Page 10 of Last Shot at Love

Returning to her, following the LED candle-lit path, I found her gazing out at the vast expanse of water. She was bathed in moonlight, looking so magnificent that it seemed as if the moon goddess herself was presenting her to me. The primal part of me yearned to mark her as mine, to hear her moan my name in the throes of passion, surged within me.

“I’ve never seen so much water in my life,” she confessed, a soft wonder tinging her voice.

Sitting beside her, I wrapped my arm around her, comforted by her presence. “We could move to the beach if you want,” I offered, half-serious.

She shook her head. “As pretty as it is, it’s dangerous, unruly, unkind. I’d rather stay in the safety of my mountains than have danger in my backyard.”

Her words piqued my curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“The large bodies of water are dangerous to my kind, particularly the muscular orcs who could easily succumb to its depths,” she explained, with a harrowing look in her eyes. “Last summer, an orc teenager nearly drowned. He didn’t heed the warnings about the deep water and tried to keep up with his wolven friends. If it hadn’t been for them, he wouldn’t have survived.”

A frown creased my brow, saddened by her story. “I didn’t know that.”

“It’s all right.” Grishka shrugged. “Not everyone wants to talk about their species’ weaknesses. We have enough orcs in our clan who are built sleeker than muscular, who serve as log drivers.”

There was both pride and a hint of sadness in her voice as she spoke of her work and her people, yet there was an undercurrent of melancholy that didn’t escape me.

“You really love your job, and the people there, don’t you?” I asked, moved by her affection for her home.

“I do.” She nodded, a soft smile on her lips. “Life is simpler there, but we don’t go without. We’ve got electric charging stations, strong Wi-Fi, and other modern conveniences. The lumber plantation may be noisy, but we operate only on weekdays to ensure peace and rest for our workers. It’s a dangerous job, but we do our best to keep everyone safe.”

Her words painted a vivid picture of her life, one that I found increasingly appealing. “Do you truly believe there’s a place for me there? As a chef?”

Grishka’s eyes lit up. “Emerald Spring is growing. More people are seeking a quieter, simpler life. I know my clan would love your cooking. A small restaurant, even with limited hours, would be a great addition.”

The thought of opening a restaurant was daunting, and I couldn’t keep the laughter from my voice. “That would be a lot of work to do on my own.”

She considered for a moment before offering an alternative. “Or you could be a one-man food truck, serving meals to the lumber plantation workers.”

The idea sparked a flame of excitement within me. “That sounds perfect,” I said, the possibilities unfurling in my mind like a rising dough, filling my mind with the wonders of a new beginning.

This could be a new opportunity for me to do what I love—and a chance to weave my life with Grishka’s, to become a part of her world as much as she had become a part of mine.

Grishka’s surprise was evident as she looked at me, her eyes wide. “You really like the idea?”

“Of course,” I said, feeling a spark of enthusiasm for the future. “I’ve got enough saved to put a down payment on a food truck and equip it with everything I need. It’ll take some time to get the licenses and perfect the recipes, but it’s a start.”

She nodded. “It’ll be fine,” she replied, her words soothing. “We have time, and I understand it’ll take a while for you to settle in. You’d be uprooting your life to be with me. That’s a big sacrifice.”

I closed the distance between us, my nose brushing her neck, taking in her earthy, enticing scent that was already becoming my favorite fragrance. My tail wound around her back in a gentle embrace as I took her hand in mine. “There are no sacrifices when it comes to being with my fated mate,” I whispered, my voice low and earnest, feeling her warmth against me.

Grishka inhaled sharply, her body leaning into mine. “I’ve been yearning for this,” she confessed, her voice thick with emotion. “To be desired, all my life.”

“It’s too soon for love, but I’m already enjoying the fall...” I confessed, holding her gaze. “Being fated means the moon goddess has given us a connection. You’re perfect for me, and I want to show you just how much.”

She sighed; the sound was tantalizingly close to a moan. “How?” she breathed out, her eyes searching mine.

My heart raced with desire, a craving to show her all that I was capable of. “Now that we’ve had dinner, I’m ready for dessert,” I said, with a playful yet suggestive tone. “I want to give you a taste... a sample of my resume.”

Her eyes sparkled, a challenge and an invitation all in one. “Then show me,” Grishka dared. “I want to see what skills you have.”

As I rolled Grishka onto her back, she caught her breath sharply, her strong hands cradling my head, guiding me as my lips found the tender skin of her neck. I kissed her there, feeling the pulse of her heartbeat against my mouth. The taste of her skin was intoxicating, a flavor of desire that I knew I’d never get enough of.

My lips traveled from her neck down to her chest, tracing the contours of her luscious body, marveling at the strength of her muscles flexing beneath my touch. Her skin was warm, a canvas of smooth emerald that begged to be adored.

Every caress of my lips was a silent vow of my affection and desire.

Reaching her legs, I continued my journey downward, worshiping every inch of her with my kisses. I unbuckled her sandals with quick, deft movements, tossing them aside without breaking the rhythm of my affections. My lips traced a path up along her other leg, savoring the sensation of her flesh warming under my mouth, until I reached the hem of her leather skirt.

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