Page 5 of Fated to the Orc

My grip loosens in pure shock.

I drop the human.

Dr. Kelly crumbles to the ground, scrambling for his fallen glasses. He shoves them back onto his nose, then straightens, brushing himself off like I hadn’t just nearly ended his miserable life.

“Humans?” I repeat, my voice low.

“Yes. Humans,” he nods. “It is a distinct possibility — one that requires future research. That is why I am spearheading the development of the Orc-Human Fertility Research Clinic.” He pauses, clearly savoring this moment. “OrORC, for short.”

I stare at him.

“So why areyouhere?” I ask. “Bring me a human female and I’ll test this… preposterous theory.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

Dr. Kelly removes a cloth from his coat and polishes his glasses. He’s back in control of the conversation, and he knows it.

“As Warlord of Clan Blackfang — the premier clan in this region — you are undoubtedly the strongest and most virile male orc specimen for hundreds of miles,” he says. “If anyone can prove orc-human compatibility, it is you.”

“What is your point, human?”

“I am asking you to come to my research clinic.Voluntarily. I want to study you.”

My eyes narrow. “If this is a ploy by my enemies to lure me away from Blackfang territory?—”

“I wouldn’t dare.” He raises both hands as if in surrender. “I assure you, warlord, this is purely scientific. Come to my clinic, and you will be well cared for. That is my personal guarantee. And if it turns out that orc men are indeed compatible with human women… you will be free to choose your mate from any of the fertile women at my clinic.” He smiles, slow and deliberate. “That is apromise.”

I trust this human about as far as I can throw him.

And yet…

What if is there is truth to this words?

What if our future does not lie in war, but in the wombs of human women?

The thought isheresy.

But it just might be the only way to save my people.

Evelyn

The Department of Interstellar Affairsis located in a tall, obsidian tower that dominates the city’s skyline, smack dab in the middle of the bustling center.

It’s a place I try to avoid. This building has become the target of choice for many different protests groups since the discovery of Xavros shocked the world.

Everyone’s angry about it, but all for a different reason. Some want to colonize it, others want to preserve it. Most are just jealous they can’t afford to travel there.

I feel slightly guilty as I worm my way through a rowdy group protesters outside the entrance.

An armed guard stops me, his jaw tense.

“Name?” he barks.

“Evelyn Carter,” I say, having to shout to make myself heard over the noise. “I have a job interview.”

I did my research, and the job listing is legit. Interstellar Affairs is looking for geneticists to study the wildlife on Xavros, and I have the necessary credentials.

Not only is the pay extraordinary, but I’ll also get the chance to do some actual, ground-breaking, important research.

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