Page 65 of Orc's Possession
I’m flabbergasted at how he’s changed, at how he’slisteningto me.
He lifts his chin, redirecting my attention inside the tent. Two bantarans, a male and female, scaled beings with bulging eyes and lithe bodies bow in greeting.
Shelves full of advanced technology fill the shelves lining the back of the tent. These devices are sleek, no apparent wires or power sources, and I’m guessing very expensive. The bantarans are particular about who uses their tech. Atox was spot-on when he said they have a technological advantage on Kovos.
The bantarans speak to Atox,their tongues clicking in a language that is so alien. At least Orcan uses similar sounds to English. I’ve already learned a few words thanks to Atox and Evve.
“Sit, Paloma.” Atox points to the chair in the center of the tent. A chair with straps for arms, legs, torso, and head.
The hairs on my arms stand up. The day my father sold me, he shattered my ability to trust. I no longer take a person’s word or follow instructions as easily as I used to. Except for Atox. He hasn’t broken his promise to me. Yet. I pray he doesn’t, because I really need to believe in someone.
When I look at that chair, I want to back away, but one look at Atox, his stance and the way he’s constantly surveying the area, assures me that he won’t let anything bad happen to me.
“You won’t leave me here.” My words come out more question than statement as I sit in the chair and the bantarans fasten me in. Whatever’s happening, I need to know that much.
“I will not leave you unprotected. I’ll be here when you wake.”
“What are they going to do to me, Atox?”
“Give you a language implant. The procedure holds less risk if you are asleep.”
An implant? None of the women in New Earth have an implant. They’re too costly. I lean back and lie perfectly still as the female bantaran spreads a liquid beneath my nose. My eyes close way too fast, but I remember reaching out for Atox’s hand… and him taking it.
I waketo the rocking motion of a gorja beneath me. My eyes feel too heavy to open, but the familiar scent of trees and male musk fill my lungs about the same time I register the hard muscles supporting my back.
Atox.
“Are you awake, female?” His deep voice stirs my senses more.
“Sleepy,” I mumble, not ready to wake.
“Then sleep.” His hand rests on my thigh while his thumb draws tiny circles that are quickly lulling me back to sleep. Except I don’t want to sleep. I have questions and this time atop the gorja is almost as private as our chamber in the mountain.
“Are we going home?” I’ve never referred to the orc settlement as home. I guess it’s starting to sink in that this will be my life. Mated to an orc, living in a mountain, and… Well, the rest has yet to reveal itself. I still know so little about Atox’s people and how I’ll fit in. Helping other human women accept a new future doesn’t mean the orcs will accept any of us.
After several minutes of the cool air striking my face, I can open my eyes without struggling. The scenery indicates we’re at least half way to the orc settlement. That means a few more hours on the gorja.
“Where is Zendar?” I don’t see the warrior nearby.
“He’s heading to the human colony to check in with our warriors stationed there. I wish to know about the vints’ activity along the border.” Atox falls silent for a moment, then adds, “And what the humans are doing.”
“You’re spying on them?”
“Yes.”
“That’s… smart.” Perhaps I should feel upset on behalf of my former colony, but I don’t. Given the relations between our peoples, the other species, and the knowledge that the cendagi are not merely beings who had helped the Coalition take over Earth, seeking information is smart. Atox doesn’t trust my people. I guess we’re alike in that respect.
I may never solve the puzzle of why the cendagi brought five species to Kovos, but I’m getting to know Atox more. He’s proven to be honorable, more so than anyone I’ve known. And he trusts me with the truth about what his warriors are doing on the human-vint border. Perhaps the most incredible fact of the past two weeks, Atox paid for me to have a language chip, something even the orc females don’t have.
The spot behind my right ear throbs slightly. When I reach behind to touch, Atox eases my hand away.
“Don’t touch. The implant requires twelve hours for it to take root. It’s only been seven.”
“I’ve been out for seven hours?”
“The bantaran used too much of the drug to make you sleep. He did not account for your smaller size compared to human males.”
Smaller size. I chuckle at that. Every woman loves being called smaller, especially a curvy girl like me. Atox doesn’t seem to notice the extra weight I carry on my hips, boobs, and ass. Or maybe he does and enjoys them. He accepts me for me, and that is a wonderful feeling.
