Page 25 of The Orc's Promised Bride

Each word came out as a guttural growl. His vision started to blur at the edges, taking on the red tinge that preceded transformation. Kroll and Varn exchanged glances and he saw their eyes begin to darken.

“She’s mine to protect,” he snarled, fighting to keep his voice steady. His Beast’s instincts screamed to claim her, mark her, shield her from all threats. He forced down the urge, knowing it would terrify her. “If you do not trust me, consult King Ulric.”

Small fingers clung tighter to his shirt as the guards exchanged another glance. The contact helped anchor him and gave him something to focus on beyond the rage. He wouldn’t let his Beast emerge. He wouldn’t give her another reason to fear.

“We should verify with the king,” Varn agreed, lowering his weapon, but Kroll’s lip curled in challenge.

“The Bride should still come inside while we wait for a response.”

“She’s not going anywhere without me.”

“We can’t risk letting an unmated male inside,” Kroll growled, shifting into an aggressive stance. “Especially not one so close to turning.”

Fear spiked her scent again and his Beast roared inside his mind, demanding release. His vision swam red at the edges.

The massive wooden doors behind the guards creaked open and Jessamin emerged, flanked by her personal guard. She calmly surveyed the scene as both guards snapped to attention.

“What is happening here?”

“Lothar refuses to let this Bride enter alone,” Kroll said.

“She is not a Bride and she’s not going anywhere without me.” Despite his best attempts, his voice came out in a deep growl.

Thoughtful blue eyes traveled from his face to Jana’s.

“He is correct that he is not one of my Brides,” Jessamin agreed. “But all females are welcome here. Let them enter.”

“But my lady,” Kroll protested, “he’s dangerous.”

Jessamin studied him again, then turned to Jana. “Would you prefer to enter alone?”

“No,” she whispered, pressing closer to him. “Please.”

The simple words, the trust in her touch, helped him push back his Beast’s rage. He drew in a deep breath, forcing his muscles to relax.

Jessamin smiled and gestured gracefully towards the open doors.

“Then enter, both of you.”

The guards stepped back, bowing their heads in deference to their queen, and he guided Jana forward, keeping himself between her and Kroll as they passed through the doorway, his Beast still simmering beneath the surface.

Inside, a covered walkway wrapped around a sun-drenched courtyard where climbing roses twined up ancient pillars. Several women worked among the overgrown beds, clearing away dead growth to reveal fresh green shoots beneath. Their quiet chatter and occasional laughter drifted across the space.

Her grip on his arm loosened slightly as she took in their surroundings, curiosity replacing fear. The change helped calm his protective instincts and his Beast finally started to settle, responding to the atmosphere of serenity that seemed to permeate the very stones.

“This is lovely,” she whispered, her eyes wide as she absorbed the details.

He nodded, unable to speak yet as he focused on fully subduing his Beast. The peaceful setting helped, but having her so close, still holding his arm, did more to ground him than anything else. His muscles gradually unknotted as the last traces of battle-readiness faded.

Jessamin dismissed her guards and came to join them.

“From what I have read, the Sisters of Freja believed in creating spaces of harmony and healing. We’ve tried to maintain that tradition as we restore the gardens. Please come with me.”

He followed Jessamin down a series of hallways, still keeping Jana’s hand tucked firmly in his arm. The sitting room she led them to was small but elegant, with several cushioned chairs and shelves of leather-bound books lining the walls. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, warming the space.

An elderly female appeared with a tray of steaming tea almost as soon as they arrived. The familiar spicy aroma filled the room as Jessamin poured three cups with practiced grace, then studied Jana over the rim of her cup.

“As I said outside, you are welcome here, but why have you come?”

---