Page 32 of Running from the Orc
Varkaan’s lips slowly curled. “My wee firebrand.”
“I want to be a part of your village,” I told him somberly, truthfully. “I want to be part of your life and the Bladesedge Clan. Sorcha will be the Chieftess, and I want to be the wife of the clan’s hunter.”
He lowered his lips to brush against my forehead. “Wife. Husband. These are human words.”
“I know.” Ididknow. “Here, I will be your Mate. And you will be mine?”
His hands moved to cup my head, and he lifted me toward him. “I’ll never give ye cause to doubt that. My Mate. Myforever,” he vowed, as his lips claimed mine.
Rejoicing, I curled myself around him and returned the kiss.
Forever.
Epilogue
Varkaan
My steps sped as I approached my cottage, not at all impeded by the falling snow. For one thing, Drakolt had done a fine job arranging the village lads to keep the snow piled against the buildings—insulation as well as keeping the paths clear—and for another…
My Mate awaited me.
This winter was a harsh one, but the stores of meat I’d collected in the autumn were holding out. Roxanna had even hunted with me a few times before the frost, and while she was never going to be as quiet as one who’d grown up hunting, her presence—her scent, her smile—centered me.
It had been difficult, leaving her behind on this journey. She’d argued that since I was visiting the human world, she should go with me.
I’d argued that the blizzard the elders were calling for made it more dangerous for her to be with me.
She’d argued that a blizzard was equally dangerous for me.
I’d had to hide my smile at that reasonable response, and gently reminded her that although I would be trading the Tarberts carded wool for horses, her father had little praise for our new life together, and had thrown a wine goblet at her the last time we’d visited him.
No male—nobeing—would threaten my Mate that way.
Roxanna had merely laughed and waved dismissively before climbing into my lap. My Mate always knew how to diffuse my irritation.
“Father was disappointed we had not crossed through the stones with Sorcha and Drakolt that first full moon after the attack. And he was throwing the wine atyou, my love.”
Since she’d been nuzzling my neck at the time, I’d dropped the argument, but vowed to keep close to her the next time we visited her home.
Now I was returning with news that her father had welcomed me—and the goods I had brought—as avalued son-in-law, which meant that once again, my Mate had been correct. She would surely crow.
And on the way back from the stones, I’d brought down twobkarn, enough to supply the village during tomorrow’s midwinter feast without having to use our salted meat. I’d already dropped the carcasses with Gelma who would arrange their preparation, and now I was free to return to my home.
And Roxanna.
Smoke was pouring from the chimney as I approached, and my steps slowed. Why would she be burning enough fuel to put out that much smoke? Was Sorcha visiting? Nay, now that our chiefess was growing round with her kit, Roxanna’s sister tended to be warm.
Unless my Mate had a reason she needed to be warmed? As in…she’d removed her clothing?
The thought of her naked had me breaking into a run, and I burst through the door to find my prayers were answered.
“Gods below,” I breathed, taking in the sight before me.
“Shut the door,” Roxanna called, smirking at my gaping.
Dimly, I reached behind me and kicked the portal closed, trapping the heat inside our home once more.
“What is this?” I murmured, stepping toward the strip of treated leather where I left my snow-covered boots without taking my eyes from the feast before me. “A midwinter celebration?”
