Page 55 of Orc's Possession
“Yes, Grak.”
I swear I hear him chuckle as I drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
PALOMA
After my encounter with the racanna, I spent three days in bed, sleeping. I’d never been so exhausted in my life, which makes me wonder if someone drugged my food or water to make me sleep. Atox certainly would if he believed it was necessary.
There’s so much I don’t understand about the male, like why he hasn’t made any moves on me these last few days. We’ve been sleeping naked, usually with my back to his chest.
I must admit, I’ve never slept so well as in Atox’s arms. I appreciate his warmth and the way he holds me close, as if I matter. But he hasn’t tried touching me sexually. That baffles me. If it weren’t for his hard cock pressing against my ass cheeks every night, I’d think he changed his mind and no longer wants me.
And that… scares me.
Atox has changed since the racanna attack. He’s more patient with me, more forgiving. He’s no longer pressuring me to sleep with him.
I’ve been thinking of leaving here less and less, and I knowwhy. I’d miss Atox. For as growly, demanding, arrogant, and outright infuriating as he can be, he’s also fiercely loyal, protective, and is trying to be the best person he can be, as grak and as my mate.
My mate… Those are not words I’ve ever conceived of before.
Maybe he’s not the only one who has changed.
Now we’re on our way to Pen’Kesh, with Zendar as our only guard.
“Why are you taking me to Pen’Kesh?” I ask as I readjust how I’m sitting atop Atox’s gorja. We’ve only been riding for an hour and yet I can’t sit still.
“Stop squirming, female.” Atox grumbles behind me.
“Sorry. I’m nervous.”
“You’ve ridden a gorja with me before.”
“I’m nervous about the market, not you.”
“I will protect you. Always.”
“How long is always?”
“Always is forever.”
I muster my courage to finally ask what I really want to know. “Are you taking me to Pen’Kesh to get rid of me?”
He doesn’t answer. What if he’s decided to trade me to the bantarans, vints, or moxxels? I’ve been sold once, so the possibility is now very real. But I don’t think he is angry with me and I can’t envision Atox selling me even if he were.
It’s possible I pushed him too much, and he’s tired of me.
Or he realizes I’m weak compared to orcs.
I hate being in the dark. Literally and figuratively.
“I’m good with secrets. You can tell me,” I add.
“It is not a secret. Zendar knows.”
Zendar. Our one and only escort. The male I followed out of the tunnels and the same male Atox attacked moments later. One escort, and no cart. That means we’re not picking up supplies. Maybe dropping off supplies. Me.
“Who would I possibly tell your secret to at Pen’Kesh? Icertainly can’t trust the people who sold me to you. And I don’t have any friends or allies among the bantarans, vints, or moxxels.”
