Page 136 of Valpar

I placed my hand over her heart. I could not tell if she was in destress, I only felt her heart beating slowly. I pressed my forehead to hers and let out a slow calming breath.

“Come,” Osirus approached me. “We will take her back to the palace. Make her comfortable until she wakes. Humans take time to have magic recede from their bodies.”

I listened to everyone shuffling around me, the guards and her parents. All these people cared about her, and I had done what my miresa had asked over the weeks, but I could not take it any longer. I had stayed away from my—our home for a long time. I had shown patience, more patience than any other orc would have.

“No,” I gritted my teeth. “No, we will not be returning to your palace.”

I raised my head, and they all stared at me in shock.

“My miresa, my mate, is under my protection. I will no longer entertain anyone else’s desires for my female. Ever since I arrived here, I have obeyed my mate’s every wish. She made me promise that she could see her parents before I took her to our home. I have fulfilled my promise. She needs rest, she needs me, and I will give her peace within our home.”

Theresa’s mouth opened and closed.

I turned before anyone could say a word. My back was straight and there was determination in my step. I was done dealing with everyone else’s desires, the only one that matters was my female. It was my turn to take care of her.

They may be her family, but I was her forever. Her male, her future, her protector.

I nuzzled my face into her long, raven-dark hair again. She was beautiful even with her dark locks. They matched my own and Ihoped she would not be too sad when she woke to find them not the swirling bright pink she used to love so much.

All I knew was that I would hold her until she woke. I would be by her side and face any fears she may have. Even if it killed me that she might be afraid of me, afraid of our new home that I had whisked her away to, without her consent first.

Chapter Forty-Four

Valpar

I stared down atthe crate of supplies on the border of my territory. It had been four days since I arrived home, and this was the third crate left at the boundary. My nose scrunched in distaste as I stared at it. It was filled with fruit, fabric, dresses, pillows and other brightly colored items my miresa would like.

I ground my teeth.

I took care of my female now. I did not need any of their help. I did not need any of them to take care of her. I wanted her to myself.

However, there was a voice in the back of my head telling me that I must accept it. Each day I had denied these crates, but today I felt I should accept it. I was making the cabin a home for my female and each day was one day closer to when she would wake and, perhaps, I should have some things she might find…pretty.

I rummaged around the crate and found a small box of tea that prevented orclings. Instead of boiling and drinking it I took a small packet and ate it.

Orcs don’t drink tea.

My miresa had squirmed in the sash I created to carry her with me. Her tiny moans had gone straight to my shaft, and it was all I could do to hold in my excitement for when she woke.

She had been in an unbreakable slumber for four long days. I tended to her every need, bathing her delicate body and coaxing water past her parched lips, all in the hopes that she would awaken soon.

She was close, I could feel it.

“Fine,” I muttered. I knew they were out there, hidden amongst the trees. They wouldn’t leave their daughter or their niece alone unless they knew she was awake.

She was mine; they couldn’t have her.

They had given me space to process and to calm myself when I was in a foul mood. I was an orc. This was on my territory and if they crossed the line, I would not hesitate to beat them, her family or not. I had been far too forgiving since meeting my miresa.

No more.

I picked up the crate and made sure not to jostle the precious cargo that was strapped around my body. She nuzzled into my chest and her hand gripped my hair tightly.

I prayed to the Goddess that today was the day. It had to be.

With the crate in hand, I turned on my heel and headed back to the cabin.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the sweet fragrance of the forest. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting the sprinkling of shade on the forest floor. The gentle rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds created nature’s own soothing music. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, providing relief as I navigated through the forest, carrying the extra weight.

---