Page 35 of The Orc King's Bride

Dexari’s gaze is intense and possessive. “I cannot hold out much longer. Let yourself go, my mate. Take your pleasure once more before I take mine.”

“Is that an order, my king?” I ask, teasing.

“Never an order, Sloane.” He reaches between our slick bodies and presses his thumb against my clit. “Always a request.”

I’m not sure if it’s his thumb on my clit or his sweet words that push me over the edge, but the strongest orgasm of my life crashes over me just as Dexari finds his own release, flooding my channel with copious amounts of spike-seed.

This connection between us defies logic, transcends reason. I’ve never felt more alive, more in tune with my own body’s pleasure. It’s as if Dexari has awakened something deep within me, something wild and untamed that’s been lying dormant, just waiting for his touch to ignite it.

“You are MINE, Sloane,” Dexari roars before pulling out and collapsing next to me on the bed. He takes me into his arms. “Mine to protect. Mine to cherish. Mine forever.”

We lay entwined in the aftermath, our bodies slick with sweat, our heartbeats eventually slowing. But it’s not long before the hard bar of his cock presses against my hip.

I look at him, smiling and surprised. “You’re ready to goagain?”

“I will never be sated and will always want more.” He nips my lower lip. “As long as you are up to it.”

“Oh, I’m up to it,” I say, pressing him down on the bed and straddling him with my hips. “Get ready for the ride of your life.”

Chapter 32

Dexari

I wake with a start,my body protesting as I shift in bed, the healing fanghound wound still a painful reminder of my near-fatal encounter. I reach for Sloane, expecting to feel her warm, soft body beside me. My hand meets cold bedding instead.

My eyes snap open. “Sloane!” I call out, my voice echoing in the empty chamber. Silence answers me, making me uneasy.

I throw off the covers and stand, ignoring the twinge of pain in my side. With quick, practiced movements, I secure my loincloth around my waist and grab my comms device, tapping in the code to summon Mornah.

As I wait for my maid to arrive, I pace the length of the sitting area, my mind running through increasingly dire scenarios.

I growl in frustration, combing my fingers through my disheveled hair. Why would Sloane leave so soon after consummating our bond? And where would she go?

The door to my quarters opens, and Mornah steps in, her face a picture of serene composure. “You called, sire?”

“Where is she?” I demand, unable to keep the worry and frustration from my voice. “Where is Sloane?”

I catch a hint of amusement in Mornah’s eyes, which heightens my irritation. “There is no need for concern, sire,” she says. “Your consort is in the courtyard garden, breaking her fast with her dragalor. It is a part of her morning routine.”

Sloane has not fled, has not been taken. I release a long, relieved sigh. “That will be all, Mornah.”

Yet she does not leave with my dismissal. “Mistress Sloane is not a typical orc king’s consort, sire. She has an independent spirit, and a desire to connect with the kingdom’s subjects on a personal level. Giving her the space to spread her wings, so to speak, will go a long way toward ensuring her happiness.”

“Did I ask for your opinion on this matter?” My question has more bark than bite.

Mornah ignores it. “It has only been a few suns cycles, yet she has adapted well to palace life.”

“I agree.” I am pleased that Sloane has accepted her role as future queen, yet a part of me bristles at her independence. I cannot protect her if she does not stay by my side at all times.

Mornah clears her throat. “Before I go, there is another matter that needs your attention, sire. King Renowlf has been trying to reach you. Without revealing the details of recent events, the royal page has been making excuses for your delay in returning his call. I fear the page cannot stall him much longer.”

“I will reach out to him.”

“It would be wise to inform him of your injury, so he does not feel like you are avoiding him.”

I nod, knowing Mornah is right. Renowlf has been a steadfast ally, and he deserves to know why I have not returned his call sooner.

Mornah’s voice takes on a hint of motherly encouragement. “And sire, if I may suggest...” She pauses, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Perhaps you might share the news about your newly consummated relationship, and invite the king and queen of Owlf to Sloane’s coronation. I believe your consort would welcome the chance to meet another human female.”

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