Page 38 of My Fated Orc Hero

Team Zokk is ready for you.

CHAPTER 14

As we stride back into town, I feel a newfound resolve coursing through my veins.

Let them stare. Let them whisper. I've made my choice, and I'll be damned if I let anyone or anything come between us now. We are mates. ‘soulmates’ she calls it. I will not let my mate down.

"Thokk, you okay?" Zoe asks, squeezing my hand. "You look like you're about to breathe fire."

I grunt, trying to soften my expression. "I'm fine. Just... preparing for battle."

She laughs, the sound lightening my mood instantly. "Can we keep that as a last resort maybe. The less pummeling the better I think."

"Fine. I will try. But no promises," I mutter, but I can't help the small smile tugging at my lips.

As we near the town square, I spot Kalen and Koda heading our way. Great. Just what I need right now.

"Thokk!" Kalen bellows, his eyes wide as he takes in the sight of Zoe walking freely beside me. "What in the nine hells are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" I growl. "I'm walking with my mate."

Koda's jaw drops. "Your mate?"

"That’s right," I say, pulling Zoe closer. "Zoe is my mate, and anyone who has a problem with that can take it up with my fist."

"You get more bees with honey," Zoe whispers under her breath, as she gives my hand a squeeze.

Kalen holds up his hands. "Easy buddy. No one's looking for a fight. We're just... concerned. I thought she was your prisoner?"

"Yeah," Koda chimes in. "I mean, she's human, Thokk. You know the laws."

“Yes, and it is time for them to be amended," I snarl. "They're outdated and wrong. Zoe is my mate. And she belongs here, with me."

I can feel the eyes of other villagers on us now, a crowd starting to form.

Good. Let them all hear this.

I continue, my voice projecting outward. "Listen, all of you," I say, raising my voice to address the growing crowd. "I know this is... unusual. But Zoe and her kind, may very well be the keys to our future."

Murmurs ripple through the gathered monsters. I can see the doubt, the fear in their eyes. But I also catch a few curious glances, a hint of hope here and there.

"Zoe is my mate," I declare, for what feels like the tenth time today, my voice ringing out across the square. "And I don't care what anyone thinks about that. We belong together, and that's that. Let any monster who disagrees face me now. "

The crowd falls silent, stunned. I brace myself for the backlash, ready to defend our love against anyone who dares challenge it.

The crowd's murmurs grow louder, more hostile. I instinctively pull Zoe closer, shielding her with my body.

"Elowen!" I call out, spotting the witch in the crowd. "You must tell them about the spell you cast. The mate-summoning ritual. Can’t you see? It worked!"

Elowen steps forward, her brow furrowed. "Yes, I... I'm not sure how, but it could very well be the spell. This is most unexpected, but not impossible," she says to the gathered throng.

I nod gratefully at her. It's not much, but it's something.

"Listen to me, all of you," I growl, addressing the crowd again. "We've all heard the stories about Monstertown. They've accepted human mates. And has their village crumbled? No! They're thriving, or at least on their way."

A voice shouts from the back, "We're not Monstertown!"

"No, we're not," I agree. "We're better. Smarter. More adaptable. If they can do it, why can't we?"

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