Page 26 of Fated to the Orc

It should be me,a voice in the back of my mind says.

I keep my expression blank, but inside, panic surges through me.

“I will gather more samples and do more testing,” I say, keeping my voice as steady as possible. “Perhaps a fresh batch will provide a breakthrough.”

Dr. Kelly smiles. “Perhaps. Because if it doesn’t… well. I think I’ve said enough. Good afternoon, Dr. Carter.”

Kelly turns to leave. My hands clench into fists as I watch him go. Ihaveto do something.

But what?!

Varkul

I wake up to…pain.

It radiates from my chest to every fiber of my being. My body burns with every breath. My lungs feel heavy, my muscles weak, my mouth tastes of blood.

Pain is nothing new to me.

I have endured worse, and I will endure worse — for her.

Mymate.

Evelyn.

She was in this room, with me. She touched me. My body ached to be entwined with hers, to claim her, to make her mine and mine alone!

And then the bullets came.

Their force knocked the air from my lungs. I staggered and fell, and the last thing I saw was pure panic on Evelyn’s face.

That look of horror on her face hurts my very soul. I will make sure she will never again feel that pain. From now on, my only goal is to protect her.

I try to sit upright. Leather straps bind me to the bed I’m in.Again.

This is getting old.

I shift my body around, testing the limits of the straps. These bindings are stronger than before, and I am weaker. The humans are learning.

I glance around and scan my surroundings. A thin sheet covers my nude form. The walls are sterile and white. Strange machines hum softly, blinking with dim lights. The scent of medical supplies fills the air.

The guards are out in the hallway. None dare to be in this room with me.

I do not know how long I’ve been unconscious, but I know one thing for certain — my orcs are coming.

Clan Blackfang does not abandon their own.

They are coming.

The doors slide open with a quiet hiss.

I smell her.

The scent of wildflowers and something distinctlyhershits me instantly, overriding the medical stench of this room. My pulse skyrockets, and my hands ball into fists as I struggle against my restraints.

Evelyn steps into the room, and my entire world is narrowed down to justher.

“You’re awake!”

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