Page 83 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

Govek blinked, trying to pull himself out of his own mind as Estoc charged off to get his child out of the cooking pot. He clenched and unclenched his hands, working to calm his nerves.

Miranda’s bright laughter instantly caught his attention. Everyone’s really. He turned to find her eyes trained on Estoc. He yanked his son out of the cauldron only to realize it was partially full of raw fish already. The muck splashed out and splatted all over the floor and Estoc’s legs as well.

His tension dimmed as Estoc’s raging disgust roared over the general clamor of the hall. Vaiteg barely looked bothered.

“That boy certainly keeps us running.” Roenia nodded at Miranda with an easy smile. “This isn’t even the oddest thing he’s done.”

“Oh, I’m sure. Kids with that much energy tend to get into the worst trouble. And the most hilarious,” Miranda said.

“Miranda used to work with children,” Savili offered.

Roenia’s eyebrows rose. “I bet you have some good stories.”

“Oh man, absolutely.” Miranda leaned in a bit. “One time this four-year-old, Josh, got into the snack room, which is usually barred from the kids, and ate every pack of fruit snacks we had on hand. Like three pounds of the stuff.”

“Oh no!” Roenia said, clearly amused, though Govek heard the note of confusion in her tone at Miranda’s Earth words.

“Was he ill?” Savili asked.

“That’s an understatement.”

“Vaiteg did something similar.” Roenia started up her own tale as Iytier got Govek’s attention.

“Govek”—his spine locked with tension as he wondered what the male wanted to speak on—“do you remember that fishing trip we took alone last spring?”

Govek blinked, brow furrowed. “Yes?” It had been of little consequence. The clan had needed fish, and Iytier had volunteered his aid. They’d barely spoken. Kept to the task at hand.

“I want a rematch.”

Govek blinked. “You what?”

“A rematch. I’ve been practicing my skill since then and I know I can beat you this time.” The male grinned. “Or are you too scared to face me?”

Govek’s chest tightened, and he huffed, trying to think of what exactly this male was trying to goad him into. “You want to... challenge me to a fishing match?”

Warmth slipped into his hand and he realized Miranda had laced her fingers with his under the table. She cast him a little smile before going back to her own conversation.

“Why so shocked? You didn’t think the one would suffice after our numbers were so close. I only caught ten less fish than you. I’m certain I can get more.” Iytier said with a confident nod.

“I...” Govek wasn’t certain how he should respond to this lunacy. He gave Miranda’s hand a squeeze, drawing strength from her. “I did not realize we were competing.”

Iytier’s face fell. “You what?”

“I did not realize we were having a competition.”

“Are you jesting?” Iytier’s voice rose, thoroughly flummoxed. “Tell me you’re jesting.”

Govek shook his head. “I am not.”

“Oh, for the will of Fades, I was blistering my balls to beat you and you weren’t even trying?” Iytier’s voice carried, and all around murmured in shock. Some nearest Govek seemed to get up to move away. “Fuck, Govek, that settles it. We’re going fishing tomorrow. And this time, I want your best.”

Govek could not place the fluttering emotion that had begun to gnaw away at the edges of his gut. “Fine. I will rise to your challenge.”

Iytier nodded confidently and turned to Estoc, who had just come back over with a bowl of steaming stew. “Estoc, tomorrow, fishing against Govek. Winner gets to boast the title of best spearman in the clan. Are you with us?”

Govek’s amusement heightened.

“Fuck, no,” Estoc said, settling down across from Iytier. “I don’t need to prove myself.”

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