Page 21 of Bound to the Orc Guardian

“Orc,” her deep alto booms across the clearing as her triangular head drops down to spear me with one huge amber eye. “You left against my orders.”

Selena jerks in my arms and says something that must be a swear.

“I did, but as I hope you can see, it was for good cause.” I tip my head toward Selena as Dash comes to a halt. “The Moon Goddess summoned me to receive a sky gift.”

“The dragons saw no such visitation by the goddess.” Her gaze falls upon Dash. “And we can see as far as a unicorn can run in that time.”

“Ah, mighty dragon. I beg to differ, but you are wrong,” Dash says, sounding completely unapologetic. “For I am no mere unicorn. I have pooka travel magic.”

“But you have a horn.” Her head cocks to the side as she inspects him even more thoroughly. “You should be able to heal, not travel.”

“What can I say?” He whinnies a laugh andtosses his head. “I’m special.”

“I must record this in the magical lore,” she says. “I will speak with you further on it.” Dragons infamously hoard, just as the tales say. Only it’s knowledge, not gold. Though for all I know, they have a mountain of the precious metal as well.

“I would be delighted to tell you how exemplary I am,” Dash says, amused.

Then Sheevora returns her attention to me and the woman I hold in my arms. “And so you have a moon bound bride.”

“No, she isn’t mine.” The words tear from my throat as I slide from the unicorn’s back.

“He’s in denial,” Dash says.

“No, I’m not.” I glare at him, then lift Selena to the ground. My hands don’t want to leave her waist. “Selena’s too young, too...”

She looks up at me, her copper-brown eyes warmer than the sun.

She’s too beautiful and happy and perfect. I would not see her joy marred.

My hands drop, and I take a step back. “She’s not mine.”

“Are you quite certain?” the dragon asks. “What does she have to say on the matter?”

“I don’t know. We can’t speak.”

“Let’s fix that.” Sheevora reaches forward, one huge talon extended toward Selena.

A confused mixture of anticipation and dread swirls within me. It will be good to be able to talk to Selena.

Yet even though I know it would be best for her to say so, and even though I know it to be true, it will be horrible to hear that she finds me far too grumpy and old.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Selena

Dios mio, I’m standing in front of a dragon.

Atalkingdragon as big as a house, whose huge green hand reaches toward me with curved claws as big as my arm.

Sturrm remains steady by my side. He’d be all protective and jumping in front of me if there’s any actual danger.

Since he’s not, that means I don’t have to worry. Instead, excitement fills my chest, bubbling like I drank an entire bottle of sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve. I’m meeting a real dragon!

With an amazing amount of control for someone so large, the dragon brushes its claw over my shoulder.Magic sizzles through me like a lightning strike, making the hair all over my body stand on end.

“What…” I suck in a breath. “Whatwasthat?”

“You should be able to understand us now,” the dragon says, the voice now registering as female.

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