Page 69 of Her Rugged Orcs

"You're always welcome here," she whispers, squeezing me once more before stepping back. "Now go explore your new home with those handsome mates of yours."

Heat creeps up my neck as Grash's hand settles on my lower back. Murok chuckles beside me, and even Dren's lips twitch in a rare smile.

"Ready?" Grash asks, his thumb tracing circles against my spine.

The settlement sprawls before us as we exit the grand hall, a maze of stone buildings and wooden structures connected by torch-lit paths. The night air is filled with smoke from nearby hearths.

"This is the training ground," Murok says, gesturing to a wide clearing filled with practice dummies and weapon racks. "Where I'll teach you proper knife work."

"I already know how to use a knife," I remind him, thinking of the dark elf guard whose blood had stained my hands.

"Yes, but I'll teach you to use it better." His blue eyes gleam with challenge.

We pass the marketplace, where even at night, a few vendors still chat and laugh. An elderly orc woman waves at us, her smile warm and welcoming. "About time these three found someone to keep them in line," she calls out.

"I'll do my best," I reply, surprised by how natural it feels to joke with her.

Dren leads us down a quieter path, his hand finding mine. We stop at a small garden tucked between buildings, filled with herbs and flowering plants I've never seen before.

"The healers grow everything here," he says softly. "For medicines and teas."

"And poisons," Murok adds with a smirk.

"Always the optimist," Grash grunts, but his eyes are fond.

A group of children runs past us, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. They don't hesitate or stare at me - the human among orcs. Instead, they wave cheerfully before disappearing around a corner.

"The young ones train here," Grash explains, pointing to a smaller practice yard. "I help teach them sometimes."

The image of Grash surrounded by children makes my heart flutter. "You're good with kids?"

"He's terrible," Murok says. "They climb all over him like he's a tree."

"They respect me," Grash protests.

"They use you as a jungle gym," Dren murmurs, making me laugh.

As we walk, more settlers greet us with genuine warmth. No one looks at me with suspicion or disgust. There's no whispered judgment, no sideways glances. Just acceptance.

"Everyone's so..." I trail off, not sure how to express my surprise.

"Welcoming?" Murok finishes. "Of course. You're our mate. That makes you family."

Family. The word settles in my chest like a warm ember. I look at my three warriors - Grash's protective stance, Murok's knowing smirk, Dren's quiet devotion - and I truly believe I've found where I was meant to be.

"There's something we want to show you," Murok says, leading me down a winding path away from the main settlement. The gravel crunches beneath our feet as we climb higher into the hills.

Grash's hand stays steady on my back, while Dren moves ahead, clearing branches from our path. The air grows cooler as we ascend, carrying the sweet scent of night-blooming jasmine.

"Almost there," Murok promises, his braids swaying with each step.

We emerge into a small clearing atop the hill. My breath catches in my throat. A natural pool of crystal-clear water reflects the stars above, surrounded by luminescent flowers thatpulse with a soft blue glow. Stone benches carved with intricate designs circle the area.

"This is beautiful," I whisper, taking in the secret sanctuary.

"We found it when we first joined the settlement," Grash says, pulling me down to sit between his legs on one of the benches. "No one else comes here."

Murok settles beside us, while Dren takes his place on my other side. I lean back against Grash's chest, tilting my head to gaze at the vast expanse of stars above. His arms wrap around my waist, and I feel his heartbeat steady against my back.

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