Page 44 of Orc's Forbidden Claim

“It is not optional, there are rules, and you are a guest,” right says.

I switch my glare to him. He meets my gaze for a moment then he too drops his eyes to the floor.

“He needs to see the healer,” I order, then pointing at Wren, “she needs to be taken to her mate’s side. I will go with Khiara.”

“The green-skin—” right says.

“Khiara,” I cut him off and my voice is the closest to a growl that I’ve ever heard pass my lips.

Khiara must be influencing me. He places his hand on the small of my back. It’s a simple gesture but his touch is reassuring andfuels this incredible confidence I am filled with. The Zmaj look at each other, and then the one on the left shrugs.

“Khiara will need to be debriefed,” he says.

I smile because right this moment I know I’ve won.

“Of course,” I say. “But first, the healer. Then a bath. Then he will be available for debriefing.” The two Zmaj nod and the one on the right moves to go past me, but I hold up a hand. “With Rosalind.”

They both frown deeply and the one left shakes his head.

“That is not—” he says.

“I wasn’t asking,” I say. “You can have whoever there, but Rosalind will be there. Period.”

“Of course,” right says. “Come along gree—Khiara.”

Khiara limps along between the two Zmaj. Wren and I follow in their wake. She remains silent as we walk through the compound for a few minutes before speaking.

“Good job, baby girl,” Wren whispers.

My smile is so broad it hurts my cheeks. Pride fills my chest until it feels like I’m going to explode.

I’ve won the battle, but there is still a war looming. Two Zmaj acquiescing isn’t going to change the situation, but it’s a start. And Khiara isn’t being beaten, dragged away, or interrogated.

Yet at least.

31

SAYLOR

“He’s going to be okay,” I say as Wren paces past for the umpteenth time.

“Yeah,” she says, nodding and rubbing her arms. “Yeah.”

We’ve been waiting for hours and I’m every bit as anxious as she is. She’s my best friend and I’ve grown to like Sek’su too, though I haven’t known him long. I guess it doesn’t matter how long I’ve known him. The way he makes Wren feel, the way he makes her happy, and the way he cares for her is more than enough.

Sek’su managed to walk to the healer but once he was there, he passed out and hasn’t woken since. He’s lying on the table with a sheet halfway up his body. The healers did all they could for him. It’s a matter of time now. Waiting to see if he will recover or not.

I watch his chest rise and fall, hoping and praying while Wren continues to pace the room. Wren walks over to his side, placing her hand on his chest while bowing her head. I am sure she’s offering up prayers too.

None of us were particularly religious before, but when you’ve faced death as many times as we have, you need something. At least that’s my opinion. Especially because so many died, and we lived.

Rising I stand opposite her, across Sek’su, and place my hand on top of hers. Neither of us says anything. There is nothing to say. His chest rises and falls steadily, which is a good sign. He’s strong for sure. The Zmaj healer, Tsi’tel didn’t give a very positive outlook on his chances but said it was over to Tajss.

Wren sighs then looks up. A smile toys at the corners of her lips even though I can tell she’s holding back tears.

“What?” I ask.

“You,” she says, her tone one of musing. “You’ve changed.”

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