Page 28 of Bred By the Orc
Wrapped only in a tartan.
Feeling the panic beginning to rise again, I caught Roxanna’s eye. “You promised not to watch, aye?”
My sister grimaced as Gelma led me from the cottage. “I swear. I love you, Sorcha! You can do this, sister!”
Her call filled me with warmth.
I could do this. Iwoulddo this, because I trusted Drakolt.
Gelma led me through the crowds, which parted to let me pass. There were orcs of all ages—some dressed as simple crofters, some inmore elaborate clothing, some with children on their shoulders, and all holding mugs of ale or food.
‘Twas a celebration, and the noise proved it.
However, as Gelma and I passed, conversations and music stopped, so silence spread from our path as the members of Clan Bladesedge turned to us. Everywhere I looked there was the blue and green plaid, with smiling faces and excited nods.
They want this. This is not unusual to them. This is a time for celebration.
I lifted my chin and tried to remember that.
Gelma led me to the center of the square where a dais had been erected. On the dais was what I assumed was a hay bale, judging from the shape, covered in layers of comfortable plaid. Was this where the act was to take place? I felt my heart speeding.
The old woman lifted her hands and began to speak, but I confess my pulse was pounding too loudly in my ears to pay attention. Something about welcoming me.
Then, without warning, she turned and yanked the tartan from around my shoulders.
And there I stood, naked as the day I was born, with a hundred sets of eyes on me.
My first instinct was to shy away, to cover myself and to blush.
But I was to be their leader. They believed this was normal andrightand I couldn’t prove I could lead them if I honored their traditions by allowing myself to be embarrassed.
So, despite the horrible pounding in my chest and my rapid breathing, I lifted my chin and kept my hands loose at my side.
“Fine work, lassie,” Gelma muttered approvingly. “They love ye already.”
Their love wasn’t what I needed right now.
Suddenly, the crowd parted again, and I sucked in a breath.
Walking—nay,stalkingtoward me—was Drakolt. My orc. My husband? My love. He was wrapped in a plaid, but his knees and feet were bare. He didn’t seem to mind.
And his gaze was locked on me.
His eyes…all trace of darkness was gone. Instead, they blazed with a green light that caused his people to murmur approvingly and smile indulgently.The Mating thrall.
I felt my breathing growing shallower for an entirely different reason. Now, I watched this male, this orc of mine, move toward me,and I was struck by his magnificence. His grace, his strength, his power.
He wasmine.
And here, in front of our people, he was going to prove that.
I felt my core warming in anticipation.
At the base of the dais, Drakolt paused, his head tipped back to stare up at me. In one flourishing movement, he ripped open his arms to spread the plaid wide, displaying the front of his naked body not just to my eyes, but to the eyes of his clan.
Our people began to cheer.
But I only had eyes for my Mate.
