Page 5 of The Orc's Bride

It was too early for that.

Yes, one day Urgan would be strong enough to fight the Mighty Ruler of All Orcs. But this day hadn’t come yet.

And when he fought the Imperator, his wife would be by his side. He had never expected she would be human, but now it seemed just right. As he looked into the female’s fiery eyes, he knew she would be loyal. Fierce. When claimed, she would burn with desire just for him.

Baring his teeth in a confident grin, he made a come-hither motion with his green, clawed finger.

Her eyes widened with fear again, and he watched closely as she forced that fear deep down, covering it with an expression of quiet mutiny. She forced her body to let go of the cowardly instinct to curl up and straightened her spine. When she walked over to him, her head raised proudly, she looked nothing like a serving wench. She looked regal.

He approved. After all, one day, she would be an empress by his side.

Because orcs mated for life.

“You summon, I come,” she said in his language. She pronounced the words softly as her vocal chords could not produce the harsh, crowded sounds that came naturally to orcs. But he could understand her. That was a very welcome surprise and an undeniable asset in a prospective human mate.

It would also make this exchange so much easier. No need to fetch the Tradesman, who could interpret his words.

“How do you know our language?”

She gave him a defiant look, her body held rigid with sheer willpower. Her fear, hidden from view but apparent from her smell, curled around her like pungent smoke.

And there was something else under the fear. Another smell, so faint he couldn’t immediately recognize it. But that was fine. As soon as she stopped being so afraid, it would come to the fore.

“I listen,” she said. “I talk to Tradesman. I able to speak few words. Can listen to more words.”

He nodded. So she couldn’t speak very well but she could understand his language. A few months in his company and she would speak fluently, making her better able to deal with life in the capital. Urgan would make sure she learned.

Also, it was intriguing that she had taken the time to talk to the Tradesman in her village.

The Tradesmen were the official contacts between the orcs and the humans. Every village had one Tradesman who held the official position. He was the one who announced the tax demands and new laws to the human population.

Urgan wondered what reason this woman had had to talk to the official. As a female, she wouldn’t be able to become his apprentice. So why make the effort?

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Una.”

“Una,” he repeated, the name melting like honey on his tongue. He noticed with amusement that she couldn’t hold back a shiver.

Urgan grinned, showing her his teeth, and she shivered again. Then she bit her lip, her face drawn in frustration.

She was furious with herself for being afraid.

Urgan chuckled, watching her squirm. She was forcing herself to stay, to not run away. By his side, Grikh bared his teeth, too, but didn’t say a word. He was watching their exchange with interest.

“Una,” Urgan repeated, savoring her shudder of fear… and something else. “I want you to come to the capital with me.”

She gasped at that, her eyes wide, her lips parted in shock. Her fists clenched, and her calves tensed, ready to run away. Yet she stayed put.

“Why?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Because I need a mate and you caught my eye. I will court you, Una. By the end of the journey, you will become my mate.”

She bit her lip again, hard, and the metallic yet sweet scent of her blood filled Urgan’s nostrils. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma. His desire stirred inside him like a serpent sensing prey. Getting excited for the chase. For the conquest.

But not yet. Not yet.

“What if I come and… not want mate you?” she asked, the words now garbled, barely comprehensible.

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