Page 62 of Orc's Mate

“It’ll be worth it.”

One more turn, and we approached the smaller swimming hole I’d used a few times in the past.

“Aw, Odik,” she exclaimed when we’d climbed the rocks and stood beside it. “No need for my short dress.”

“Only if you wish.”

“I know whatI’dlike.” She sashayed up to me and teased her finger across my chest. My heart leaped up into my throat. “But what doyouwish for, my love?”

“You, my mate. Always you.”

Chapter31

Odik

FIVE WEEKS LATER

Iheld my hands over Eleri’s eyes.

“Can I see? Can I see?”

“Not yet,” I said, my grin making my face ache.

“I haven’t peeked. I promise.” Joy came through in her voice, and it made me feel amazing to know I’d put it there. “You’ve been working on the house for a while, and I want to know what you’re building.”

I’d kept it secret.

Our discovery on the beach worked so well, everyone was putting in pumps to bring fresh water to the island’s surface. I’d done the same of course, but I’d taken it even further. My mate had once expressed a wish, and I could do nothing else but fulfill her every desire.

We left the front of our house, and I guided her around to the side. I’d finish the doorway from the inside over the next few days, but my surprise would have more impact if we entered from this side.

“I’m going to fall,” she said with a laugh, stretching her legs out one at a time to feel the ground before stepping forward.

“I won’t allow that to happen.”

“You think you’ll be able to prevent it from happening?” She tripped, and I wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her snug against my chest.

At the same time, I shifted my other arm around to cover both of her eyes. “No peeking.”

“You’ve been banging and making all kinds of noise for weeks,” she huffed. “I swear, it’s making it hard for me to focus on my sewing.”

I proudly wore the pants and shirt she’d made me the first week, and she wore a lovely gown made of silky green fabric that hugged her generous curves. It was all I could do not to strip it off her the first time she modeled it for me. Maybe my upcoming surprise would help in that area.

I eased her to the right, taking the path I’d cleared to the detached building. At the door, I creaked it open and lifted her, placing her feet squarely on the newly laid wooden floorboards. Eventually, I’d build a breezeway between the two buildings, but for now, it stood alone, a testament to my dedication to my mate.

Inside, I brought her to a halt.

“Can I see?” she asked, laughter bubbling in her voice.

“You can.” I lowered my arm and moved up beside her, watching her as she took in my surprise.

“A tub. A real tub?”

I chuckled. “It’s not fake.”

“You built me a bathhouse. Odik.” She burst into tears.

I gulped and wasn’t sure what to do. She enjoyed hugs, so I tugged her into my arms and held her while she sobbed. “I thought you’d be happy about this. Instead, I’ve made you sad.”

---