Page 11 of The Orc's Bride

He would also learn her motivation for coming with him. If she proved to be a danger to orcs, he would have to neutralize her. It was his responsibility as the general.

Urgan looked at Grikh and his two other officers, Zadran and Kluga. They were attending to their mounts and soon would be ready to depart. Good.

Of course, Urgan would rather travel with Una alone. That way, she would be forced to focus on him only. No distractions. No defenses. But that would be too dangerous.

The Imperator’s lands were vast and wild. Human settlements were often clustered together, the clusters surrounded by primeval forests and deep lakes. Only a few tracks led through the wilderness from one human area to another.

Orc settlements weren’t as close to one another, and they were usually stranded in the middle of wild, dangerous woods. There were creatures in these woods which could kill an orc. Easily.

Some of them had come with the orcs when they were thrown into the human realm from their home world. It didn’t do to travel alone if one didn’t have to.

Especially with a weak human female by one’s side.

Urgan looked at Una again. She was now leaning against a tree, a few steps away from him. Eyeing Brrthak with curious but wary eyes. Urgan guessed she was trying to collect herself.

He had to admit shewasweak. If one of his orcs became too agitated when speaking, for example, and gestured wildly, he could hit her. And kill her. By accident.

And if an orc wanted to hurt her intentionally? She would be dead.

Not to mention what would happen if Urgan gripped her too hard in the thrall of passion. He could be the undoing of his own mate.

Why had he thought choosing a human female would be a good idea? His desire for her must have been so strong it overrode his reason.

Una, whom he was still watching, took a deep breath. She squared her shoulders and wiped her face off all emotion. One moment, she had looked defeated, tired, frail. Now, he was looking at a queen disguised as a peasant.

Urgan raised his eyebrows. That had been impressive.

Orcs couldn’t hide their emotions well. Some had to learn it. Like him. Becoming a military powerhouse required a measure of control, even deceit.

But he could never master his expressions like Una mastered hers.

And he knew it wasn’t a skill that came to humans naturally. Even if they lied with their mouths, their bodies betrayed them. Nervous gestures. A hunched posture. Shady eyes.

Most of the time, the only thing that gave Una away was her scent, and that could be masked with certain substances. Urgan could use a mate who could lie so well.

If only she weren’t lying to him.

Una looked at him and smiled the confident smile of a woman who had everything just where she wanted it. She came over, her hips swaying to the rhythm of her steps.

“Why so fast back to capital, Urgan?” she asked. “Not need rest?”

He shook his head.

“No rest for the general. The Imperator will want to hear the report from me. My soldiers will come back slowly, after feasting and sleeping.”

Her eyes widened.

“You… the general? Like… army leader?”

Urgan bared his teeth in a grin.

“You’ve caught yourself a fat fish,” he said. “Yes, I am the Imperator’s general.Thegeneral. Urgan the Bloodthirsty they call me. And who are you, Una?”

She shook herself off and returned his smile. Easy. Calm. Only the smell betrayed her.

“No one important. I sew clothes. Work the field. Serve orcs food and drink,” she shrugged with indifference. “I am village girl. Nothing special.”

Urgan growled quietly. All lies.

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