Page 57 of Bound to the Orc Warrior

“Wranth is also hurt but trying to ignore it,” Sturrm says. He must have seen me wince.

I bare my tusks at him. As if my injuries are of any importance when my moon bound needs me!

Selena touches the back of my hand, and a thread of warm magic whispers through me for a few moments. Then a second, stronger burst flows straight to my elbows. The pain winks out as if it had never been.

I grunt in sudden relief. Then the worry riding me forces me to speak. “Why is she still unconscious?”

Selena rests her hand on Naomi’s forehead. “She’s not unconscious, not any longer. She’s deeply asleep because she’s exhausted.”

Sturrm removes the saddlebags and saddle from Zephyr and slings them over his shoulders. “Come. Let’s get you settled. We prepared a guest cottage.”

I stand and turn, holding my bride all the while.

The other human women have been standing back, waiting while Selena does her work. They surge forward now.

“I think she’s about my size,” Ashley says. The short redhead is indeed as pleasantly plump as Naomi. “I’ll get her a change of clothes, so she has something right away.”

Taylor pulls off Naomi’s human shoes and waves them at me, the smallest human wearing an infectious grin. “I’ll have the leatherworkers get started on new boots.”

Grace, the tall blonde built like an orc, says, “I’ve got an extra tub of that conditioner I had Gerna whip up for me. Maybe Naomi could use it.”

“Ask her if she wants coffee or anything else when she wakes, then send for me.” Olivia places a hand on my arm. “I’m going to go and make some of my Nonni’s special feel-better cookies for her.”

“I will.” I nod. A touch of familiar human food would do my bride good.

They scatter, all off to run errands to make my bride welcome. Here may be the very reason the Moon Goddess keeps gifting brides to the orcs of Moon Blade Village. The womenhave created a solid friendship group among themselves that expands outwards to the other villagers as well. It must offer extra comfort to each new witch who arrives. I certainly hope it will do so for Naomi. Perhaps it will encourage her to stay in Alarria even after the doors of Faerie are open.

Since I alone may not be enough inducement.

Selena and Sturrm lead me to the cottage.

“I’m off to graze,” Zephyr says when we reach the door. “But if you need anything…”

“Thank you, my friend.”

I stride through the main room, past the fireplace and couches on the right, the dining table and kitchen on the left. Everything is molded from the honey-colored living wood of the heart tree. The bedroom is the same, with floor, walls, and ceiling all made of the golden wood.

I lay my moon bound gently on the side of the bed, which is covered in clean linens. But my bride deserves the warmth of my furs.

Selena and Sturrm follow me in. He carries my packs, and she checks on Naomi one more time.

I take the saddlebags from him, pull out my furs, and spread a layer across the bed. Once I’ve moved Naomi onto them, I cover her with another layer of furs. They smell like both of us, and I hope the scent speaks to her even in her sleep.

I long to crawl in beside her and hold her until she wakes, yet I also feel too restless for that. The anger I felt at myself earlier comes creeping back as I stare at her still face.

I pace beside the bed, stopping to check every so often to see if her chest still rises and falls as it should. Then I start pacing again. How could I let this happen to her? It’s my duty to protect her. Being a warrior is all I’m good at, and I don’t know how to fight something like this.

After several minutes, Sturrm scowls at me. “Will you cease that infernal pacing?”

I scowl right back.

“Selena, would you watch after Naomi for a while?” he says. “I need Wranth’s help with something.”

My hands ball into fists, the anger riding me. “I’m not leaving my bride.”

“Yes, you are.” He jabs a finger at me. “Because you’re certainly not creating a calming, healing atmosphere for her.”

Fuck. He’s right. I bare my tusks at him and growl before giving him a reluctant nod.

---