”

“I’ll give you a hint.” He brushed his lips against her ear, kissed along her cheek. He tipped her chin to his mouth.

“Govek.”

He jerked away from his mate. Chief Ergoth stood before him.

“What are you doing here, my son?” his father asked, eyes on Miranda. Govek felt his blood lick with flames as he pushed his mate behind his back. Ergoth puffed in exasperation as he adjusted the sleeve of his shimmery blue robes. “Really, Govek, you must act this way? After yesterday, I would have thought you had learned your lesson.”

Learned his lesson? But he’d won the judgment. He had no lessons to learn from his victory.

None aside from the new knowledge that he may not be as reviled as he’d thought. Govek straightened his back as his father continued.

“I hope you don’t mean to eat in the hall, Govek. You know how everyone must feel after the ruling. The sorrow over Maythra, Rogeth, and Wolvc’s banishment is high.”

Govek kept his voice firm. “I was invited.”

“Invited? Who invited you?”

“Viravia did, and she will be here to join us soon,” Govek said.

“I am still chief of this clan, Govek. And your father. I demand?—”

“Govek! Greetings.”

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