Page 7 of My Fated Orc Hero

Why is she affecting me this way? I again stare down at my swollen manhood.

This is not good.

If they find out she is here, the town will lose their minds.

CHAPTER 3

"Whoa!" I yelp, flailing my arms as I lose my balance. Suddenly the basement is just... gone. Poof! And then there is nothing. It only lasts a second before I find myself stumbling, trying not to do a total face-plant on the floor.

Where am I? Before my mind can formulate an answer, I collide with something warm and solid. A pair of huge strong hands catch me, steadying my wobbling legs, and I look up... and up... and up into the most mesmerizing face I've ever seen.

Holy ...

The beast — because what else can I call him? — stares down at me with an expression of shock that mirrors my own. He's easily seven feet tall, has skin the color of creek moss, and actual tusks protruding from his lower jaw. Oh, and muscles.

So. Many. Muscles.

Despite his fearsome appearance, I feel an instant, inexplicable connection. No, not a connection. It’s more than that. A flurry of tingles shoots through my body straight to my girly parts.

"Oh my God," I breathe. I don’t mean to say it out loud, but he’s massive. And green.

My mind, and body are whirling. "You're... you're..."

"An orc," he growls, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

"An orc," I repeat dumbly. Then it hits me. "An orc! What is happening?" I spin around trying to orient myself. But the basement is gone as I had feared. "Where am I? Am I dreaming?" I whisper, more to myself than to him. I’m in some sort of stone walled building with oak rafters high above. A tower, judging by the round shape end it appears ancient. Moonlight streams in through arched windows. Beyond the doorway, I can see the twinkling lights of what looks like a quaint village nestled in a valley.

It’s so beautiful.

My head spins, and I feel like I might faint.

This is impossible. I’m hallucinating.

Black mold! Maybe Mia was right about black mold in the basement. That has to be it—I inhaled high levels of noxious spores and now I’m in the throes of a spaced-out toxic delirium!

As my mind continues to reach for answers, the large hands gently release, careful to ensure I can stand on my own. I steady myself, grasping for his arm for a second. Another zing of heat rushes to my core as my fingers meet his muscular flesh. Oh, he’s real alright.

The giant green guy seems just stunned as I am as he steps back. He reaches for something at his belt.

Jeezus that’s some club. And... oh my... I can’t help but notice a rather prominent bulge beneath his pants.

A thousand questions flood my mind as I remember the stories that have trickled down from Aunt Charlotte—tales of hidden realms and magical creatures. I've always longed to believe were true. But this... this is beyond anything I could have imagined.

"Do you... do you speak English?" I ask hesitantly, still half-convinced I'm experiencing toxin-induced psychosis.

He blinks those mesmerizing amber eyes and growls, "Of course I speak English. What kind of barbarian do you take me for?"

O-kaay.I flinch at his gruff tone, but can't help a nervous laugh. "Sorry, I just... I've never met an orc before. I -”

"How did you get here, tiny human?” he rumbles, cutting me off.

I swallow hard and look around again, trying to gather my thoughts. "Honestly? I have no idea. I was in the basement, and then...I don’t know. Where am I? Everything looks like a fairytale...and you...” I let the words hang in the air, not really even sure what I to say about coming face to face with a giant green monster of myth and legend.

For a second, I think I see the orc's lips twitch, almost like he's fighting a smile but then it’s gone, replaced by that scowl again. "This isn't a fairytale, human. You shouldn't be here. It's not safe—not for you or for us."

"Not safe? What do you mean? And who’susexactly?" I’m not even sure I want answers to those questions. The reality of the situation is starting to sink in, and it's terrifying. I am totally out of my element. I mean I’m talking to an Orc.

Without giving him time to respond, I continue, "And hey it’s not like I came here of my own free will, okay? And I don't even know wherehereis, let alone how to get back."

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