Page 7 of Marked By the Broken Orc
This is uncharted territory for me.
I need a strategy. A plan of attack that doesn’t make me look desperate or crazy.
After a quick shower and the application of my morning skincare routine, I position myself by the front window with another cup of coffee. It’s early and I’ve had basically no sleep, but I’m strangely energized with the realization I might’ve metthe man of my dreams. Plus, I have a feeling Kavin is the type who shows up early for everything and I must see him again before he leaves for his first day of work.
Sure enough, at seven-thirty, his door opens.
I peek through the blinds and nearly drop my coffee.
Holy hell. Kavin Irontree is a sight to behold. The dark uniform stretches across his massive frame, emphasizing every muscle. The badge on his chest catches the morning light. His dark hair is cut short and perfectly styled, his jaw clean-shaven around those intimidating tusks.
He looks like every fantasy I never knew I had.
I watch him move to his truck with that confident stride, and that perfect ass. My heart goes pitter-patter in my chest. This is the guy who got my job, and instead of being angry, all I want to do is climb him like a tree. His competence is hot as hell.
What is wrong with me?
Kavin’s black truck pulls away, and I’m left standing at my window like a creepy stalker.
I needto get out of this apartment. Normally I’d go for a run in the morning, but today seems like a good day for a break because I don’t feel my best after all that drinking last night. And since it’s my day off, I decide to take care of some errands.
A few hours later, after I’ve finished shopping and gotten some gas, I decide it’s time for lunch. My favorite sandwich place is a little deli about ten minutes away. They make the best turkey club with bacon and avocado in Spokane, and I could use some comfort food. I park and then walk toward the deli and notice the shop next door is named Heat & Ink.
My feet stop moving. Hold on, is this…?
That’s the orc tattoo shop Kavin mentioned last night and it’s open. The one owned by his best friend Talon. Well, isn’tthis convenient. I stare at the storefront for a moment, debating. Going in would be obvious, wouldn’t it? Like I’m checking up on him or something. But I’m also genuinely curious. I’ve never been in a tattoo shop before, and if Kavin does hang out here sometimes…
Before I can talk myself out of it, I push open the door and go inside. The interior is impressive with rustic wood floors and exposed brick walls covered in incredible artwork. The place has a serious, professional vibe that’s both intimidating and inviting.
And then I see them.
Three black cats sit in the middle of the hallway like sentinels, blocking my path. They’re all different sizes, one is massive, one is medium with distinctive large ears, and then one is smaller, but they’re clearly an impressive unit.
The largest cat, who seems to be the leader, takes a step forward and hisses at me.
Without thinking, I hiss back.
The cat actually backs up, ears flattening. The other two exchange glances like they can’t believe what just happened.
“Well, that’s interesting,” a deep voice rumbles from behind them.
I look up to see the largest orc I’ve ever encountered emerge from a doorway. He makes Kavin look medium-sized, which should be impossible. Tall black horns shoot up from his forehead, impressive tribal tattoos sleeve both arms, and his harsh face suggests he’s not entirely sure what to make of me. And I notice that I don’t feel even a hint of attraction towards this guy, which confirms I’m not attracted to orcs in general, but only to one specific firefighting orc.
“You just made Shadow back down,” the orc chuckles, studying me with questioning dark eyes. “That’s never happened before.”
“Shadow?”
“The big one. He hates everyone except me.” The orc crosses his arms. “I’m Talon Overtree. This is my shop.”
“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Mia Martin.” I pause and then admit, “I’m Kavin Irontree’s neighbor.”
“Kavin’s neighbor. The one who had the loud party last night?”
I bite my lip as warmth floods my cheeks. “That’s me. He already told you about that?”
“Yeah, he mentioned it this morning when we talked before he left for work.” He glances down at his cats, who are now cautiously approaching me. “I think they respect you.”
I kneel down and extend my hand to the medium-sized cat with the big ears. “I’ve always loved cats. I like playing around with them. Never been able to have my own, though.”
