Page 93 of Orc's Possession
I blow out air, as if her statement means nothing to me, though it does. I haven’t had much love in my life, except from my mother. Loving me resulted in her death. And Ossa has always stood by me.
“Is this sister old enough to mate? I have many unmated warriors.” It would be good for my female to have some of her kin here.
Paloma blinks twice, then her smile grows wider than I’ve ever seen. “All my sisters are old enough. And Cami, I mean Camila, she’s strong, resilient.”
“Like you?”
“Better than me.”
I cannot imagine that. “Then you will speak to her. If she wishes to come with us, she can choose any warrior. I will not force one on her.”
“That, my Atox, is why you are an excellent grak.”
“The human council broke the treaty. If they won’t give the remaining four females to us, then I will gladly entice them away any way I can.”
Her smile falls as she takes in what I’ve told her. “I’m sorry your plans are ruined, Atox, but I’m not sorry this treaty has fallen through. It was a bad idea form the start, and perhaps things will work out better for our people this way. Women who come willingly will adapt better, faster. They won’t feel betrayed by their own people.”
Like my female.
“There’s a shortage of males in New Earth. Maybe I can convince other women to come here voluntarily.”
“You would do this for me? For my people?”
“You meanourpeople, don’t you? And, yes. I will do anything for you.”
“I chose well in you, Graka. You are in charge of any females who come. Teaching them how to adapt to our ways and how to please my warriors.”
“And I’ll teach your warriors how to please the women.”
I grunt. I don’t know how she plans to do that, but I trust her to get it done. And it’s a good idea to teach my warriors about human females and their ways.
“You’ve changed, Atox,” she says, leaning her head against me.
I have not changed. She still doesn’t know what I plan, and I cannot tell her. She would object to my attacking the colony that was her home. Her sister might come with us willingly, and I will give my mate a chance to convince others, too, but if we end up with even one less female than we’d been promised, I will take what is owed to us by force.
And show the humans and the rest of Kovos that orcs are not to be crossed.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
PALOMA
The next morning, I find myself alone in our furs. Atox left early. Hunting, Ossa says. I know there are a lot of mouths to feed, but something doesn’t feel right. And I don’t mean the nausea I’d been having the last few days.
Without Atox here, Sojek refuses to take me to meet Camila in Pen’Kesh, but I have her note and use the ash from the fires to write a brief reply. I wish I had a pencil or pen, but at least I can get word to Camila and she’ll know the note is from me. Sojek can memorize and deliver a verbal message, but his pronunciation of English isn’t good. This way, there’ll be no misunderstanding.
Dear Cam-Cam. All is well! Meet me in 2 weeks. Pen’Kesh. Love, P.
I have to keep it short, since writing with a stick dipped in ash is harder than it sounds. And the heart I make for the ‘o’ inlovelooks like a blob. Oh, well, she’ll figure it out that it’s my signature.Two weeks will hopefully give Atox enough time to return home and escort me. I can’t wait to see her!
A few days later,Sojek returns from Pen’Kesh with another message from Cami, saying she’s working at the produce tables for the next few weeks. That’s a relief. I haven’t missed my chance to see her.
Two days after that message, Atox finally returns with four warriors. From their expressions, I can tell their journey did not go well. I suspect he spoke with New Earth’s council again.
“Welcome home,” I say as he slides from his gorja.
Atox runs a finger down my cheek, looking at me with a lost expression I don’t understand.
I hug him tightly but he doesn’t return the hug. “I’ve missed you, Grak. Everyone has.”
