Page 68 of Orc's Claim
“Remove the sacks,” I order pointing to my gorja. “I’m returning to Pen’Kesh.”
“You cannot disobey our grak again.” Though young, Sojek is no fool. He likely witnessed what happened in Pen’Kesh, enough to know the trouble I’m in.
I push past him and one-by-one cut the straps securing the sacks until nothing burdens my gorja. “I’m wasting my time talking to you.”
“Why? Because I’m not a warrior?”
The challenge in his voice is raw, but very orc. This is not the time to teach him a lesson that he will remember long after the bruises I leave him heal.
“I’m fighting for my female, Sojek.” I don’t know why I confess that to him, but I won’t hide my love for Lily any longer.
Sojek tilts his head as if unsure if he heard me correctly. “You truly want the human?”
“Yes.” I sheathe my knife and glance at the young male. “And like a fool, I never told her.”
“To risk our grak’s wrath… for a human…” His ridges rise high in surprise, perhaps disgust.
“She’s my female. I must fight for her because I am nothing without her.”
A slight nod, as if he understands or at least respects my words. “If you disobey our grak again, he’ll kill you.”
“Not if he doesn’t find me.”
“Don’t disobey him, Warrior,” a clear and stern warning.
I’ve never seen the young male speak back to a warrior. He’s being brave and foolish and yet wise, too. Perhaps he has what it takes to be a warrior after all. Not that our grak will ever see the worth in him.
Sojek steps between me and my gorja. I could cut him with one swing from my sword.
Instead, I grab a fistful of his tunic and shove him aside. “I’m going back for her. And the next time you stand in my way, you won’t have legs to stand on.” I grab the nape of my gorja and hoist myself up.
Sojek pulls a knife from his hip. He knows how to use it, but still, he’s no match for a warrior, especially one sitting atop a gorja.
He’s stalling, I realize. Why?
“Ryko!” comes a sweet voice I know so well and never thought I’d hear again.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
RYKO
Itwist around to find my sweet Lily emerging through the bushes. I slide off my gorja and run to her. Relief, happiness, and utter amazement spread through me as I pick her up and spin her around.
“I thought I’d never see you again,” she cries out as she clutches me as if she’s holding onto a branch, hanging over a cliff, terrified of falling.
I’ve been walking the edge of that same cliff. She’s pulled me back, to the firm, fertile ground.
“All is perfect when you are in my arms,” I whisper in her ear.
When her grip on me eases, her face parts from mine and her expression shifts from sheer joy to concern. “You look tired. Put me down. You need to rest.”
“I’ll never be too tired to hold you. And you are as light as a newborn youngling. I will pick you up whenever I choose, female.”
Her smile… vekk, how the joy there lifts my spirit.
She’s just so perfect. And seeing her here, alive and well, fills my soul with new energy. I spin her around again until she giggles.
“I’m getting dizzy!” she squeaks, while her smile grows.
