Page 36 of Orc's Promise
I’m not sure what to say to that, except that no matter the situation in New Earth, I have to return. Ethan’s there. I’ll gladly risk myself if it means giving him a better life.
“You are more than needed here, Tansey,” Verig continues as he holds my face with both hands. “I want you here. I’ve never asked anyone to perform the risha with me. Not even Haaka. We were matched by our parents. An agreement made when we were young. When we mated and had a youngling, risha became optional. Haaka did not see the necessity, and I never insisted because the ritual didn’t hold much meaning to me then. But now that Orcos is lost to us…” He falls silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. “Risha would forever bind us.”
“And you want to perform this risha with me? To marry me?”
“Yes.”
It doesn’t surprise me. It’s why I’m here, why all the women are. Still, hearing him say he’s never performed this ceremony with another, never cared to, does something to my heart, but I can’t allow it. I can’t make a life here. Not without Ethan.
I place my splayed hands on his magnificent chest and caress him as I think about everything that’s happened since I arrived. My views toward the orcs are shifting, mostly because of Verig, but that doesn’t change my goal.
“You don’t know me, Verig,” I say as gently as I can to let him down. “And you’re pushing me to do something I can’t even think about right now.”
“I will protect you from all others. Give you all that you need. I would never sell you as your people would.”
He has a point. A really good one.
“All that is mine would be yours.”
I look around the sparse chambers. A bed, furs, a chest of clothes, and weapons hanging on the wall. And the knife I tied tomy side. The one he gave me. To protect myself when he’s not around to protect me.
“I will demand no less of you than you demand of me,” he adds, as if we’re in a bargaining session. Like the head of the prison yard citing the extra benefits if I accept her deal. Protection from the male guards. Protection from the rival gang. Access to a lawyer, a real one, not the one appointed by the state. All great incentives, but there’s always a price.
“What precisely does that mean?” I ask Verig, though I shouldn’t be encouraging him. But I’m curious. He’s essentially laying out a proposal. Not the romantic kind, but I’ve had that. It did not end well.
“It means if I demand sex of you, you may demand it of me. If I demand you kill a potha and prepare the meat, you may demand the same of me.”
Well, that’s very…romantic? Hell, I don’t know why we’re having this conversation. How did we even get to this point? I wanted to get off a cold floor last night, and now we’re talking marriage.
“I don’t like when anyone makes demands of me. I’m no one’s slave.”
He tilts his head. I have to admit he’s adorable and handsome when he’s confused and trying really hard to understand me. Ah, fuck, there I go again, letting the male’s good looks and charm sway me. Talking with Verig confuses me. More than sleeping with him.
“Ethan more than wants me, Verig. Heneedsme. I’m his mother.”
I see that sadness return to his eyes. I don’t understand it, but I’m hoping it means he’s considering letting me go. Not that I’m entirely sure I want to go. If it weren’t for Ethan, I could see staying here with Verig.
When I arrived here three weeks ago, the orcs were the monsters. Nothing had been clearer in my mind. Now, I’mstarting to understand them and to see my own people through the eyes of another.
I’ve heard too much, seen too much back at New Earth, and from Paloma, to ignore what the orcs say about them. All of it makes me wonder if Ethan and I will ever be truly safe there. But there’s no place for Ethan here among the orcs. Especially with a male who doesn’t want a kid.
And if I break off from Verig, I’ll be as vulnerable as ever. His knife, while it’s a nice gesture, won’t stop an orc like Baloq.
So much to think about, and Verig’s patiently waiting for me. He’s second in command here and cannot ignore his responsibilities. And yet he’s not forcing me to come with him.
I take Verig’s hand in mine, a move that causes the ridges on his forehead to rise and the corners of his mouth to lift in a sexy grin.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, orc. I’m not staying here. Not for long. Nothing and no one will keep me from my son.”
“You are a fighter, Tansey. But so am I.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
VERIG
Our grak and graka stand before our people, all except those on patrol. As neld, I will repeat his words to them later as well as to our people in our other settlements. From the stiffness of his jaw and the coal black color of his normally green eyes, I know he’s upset. Narzik the Cruel’s level of anger. Though comparing Atox to his sire, our former grak, is unfair. Atox is not as quick to anger, or as cruel in his actions, certainly not against his own people.
“Why doesn’t Paloma sit?” Tansey asks at my side. “She looks drained.”
