Page 24 of The Orc's Promised Bride

A small group of beings on the outskirts of the market caught her attention. Lean rather than muscular, their golden skin seemed to glow from within, and their silver hair sparkled as they moved. Their pointed ears and ethereal grace made them seem almost unreal.

“The People of the Plains,” he murmured following her gaze. “They are rare visitors.”

Before she could ask more questions, he was moving again. She noticed other humans scattered throughout the crowd - both men and a few women. They seemed at home in this world, but the way many of the males watched the women made her uncomfortable. Their gazes held such naked longing that she pressed closer to Lothar, grateful for his protective presence.

“Stay close,” he murmured in English, his arm tightening around her.

She nodded, her fingers digging into his arm as they ventured deeper into the marketplace.

CHAPTER 13

Lothar breathed a sigh of relief as they left the bustling marketplace behind and started up the hill towards the convent. He knew Jana had been noticed but the way she had leaned into him - and his hand placed warningly on the hilt of his sword - had prevented anyone from approaching them. She hadn’t seemed to notice, or at least hadn’t commented on, the wide street leading to the gates of the arena.

The convent loomed ahead, its weathered stone walls a stark contrast to the vibrant marketplace below. Despite its imposing appearance, someone had transformed the outer courtyard into a lush profusion of color and scent from the tiny flowers half-hidden beneath their showier cousins to the flowering vines that surrounded the passageway leading to the entrance.

She took a deep breath and smiled up at him, the tension easing from her shoulders.

“This is beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he replied, returning her smile. “It is said that the hand of Freja blesses the gardens here.”

“It makes me feel at home.”

He tried not to let the casual words give him hope, but perhaps it was possible that she would want to remain with him, even if Freja offered her a way to return.

Her smile faded as they approached the passageway. Intricately carved runes covered the walls, leading to a pair of massive wooden doors with a stern-faced male on either side. He tensed as the guards focused on her. He recognized them - Kroll and Varn, warriors known for their fierce dedication to protecting the Brides. Under normal circumstances, he’d appreciate their vigilance, but not when it was directed at his mate.

“Hold.” Kroll’s deep voice echoed against the stone walls as he and his companion stepped forward, hands on their swords. “Why is this Bride with you, Lothar?”

“She is not a Bride. She is a female in need of answers.”

“Then she may enter. Alone.”

The Curse shivered across his skin.

“She’s with me,” he growled.

Kroll’s eyes narrowed.

“You withdrew from the Trials.” His massive hand reached towards her. “She must be protected-”

She cried out and stumbled backwards, the sound igniting something primal in his chest. He caught Kroll’s wrist in an iron grip.

“Touch her and lose the hand,” he growled again, baring his tusks. The mate bond burned hot in his blood, demanding he protect her at all costs.

Varn moved to flank them, his hand on his weapon.

“The law is clear. All the Brides must be protected.”

“She’s not a Bride,” he repeated, maintaining his grip on Kroll while keeping himself between Jana and Varn, then switched to English. “Jana, stay behind me.”

He felt her press against his back, her fingers clutching his shirt. The trembling in her hands fueled his anger at the guards. After everything she’d been through, after finally starting to trust him, these idiots were destroying her sense of safety.

“Back. Off.”

His voice dropped to a dangerous rumble as he kept his eyes locked on Kroll’s. The scent of her fear tore at his control as his Beast stirred, demanding to be released. His muscles coiled tighter as she trembled against his back. The urge to transform, to tear these threats apart, burned in his blood.

“Not. One. Step. Closer.”

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