Page 6 of Orc's Mate

“Dare me, beast,” he growled. “And face my wrath.”

The creature leaped at the same time as the orc, and they crashed together. The orc’s staff fell to the forest floor, and dressed only in a leather loincloth, he grappled with the ashenclaw. The beast’s claws raked the orc’s chest, but he didn’t cry out. His thick arms bulged, and lines tightened on his face as he encircled the ashenclaw’s throat.

Its teeth raked down the orc’s face, but he never released his grip. He held on while the beast pummeled the orc’s head, not releasing the creature until the light faded from its eyes and its body slumped.

The orc tossed the beast aside and whirled to face me, his thick green blood flowing freely from the wounds on his face, neck, and chest.

He stepped toward me, his hand stretched out like a plea, but toppled to the ground before he reached me.

Chapter4

Odik

Iwoke with a dull ache in my right temple, lying on the ground with my head resting on something soft. The full moon shone down on us, and the scent of earth and night-blooming blossoms filled the air. Opening my eyes, I found myself staring up into the woman’s worried face. Her fingers gently traced across my brow, soothing my throbbing headache. A glance down told me she’d tended my wounds, somehow wrapping my chest with strips of fabric from the hem of her dress.

She was so tiny compared to me; I doubted the top of her head would reach my mid-chest. It must’ve been a challenge to shift me around to bandage my wounds.

“Are you alright?” she asked in the universal language. A hint of fear flitted through her rich brown eyes. Did she think I’d harm her?

Possibly. They treated us with respect tainted with derision, and I’d heard they built huge, false stories about us and the hunt.

To think she hadn’t fled after I defeated the ashenclaws. I admired her for remaining here to tend to me. And from my staff clutched in her hand, she’d also stayed here todefendme.

It was humbling to think this little human would do such a thing for me.

“I’m fine.” My voice was gruff from the encounter with the ashenclaws and the awe I felt for my clan-chosen mate. “Thank you.”

She tucked a strand of fiery red hair behind her ear, her eyes flickering with fear and determination.

“You're welcome. I’m Eleri,” she whispered, barely audible.

“Odik.”

She repeated my name and the sound of it on her lips made my body surge to life. I couldn't help but be drawn to her. I was captivated by her petite frame, her lush curves, and her courage.

My head pounded where the ashenclaw had hit me, but I couldn’t continue lying on the warmth of her lap. Reluctantly, I rose to my feet and took my staff from her tight grip.

“I claim you in the name of the Zephyr Clan.” I said solemnly. “You’re mine, and nothing will ever part us.”

A shiver tracked through her, but again, she didn’t run. She rose to her feet and pressed her back against a tree.

The human women orcs claimed in prior hunts said they were told we’d drag them to the ground and immediately rut with them. Claim them in the most brutal way possible. That we were basically animals.

Had the villagers finally told the women that instead, we cherished them, treasured them? We loved them, and they soon felt the same, willingly bearing our orclings. Happily remaining by our sides.

I held my hand out to her. “Will you come with me to my home built on an island far out to sea?” I didn’t share that as the clan caedos’s mate, she’d be honored and respected. Better she sees this for herself. Then she’d believe.

She swallowed hard and pinched her hand against her side. “I don’t . . . “Her gaze darted toward the direction she’d come from, and the fear grew in her eyes.

I reeled around but found nothing there.

“We need to leave this place before shaydes are drawn to the carcasses,” I said. “They hunt at night, and the smell of blood fills the air.”

“Where will you take me?” A quaver came through in her voice, and the sound wrenched through me. It was common for fated mates such as us to fall for each other quickly. Already, I felt drawn to her like no other.

“To Zephyr Clan territory. I promise you,” I pressed my fist against my chest. “I will not harm you or touch you with anything but respect. Plus, I will only take things farther when you know me better.” My heart beat faster than it should because I alreadycravedher.

She placed her hand in mine, and my soul wrenched sideways. I felt as if the ground shifted beneath us, like the stars in the heavens split wide open and rained light down upon us.

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