Page 2 of Last Shot at Love

Axel’s eyebrow arched, a silent, skeptical question in his gaze. He crossed his arms, muscles bulging under his work-worn shirt. “And you’re okay with that? With not knowing what species Kael is?”

I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “That’s part of the fun, Axel. I can’t know everything going into this, or it would ruin the experience. Besides,” I added with a growing smile, “if it’s fated, then it’s meant to be.”

He let out a low grunt. “But how do you know this company is right?” he pressed, his protective brotherly instincts flaring as he stepped closer. “How can you be sure they’re not just making this up? Pairing you with someone you’re not actually compatible with?”

I met his gaze, my own filled with a confidence I was only beginning to feel. “Because there are too many success stories, too many testimonials from happy couples who were once skeptics like you,” I said, my voice firm. “They doubted the process, yet it worked for them.”

Axel sighed, the sound conveying a resignation that only a caring brother could have. The tension in his body eased slightly as he combed his fingers through his thick hair. “I guess this means you’ll be gone for a few weeks… maybe even a month.”

The reality of his words settled over me like the dense humidity in the air. Leaving the mountains, my home, for the exotic resort to meet my fated mate—the thought was both thrilling and terrifying.

“Yeah,” I admitted softly. “But I have to meet him. I have to find out if this is real.”

Axel studied me for a long moment, his gaze searching my face as if looking for assurance in my decision. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Just... be careful, Grishka. This world... it’s not always welcoming to our kind, especially since we’re known for being more isolated than other paranormal species. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

I reached out, squeezing his shoulder. “I will. And who knows?” I said with a wry grin. “Maybe Kael will be more than capable to handle a mountain-raised orc warrior like me.”

Axel’s chuckle rumbled through the air, and he shook his head. “For his sake, I hope he is.”

The playful chaos erupted without warning, as a band of children wielding wooden swords and shields, their laughter as loud and carefree as the river beside our plantation, charged through the work area. The sight was a blend of orcish robustness and the delicate features of humans and other paranormal species, from the smallest toddler gripping a toy ax to the pre-teens with their cloth-wrapped arrows. They were the embodiment of wild, youthful abandon.

I leaned on my axe, a smile spreading across my sweat-glistened face as I watched them. Love for my nieces and nephews swelled in my chest, a warm, comforting presence—but I had no envy for my brother’s prolific family life.

They were far too much for me. I loved my nieces and nephews, but I’d let Axel spread his seed upon the world. He and his orc bride... they were like bunhuns, always ensuring she was round and happy. Something I was fine with going without.

I cherished my freedom too dearly, and seeing Axel’s brood only affirmed my choice.

“Hey! Away from the machinery! To the nursery rows with you lot!” Axel’s commanding voice boomed over the children’s ruckus and the noises from the plantation, a mix of affection and authority.

My eldest niece, Visara, a spitfire image of her father, huffed at the command. “But the nursery’s not fun, Dad!” she protested, rolling her eyes with the dramatic flair only a young orcish girl could muster.

Axel shot back, “Bored of babysitting, are you? Want to work here instead? Pick up a real ax and contribute like an adult.”

She stomped her foot in protest. “That’s not fair!”

“That’s life, Visara,” Axel retorted with a shrug. “Fair doesn’t always come into it. Everyone in the clan has their part to do.”

Zangerth, Axel’s responsible eldest son, intervened, stepping beside his sister. “C’mon, Visara,” he urged gently, placing a light hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

She shrugged it off, her pride wounded, and stormed off towards the nursery, her body language screaming teenage indignation.

“I’m sorry, Dad. We’ll keep out of the way from now on,” Zangerth promised, his apology sincere.

Axel nodded, the sternness melting into a father’s love. “Thank you, Son. I love you.”

We watched them race each other back to the nursery, their energy undimmed by the scolding. Axel shook his head, a weary sigh escaping him. “My wife keeps saying this is how all teenage daughters act. She’s going to give me gray hair.”

I laughed, the sound rich and hearty. “She’s only the first of your dozen,” I teased. “You’ll be bald by the time the youngest is her age!”

He shot me a glare. “Eat your words, Grishka. Just wait until you have your own.”

I clapped him on the shoulder, shaking my head. “You have enough children for the both of us, Brother. I’d rather keep my freedom and be the cool aunt.”

Axel’s expression shifted, his lips pinched in a line of contemplation. “Things might change once you meet this Kael.”

I shook my head. “I highly doubt it,” I replied, confidence threading my tone. “I made my preferences clear in the survey, but I’ll make sure to mention it again when the moment is right.”

His gaze didn’t waver. “When are you leaving?”

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