Page 11 of My Fated Orc Hero

Thokk's stern expression softens slightly. "All humans are crazy,” he says as if it is the most obvious thing in the world. “But yes, I think I understand what you mean. How you feel, Zoe human.”

His words hang in the air, but he does not elaborate. Instead, our eyes meet, and that electric tingle runs through me again. There's something about him – this gruff, green-skinned warrior – that is intoxicating in its own right. It's more than just fascination with a new discovery. It's... I have no idea what it is, but I want more.

"So," I say, breaking the moment before it gets too intense. "What now?”

Thokk rolls his eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile. "For now, you stay hidden and out of sight. With me. I need to think."

"Works for me," I do my best to be cheerful. "I've got about a million more questions besides. Starting with, can I take this collar off now? It’s kind of a lot for a first date...I mean...”

Thokk's green skin darkens in what I realize must be a blush. “I had no choice...”

“Yes, I mean, of course...but, er...it’s really not my style...”

“But you are alive, yes?” he booms.

Well, I guess he has a point there...

With that he grabs the leash and tells me to follow as we step out into the night. “Come.”

CHAPTER 4

This is not how I envisioned my evening. Instead of finding my lost pet, it seems I have acquired another. And if ‘curiosity killed the cat’, I fear that may go doubly for humans.

And what in the nine hells am I supposed to do with her? I can't just let her wander around town, but I can't exactly keep her as my prisoner either. Or as my pet. That’s Othrix’s place, if I can just find him.

What a mess...

And as if things aren’t complicated enough, I have to ignore the strange effect she has on me. This pull. Or perhaps I have caught some strange malady?

Who am I kidding. I am an Orc warrior. I don’t get maladies.

“So, big guy," Zoe says, breaking into my thoughts. "What's the plan? I don’t want to push it, but I am feeling a little anxious. You know, I trust you and all, but am not entirely used to being led around on a leash. Maybe a little reassurance?"

“You are not dead. There. That should make you feel better. Now, just look prisoner-like.”

“Oh well when you put it like that, I just feel so much better.”

I grunt a response. Why does she keep asking questions? Though I admit the sound of her voice is not altogether ... unpleasant. But no matter how I try to explain she does not realize the danger. “I am taking you to my house. Then I'll figure out what to do with you."

“You? Don’t you mean, “we?”

I grunt a response again as I scan the dark streets. They are quieter than midday, but it is only mid-evening and they are still far from deserted.

“But your place? That sounds like a good plan. I’m onboard. Do orcs live in caves? Or? Oh! Do you have a lair?"

"Silence! Enough questions!” This human does not listen. But it must be disorienting for her. This is true, so I add, “You will soon see, I have a cottage. You will be safe there."

As we make our way through the winding streets, while I am focused on avoiding unwanted attention, I can't help but find my eyes constantly drawn back to my new companion. She is like a little kitten, all wide-eyed and full of wonder at the smallest things. The urge to protect her wars with my duty to the town. She is so small and fragile. But what am I thinking? She's a human. A threat.

And yet...

She gasps at every new sight, the spell shops nestled between more mundane storefronts, the mix of medieval and magical architecture.

"Oh my god, look at that building! Is that a genuine Tudor-style half-timbered house?”

I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"This is incredible," she breathes. "Say what you want, but to me it's like a fairytale come to life!"

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