Page 21 of Orc's Claim
A hand grazes my left arm, startling me. Before I can scream, a set of lips I know so well cover mine. My tongue dips and dances with Ryko’s as I melt into his embrace.
When he ends the kiss, I lightly swat his chest. “You have to stop sneaking up on me like that.”
“Pay attention to your surroundings more, female. I approached from your front, and yet you still did not see me.”
“I was daydreaming.”
“What is that?”
“Letting my mind wander.”
He grunts. “That will get you killed. Unless you are with me. I will protect you. Always.”
A smile fills my face. He’s possessive and protective and the more I get to know him, the more I long to be with him. But each stolen moment together brings greater risk, to both of us which is why he takes my hand and leads me deeper into the woods.
From the moment I landed on Kovos three years ago, I was told over and over how orcs are monsters who will assault and kill us. That their only purpose in the universe is to terrorize.
All those weapons strapped to Ryko’s torso make him appear scary, but I think that’s by design. After all, who would be stupid enough to provoke a brawny male loaded with a broadsword and a half-dozen knives? Only a fool.
Orcs aren't uncivilized. They’re intelligent, strategic, and have different customs. They’re not even that different from us physically.
I barely notice Ryko’s tusks anymore, except when he grazesthem across my skin to tease me. There’s so much more to him than those tree-trunk-sized thighs and sculpted abs which make my mouth water. I want to lick him everywhere, but I enjoy simply talking with him too, learning about him and his people.
“I need to get back soon. Owen’s getting suspicious.”
“Don’t you trust me, female?” Ryko asks as we continue climbing the trail, going farther from Pen’Kesh.
“I do.” I bite my lip. It’s Owen I don’t trust.
Ryko stops and runs a finger along my lower lip. “Stop this. You will damage your lip.”
“I’m nervous.”
“And biting your lip calms you?”
“A little.”
“Then I will bite your lip for you.” He runs a tusk over my bottom lip, which is nothing like biting, and feels sooo good.
My nervousness disappears, replaced by a thrumming throughout my body. I need more from this man. We’ve been kissing and touching for weeks, and yet he hasn’t made a move on me since that first day.
“There. All is well again,” he announces since I’ve stopped biting my lip.
Now, I’m thinking about where else I can bite that will cause him to run that tusk over me… maybe with a nip or two.
“Damn it,” I say as a pebble sneaks into my sandal. I tap my foot against the ground, trying to knock it out. I should have worn my boots today, but I didn’t think we’d be trekking through the woods. We always meet at the river, where the vegetation and soil have been ground into a relatively smooth path.
“How much farther?” I ask.
“Not far. Shall I carry you?”
“Women my size don’t get carried long distances.” With a finger, I scoop the pebble out. “I’m good now.” The ridges on his forehead bunch. “What’s wrong?”
Ryko growls. “You doubt my strength.”
“I know you can pick me up. But that’s not the same as carrying me.”
“A male will carry his mate whenever needed, or when she wishes it.”
