Page 9 of Tempted By the Orc

Noel looked up from his cocoa, his expression curious but patient. He didn’t press me, didn’t push for answers like I had feared he might. He just waited. And that made me feel even more vulnerable.

“I am running from the Dark King himself,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. “I’m the one he’s chosen to be his bride.”

Noel’s eyes darkened, a frown creasing his brow. “What?”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to continue. “It’s a forced marriage. One I never wanted. But my father promised my hand to him...to save the elves.”

Noel’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening on the arms of the chair. “Why?” he asked, his voice low and edged with anger. “What does Azrael have that would make your father agree to that?”

I hesitated, unsure if I should tell him the whole truth. But something in his eyes—something genuine and protective—made me feel like I could trust him.

“I’m Santa’s adopted daughter,” I said, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m a reindeer shifter. I’m the one who leads the team every Christmas Eve.”

Noel stared at me, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. “You’re...you’re Santa’s daughter?”

I nodded, my throat tightening. “Yes. And Azrael...he blames my father for his father’s death, even though it was an accident. He’s seeking a claim to the power of Christmas. That’s what this is all about. He thinks if he marries me, he’ll have what he believes should be rightfully his.”

Noel’s gaze softened, and I saw the understanding settle in his eyes. “That’s why Cupid ran off, isn’t it? He’s your friend. He’s protesting your wedding.”

I nodded again, tears stinging my eyes. “He’s always been impulsive, but he has a good heart. He doesn’t want to be part of this any more than I do.”

For a moment, Noel was silent, his eyes locked on mine. Then, to my surprise, he stood and crossed the room in a few long strides, kneeling in front of me. He took my hands in his, his touch firm but gentle, and when he spoke, his voice was filled with a quiet determination.

“I won’t let it happen,” he said, his eyes burning with resolve. “I won’t let you be forced into this marriage. We’ll figure something out. We’ll find Cupid, and we’ll save Christmas. I swear it.”

Tears welled in my eyes, and I couldn’t hold them back. I had been running for so long, so afraid, and now here was this man—this Orc—offering to protect me, to help me, even if it meant risking his life.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Noel’s gaze softened, and before I knew what was happening, his lips were on mine, warm and firm. I melted into the kiss, my heart pounding in my chest as I leaned into him, my hands gripping his rock-hard shoulders. His kiss was gentle but filled with a passion that made my head spin, and for a moment, I forgot everything—forgot the danger, forgot the fear.

It was just him. Just us.

When we finally pulled apart, my breath was shaky, and I felt a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the fire. I stared into his eyes, knowing that whatever happened next, I wasn’t alone anymore.

And that was enough.

Chapter Six

NOEL

The snow crunched under my boots as I made my way through the thick woods, the silence broken only by the occasional groan of wind pushing against the trees. The storm had finally eased a little, leaving behind a biting chill that seemed to seep into my bones, but I didn’t care about the cold. I didn’t care about anything except getting back to Rue.

My thoughts had been tangled since I left the cabin earlier. I’d gone out searching for Cupid again, hoping to find the stubborn reindeer before he caused even more trouble. But no matter how hard I tried to focus on my task, I kept finding my mind drifting back to her…Rue. She was unlike anyone I had ever known, her compassion alone defied logic. She was determined, vulnerable, and yet somehow unbreakable all at once.

It was maddening.

I had no business feeling the way I did. I’d lived my life alone for a reason. People feared me, avoided me. Orcs were meant to be solitary, dangerous, and I had leaned into that reputation all my life. It kept others away, kept me from having to care about anything other than my duties. I’d survived that way for years.

But now…Rue was changing things.

She’d managed to slip past the walls I’d built, and now I couldn’t get her out of my head—Her eyes bewitched me with the way they sparkled when she spoke of Christmas, her beloved parents and reindeer friends—And when she looked at me. Then there was the way she moved, the grace that seemed inherent in every step she took, even when she was injured. The warmth of her smile, the soft, melodic sound of her voice, the way her gentle touches had infused my cabin with cheer.

And that kiss.

The thought of it sent a wave of heat through me, one that had nothing to do with the fire that had been burning in the hearth. It had been brief but powerful, enough to stir something inside me that I had thought was long dead. I had kissed her back, giving in to the feeling, letting it sweep me away even though I knew I shouldn’t.

She wasn’t just a guest. She wasn’t just someone who had stumbled into my life because of a storm and an unwelcome marriage pact.

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