Page 20 of Yuletide Orc

“Is thatmistletoe?” I asked incredulously.

Bikkar followed my line of sight. He was still nestled between my thighs, his hands still anchored to the headboard. “That it is. Look at that.”

I smacked his arm lightly as I started to replay the last day or so in my mind. “Did you plan this?”

Bikkar withdrew from me but didn’t extricate himself from my legs at his hips. “Not entirely. But I’ve wanted to fuck you since we first met.” He leaned in to kiss me fiercely as I recovered from his words. “This little human female who has caused me so much strife.”

I understood. And look what wonders a fantastic hate fuck had done for our relationship. “What now?”

Bikkar glanced up at the mistletoe again and then at the window. The sun was setting. Yule would be over once it roseagain, and Bikkar’s decision about me and my impending justice would be final.

Bikkar’s expression was resolute. “I’ll explain to Caiburn’s mayor what happened. And that you’ll be working with me to clear the hell-wolves. That the rest of your party, should they reappear, will not be arrested, either.”

“And us?” I was almost afraid to even ask. One day and two fucks couldn’t erase months of conflict. But it was a good start.

Bikkar grabbed the side of my head and kissed me hot and fierce until I was breathless. “I told you I’ve claimed you as mine. Was that not clear?”

My core throbbed hard. “You did, but?—”

“You are mine so long as you wish to be,” Bikkar said with a heavy emotion in his eyes. “I won’t hold you against your will.”

“That’s a long time to be yours,” I whispered. And yet, the future was starting to paint itself in my mind.

Bikkar nodded in small motions. “That’s the point. Will you make peace with me?”

I was personally hoping to make a lot more than peace with him, but I understood. “Yes. I will.”

He smiled that rare toothy smile and grabbed the mistletoe. He held it between his fingers before me. “That is the best gift I have ever received for Yule.”

It was a gift that would bring the same kindness and peace Bikkar had started this morning. One he’d brought out within me. And when the sun rose tomorrow, it’d be on a new day and journey filled with empathy. Kindness.

And, quite possibly, love.

THE END

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