Page 47 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“I can’t take the chance. You’re coming with me.”

“No!”

He clamped his hand over her mouth again and began walking, half-dragging her along with him. She struggled, kicking at his legs, but her attempts had no effect. He was so strong, his muscles bulging beneath his armor. Her nails scrabbled uselessly against his gloved hand as he carried her away from the garden. The overgrown branches whipped past her face, catching at her dress and hair.

She tried to focus on breathing through her nose, fighting back the blackness creeping at the edges of her vision. But the pressure of his hand, the way he held her immobile against his chest - it was too familiar, too much like before. Her lungs burned as she struggled to draw enough air.

He tugged her through a concealed doorway in the convent’s wall and sunlight gave way to dense forest shadows. The sweet floral scents of the garden disappeared, replaced by damp earth and rotting leaves.

Each step jolted through her body. Her muscles screamed in protest as she twisted against his iron grip, but the more shestruggled, the tighter he held her. His fingers dug into her flesh, and the pressure of his hand made it impossible to cry out.

Dark spots danced at the edges of her vision as the forest pressed in around them - ancient trees with gnarled trunks and heavy branches that blocked out most of the sun. She couldn’t tell how far they’d gone but every step away from Lothar sent a fresh wave of panic through her body.

The memories she’d fought so hard to bury came rushing back - rough hands holding her down, the terror of being trapped with no way out. No. Not again. She wouldn’t let it happen again.

With renewed desperation, she thrashed and kicked, not caring if she hurt herself in the process. Her elbow connected with something solid and Khorrek cursed. His grip loosened for just a moment before he suddenly released her.

She hit the ground hard, fallen leaves cushioning her fall but the impact still drove the air from her lungs. She gasped, dragging in huge gulps of air as she scrambled backward through the leaves.

Khorrek was doubled over, his hands pressed against his abdomen. She could hear him cursing, and a trickle of satisfaction ran through her. She hadn’t done enough damage to free herself, but at least she’d hurt him.

His head came up, eyes blazing, as she pushed herself to her feet, leaves clinging to her dress.

“Female,” he snarled, his voice a terrifying growl.

“I’m sorry,” she gasped. “But you shouldn’t have taken me.”

To her shock, he suddenly laughed.

“Such fire in you, little one. Most females would be crying by now.” He cocked his head, studying her with unsettling interest. “Perhaps I should keep you for myself. “

“Never,” she hissed, taking another step back, keeping her eyes locked on him. The forest pressed close around them, branches swaying in a chill breeze that raised goosebumps on her skin.

“You may change your mind. Now then.” He gestured down the narrow path he’d been following. “Are you going to walk, or do I need to carry you again?”

“Don’t touch me.” The words came out sharp and clear despite her racing pulse.

His laugh was darker this time.

“Then move.” He pointed down the path again. “That way.”

Her legs shook as she started walking, dried leaves crunching beneath her feet. The path twisted through the trees, each bend hiding what lay ahead. She did her best not to move too quickly, looking for any chance of escape. Lothar would be looking for her by now. She just had to stay alive long enough for him to find her.

CHAPTER 23

Lothar did his best to remain calm as he resumed his search. He stalked through the kitchens, his nostrils flaring at the mix of aromas - fresh bread, herbs, roasted meat - but no trace of Jana’s sweet scent. The kitchen staff scattered at his approach, but he barely noticed them.

The library stood empty and silent, her lingering presence from yesterday’s research already fading. His claws scraped against the spines of the books as he prowled between the shelves. He’d already checked the common areas, and he strode rapidly towards the passageway through which they’d entered, using his Beast’s enhanced sense to check for any signs of her scent. There was only a faint lingering scent, undoubtedly from their arrival the previous day.

Fuck.If she’d been taken as he suspected, she hadn’t left via this entrance.

The guards on duty gave him a suspicious look as he checked the passageway a second time.

“Are you searching for something?” one of them demanded.

He fought back the impulse to sink his claws into the stupid male’s throat.

“Are there any other entrances?”

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