Page 84 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“You too scared to face him again?”

Govek tensed. The last time he and Estoc had fished together had ended poorly.

“Fuck off,” Estoc muttered, arranging his mate’s bowl carefully so she could reach the spoon. “I’ll come watch and be glad to laugh at you while you lose.”

Govek snorted as amusement bubbled up in his gut and threatened to split his face.

“We’re going to laugh at Iytier?” Jehvlek appeared out of the crowd holding two bowls with his curly haired mate in toe. Roenia and Estoc made room between them so Aralie could stay next to Jehvlek but the separate conversations could be maintained. “You can count me in.”

“Shut it, Jehvlek. We’re going to challenge Govek for the title of best spear-fisher in the clan,” Iytier said.

Jehvlek laughed humorlessly. “Good luck with that, but it will be a pretty sight to watch you suffer a humiliating defeat, Iytier.”

“You two have no bravery!” Iytier tried to goad them, and Govek had to admit, he would find it far more amusing to have more challengers.

So, after a half moment of hesitation, Govek said, “I will teach you how to spear against the rapids.”

The three males fell silent as they turned to Govek, and he clenched his fists. He’d always avoided putting himself in any role that might be misconstrued as dominant and the place of teacher unsettled him, but... “I remember how you wanted to learn, Estoc. If you agree to the challenge, I’ll show you.” The male split into an enthusiastic grin that had Govek saying, “Perhaps it will give you an actual chance of winning.”

“Ah fuck.” Estoc slapped his hand on the table, glowering and grinning at the same time. “I don’t know if I’m excited or insulted. You’re fucking on, Govek. You better get a good night’s sleep tonight.”

“I’m in too,” Jehvlek said with a solid nod.

“Then it’s settled,” Iytier said triumphantly. “Tomorrow after morning meal, we’ll go.”

“Yes,” Govek agreed, already anticipating the event in a way he’d never had before.

Chapter

Twenty-Two

MIRANDA

Miranda found herself seated at a table, surrounded by four orcs, three women, two babies, and a clan in boisterous chaos.

The room was warm, bright, and smelled strongly of roasting fish. The three fires boasted massive cauldrons all filled with what seemed to be carrot and trout stew. Only about half the children had settled down to eat and those that were bounced around in their seats, wanting to gobble down their grub as quickly as they could.

“Vaiteg! Get your brothers and come over here to eat!” Estoc roared into the crowd, but the dark green boy ignored his father’s command and continued to sprint around the room.

“Sorry,” Roenia said. “I guess we’ll have to make introductions later.”

“That’s just fine,” Miranda assured her. Savili had just poured a slew of names out so quickly Miranda’s head spun. But at least everyone at their table looked very different.

Iytier was the closest to Govek in height, but he was lighter in color, though not as light as Jehvlek, who was slender and had a pointed chin. Estoc was the darkest and was much shorter, but had the most muscle aside from Govek. She tried to repeat the names in her head, but knew that she’d be checking with Govek later.

The newest woman was Jehvlek’s mate, and she was the exact opposite of Jehvlek. Short, curvy, and dark complexioned. Her name had been impossible for Miranda’s brain to keep hold of, but mostly because when Savili had introduced her, Miranda had gotten distracted by some of the nearby children having a roaring competition. Their faces were so fierce, and their volume couldn’t match. So cute.

All the kids were. And so hauntingly familiar to the children on Earth. Happy, innocent.

Miranda’s eyes prickled even as a smile played on her lips.

Two twin boys, probably around three years old, ran out of the throngs and clung to Jehvlek’s mate. Their dark hair and light green eyes examined Miranda nervously. One dipped his finger into his mother’s soup bowl and messily sucked off the liquid.

“Tovis,” his mother chided quietly, pushing her utensil into the boy’s hand. “Use a spoon, please.”

He let out a sigh so gusty that Miranda was instantly thrown back into a memory of Jacob with his dramatic exasperation every time the daycare cleaned up the reading nooks. He liked his spot just so and would spend a long time putting all his pillows in order again. Miranda had always been impressed with Jacob’s attention to detail.

Her eyes stung.

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