Page 57 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“If you need me to stop, tell me.”

She nodded, then gasped as the broad head slid into her, stretching her, but this time her body opened for him. He groaned and pushed deeper, filling her so completely that she could no longer tell where she ended and he began.

“Yes, my valai,” he whispered. “So sweet and hot and tight.”

“More,” she moaned, and he began to move, the friction sending waves of pleasure through her body. She clung to him, amazed at how good it felt, how perfectly their bodies fit together. Her heart swelled, the love and happiness within her spilling over in a cascade of tears.

“Am I hurting you?” he asked, stilling immediately.

“No, no,” she said quickly. “It feels so wonderful.”

“Then why are you crying?”

“Because I love you so much and I’m just… happy.”

“So am I, my valai.” He kissed her tears away, his hands cupping her face. “You have made me happier than I ever dreamed.”

He moved again, slowly at first, but her body arched instinctively, pulling him deeper. She could feel his muscles bunching, holding back.

“I won’t break,” she whispered.

“I might,” he said hoarsely.

She tightened her hold on him, her fingers digging into his skin.

“Make love to me,” she whispered.

A shudder rippled through his body, and the dam holding back his passion broke. His thrusts came faster, deeper, his fingers gripping her hips, his lips hot against her skin. His eyes burned with a dark green fire, and the sight made her breathless. The tension building inside her threatened to explode, and when his thumb brushed against her center, she came undone.

She cried out as ecstasy swept through her, her body arching against his. A heartbeat later, he buried himself inside her and roared as he found his own release. His knot expanded, shocking in its intensity as it locked them together, and she held him tight as aftershocks rippled through his body.

“I love you,” she said again, savoring the feel of him against her.

His head was pillowed on her chest, and he sighed, his breath warm against her skin.

“And I love you, my valai. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so glad the gods brought us together,” he said softly.

Afterward, she lay curled in his arms, feeling complete in a way she’d never experienced before. She knew with absolute certainty that she belonged here, with him.

CHAPTER 28

Lothar’s eyes snapped open, his heart racing as he found the bed empty beside him. His Beast stirred, demanding they find their mate, but he forced himself to take a deep breath. The additional guards Ulric had posted would keep Jana safe within the convent walls. Not only was the rear gate guarded but additional guards now patrolled the perimeter.

He knew she was safe but he still couldn’t shake the unease that gripped him. He pulled on his clothes and strode through the quiet halls, following her familiar scent, now mingled delightfully with his. The trail led him to Freja’s shrine. The shrine occupied a small secluded courtyard carpeted in emerald moss.

A statue of the goddess stood in the center, her face serene as she gazed down at a bowl of offerings at her feet. Fresh flowers had been placed there recently, their sweet scent mingling with the morning air. The statue portrayed her as beautiful but also powerful, with an air of ancient wisdom. The rising sun caught the curve of her cheek, making the stone seem almost alive.

Jana knelt before the altar, her head bowed, and the sight stopped him cold. His brother’s mate had visited a similar shrine and had been offered a choice - the chance to return to her world or stay with her mate.

He stood frozen, his chest tight with fear as he watched her. Was this the moment? Was Freja offering her the same choice? The thought of losing her made his Beast howl in protest, but he forced himself to remain still. This had to be her decision, freely made.

He gripped the doorframe, his claws extending into the wood as he struggled to control his possessive instincts. Her body was stiff, her face intent. Would she choose to stay with him? Or would she long for her own world, her own life?

The morning light caught in her dark hair, making it shimmer like silk. His enhanced hearing picked up the sound of her voice but he couldn’t make out the words. His heart pounded as he waited, every muscle in his body rigid with tension.

The minutes ticked by and finally he couldn’t stand it any longer. He strode quickly across the courtyard, dropping to his knees beside her. She immediately turned to him, and his heart leaped at her smile - warm and full of love.

“I remember,” she whispered, reaching for his hand. Her touch instantly calmed his racing pulse.

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