Page 34 of Fated to the Orc

The thought sends a jolt straight through me. Part terror, part awe.

A child.

His child.

I tilt my head back and let the hot water pour over me. I want to cry, laugh, and scream. Instead, I just stand there, trying to sort out this mess .

The spark between me and Varkul wasreal.

And I don’t just mean the physical chemistry, though, yeah, that wasdefinitelythere. But I felt much more than lust and attraction.

I was drawn to him. It felt like my body already knew his. Like my soul reached out for him, and recognized something ancient and true there.

I read about this, in the files.Orc bonding.What did it say again?

Orcs may form instinctive, possibly permanent emotional and biological bonds with chosen mates. Effects include heightened protectiveness, increased libido and other behavioral changes.

I thought it was just fluff. Folklore. But the connection I had with Varkul, what I felt… what Istillfeel right now…

It’s real.

But what happens now?

I’m trapped.We’re trapped. They’ll know we mated. I have just been upgraded from scientist to test subject.

And Varkul? They’ll use me to control him. If I am, in fact, pregnant, they’ll lock me up somewhere where they can monitor me and extract samples from me and the baby, using us like we’re walking petri dishes.

I press my forehead against the tiles. The water burns against my skin, but I barely feel it.

How did I get myself into this mess? I was trying to help the orcs. Help Varkul. Instead, I’ve given Dr. Kelly exactly what he wanted.

I shut off the water and stand there in silence, dripping water, my gut filled with pain.

Varkul…

I could really use some of your orc strength right now.

Evelyn

The summon comesvia internal comms not soon after I finish my shower.

“Report to Control Room. Immediately.”

My stomach turns to stone. I knew this moment was coming. No sense running away from it now.

I get dressed and hurry through the sterile halls of this blasted compound. On the outside, I look composed. On the inside? I’m losing myshit.

When I reach the control room, the doors slide open automatically with a mechanical hiss.

He’s already waiting for me.

Dr. Kelly stands with his back to me, arms crossed behind him, staring at one of the many high-definition monitors mounted on the wall. It shows various security feeds. Mostly empty corridors, empty rooms, and a view of the jungle outside.

I don’t care about any of those.

I care about the feed in the bottom corner. A dark cell. Reinforced walls. One chained orc sitting still, head bowed.

Varkul.

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