Page 58 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“Remember what?” he said hoarsely, his emotions still raw.

“The storm. When I first came here.” Her fingers tightened around his. “I was given a choice.”

His breath caught. She’d already been asked? Just like Kari? He squeezed her hand, afraid to hope.

“When the storm took me…” She nestled deeper into his embrace. “There was this presence. Not exactly a voice, but I understood what was being asked. I think now it was Freja. I could go back to my farm, my quiet life, or…” She took a shaky breath. “Or I could find a greater purpose. And maybe find love.”

His arms tightened around her. “And you chose to leave everything behind?”

“I chose hope.” She turned in his arms to face him. “My farm was safe, but lonely. I’d built walls to protect myself, but they were also keeping me from living.”

“I said yes,” she continued softly. “Even though I was terrified, some part of me wanted to believe it was possible.”

He pulled her closer, breathing in her scent. His Beast purred at having her in his arms, but uncertainty still gnawed at him. “You chose this? Chose to come here?”

“I chose the possibility,” she said, looking up at him with those dark eyes that saw straight through to his soul. “I didn’t know it would be you, but I’m glad it was.”

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, marveling at her courage. “And this purpose? Do you know what it is?”

“I think…” She frowned thoughtfully. “I think it was to save Jessamin. The herbs, knowing how to help her - it all came together so perfectly.”

“You saved more than Jessamin,” he murmured, pressing his forehead to hers. “You saved me too. From my own fears, my own walls.”

Her hand came up to cup his cheek, and his Beast rumbled contentedly at her touch. “We saved each other.”

Joy surged through him as he held her close, her small form fitting perfectly against him. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

“Come home with me,” he said. “Let me show you our village, introduce you to my brothers.”

Her face lit up. “Really? You want me to meet your family?”

“More than anything.” He smiled at her eager response. “Wulf and Kari will love you. And Egon…”

His happiness faded for a moment. He knew his brother would welcome her, but he also knew it would only add to his loneliness. “Egon will too,” he added firmly.

“I can’t wait to meet them - I feel as if I know them already. When can we leave?”

“Soon.” His voice dropped lower as he traced a finger along her jaw. “But first, you should rest up for the journey.”

He swept her into his arms, delighting in her surprised laugh. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing closer as he carried her back toward their room.

“Rest?” She raised an eyebrow. “Somehow I doubt that’s what you have in mind.”

“I promise to let you sleep… eventually.” He kicked the door closed behind them, already losing himself in her scent, her warmth, the way she melted against him. “But not quite yet.”

She giggled and snuggled against his chest, her soft curves fitting perfectly against him. “In that case, I’ll need a lot of rest.”

A long time later he held her close, her warm body curled trustingly against his. Her breathing had evened out into thepeaceful rhythm of sleep, and he marveled at how perfectly she fit in his arms. Unlike Wulf, he hadn’t prayed to the gods for assistance in finding his mate. He hadn’t believed he deserved one.

His fingers traced idle patterns on her skin as contentment washed over him. The mate bond hummed between them, a constant reminder that this was real. She had chosen him, claimed him as completely as he’d claimed her.

His Beast, usually so demanding, lay quiet and satisfied. No more prowling restlessly, no more endless searching. They had found their mate, their perfect match, even without asking the gods for help.

Prayers don’t have to be voiced to be heard.

The amused female voice whispered through his mind, warm and maternal. His eyes widened briefly, but then he smiled, recognizing the goddess’s touch.

“Thank you, Freja,” he murmured softly, careful not to wake Jana.

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