Page 1 of One Night with Her Grumpy Orc

Prologue

Ahundred years ago, there was a monster migration, many went west, but a few felt the call of the wild northeast and headed to the cozy, quaint island of Wolf’s Ridge, named after the formidable mountains on the island, and founded the town of Moonfang Haven. Perhaps the island felt reminiscent of simpler, more magical times—lush, deep forests, craggy cliffs, a glittering unspoilt ocean teeming with life, and a protected valley perfect for a town. Or perhaps the blazing western sun wasn’t something the Cragbeard, Suthorn, Fangst, Havet families and others were interested in.

I was here when they arrived. Watched as they set up a new life for themselves amongst the small human population already carving out a living, mostly by fishing, on my beloved island. They’ve integrated peacefully, minus a few hiccups. I think the wild goats of the mountains still resent the surprisingly nimble orcs invading their mountain.

Don’t worry, magic still exists, though it’s been diminished. My granny told me the formula once...time multiplied by disbelief divided by the square root of love...maybe? I don’t remember. Math was never my strong suit.

Who am I? My story is of less importance right now, but I will say I was banished to Wolf’s Ridge a long time ago. My magic has been reduced mostly to simple potions. One day, I’ll have my comeback tour and everyone will remember my name. But until then, I’ll be mixing macchiatos at Moonlit Grounds Café and Bakery.

Chapter 1

Betty

“Good morning, Betty. Staying warm?” Ravena shivers as she enters the library, snowflakes flying off her wild black hair. Snow stomped off her boots onto the rug, she walks through the main room to my desk.

“Grev,” she says as way of greeting as the towering orc walks across the main aisle to disappear into the nonfiction stacks, a funny smile on her face. He doesn’t answer, as usual.

“Just barely,” I smile at her, determined not to let my teeth chatter. I’m wearing my warmest cardigan, fingerless mittens, and my wool socks, and it’s barely enough. “This late season blizzard surprised me. I already took the extra insulation off the windows and packed away my snow coat.” Ravena tuts and hands me a hot cup of tea, sets her books on the counter for me to check back in—all pirate romances—then leans on the counter and gives me her mischievous smile.

“It’s best not to assume too much when it comes to the comings and goings of Moonfang Haven...weather included. Now, tell me when I can set you up with my neighbor? The other one.” The owner of Moonlit Grounds wags her eyebrows at me. She’s been asking about setting me up with folks since I moved here a year ago to run and revive the library. Sometimes it’s a friend, sometimes it’s a cousin three-times removed. The woman has no end of people to set me up with.

What she doesn’t understand is that part of moving here and setting up my new life also involves healing from a horrible relationship. And eighteen months later, I’m still not ready to jump back into dating. All those emotions are still so close to the surface, divulging them at work would be a recipe for a disaster.

Instead of obliging her, I take a long sip of the herbal tea she brought me. “Oh, a new flavor! What is it?” I love it when Ravena makes new tea blends. They’re all so unique. I’ve heard her whisper to others about the magical properties of certain blends she makes. But she’s never admitted it to me. I’m hoping one day she’ll divulge her secrets. I’ve always wanted to be friends with a witch.

“Oh, you know, ginger, rosehips, and a little of this, a little of that. Proprietary. Now, about my neighbor...he’s out of town, but he’ll be back next week.” There’s no diminishing the twinkle in her eye.

A quick glance around, the teenagers working on their science project seem completely absorbed. Though I bet they don’t last much longer as the wind whips in through any gaps between the windows and walls in this old building. I half expect the whole town will shut down soon. The only other patron here is Grev, the youngest but largest of the Cragbeard brothers. Luckily, he’s hiding in his research somewhere in the stacks.

“Ravena, I can’t. No offense to your second cousin three-times removed and your other neighbor. I’m just...not ready.” She huffs out, but nods and smiles at me. “Now, there’s a new tentacled pirate romance I thought you might want to check out.” Now it’s my turn to wag my eyebrows at her.

She squeals, slaps her hand over her mouth when I give her my best librarian look, then whispers, “I don’t know. Might make me think of Gordon the wrong way when he comes in for coffee after a day of fishing.” More eyebrow wagging, and it takes everything I’ve got not to burst into giggles with her.

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THE SNOW OUTSIDE ISno longer mesmerizing. Big flakes swirl and spin around the parking lot, which is empty of all cars except mine and Grev’s. And if the snowplow doesn’t come by soon, I may be stuck here. My trusty Civic is buried in the snow. Just thinking about digging it out to get home makes my toes curl in anticipation of the cold. Heavy white clouds shield Wolf Ridge Mountain from view. I imagine most of the town is tucked in at home, too.

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