Page 29 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“Why did you agree to come here?” he asked, still thinking of Wulf’s concerns.

“I’m the fourth daughter of Baron Westclat.” She gave a small shrug, avoiding his eyes. “Our title is ancient, but the coffers are empty. Father can barely maintain the estate.”

And from what he’d heard, Jessamin’s father had offered generous bride prices.

“The bride price will save our family holdings,” Imara continued. “When the offer came, I volunteered. My older sisters are already married, and the youngest is still too young. But it was my choice. No one forced me.”

He nodded, understanding the weight of family duty.

“I thought… I assumed one male would be like another. That I could learn to be content, if not happy.” A slight blush colored her cheeks. “I never expected to actually fall in love.”

Her words made him wince. How many other females had come here expecting merely to endure their marriages? The thought made his Beast growl in displeasure. And yet, Imara had found love - just as his brother had with Kari, though in a very different way.

“Garak is a good male,” he offered quietly. “I believe you will be happy with him.”

“I think so too, but I hated watching him fight…” She shuddered. “I couldn’t bear it if he was hurt.”

“I understand. I’ll speak with King Ulric,” he promised. “Today, if possible.”

“Thank you.”

She gave him a relieved smile, then dipped a small curtsy before walking away.

Movement in the garden beyond caught his eye. A cloaked female darted between the flowering bushes, heading toward the rear wall. Something about her furtive movements set his instincts on edge. He straightened, torn between his duty to guard Jana and his suspicion about the Bride’s mysterious behavior.

But then Jana’s scent wrapped around him like a caress, her presence driving all thoughts of the suspicious Bride from his mind. Her eyes met his, bright with some inner excitement that made his breath catch.

“What did you learn?” he asked, unable to hold back the question any longer.

“Nothing really. Just that Jessamin also thinks a god may be responsible for bringing me here. She says we can stay here as long as we need to find answers. That is - if you can stay with me?”

“I wouldn’t leave your side even if Ulric ordered me home,” he vowed.

“I’m glad,” she said, and the warmth in her eyes sent his heart racing. “I feel safe with you.”

He froze, unable to breathe as hope and uncertainty warred inside him.

“Safe?” he asked, forcing the word past the knot in his throat.

“Yes.” She blushed and dropped her eyes. “Safe and cared for. Like I haven’t felt in years. Maybe ever.”

His chest ached at the admission, his heart pounding. Could he dare hope that she would choose to stay, that his feelings weren’t one-sided? That she might even be starting to return them?

“I’m glad you feel safe,” he managed, his voice gruff.

She looked up and her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile.

“So you’ll stay with me?”

“I’ll stay as long as you want me.”

“Good.”

Her smile widened and she slid her hand into his.

“Then let’s go explore.”

CHAPTER 16

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