Page 44 of Bound to the Orc Warlord

“Are you sure you should go?” Dravarr glares upward as if his scowl has the power to change the weather.

“Just for a bit,” I say, lifting my broomstick. “I still need a lot of practice.”

“Yes, you do.” Drake hops forward. “And it’s not going to rain for another few hours.”

Midnight snorts. “How do you know that, youngling?”

“I can tell.” He raises his crest and flaps his wings once. “I’m adragon.” With that, he launches up into the air without a single wobble to show the wind bothers him.

I position the broomstick between my thighs and pick up my crystal pendant.

Dravarr steps forward, his hand heavy on my shoulder, his dark eyebrows drawn together in a frown. “You’re sure?”

“Yep.” I put a little extra cheer into my tone to reassure him. “I need to learn how to fly in wind, and you heard Drake. It’s not going to be a strong storm.”

His grip tightens when I say that last word, worry clouding his eyes.

I hurry to add, “Not that I’m going to keep flying by the time it turns into a storm.”

His eyes search my face for another few seconds, and he gives a sharp nod. But instead of stepping away, he leans over and takes my mouth in a hot and wild kiss, nipping at my lips with his tusks.

My heart pounds, my lower belly tightening and heating.

When he breaks away, his voice is husky and deep. “Hurry back to me.”

I can only nod, panting for breath.

“Come on!” Drake shrieks from overhead, his high cry piercing.

“Yep,” I say, more to myself than anyone else. Gotta get my mind back on track.

As if it agrees, my crystal heats in my hand as soon as I wish to fly. I’m getting better at this part, at least. My thighs clench around the broomstick as my feet leave the ground. I drop my necklace back to my chest and grip the handle with both hands.

After one last glance at Dravarr, I yank the front of the broom upward in a firm jerk and shoot up into the air.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Dravarr

A confusing mixture of emotions grips me as my moon bound bride soars into the sky. Pride that she’s driven to hone her new powers. Ashley may not be a fighter, but she has a warrior’s spirit I admire. And worry. It’s a new feeling for me, and one I already despise. The people in my life up until now have all been warriors, tough and well versed in the dangers of Alarria, unlike my small human bride.

“Stop growling at me.” Midnight whacks my shoulder with her horn, my injured shoulder, as she well knows.

“I wasn’t growling at you before.” I rub at the ache and glare at her. “But I am now.”

“Ha! You’re lucky I don’t leave your grumpy ass behind.” In contrast to her words, she steps closer and nuzzles the side ofmy head, her breath warm. “Let’s leave for the rendezvous. I’m going to have to run hard as is to keep up with the dragon.”

“Can’t have him beat us by too much.”

“We certainly can’t.” Amusement colors her tone. “So tell me what’s bothering you so we can go.”

I pat her neck. “I’m sorry, my friend. It isn’t you. It’s Ashley and…” How to sum up the complete reversal of all my feelings?

“It’s your own stupidity finally catching up to you.”

“Yes.” There’s no point in denying it.

“Have you told her the two of you are bound in marriage?”

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