Page 21 of My Fated Orc Hero

Her curiosity about my town and our ways, her quick wit, the way her eyes light up when she talks about the murals. Again, I try to center myself the way I was taught as a young warrior. But she is like no opponent I have ever faced. I've never met anyone like her in fact, human or monster.

But truth is I already know. I have known.

She is my mate!

"Earth to Thokk," Zoe's voice cuts through my musings. "You okay there, big guy?"

I blink, realizing I've been staring. "Yes, um, just thinking."

"About what?" she asks, shifting her position on the bed as she faces me.

About how infuriatingly desirable and completely enrapturing you are.

About how I've never met anyone like you. About how much I want to—

"Nothing," I grunt. “About Othrix,” I quickly correct myself, as there is a thread of truth to that.

“Listen.” She lays one tiny, and electrifying hand on my forearm. “He’s fine. We spotted him and confirmed it, didn’twe? He’ll come back just as soon as he is done with his little adventure.”

Vaguely I hear the words, but mostly I am looking at the bed – my only bed. "Yes, thank you. Listen you should get some rest. We both should. Tomorrow will be a big day. I'll take the floor."

"Don't be silly," Zoe protests. "Your bed's big enough for an elephant. I can fit off to the side. I promise I don't bite." She pauses, then adds with a wink, "Unless you're into that sort of thing."

A bolt of pleasure shoots through me.

Gods, if she affects me so with just words, what would her touch feel like?

“No, no; you should have your own space. You are my guest.” I make a pile of furs on the floor ... but I feel my resolve weakening by the minute...

CHAPTER 7

Iwatch Thokk arrange his pile of furs on the floor, trying not to stare at the way his muscles flex as he moves.

If I thought I was imagining any sexual tension between us before, well ... I wasn’t. That much is clear.

But still...

But still nothing. I have never felt anything like this in my life. Sure, I remember thinking my date with Jeff Stomberg on Valentine’s Day senior year felt “so perfect,” but that is just laughable now. This is like some crazy soul connection. Wasn’t there some movie where a woman falls in love with a fish? I thought it was so ridiculous.

I had no idea.

And who am I kidding?

I'm practically gawking at his muscles.

And from the way he keeps glancing back at me, I think he’s well aware.

The air between us feels thick, charged with unspoken tension. I can practically see Thokk's internal struggle playing out - his sense of duty warring with what I hope is desire. Because let me tell you, I am feeling all kinds of desire right now.

But I should be helping I realize. As I get off the bed to lend a hand I feel a kink in my neck.

“Oh,” I cry softly.

"Are you alright?" he asks immediately, voice full of alarm and concern, but also that same unmistakable softness.

"Yeah, must have been from the sudden movement. I guess it’s still sore from that bracelet collar thing you put on me," I say, rubbing at my neck.

Guilt flashes across his face. "I should have found another way," he rumbles, crossing the room. "I thought a few red marks was the worst of it. Please, may I?" he says as he sits beside me again.

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