Page 6 of My Fated Orc Hero

I snort into my drink. "Right, because some cosmic force is just waiting to pair me up with my perfect match. Give me a break."

“Yeah, and could you imagine it being a human? Like over in Mon...”

“Don’t say it!” I interrupt him. “And no thanks!”

Before either of us can say more, a gravelly voice pipes up from behind us. "One way or another Fate finds a way, young ones. Don’t doubt it!"

I roll my eyes as I turn to see the old troll. "With all due respect, Gornak, I think I'll stick to what I can control. Likeborder patrols and defense strategies. And planning my trip to the old country."

His eyes twinkle mischievously. "I guess we’ll just have to see what fate has in store for you."

With that I glance at my bag of cat supplies and decide it’s time to head out. "Maybe another time. I've got... things to do."

Kalen nods, a knowing look in his eyes. "Alright. You want some help searching for that beast of yours?"

“No, thanks brother. I’m just gonna do a quick sweep on my way home.”

“Understood. And don’t worry, he’ll turn up.”

I say my farewells and step out into the night, glad to put uncomfortable thoughts of mates aside.

Truth is, I have begun to think I will always be alone.

It is fitting though. I am a warrior.

Now, to the task at hand. Where is that damn cat?

I decide on a meandering path home that carries me along the outskirts of town, near the old clock tower. Just as I am passing, I catch what I think is a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye. Did I imagine it?

"Othrix?" I call, hope rising in my chest. I step off the path, push open the creaky door of the clocktower, and peer into the gloom. I don’t see anything. I look over my shoulder to be sure I am alone before softly cooing, "Here, kitty kitty. Daddy's got treats."

Suddenly, a gust of wind nearly knocks me off my feet. What the—? A blinding flash erupts from a small room off to the side, and I instinctively reach for my weapon.

Although the light fades quickly I am temporarily blinded. As my night vision returns, my jaw drops. I barely have time to react as a human woman practically falls into me. Her hands are stretched in front of her as if to brace herself, and as they make contact with the firm muscles of my abdomen, I feel a sizzleshoot straight to my toes. She gasps as her surprised face flies up. Our eyes meet, and the world stands still.

For a moment, we just stare at each other, frozen in shock. That sizzle, what can only be called an electric shock, intensifies. It pulses through me right to my core. The magnetic pull I feel toward this small creature is indescribable—a mix of protective instinct and fierce desire unlike anything I have ever experienced.

I am intrigued, intoxicated, and frankly deeply puzzled.

She's soft and fragile. Attractive, I suppose. For a human. Nothing like the sturdy orc women I'm used to. Her features are subtle, not as strong as those of orc women. Nevertheless, they have an allure all their own. A delicate beauty. Yes, I never thought I’d say this about a human, but I find her beautiful.

But his pull I feel. It threatens to overwhelm me. Something stirs behind my rib cage. I want nothing more than to protect her. Care for her. Keep her safe. And that’s not the only place I feel a stirring. I glance down to confirm it. Sure enough, my cock is growing hard just from her mere presence. What is this small, fragile creature doing to me?

Still, I am a warrior to my very marrow, and I reach for my club, ready to do what needs to be done.

What? What is it I think I’m going to do? Club her? Of course not. I can’t. I won’t. What is happening to me?

As the reality of this situation hits me and I am forced to admit that internally I seem to be warring between duty and desire, another sensation is added to the mix. Panic.

A human? Here? How in the nine hells did she get past our town defenses? And after I just finished with a rant about this very thing at tonight’s meeting.

My mind races. What am I supposed to do with her?

My warrior side insists I should kill her on sight. That would be the sensible thing to do.

Yet I can’t imagine raising a hand to this captivating creature. I have a strong urge to pull her to me. To wrap her protectively in my strong arms. Like with Othrix. No! Not at all like that, I quickly amend.

What is happening?

---