Page 40 of Orc's Mate

He smiled down at me. “A draw then?”

“I think so, though I’ve still won, because you’re going to sing!” My laughter pealed out.

His low chuckle joined in. “My mother always said I have an amazing voice.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.”

“Could I persuade you to hold off on collecting your victory prize until tomorrow night?”

“Why not now? You can sing me to sleep or share your tune while we clean the fish.”

“I want to set up a nice evening for you tomorrow and singing will be part of it.”

“The storm may be here by then.”

“We can do this inside. I know a special place.”

I couldn’t wait. Each moment with Odik felt better than the last, and I was beginning to believe this was the future I could look forward to.

He handed me our poles and lifted the container, his muscles bulging from the load. I doubted I could lift it, but he strode along the rock with ease, hopping down onto the rocky shore.

We cleaned the fish, never a fun task. After rinsing out the container, we placed our catch inside, and he shut the lid.

“Let’s take this up to the house and store the fish in the cool box. I’ve got a second inside the shed we can use if we need to.” He smiled down at me. “And then, my pretty mate, I believe it’s time for your swimming lesson.”

Chapter21

Odik

We put the fish in the cool box, and I was grateful to see such a large catch. This would be enough to carry not just us through the storm but all the others I supported. During the day, I’d made sure their homes were secure, covering their windows and tying down or bringing anything the tempest might steal inside. It was important to check up on them frequently, and a storm was as good an excuse as any.

After washing our hands at the sink, I turned and leaned against the counter.

“We left the drying cloths down on the rocks,” Eleri said, her face open and cheerful in the light of the whisp lanterns. I crossed the room and blew on each to keep them glowing.

“We’ll pick them up on our way to where we’ll swim.”

A smile teased across her lips. “Wherewillwe swim? The sea was calm beyond the rocks, but when I looked over the cliffs, I could see spray lifting in some areas. Don’t we have to worry about dresalods or being pushed against the boulders?”

“I’m going to show you where it’s safe, mate.” Taking her hand, I led her back outside and down the stairs again. But instead of going left and to the boulders, I took her along the shore to the right, all the way to the point and around it.

“It’s so pretty,” she said, looking from the sea to me.

“Are you saying I’m pretty?” I teased.

“Very much.” Her laughter spilled out, and I adored how content she seemed just being with me. I could envision a long, happy life with her. It might not be easy, but we’d face each challenge together.

“I think you’re the pretty one, not me.”

“You’re sweet, Odik. I was frightened about what I’d face when I left the fortress, but what I’ve found with you is much more than I could’ve ever have imagined.”

“I don’t imagine you thought you’d find anything good with the orcs.”

“We’re mistaken. I’ll tell them if I ever return.” A shadow slipped across her face, stealing her joy. “Of course, I can never return. They think I murdered Zur. They’ll arrest me.”

“If there was a way to clear your name, I would.”

“Thank you.” She shrugged. “I hate that the few people I could call friends would believe I could do something horrible like that. They knew I loved him.” Her chin lifted. “You know what? I bet they don’t believe I did it, and I hope they speak up and say so.”

---