Page 57 of Lost to the Orcs

“But it might. So tell me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT: HOW TIME FLIES

Two weeks. That was all the warning I was given. The male meeting with my mates had handed over a ‘formal challenge’. A neatly written paper with a big ol’ ‘fuck you’ on it. Wish they could read English because I’d send them a big ol’ fuck you back, of it torn into pieces. Pretty art of glued on paper scraps that literally says “FUCK YOU” and then be done with it.

But, alas, it was not meant to be.

For the next two weeks, I spent as much time as I could, going over the rules and the things I might know myself about fighting of any kind. To the horror of my mates, I chose to go without a weapon. I felt I would do more damage than good with a weapon. We decided on who my ‘non-relation’ would reside over as Reeve-Proctor as I’m calling them. Since they aren’t actual Reeve’s and are just there to make sure the other party doesn’t do any foul play. Burgrol was practically vibrating at the seams when I told him. Although Garret was disappointed, he hid it well. I think in becoming Hani’s friend, I have gained a quasi-brother.

I spent many an hour cuddling my mates and Arawn. Who refuses to see his biological mother. I don’t blame him, but I also didn’t ‘poison him’ to her. She is vile. But I won’t be accused of beingthe wrong party in this. He deserves loving parents and if he has to find out from her that she is not so loving, then so be it. If he has questions from me, I will not shy away. But truly, this is farther in the future. Right now, he is small, and he is learning. He does not feel safe around her.

The fact that she won’t even say his name right and started calling him ‘Umir’ has not endeared her to him.

My mates. These darling males, take time out of their busy days with the upcoming challenge to love me. Not just make love or lust with me, but to love me. We cuddle, Jae reads me stories, kisses my not yet extended belly, and he makes me jewelry. U’s will tease me, give me cuddles, tickles, feeds me, and makes sure I’m extra comfy.

My favorite part, is how they do these things for me even in passing. A kiss. A hug. So much sweetness. It feeds my love of actions.

And soon enough, I’m staring the day in the eyes.

It’s here. I’m here. We’re–It’s today.

“Ach, my mate, donnae worry. You are fierce an’ you’ll protect what is yours ach?” U’snar assures me.

I smile at him in thanks as we head to the arena.

Jae is already there, taking a moment to speak with Narod, Burgrol and some unknown Orc I’ve not met before he comes to me. Whenshewalks up to him, he holds up his hand in a ‘stop’ motion before shaking his head. He walks to me and she glares daggers at me.

A chill caresses my skin like the cold fingers of death, making me shudder and twitch. “I–

But before I can begin my thought, say it aloud, Narod calls for us to come to the circle. I curse, kissing both my mates on the closest things to me, an arm or a hand and I walk to the edge of the perfect circle.

On the left of me, are the long range weapons, on the right are the more close and personal ones. The opposite is for Sumira. I look at them with as clear an expression as I can manage. I don’t want my unease to be clear to the people around me. I don’t think this ‘lady’ has had any formal fighting experience. But covers and judgments and all that jazz.

I step into the circle without a weapon. A murmur goes across those gathered. Which is pretty much the entirety of the Orcs in themountain. Even those from the ‘head’ of the mountain. And each one murmurs words of surprise as I’d been sure to dress with my marks in mind. My hair is out of the way, and my clothing is off the shoulder and loose for movement.

“Too good for the weapons of an Orc?” Sumira taunts, glaring daggers at my marks. Jealousy burning green in her eyes.

“I just didn’t want to spill your blood on them. Might corrupt them with the acidity.”

Sumira snaps her teeth at me in a gross imitation of my mates snarl as she steps into the circle. Her hands holding a sword and two knives at her belt.

I gnash my own teeth in a frightening snare. Irf says that he believes after becoming mated, I have gone into a ‘mature’ state, my canines have grown a little sharper, a little longer than the norm. Sumira flinches, which turns my snarl into a smirk.

Narod comes forward. “Ladies,” He greets us, “My tribe.” He greets the Orcs, who “Gufrrah” back at him in their Orcish tongue. “Lady Sumira challenges the mating of Chieftain Jaedason and his brother U’snar to this woman here.” He gestures to me. “Do you wish to continue this challenge?” He asks her.

“Of course.” She murmurs, her eyes spitting disgust.

Narod looks at me, his beautiful eyes looking at me with pain of a brother unable to protect their sibling from harm. “Do you accept her challenge?” If I say no, I forfeit my mates.

I nod. “Yes.” I state clearly, so the room may hear. “I accept the challenge of Sumira. For there is no greater honor than proving my mates are mine.” A new murmur goes around the room. This one tinged with respect and awe. I knew it would happen, but it wasn’t the reason why I said it. I meant it.

Narod nods. He looks at the other two Orcs and gestures for them to inspect the weapons we have chosen. The other Orc glares at me since I do not have any weapons. He opens his hands for me to place mine in his. I almost wish I’d chosen a weapon. But then, I notice the gloves on his hands and I’m glad I’m spared the unwanted touch of another male. He inspects my finger nails, and between each of my fingers. Flipping them over in his open hands. When he nods and is done, there is a malicious gleam in his eyes.

I wipe my hands on my clothing. They’re clammy from fearinghe’d make some bullshit up about my ‘weapons’. Burgrol clears Sumira.

After informing us of the rules I’d learned on how to win, and the tally system, Narod states, “We begin.” A nod to both of us before stepping back to preside over the circle.

Sumira starts to circle and I follow in suit. “I don’t know what they see in you.” She glowers. “You have dirt specks on your skin!” She adds with a sneer.

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