Page 40 of My Fated Orc Hero

Faelar shakes his head. "No, but we must begin to bridge the divide. It won't happen overnight, but we must try."

The fairy elder, Luminara, flutters forward. "I agree," she says, though her voice carries a note of reluctance. "Though it will not be easy. But signs are ignored at one’s peril."

As the elders continue to discuss, I notice the varied reactions in the crowd. Some nod in agreement, while others look skeptical or even angry. Kalen catches my eye and gives me a thumbs up, while nearby, a group of younger monsters whisper excitedly among themselves.

Faelar turns back to the crowd. "Change is never easy, but it is necessary. We pledge our support to this new path, and we ask for your patience and open-mindedness as we navigate these uncharted waters together."

Talk about fate.

Of course, that statue only creates more questions for me, but all in good time. For the moment I am just happy to breathe a sigh of relief. I don’t think Thokk is about to argue with this rather unexpected turn of events either.

The news has created a wave of excitement that seems to have quickly spread.

“You live in one crazy town Thokky.”

“You got that right.”

“Speaking of crazy, you are going to have to tell me more about this Aunt Charlotte of yours.”

“This is as crazy to you as it is to me.”

Between the elders and Elowen, and well, the reveal of the statue, it seems the crowd has been satisfied, and all but lost interest in us. It is largely dispersing as it breaks into smaller groups, probably to discuss the exciting news.

And not a minute too soon.

“I think I need a nap. Or maybe a drink. Otherwise, my brain is going to explode.”

“That doesn’t sound good. But I think I can help.” He has a mischievous look in his eyes. I think I like it. “I’m afraid we have one last piece of business to take care of first.”

“Oh, do we?”

No sooner have I said it than Thokk lifts me into his arms and carries me back to his cottage, my giggles echoing through the streets all the way. I can't believe how quickly things have turned around. One minute we're facing down an angry mob, the next I'm being whisked away for a "proper claiming." Whatever that means.

"You can put me down now, you know," I say, giving his back a playful pat when we are halfway there. "I do have legs."

"Hush, tiny human," Thokk rumbles, but I can hear the smile in his voice. "I'm being romantic."

I roll my eyes, even though he can't see it. "Oh yes, nothing says romance like being tossed over someone's shoulder like a sack of potatoes."

He gives my ass a gentle pat. “This is orc romance.” For a moment he slows. “I though at least part of you would love it."

“More than part,” I quip, batting my eyelashes at him.

He is totally right. I do love it. I love him. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. I, Zoe Bennett, professional cat lady and failed museum curator, am head over heels in love with a massive monsterly green orc.

Life is soooo weird.

As we enter Thokk's home, he finally sets me down.

“So are you going to tell me what this claiming thing is all about?”

“You are my mate Zoe, this is obvious to us both, yes?”

“Um, duh,” is all I can think of to say in response.

“But I must claim you as mine to make it official,” he says as if it’s obvious.

“I mean, I am yours, what more is there to say?” I say, not entirely getting what he means. “Or do you mean a wedding?”

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