Page 82 of Bound to the Orc Warrior

“Brokk and Garint.” Aldronn waves them forward.

A pleased grunt slips from me—they’re the two I like best—and my cousin shoots me a knowing look, clearly having discerned as much.

We spend the rest of the day making preparations. Reta, the village weaver, makes something called “cargo” pants for Naomi so my bride can carry extra red crystals. The dragons bring several sets of entwined crystals, each matched pair stored in its own leather pouch.

Shadow leaves for the teleportation stone, walking the shadow roads, and similarly, Lukendevener takes off to fly there on his own.

I’m glad. I know my bride is strong, but I still can’t imagine her teleporting the bulk of a dragon, especially if she doesn’t need to.

Naomi ferries people and supplies to the standing stone one at a time. First Brokk, then Garint, and finally Aldronn, who refused to be left behind. “Whatever happens will change Alarria forever. I owe it to my people to be there.”

All three carry supply packs strapped to their backs. Lastly, she takes Zephyr.

Even though Naomi says it’s easy with the red crystals’ help, I don’t let her use her power to teleport me on these trips. Instead, the tether jerks me after her each time. I get used to the lurch and fall, finally getting to where I can hit the ground smoothly after each transition. It’s good practice, because I plan to do this when we travel to the other realms, to save her strength by having her only teleport the other person.

This tether might be temporary, but it exists so I can protect my moon bound. I will use it to its fullest extent.

We make camp in the teleportation stone clearing, gathering around a small fire as evening falls, eating the food Olivia packed for us, big hearty lengths of bread stuffed with meat and vegetables and drizzled with a delicious sauce that’s both tangy and spicy.

“Mmm,” Naomi hums with happiness after taking a bite. “A chicken sub sandwich with chipotle sauce. My favorite!”

“Is this the kind of food to be found on your Earth?” Aldronn asks.

“Yep, though this is better than you’d get at a regular sandwich shop. Olivia makes the gourmet version of everything, with the best ingredients.”

My cousin gives an appreciative nod and takes another bite.

The food-conjuring witch also sent along several bags of oats for Zephyr, and my friend stands near, chewing happily, or as happily as the grumpy equine ever gets.

When we finish, we sit quietly but for the crackling of the fire, the importance of everything happening in the morning weighing down the atmosphere.

“The three of us will take turns standing guard tonight.” Aldronn points between himself and Brokk and Garint. Then he stares pointedly at Naomi and me. “You should get some rest.”

A growl rumbles through my chest as I catch his implication. The feral side of me wants to chase her through the forest, pin her to the ground, and pound into her until she knows nothing but my cock. The gentler side of me wants to take her to my furs and let her ride my tongue until she screams herself hoarse.

Yet as much as I want to spend this last night loving my bride, I well know she needs sleep.

I give him a sharp nod and lead her to my tent.

Naomi winds her bright scrap of satin around her curls. She covers a yawn as I strip off her boots and divest her pockets of red crystals. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

“You did a number of teleportations today.” I lie down beside her and pull her into my arms. “And you’ll do even more tomorrow.”

“How about you? Are you okay?” She touches my cheek. Enough firelight filters through the leather of the tent to show the concerned look on her face. “Being pulled around by the tether is a little rough.”

“I’m fine,” I growl. Any discomfort of mine is well worth it to spare her. I press a kiss to her forehead. “Go to sleep.”

With the tiniest of sighs, she relaxes into my arms, falling quickly asleep.

I do not join her in slumber.

If this is to be our last night together, I will not waste a single precious second of it.

Morning arrives too soon, with a grunt of surprise coming from one of the other orcs outside. It jerks me upright, my hand instinctively finding the hilt of the sword I left within easy reach.

“Oh, did I surprise you?” Shadow asks, his tone full of pleased amusement.

A chuckle comes from Naomi, rich and throaty. “I guess Shadow’s here and already playing games.”

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