Page 95 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Yeah,” she admitted casually, stroking her hand over his forehead. Gentle fingers he hopelessly leaned into. He closed his eyes again and wished the night wasn’t over yet so she could come back to bed. Into his arms. “Good morning.”

It certainly was. She braced her warmth and weight on his chest as she leaned in to kiss him. The oddity of feeling completely at peace while first rousing was not lost on him. He relished it as he pulled her in closer, drank her up. Stroked his hand down the back of her head.

“How late is it?” he asked, not bothering to open his eyes and look out the window. “Fuck, we’re going to be late.”

“Probably.” She slid off the bed and disappointment flooded him. “I made a breakfast sandwich for you so you can eat while we walk.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?” His eyes fixed to her curves, which were accentuated by her gown as she walked back toward the doorway. She’d told him she wanted to wear pants, and blast, he probably wasn’t going to survive if her legs were on display all the time.

He’d find a way to make her some as soon as possible.

“You were basically dead, Govek. The only reason I knew you weren’t was the snoring. There was no waking you.” She shot him a smile that eased the rebuke before she exited the room and went back into the kitchen.

He had his feet on the floor before he realized this woman had been sitting next to him, watching him, likely caressing him, and he did not wake once. Her presence was such a comfort that he felt not a hint of anxiety from it. In fact, he’d likely slept deeper with her nearby, surrounded by her protection. Her acceptance.

Her love.

He gathered his things quickly, pulled on clothes, and washed his face before joining Miranda in the kitchen. The food she’d made smelled incredible. Eggs and bacon and onions. He didn’t even mind that the bread was almost as hard as stone.

“Thank you,” he said, throat a little thick as the gorgeous woman he loved handed him food she’d made specifically with him in mind while allowing him to sleep in. This was unlike anything he’d ever imagined, even in his wildest yearnings.

These moments weren’t passionate or intense like he’d always imagined life with a woman to be. Yerina had painted that image. He’d never known anything else.

But true fulfillment came from this. The quiet moments. The transitions in the day. The gentle touches and mild teasing. The bone-deep knowledge that through even the most mundane tasks, he would have her at his side.

“Are you ready?” She lifted the pack. He quickly took it from her and slung it over his shoulder. She didn’t fight him on it, just took his hand and guided him out into the crisp, icy morning. He shut the door, ensuring the new lock he’d made fit snug.

“Do you think Karthoc will show?” she asked carefully, her tension obvious by her tight grip on his hand.

He turned away from the door and focused on her. “I am not sure. But if he does, I will make certain he does not try to interrogate you about Earth.”

She pursed her lips, thinking. The women had already vowed not to bring up Earth unless Miranda did first. He wished he could protect her from this agony. He was well equipped to fight for her physical safety, but had no experience combating things he could not see, things that lived inside her mind.

He had his own turmoil to deal with. His own pains and truths coming to light. They’d kept him up through the night and caused him to sleep late.

But in the crisp dawn, he was still confident in the decision he’d formed.

“I do not want to become chief of Rove Wood.”

She looked up at him, expression easy, holding no judgment.

He took another breath. “Even if my isolation was built upon lies.” Fuck, was it all lies? Had his father truly been the cause of all this? Govek shook his head. “Even if that were the case, I still would not want this role. Being a leader... it is not something I have ever wanted to do. Controlling others is not how I want to spend my life.”

She nodded slowly, gripped his hand tight. “Using control is certainly how your father has led Rove Wood Clan, but it is not the only way to lead.”

His brow furrowed, confusion lighting him.

Her smile softened. She reached up to stroke the hair on his forehead and he relished the simple touch. “I have no doubt, Govek, that you would find the right way to lead your people, should you choose to do it. But I also think that, after everything, you are in no way obligated to give up the life you want because of another’s demands.”

She stroked her hand down his arm, taking his hand in hers. “I want you to know that no matter what you choose, I will support you. All I ask is that whatever decision you come to with Karthoc, you both take the children of Rove Wood Clan into consideration.”

His whole body quaked, and he leaned down to press his forehead to hers. “I will, Miranda. Thank you.”

“I love you,” she said, and he kissed her, praising the Fades at the same time.

Blast, they really didn’t despise him after all.

They walked on for a short span, the light breeze rustled the trees, the dawn brightened into blue sky and dazzling autumn color before Miranda broke the silence.

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