Adored by the orc: a monster fantasy romance (monster orc brides) rena marks 2024 scribd download

Adored By The Orc: A Monster Fantasy Romance (Monster Orc Brides) Rena Marks

Visit to download the full and correct content document: https://ebookmass.com/product/adored-by-the-orc-a-monster-fantasy-romance-monst er-orc-brides-rena-marks/

More products digital (pdf, epub, mobi) instant download maybe you interests ...

Orc Lord: A Post Apocalyptic Monster Fantasy Romance

Alisyn https://ebookmass.com/product/orc-lord-a-post-apocalypticmonster-fantasy-romance-alisyn/

Orc Brute: A Monster Romance Celeste King

https://ebookmass.com/product/orc-brute-a-monster-romanceceleste-king/

Orc Bought: An Orc Monster Romance (The Immortal Sorting Book 1) Alisyn Fae & Emma Alisyn

https://ebookmass.com/product/orc-bought-an-orc-monster-romancethe-immortal-sorting-book-1-alisyn-fae-emma-alisyn/

Orc's Captive: An Orc Fantasy Romance (Monster Mate Hunt Book 4) Ava Ross

https://ebookmass.com/product/orcs-captive-an-orc-fantasyromance-monster-mate-hunt-book-4-ava-ross/

The Billionaire Orc: A steamy and sweet monster romance (Motham City Monsters Book 3) Lilith Stone

https://ebookmass.com/product/the-billionaire-orc-a-steamy-andsweet-monster-romance-motham-city-monsters-book-3-lilith-stone/

On the Care and Keeping of Orcs: A Cozy, Gaslamp, Orc Monster Romance (Shades of Sanctuary Book 2) Kass O'Shire

https://ebookmass.com/product/on-the-care-and-keeping-of-orcs-acozy-gaslamp-orc-monster-romance-shades-of-sanctuary-book-2-kassoshire/

The Orc Soldier's Secret Baby Celeste King

https://ebookmass.com/product/the-orc-soldiers-secret-babyceleste-king/

Trapped: Brides of the Kindred Book 29 Faith Anderson

https://ebookmass.com/product/trapped-brides-of-the-kindredbook-29-faith-anderson/

Sworn to the Orc: Hidden Hollow Book 1 Evangeline

Anderson

https://ebookmass.com/product/sworn-to-the-orc-hidden-hollowbook-1-evangeline-anderson/

Orc Brides RENAMARKS

Monster

ADORED BYTHEORC

HE’SDETERMINEDTOkeephersafe,despitethevisionsthatsayotherwise.

Shalia: Growingup orc was perfect especiallybecause Ihave the constantattentionofBakog, the prince ofthe West MountainOrcs.Exceptforonesmallproblem.Bakogrefusestomakemehis.

Iknowhelovesme Butheseemsdeterminedtosetmeinthesamecategoryashisownlittlesister,whohappenstobemy age.

Thenonedayhekissesmeandmyworldischanged.It’llbesixweeks,butcan’twaittogethometohimtoexplorewhere we’llgofromhere

Itneverdawnsonmethatdaywillneverarrive.

BAKOG: Doingmybest at keepingher safe wasn’t good enough She’s always beenmine, but I couldn’t claimher witha prophecyloomingoverourheads.

“Mymatewouldbestolenbyothers.”Easyenoughtothwart,Isimplywon’tmakehermine.Butshestilldisappearsfrom mygrasp

AndwhenIfinallybeattheoddstofindmykidnappedlove,shenolongerremembersme.

*Trigger warnings: This book contains situations, sexual and otherwise, as well as violence and/or abuse, both real and implied, that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book.

Prologue

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen Zearn

OwnedByTheOrc SavedByTheOrc

BoughtByTheOrc MatchedToTheMonster

XenoSapiens

MaddieMine

MyAlienBaby

SpaceBabies

Abducted

AlienStolen

ArtificialIntelligence

TableofContents

Prologue

Quick Note:Thisisthefourthstoryinmyorccollection.Newslettersubscriberswillhaveaccesstoasliceoflifestoryanda prequeltotheseries

Withthat,enjoy!

PRONUNCIATIONGUIDE:

Bakog (Back-KOG)

Shalia (Shall-LIE-yuh)

Hisa (HEE-sa)

Jogug (Shuh-GUG)

Silann (SIGH-len)

Latjo (Lach-O)

Negan (NEE-gun)

SHALIA, VISITING NIECE of Rosemaryin the town of Creede:

ILOVERIDINGbehindBakog.ThesonofBrun,ourorcprince.GrandsonofBrachard,thegreatorcking.Greatestinall theland,he’stoldmeso.

I’mafoolish,foolishgirl,butit’stheonlytimeI’mallowedtopretendBakog’smine Totouchthestubbornmale,andto wrapmyarmsaroundhim,holdhimtight.

Normallywhenawomanbelongs toaman,sherides infrontofhimonthehorse Mymother rides infrontofmyfather Bakog’smotherridesinfrontofhis.Notus.No,Bakoghasalwaysputmebehindhim,asifmakingsureIknowmyplace.

Iwould thinkit’s because I’ma half-blood, like the taunts fromthose inhumantowns had reached myears whenIwas young.ButBakogishalf-bloodedtoo.Asismybestfriend,hissister,Hisa.Theonlydifferenceis: Ilookit.Itookafter my father, Latsil, withrare, lightgreenhair. And while a full-blooded orc withgreenskincancarryitoff, a half-blood? No. It doesn’twork Itclearlymarksmeasother

ImayhaverememberedthosetauntsasIgrewup,butitwasalwaysworthittovisitthetradingvillageofCreede.ThereI staywithAuntRosemary,myhumanmother’sdearfriend AndIdoallthethingshumanwomendo Isew,Iworkinherstore, I cookhumanfood and take home the recipes to tryout inthe kitchens of Solaya. Because the humans, at least the ones in Creede,aremoreacceptingofhalf-bloods.TheythinkI’moneofthem,untiltheygetcloseandseethatmylightskinistinted green.Thatthedarkerstrandsinmyhairarealsoorc-green,justtemperedwithhuman-blond.

And I get to ride to and fromwithmyarms wrapped around Bakog’s trimwaist. The onlytime he lets me clingto his ruggedbody

He’ll drop me offatAuntRosemary’s house. I’ll make dinner for her and Uncle Paul, and firstthinginthe morning, I’ll headoffwithher tothemarketplace Usedtobe,Hisawouldcome Butshe’sbeenliftingher skirtsfor Tok Hegrew intoa beastofamale,aslargeashisfather,andwasBakog’sbestfriendgrowingup,despitetheagedifference.Therearesixyears betweenthem...andelevenbetweenhimandHisa.

AfactthatBakogalwaysfrownedupon

Butlately,Hisa’s beenwearingTokdown.AndBakoghas beentoobusychasingafter metotrackthosetwo.HisaandI were bothsurprised whenBakogencouraged her to stayinSolaya this summer instead ofmakingher visitto Creede He’s overlyprotective and is wearinghimselfdowntrackingbothofus, eventhoughwe’re as safe as everyother womaninthe village I’mnotevensurewhyheincludesmeinhisumbrellaofprotection,unlessit’sbecauseI’mthefirstinfanthe’dbeen arounduntilHisawasbornafewmonthslater.

I think he’s had a talking to by Brachard, the orc king affectionately known as grandfather by most of my generation. Brachardhasawayofmakingstubbornmalesseereason

And Bakogrealizes that he canstep backand allow Tokto see that Hisa comes to no harm, while he focuses his own protectiononme

Hisabeggedmenottomakeabigdealofitbecauseshecertainlywanteditthatway.AndIdotoo,thoughI’dnevertellher ofmycrushonherbrother Ofthewaymyheartskipsabeatwhenhesmilesatme OfthewayImeltinsidewhenhe’ssweaty andshirtlessfromtraining,whichhedoeshardandoften.DoesHisanotice?Nay,she’stoofartakenwithTok. Todaythough...todayI’mbitingthebullet.OnethingGrandfathertaughtusgirlswastotakelifebytheballs.Aphraseour humanmothersfrownedat I’mnotchasingBakoganymore I’mlettingthestubbornmaleknowI’mhis Thatwhenhereturnsformetotakemebackhome,I’llride in front ofhimonTobias,hisfaithfulsteed.

Unknowingly,myarmstightenandIsnugglemycheekontohisbroad,muscledback

“Shally,”hewarns.

Iwanttogiggle,becausewhatwouldhedoifIdroppedmyhandsdowntohiscrotch?FondledhimthewayI’msureHisa toucheshisfriend?He’dbesoshockedhe’dprobablytossusbothfromTobias “Yes,orc?”Iask.“Doyouhavesomethingtosay?”Isqueezemyarmstighter. Hissighisheartfeltanddeepdown,I’mprettysureheknowswhat’scoming Shalia’scoming,forceofnature,femalewho willlovehimsohardhislovelyheadwillspin.

Andthen,tomysurprise,hedropsonehandtoclaspminetohiswaist Mybellydipslow,solow InsideImelt WhenwegettoAuntRosemary’shousewedismount,walkingoursoremusclesabitaroundtheyard. “Cominginside?”Iask.

Shealwaysleavesthekeyundertherockingchairforme

“Nay.I’llheadbacktoSolayaandarrivebeforenightfall.”

Ipursemylips “Whydon’tyourelaxforanight?Stayfordinner,youcanleavefirstthinginthemorn” “Nay,wench.It’sbestIgetbackwhilethere’sstilldaylight.”

Dammit Awholehousetoourselvesandthestubbornmalewon’tevengivemetwominutestoenticehim “Fine,”Isnap.“Icantakecareofmyself.”

WhyItossthatoutthereisbeyondme. “Shally”

Justlikethat,thebrooding,muscle-boundorcisinmyface,blockingmypath,shadowingthesun.Icansmellthesaltonhis skin,somuchgreenerthanmine Hedoesn’tlookatallhuman Notwiththetusks whichI’mmissing Hisadoesn’tlookhuman.

I’mtheonlyonethatlookshuman,andIhateit.Mymotherislovelyandmyfatherdotesonher.Buttobemixed?I’mnota lovelyhumanandI’mnotagorgeousorc.I’masortofweird,hybrid-looking,in-between.

ButwhenBakoglooksatmewiththatintensegazethatnarrowsonmelikeI’mhisentirefocus?Ican feel hissoul.AndI knowhefeelsme

“Iknowyoucantakecareofyourself.ButI need totakecareofyou.Ineedyoutobecareful.Tolistentome.”Thepainin hisvoice,thebrokenlookinhiseyes Ifindmyselfnodding

Givinginwaytoeasily.Again.

“I’llbebackinsixweekstopickyouup.Staysafeforme.” “Iwill,”Iwhisper.

And thenthe unthinkable happens. I’mstaringinto his eyes, makingpromises I know I’ll keep, makinghimhappyeven whenhedoesn’treciprocate whenhisheadblocksthesun Inthenextsecond,heleansdowntowardme,hisbighandsliding beneaththetailofmybraidtocupthebackofmyneck.Icanfeelthecallusonhisthumbrubalongmyjawandthewarmthof hissweat-slickedchest

Risinguponmytoes,Ishovemyhandsintohisthick,darkhair,expertlytwistedintoamillion-zillionbraidsjustforthis trip,makingmyselfmorelevelwithhim.

Buthedoesn’tneedheightbecausehe’sgoodwithbendingoverandlockinghislipstomine Icatchmybreath.Somanysensationsswirlingthroughmybelly.ThisisBakog,themanofmyheart,thepersonwhoI’ve followedaroundendlessly Thepersonthathasalwayscarefullykeptmeanarm’slengthaway Kissingme.

His tongue sweeps past mylips as he tastes me, duelingwithmine, his mouthclaimingme, his hand lockingmyhead, whimperingneedescapingfromme.

Witheverystrokeofhistongue,flameszestthroughmybody.

MyfirstkissiseverythingIthoughtitwouldbe andmore Becauseit’sBakog Bakog,theloveofmylife,thekeeperof myheart.It’shotandsweetandall-consuming.

Andthen,I’mdazedashegentlypushesmeaway

“I’llbebackinsixweeks.Don’tleavethetownwithoutme,becareful,staysafe.”

He leaps onto Tobias like our first kiss didn’t evenaffect him, while I’mstandinghere withmyfingers clingingto my throbbinglipsbecausemyentireworldjustspunonitsaxis,andridesaway.

Whenthesighfinallyescapesme,joybubblesupthroughmycenter.It’sgoingtobeaglorious,nerve-wracking,exciting sixweeksuntilIseehimagain Goddess, I canhardlywait. I’mgoingto tell Aunt Rosemary everything. For a longtime, I staysittingonthe wooden porch,justbemused Everythingfeelssurreal Mylips.Hekissedmylips.Ican’twaittotellAuntRosemary.

Idon’thavetowait.Insteadofheadingindoors,mayhapI’llheadtothemarket.Iheadfortheedgeoftown,cuttingthrough wherethetreesgrow,becauseit’sshorter.Idon’tmakeittwostepsbeforeloudthumpingfootstepsrunupbehindme. TheonlythoughtonmymindisBakog.Didhecomebackforme?

IspinaroundbutbeforeImakeitalltheway,abludgeoningpainhitsthebackofmyheadanddarknessdescendsovermy eyes.

ChapterOne

JOGUG:

ICYRIVERWATERWAKESmybodybeforemybrain.

Igaspasitentersmynose,mythroat andhackuncontrollablyasthecoughingtriestoexpelitfrommylungs I’mbarely awareofharsh,bitinglaughteratmyexpense.

Whenmyvisionclears,nothinglooksfamiliar Panic hits mymidsection. Five strange, varyinggreenfaces stare backatme before throbbingpainthreatens to splitmy skullopen.“Whoareyou?”Igasp.

“Whoareyou?”oneasksback,andit’salittletaunting Immaturecomingfromsuchagrownmale

Butgoodquestion.Iopenmymouth,thencloseit.“I-Idon’tknow.Ishouldknow.Whydon’tI?”Myfingersflyuptomy headandIgroanatatenderspotontheback There’sdried,crustyhairthatIassumeisblood-soaked

“You don’t know your own name?” one asks, his brows knotting with curiosity, which draws to attention his brows. They’renearlyconnectedinthecenter onehuge,heavyline

“No!I...Ican’tremember.”

“You’remyprize.”Thevoicethatcomesfrombehindmeechoesacrossthetreesasanotheroneapproaches.

Thefivemalessurroundingmesnicker “Prizeforwhat?”Iwhisperandslidebackintounconsciousness.

Ilove beingasleepbecause the dreams are amazing There’s a manIcan’tplace, a face Ican’tsee, butIcanfeel He’s caringandprotective andhemakesmehappy.It’sthegiddinessofnewlove,thesecurityofanoldfriend. We’re dancing now, laughing between us, the music playing faster and louder as our feet stomp to the beat, the steps intricatelychoreographed.Everywherearoundusismatchinglaughterasothersdance;flamesarecracklingandIcansmellthe smokyblendoftheburningwood.

“We’ve been in one place too long I say we tie her to a travois and drag her along ”

There’sawomantheretoo,afaceIcan’tquitesee,hardasItry.Iblinkseveraltimesbutitfeelslikethere’sahazeover myvision She’sgreen,Ithink,likeeveryoneelse ButwhywouldIexpectotherwise?

“DancewithhimsoIcansneakoffwithTok,”shesaysandthenaughtinessinhertonemakesmegiggle.There’snothingI wouldn’tdoforher.Shefeelslikeasisterbutyet,instinctively,Iknow Idon’thavesiblings.Iwantthem,though.Enoughto conjuretheminmydreams,apparently.

AnddancingwiththemaleiswhatIwantmostintheworldanyway.Isidleupclose,slippingmyhandintohisandhespins mefast,makingmegiggle,throwingmeoffbalancesohecancatchme,bringmeback,tighttohischest

“You don’t think a travois is going to create dragging tracks? Someone will find that curious.”

HisarmsarestrongandwarmandhisheartbeatraceswhenI’mthisclose Icansmellthespicyscentofhisskin,likepine needlesandrainforests,andIwonderifhe’llkissme.

“You can go first and our horse hooves should cover the marks ”

Thatconversationispullingmefromthesweetdream,andIdon’twanttoleavethewarmthofthisplace “Iwanttostay,”I whispertomydancinghero.

“Thendo,”hesays “Neverleaveme Shali ” Withabang,Iinstantlywake.Someonehasdroppedaheavystonethey’reliningaroundthebaseofthefirepit. Shall I what? Whatwasthehandsomestrangeraskingme?

“You’reawake.”TheonewhohadoncetoldmeIwashisprizeeyesmefromthepothe’ssettingup.

Igroan,notbecauseI’minpainbutbecauseIstillcan’trememberathingotherthanthesefiveuglyfaces.Thesamemales whoarehereeachtimeIwake Idon’tknowwhereIam,Idon’tknowhowIgothere Idon’tknow Idon’tknow who Iam At the sound of mygroan, the stranger is infront of me, pullingmyarmuntil I’mup fromthe makeshift bed. I wobble unsteadilyonmyfeet

“Evenfilthylikeyouare,you’restillaprizetobewon,”hemurmurs,andyanksmetohim. AndIdon’tlikethat

Idon’tlikesomeonebiggerthanmejerkingmewithoutacareformyhealth,myinjuries,mysafety.Idon’tlikethewayhe hasmebuttedupagainsthim,thebulgeofhiscockpressingintomyabdomen,thestinkofhisbreathcurdlingmystomach. Whathappensnextisunplannedandautomatic,asifsomeoneelsehascontrolofmybody

Myelbowjutsout,catchinghiminapressurepointdeepinhissolarplexusthatparalyzeshislungs.Whilehe’sstunned,I hitupward,intothesoftspotunderthechin,untilhesways

Hisbeefyfistconnectswithmyface,butIflywithit,andhecan’thitmeagain,notwhenI’mdown.I’msupposedtoavoid directhits,butI’mslowonmyfeet.

I’mbarelyawareoftheotherorcsapproachingashecomesatme,agreatbellow givingmewarningbeforehejumpson me.

Ihikeupakneeandconnectwithhismassiveorcballs Hisroarofagonyfillsmyearsandwhenhelandsonme,theair getspushedfrommysmashedlungs.ButIhavetheupperhandbecausehe’ssuffering.

Hisroarcutsoffabruptlywhenmyclawedfingersdigouthisquiveringvoicebox

Ariverofbloodspurtsout,gushingontomebeforehisheadcollapsesintomyshoulder.Icanfeelthewarmthofhislifeas itebbsfromhisbodyandcoatsme,stickyandrich.

There’sstunnedsilenceinthesmallcampasIpushhimoffme

“Shekilledhim,”someonesaysfinally.

“Whoishe?”Iask “Istillcan’tremember Notanything” “Hewasourking.”

Oh Well,thatcan’tbegood

Anotherone,shorterandthicker,stepsforward.“Now thathe’sgone,Iwillbe.Andyou,”hiseyeturnssly.“Youaremy mate.JogugoftheBlackhearts.”

“Jogug,” I repeat, wonderingwhyit doesn’t feel familiar Neither does myhusband Yes, his face is ugly, but surelyit shouldn’tfillmewithdistaste?“What’shappenedtome?”

“Youhityourhead”Heshrugs “Afallfromawildhorse Wetoldyounottotrytobreakitin,butyoudon’tlisten We’ve beentenderlynursingyousincethen.Wife.”

TheothersguffawandI’mnotquitesurewhatthatmeans.ButnowIknowwhythebackofmyheadissore. “Andwhoareallofyou?”Iask. NooneseemssurprisedthatIdon’tknowtheirnames.

“IamStug,”mymateanswers

Luckyme,Ithinkheistheugliestofthelot.MaybemoresothanthekingIkilled.Hehasawild,unkemptbeardandthe haironhisheadisunbraided,uncombedandunwashed Hewearslong,looseclothingofaroughmaterial Hespeakswitha lisp,andIthinkhemaybemissingatooth,butI’mtoohorrifiedtolookclosely.

“Doparth.” This one wears black leather, though it looks worn and frayed, the gold stitching that should look majestic againstthedarkinsteadlooksstained.Hisfacesportsagoateeinsteadofabeard,thoughIthinkit’stodisguiseaweakchin.

“Gnark.”HecouldeasilybeabrothertoDoparth,thoughatleasthe’scleanshaven.Liketheother,hewearshishairshorn, whichprobablykeepsthemcoolerconsideringtheytakeprideinwearingblackleatherinthemiddaysun

“Shodun.”Likemymate,he’salsobeardedandscruffy.I’mnotsurewhytwoofmyclanmimictheirstylestoeachother, butthere’sprobablymuchI’veforgottenwithmyachinghead “Grilud.” The last ofthe males is another one dressed inblackgarb, thoughhe’s the most heavyand muscular ofthese viciousorcs.Itgivescredencetothestorythattheymayhavestolentheirclothingtomaskthemselves.

“We’lltakepityonyouthisday,”Stugsays “Allowyoutotakeiteasy Butenoughisenough,Jogug Fivemalesinthisclan arestarving.Takeyourtime,butknowthattheeveningmealisyourstoprepare.”

Iautomaticallylookupatthesun ‘Tismidday,soIguessit’snotthathard ifIdidn’thaveamassiveheadachethatmakes megocross-eyed.

Andthenmymateputshishandonmyleg,histhumbrubbingmyinnerknee “Ofcourse,ifyouwouldliketopayinotherways,wouldprobablybeeasieronyoutostaylayingprone ” “I’dratherservefish.”

Hisfacedarkensastheotherslaugh

“Uppitybitch.Thinkyou’retoogoodforus?Then,you’llcatchityourselfandserveittoyourclan.”

It’snottoobadbeingawayfromtheloudmales,Ithink,asIwadethroughthegurglingstream Ihaveafishingpolesetup andIbroughtapottoboilsomewater.Itfeelsgoodtodumpthecoolwaterovermybumpandcarefullyrubthedriedstrands toloosentheblood

OddI’mclueless as towhoIam,or towhothe males ofmyclanare.Ihave a tonofquestions toask like whyis my dresssodifferentfromtheirs butIdon’tthinkStugisinamoodtoanswer,especiallynotwithhowI’veturnedhimdown.

Ashudderrunsthroughmybody I’dratherdieathousanddeathsthanjoinhisfurs Thoughrightnow,I’mbeginningtofeel likedeath.

Ismelllikedeathandasinkingsensationhitsmybelly IdidthinkIwastoogoodforthemandobviously,Ifitin Ismell likethem.Ilooklikethem,raggedanddirty.

ButIwon’tsleepwiththebastard.Iwouldneveraskhimtogoprepareamealfortheclanwithaknotonthebackofhis head.Actually,Iwouldneverlethimsleepinhisownblood.Whydidn’tsomeonebothertocleanme?

ThemoreIthinkaboutit,themoreaggravatedIbecome.

Butonce Icatcha couple good sized fish, Iadd some water to the potand bringthemback. Ican’timagine thatnotone malewillhelpme.Idon’tknowhowlongI’vebeensleeping,butmyentirebodyachesfromunuse.

Afterthey’dtoldmeI’dbefishingforourdinner,wehadtopreparethefallenorc’sbody Wruk thekingofourclan.

HewasstrippedofhisclothingandifIthoughtthemalesofmyclanwereweaklymuscled,it’sobvioustheyfollowedtheir leader.

The bastardmate ofmine pushedmyface intothe deadbody,guffawingloudly,orderingme tolickthe male’s tattoos as penanceforkillinghimwhiletheotherssnickered.

Forthat,thebastardwillpay.

AllfivemalesareloungingaroundthecampwhenIreturn Iftheywishtolivelikepigs,I’llgivethemfilth Igutandclean thefishthere,alongwiththedeadking,andcookitovertheopenflame.

Butit’snotenough Whenthefishisdone,theywon’tcomegetup Thebastardsmakemefixtheirplatesandservethem SoIdowhatanystrong,orcfemalewould.

Ispitintheirfish

ChapterTwo

BAKOG, GRANDSON TO King Brachard of the West Mountain Orcs: “WHATDOYOUMEANshe’snotinCreede?”Myroarquakestheground. Fromallaround,peoplecomerunning Mybloodfeelslikeitsboilinginmyveins,thickeningtosludge There’saredhaze coveringmyvision.

Not Shalia

I’ve protected her since I was five and had my first vision. Shally was going to lose her way, lose her home, lose everythingthatevermatteredtoher.Shewasgoingtobealoneanddepressedandcryherselftosleepatnight. Atthehandsoforcs

Determinedtokeepitfromhappening,I’vekeptaneyeonherourentirelives.AndjustwhenIthoughtmaybethedanger wasover she’sgone Butthatwasonlythefirstvision “Bakog,”myfathersays.“Explaintouswhathappened.”

“IdroppedheroffatRosemary’s ThewayIdoeverytime”IturntolookatFrakil

“Rosemarysaidshewas never inthehouse.Shewaitedall eveninganddecidedwemusthavechangedour minds about coming. Thought she must have mixed up her weeks. Whenshe saw me at the market, she asked whenShallywas coming. Confusedthehelloutofme Itoldheryou’dbroughthernearlyafullmoonago,”Frakilsays He’sjustcomefromCreedeand wassupposedtobringadeliveryback,butwhenheheardthenews,hedroppedeverythingandracedbackhere.

“SomeonegrabbedherbeforeRosemarygothome”Ishouldhavetakenhertothemarket Ishouldhavehandedhertoher aunt. She’sbeengoneafuckingmoon.AlittleoveranEarthmonth.

“Bakog.Son.Shecanprotectherself.”MyfathertriestotalktomebutI’mfrozeninside.Whatmustshebegoingthrough? Thosedreamsofhersobbing,herbraidsunraveledandloose.

“I’mleaving I’mgoingto the Southpeakterritoryfirst, lettingthemknow one ofours is missing And ifanyone knows anything,they’dbestturnoverthatinformationimmediately.”

“I’mgoingwithyou,”Latsil,Shalia’sfather,says Amalewho’slikeanuncletome “AfterwardI’llheadnorth ”

“Nay.I’llsendanotherteamuptheretotheBlackhearts,”Brachardsays.“Thenwe’llhiteverytownalongthewayhome andleteveryoneknowthatnostoneshallremainunturneduntilshe’ssafehomeagain.”

Shalia.Myfirstkiss.ThemateIcarefullysetasidebecauseIdidn’twanttohurther.TheoneIsworetoprotect.

ThemateIrefusedtomakeminebecausethevisionshowedmymatewouldbetaken So,Ikeptheratarm’slength AndIstillfailed.BecauseI’mafoolishmale,thinkingShallywasn’tmymatebecauseIrefusedtotouchher.Shallyisin mysoul

JOGUG:

“Lazywench,wakeup!”

Myhusband andhisfriends laughasIspewwater WhenI’mdonechoking,Iglareatthe biernaks.“Wakemelikethatagain,andyou’llenduplikeyourking.”

Afalse kinghe was, since the clanis more like anexcess of rejects. Their clothinglooks like it comes fromdifferent places threeofthemaleswearblackleatherwithgoldthreads includingthedeadking andtwo,mymateincluded,wear warmerclothing.Longdustersthattrailoverasteed’srear.Andwhiletheirclothingmaymimicthatofthetwootherclans,it doesn’tfitwell It’soldand especiallyintheBlackheartcase,theclannevergoeswithfilthyuniforms Becausethat’swhat theirclothesresemble,formalwear.

Speakingofwhich,myclothesarecompletelydifferentfromalloftheirs Myhairisintricatelybraided,whilemymateand theonewhodressessimilarhavenonewhatsoever.Theydo,however,wearlongunkemptbeards.Thetwowhoworeleather havetattoosandnowIsportthreebarsacrossthebridgeofmynose,whichmatchesthemarksonthenoseofmyuglymate.

ThemateI’mtryingtofindlovefor.Surelyitwasthereonce?Butwhenheofferedtodomymarks,Icouldonlycringe.He didhisown,andIhurriedlydidmyownbeforehecouldinsist.

“Youthinkyoucantakeonfivemalesatonce?”Mymateguffaws “Getyourassup Itoldyouthere’sonedayleftinthis camp.Eithermakeyourtattooatonce,orsufferwiththebitingwindsandduststingingyourwoundstomorrowasweride.In eithercase,you’llhavetopayhomagetothefallenking”

TheotherssnickerandtryasImight,Ican’tfigureoutwhy.ItoldthemI’dwearhistatsfortakinghislife,whytheykeep demandingisbeyondme

“You’llneedtoweargreaseinyourhairtodarkenitforaperiodofthreemoons.”Hetossesthepouchatme itsmellsof elderberries.Whywouldheaddelderberriestothegrease?Doesn’therealizeitwon’twashouteasily?

I start to unravel my tresses Once the braids come undone, my hair looks even lighter than before in its frizzed state, highlightsofflaxenwheatoverdeeperthreadsofgreen.Ifitwasn’tforthegreen,I’dwonderifIwasevenorc.

But,ofcourse,I’morc WhatelsewouldIbe?

Allfivemaleslettheirmouthhangopenastheystare.Thentheylookbackandforthateachotheruneasily.Surely,they’ve seenmyhairunbraidedbefore?There’sonlysomanywaystowashitcleanthroughthebraidsbeforetheymustbetakenout andredone.

“What?”Ibark,andacouplelookaway,whiletwomoresmirk.Butmymate?Hiseyesnarrowonme.

“Getitdone Ibroughtyouapieceofmirror,aknife,andsomeink”

Thepieceofmirrorisexactlythat.Abrokenpieceofglassthat’sbeenscrapedmultipletimes,losingitsreflection.

Seven years bad luck

The thoughtskitters across mymind and Iwonder where the phrase comes from. It’s notsomethinga crew ofmale orcs wouldevercomeupwith.

HowdidIenduphere?Whywon’tmymemoryreturn?IwondereachmornwhenIwakeforthedayandfindmyselfinthe samesituationasthedaybefore cravingthedreamsIwakefrominsteadofreallife.

IignoretheothersastheyspeakcrasslyaboutsharingStug’smateoncewegetfurthersouth They’llsharemeinhell.

Igreasemyhairfirst Thestrandssuckupthecoloroftheelderberries,makingthelighterpiecesdark Andfromwheremy hairlaysonmyshoulder,itmakestheskinofmyarmlookmoregreenthanitactuallyis.Amazingwhatoneshadedifference willdo.

Iwashmyhandsthoroughlybeforecuttingintomyforehead.Isawthedeadking’sarmbandtattoosbeforeweburnedhis bodyandIcanreplicatethemwellenough.Withmyownflair,ofcourse.

Allatonce,IwonderwhereIlearnedtodraw,tobraid HowdidIknowit’simportanttowashyourhandsbeforecutting? WhenItrytorecall,allIgetisathrobbingheadache.

Buttheothersarewatchingme eventhoughtheypretendtheydon’t soIwipetheexpressionfrommyfaceandcutthe firstscrollingline.AfinelineofbloodappearsbutnotsomuchthatIneedtowipe.

Idon’twantmytattootobeasuglyandforcedastheirs.Iwantminetobeamarkofdelicatebeauty.Iwantitelegantand feminine

Iwantthese males toadmire itandthenremember thatitstands for the life Itook.Iwantthemtohave thatuneasylittle warinesswhenitcomestome Becausesomewheredeepinsideme,there’saninnateknowledgethatsaysIdon’twantanyone tofuckwithme.

Andmyfamily myclan willfuckwithme Idon’thaveanounceoftrustforthem,andIdon’tthinkit’sbecauseIcan’t rememberthem.

CarefullyIplacetheinkinthecuts,makingsurenonehaveclotted,keepingtheinkfrompenetratingthewound.Oncethe inkisin,Iallowthewoundstoscabwithoutwiping Itwillkeeptheinkfromsmearing.

Again, Iwonder how Iknow this Was Iperhaps the one who did theirs? No, Idecide Iwouldn’tdo suchstark, bland marks.WhileI’matit,IfixupthematingbarsonthebridgeofmynosebecauseIdidthembythereflectionofthewateronthe lake,makingsuretheywerelight Now,Imakethemeven TheylookmuchbetterthanStug’s “Shelookslikeadifferentperson,”Shodunsays. Gnarkgrunts.“Lookatyourmate,”hesaystoStug. “Whydidn’tyouwipethebloodoff?You’reamess,”Stugsays Iraiseaneyebrow,feelingtheskinofmyforeheadpull.“Becausethescabbingwillkeeptheinkinplace.” “We’llneedyourclothestoo” “Whatfor?”ThehellifI’llstripforthem. He shrugs. “Justa little more respectfor our king. Wruk’s clothingcanbe wornfor traveling. Youcanwear your things oncewegetthere.”

I’dliketofrownbutit’suncomfortableonmydryingforehead.“Hisclothesarewaytoobig.”

“Wecanamendthem.Slicethebeltinhalf.Shortenthevest.Whatever.” Isigh. Either these fools are tryingto disguise me, or they’re tryingto getme to do the workofmendingclothingso it doesn’tgotowaste Myguessisthelatter Atleastmyhairwillgetadeepconditioningwiththeelderberrygrease.

ChapterThree

BAKOG:

WENEVERHESITATEASwesailintoSouthpeakterritory.

Wehaveagroupoftwodozenmales asightthat’sbarelyshortofanactofwar Despitethat,westartourfireandsend smokesignalsupintheairtocatchtheattentionoftheirking.

Iftheydon’tshow,we’llinvadetheirencampmentanyway Bythegrimfacesaroundthefire,we’reallinagreementover this.

Butahorseapproachinginthedistance,dustkickedupfromhishooves.Whenthelonescoutgetsclose,hedismounts an actofbraveryI’dbeimpressedwithifIdidn’thaveonethingonmymind

“We’vehadsomeonegomissingfromourclanamoonago.ShewastakeninthetradingtownofCreede.Haveyouheard anything?”

“Nay. Did you expect special allowance to search our land?” The scout is mocking and I crack my knuckles. I’d love nothingmorethanafight

Myfather moreofanegotiator placesahandonmyshoulder.“DoyouknowwhoIam?”

Thescoutgivesoneshortnod.“Brun.SonofBrachard.”

Becausemygrandfather,Brachard,islegendary

“This is myson, Bakog. ‘Tis his mate who was taken. You’re aware we wouldn’toverstep our bounds unless we have probablecause”

Themalenodsagain,eyesnarrowedashewaitsforthehammertodrop.

“Andoncewehavethat,we’llslaughtereverymale,female,andbratinthisvillageifthey’rebeingharboredhere.We’ll wipeoutanentireclanunlessyoushowusthey’reonoursidebyfindingher.”

“Yourchoice,”Iadd.“Butifsheshouldbefoundinyourvillage...”

“Sheisnothere Wehaven’thadanynewcomers”

“Perhapsshe’sbeingheldcaptive,hiddeninsomeone’shome.Bound.Gagged.”

Latsil,ourlargestmale,stepsforwardwithadeathglare,hisbeefyfistsclenchedattheideaofhisdaughterhelpless He’s amassivelyscarredandimposingfigure,onethatsendschillsdownagrownmale’sspine.

Itgetsthescouttoswallow andwarilyspeak,eventhoughhehasnoideathisisShalia’sfather.“We’vehadacoupleof defectorsinthelastyear,”hespitsout.“Lastweheard,theymetafewrogueBlackheartsandtraveltogether.”

“Whydidtheydefect?”Iask.

“Theydidn’tliketherules Theythoughttheyshouldhavethepickoffemales despitethefacttheonestheywantedwere alreadymated.”

“Ithoughtyourclanusedtochallengeforsomeone’smate”

Heshrugs,becausetohimit’snotabigdeal.“Ifcertaincriteriaismet.Likeshewantsthenewmale.Andifthenewone canbeattheoldmate.”

“So,theycouldn’twinthechallengeandleft?”

“It never got that far. The female that theywanted to share never gave thema second glance. Theyleft the clan, angry becausetheruleswouldn’tgetbentforthem”

“You’repositivetheyhaven’tbeenback?”

“They wouldn’t be allowed back if they showed up tomorrow No one defects and is welcomed back Not here” He shrugs.“NotsureiftheBlackheartswouldtaketheirownback.”

Myfather steps forward. “Pass around the word. Ifanyone is caughtharboringthem Idon’tcare whatclanitis their entirevillagewillbewipedfromthefaceofthisgoddess-forsakenplanetwe’vebeendumpedon” Withashortnod,thescoutjumpsonhissteedandridesaway. Becausewe’rebravemales,wespendthenightintheirterritorybeforeheadinghomeatdawn Justtomakeapoint Atfirstlight,weridebacktoSolayawheremygrandfatherwaits.

“What’stheword?”hebarks

“TwoSouthpeakswentrogue.TheymetupwithBlackhearts.” Grandfathernods.“Blackheartssaidtheyhadfourwholeft.Thatmakesagroupofsixmales.”

“Andneitherclanwillclaimthem”

“ButtheSouthpeakswillturnthemoveriftheytrytohidethere.Wemadeitclearthatanyonewhoharborsthemwillgetthe entireclanwipedout”

“Phew,”Grandfathergrins.“That’ssteep.WeonlythreatenedtowipeouttheBlackheartmales.Notthewholeclan.”

That’sthefirstsmileIcracksinceIfoundoutaboutShally.Itfeelstightonmyface.

“I’mleavingtosearchthewoodsfurthernorth NearBlackheartterritory” Grandfathernods.“Good.BecauseacouplehumansnearSerenitywhereyourothergrandfatherlivessawagroupof ” “Sixmales?”

“Five,actually.Andafemale.”

“Half-blood?Withlighthair?”

“Nay.Theyclaimshe’safemaleorc.OneoftheBlackheartclan,dressesinleatherswithgoldstitching.”

“I’llkillthemanyway.Torturethemuntiltheytellmewheresheis.”Iclenchmyfists.“Itcan’tbeacoincidencethatthere’s twoseparateroguegroups”

“M’boy. You’ll find her first and see ifshe knows where Shalia is beingkept. Once our girl is safe, Idon’t care what happenstotherogues Noteventhefemale”

ChapterFour

JOGUG:

“JOGUG!FETCHMEanotherbowl.”

Istilldon’tfeeltheloveformymate Hehasthebreathofawhoreandthefaceofagoat

I’m forced to sleep in his furs, though I’ve slapped his hands away. He’s warned me that as soon as we get to our destination,I’llspreadmylegsthewayIusedto Iwassostuckonthathorror thinkingI’veobviouslyhadhiscockbetween mythighsandsurely,I’veneverenjoyedit thatIthrewup.

AtleastIknowthesmellofvomitsaltshisamorousmood.Inretaliation,hetoldmeImayhavetoserviceallthemales,at leastuntiltheyfoundtheirownmates Notatonce,though,hesaidasthoughofferingmeaboon Cuethevomit.

WhileI’mawareIcan’tstaveoffthemalesforever,Imadeamajor mistakeinlettingthemseemetakedowntheir king Now thatIno longer have the elementofsurprise, theymake sure there are atleasttwo males together atall times. Butit’s okay,I’mbidingmytime,growingstronger Plottingandplanninginmymind,makingmentallistsoftheirweaknesses

Itdoesn’tappearStugisfullytrustedbytheclan.HisclosestallyisShodun,buttheotherspreferShoduntohim.Thatmale doesn’tseemtobequick-witted,buthe’snotcunninganduntrustworthylikeStug.

DoparthisparanoidandIneedtofindoutwhy Icanusethatagainsthim,thoughhowIcanfindoutisbeyondme Noneof themalestalktomewillinglyanddefinitelynotoneonone.

Griludlooksatmewithagleaminhiseyes He’sonewholickshislipswhenStugtalksaboutsharingmycharms Gnarktriestobuttermeupsometimes.Notovertandnotwithothersaround.Andhe’snotbeingkind.Nay,he’sanexpertin manipulation.MaybemoredangerousthanmysneakyStug,becausenooneseemstorecognizeit.

Speakingofmymate,Ibringtheidiothisbowlofmashedturniproot.Hehasabacktooththat’srottedthroughandthrough andthefoolshouldhavepulleditbeforeitgottothepointofhimsucklingfoodslikeaweebrat.

Orperhapsifhetrimmedthatnastybeard,hemightnothaveintroducedverminintohispiehole

“I’mgoingto bathe,” Iannounce, shovingthe bowl athimand tryingnotto wince atthe wispyends ofhis beard nearly draggingthroughit

“Makesureyoudon’tspeaktoanyonewhotriestoapproach,”Gnarkgrumbles.“YeknowthoseorcsfromWestMountain stealhumanstobeartheirbrats.Youareproofofthat.”

Aye.InoticedwhenIlookedinthebrokenmirrorthatI’mnotasgreen.ThatIdon’thavetusks.Ifoundoutwhytheothers snickeredandcalledmeStug’s wife.Apparently,theyweremakingfunofmeforbeinghalfhuman,though,backthen,Ididn’t evenknowIwas

Stugtold me mymother was a stolenhumanand died under the hand ofmyorc father whenshe refused to bear another horrorlikeme

And because Iwasn’tsure who to be angrier with, Iswore to kill myfather ifIever came across the biernak. Myclan couldn’tbemorepleasedandastrangefeelingofacceptancehitme.

Stughasstill nottoldmehow heandImet HeseemstofinditcutetogivemebitsandpiecesofmylifeeachdaythatI workforit preparingthemeals,cleaningthecamp.

The creekis the onlyplace Ifind relaxation It’s cleanand calming, the water cool againstmyheated flesh, the gurgling soundoftherushofwaterhittingthesmoothrockslikemusictomyears.

Sometimes Idreamaboutmymother Icannotsee her, ofcourse, butIcansmell her scent Freshlilacs thatwaftinthe breeze.Androses.Always roses.Inmydreams,she’s sweetandgood,andloves the gruffmale orc whoholds her hostage. She’stoosweettocomplainaboutcaptivity,andlaughswithme,holdsmyhand.Ican’timagineshewouldhavecomplained aboutbeingbredasecondtime,butmayhapthat’swishfulthinking

WhenItrytolookupatherface,thedreamwillvanish.

Iprefer the other dreams Ahandsome male I’ve conjured up, probablyto assuage the need inreal life because has any femaleeverhadsuchahorridmateasI?

QuicklyIknotmyhairontothetopofmyheadandwashmyleathers,layingthemoutonaheatedrocktodry

Ijustwashedmyhairyesterday,andre-greaseditwiththeelderberrygrease,andIcertainlydon’twanttogothroughall thatagain.

Theleatherstripsthatmadeupthedeadking’sskirtdrapedowntomid-thighonme I’dcutthewaistbandinhalfanduse twostripsknottedtogethertobindacrossmybreasts.Hisvestwasthemostdifficulttore-size.I’dendedupcuttingthelength fromthebottomoffsoithitthetopofmywaistbandandcallingitgood

But before we burned his body, I salvaged a tusk and constructed a crude pendant. I’mnot sure why, I did it without thinkingandforonce,themaleorcswerequietasIknockeditfromhisgumsandboileditclean.

Spooked,infact Ifindthatcuriousandfilethatfactawayforfutureuse

TheleatherstripIusedtowraparounditistiedaroundmynecknowandtheexcessloopsroundandroundmywrists.‘Tis noteasytocutleathersothinandI’mnotabouttowastetheextra

Besides,makingatypeofmakeshiftwristbracerfeelsimportant.Familiar.

Thewoundsonmyforeheadhavehealedandit’sobviousbyhowproportionatetheinksettledthatI’vetattedbefore Ituckthatdetailaway.

That’s nota detail I’ll have to begoutofStug. Halfthe day’s gone bybefore Ileave the creekand re-dress. Guiltily, I glancearoundthequietwoods I’venotpaidattentiontomysurroundingsandanyonecouldhavesnuckuponme Infact,now thatI’mawareofit,I’mspooked.Thewoodssuddenlyfeeleerie,asifI’mwatched. It’stooquiet Notabirdcoos,norbranchesrustle Notwigssnap

That means no wild animals are nearbyand that’s not natural. Definitely, somethinghas agitated the animals fromtheir naturalhabitat Iwasafoolforloungingaboutinthewatersolong,theonlypleasureinmymindtoavoidmyclan Iputmyselfindangerforthatsmallpleasure.Hurriedly,Ileavethecreek,moreawareofmysurroundingsnow.

Stealthily,Islipbacktowardcamp.It’sobviousthemalesaren’texpectingmebecausetheirvoicesarelowandgrumbly. Apparently,I’masneakysortbecauseIpause,hidingbehindatreesoIcanhearwhattheytalkabout “He said they’d tear the land apartlookingfor the female,” Gnarksays. “They’re puttingthe word outinall the towns. They’vebeentoCollinsand‘querque”

“Probablybesttoheadhomesincethey’vealreadybeenthere.”

“You’renotanymorewelcometherethanwe’dbeinCollins,”Griludsays. Blackhearts.Thenamecomestomesuddenly.That’swhyGrilud,Doparth,Gnark,andeventhedeadWruklookdifferent. WhytheydressdifferentthanStugandShodun.TheymimictheBlackheartlook. Butwhy?Aretheyhidingbywearingtheirclothes?Obviously,sincethereareplacestheymustavoid YetwhydoStugand Shodunnotdressthesame?

“We’llleavetomorrow Noonewillsuspectthatwe’llheadbacktoCollins” “We’llhavetopassCreedetogetthere.” “So?”

Doparthsays somethingI can’t hear. What is this Creede and what makes it important? While I’mnot sure, I thinkit’s someplaceIdon’twanttogo.

TheyhushimmediatelywhenIre-enterthecamp,hummingasIsetthestewtoboil

“Whatareyousohappyabout?”Stugscowls.

Ifingermypendant,pretendingnottonoticewhenhiseyesfall there Itmakeshimwaryofmeandthatmakesmehappy “Notsure.Thefullmooniscoming.Thenightsarelighter.”

“I hate the full moons,” Grilud barks. “I’ll take the tent fromhere onout. Since youlove the light so much, yousleep outsideuntilitpasses,Jogug”

Ishrug, pretendingnonchalance, butI’mhappyas a lark. Ionlysleep inside the tentwiththe smellybreathofmymate fillingtheareawhenheinsists

I finishchoppingthe few vegetables we have. It seems our males are the lazysort, everyone wantingeveryone else to foragefor food Well,myappetiteisn’tuptospeed Besides,whenIgetawayfromthefools,I’ll beabletodiguproots to nibblelater.Somethingtobuildmystrengthwhiletheywhineaboutbeinghungry.

Stugeyesme,butI’mnotfooled.He’suptosomethingtoretaliatesinceIavoidedsleepinginhistent.

“Youknow,”hesayssoftly,morecaringthanI’veeverheardhim,“despiteyourcaptivitybytheWestMountains,youwere lucky.Manyhalfbreedsareputtodeath.Theyaretheonlyclanthathaveallowedsometolive.” “What?”

“Considered abominations, you are. Many are born lacking in the head, others have deformities. You may be an ugly wench, butatleastyouhave the rightnumber ofarms and legs Infact, youtold me ofyour loneliness growingup How no otherbratswouldplaywithyou,howyouwerejeeredat.It’swhyweprotectyou,keepyoufromthepublic’seye.Afterall,I don’twantmymatesobbinginmyarmseachnight.”

Asif

Obviously,it’snottherightreactionheexpectedbecausehegoeson.“Mayhapyouwouldhavehadbrothersandsistersif yourmotherwasn’tkilled Shewentgladly,though Refusedtobearanotheruglyonelikeyou,andtiedherlegstogether,even whileinlabor.Theorckingchokedherfordenyinghimhisrights.” Heeyesmycrotchlikeheexpectsmetospreadmylegs.

“Lookslikeshediedanobledeath,”Isaycoldly,grabbingtheladleinadeathgripbeforeturningabruptlytostirthestew.

BAKOG:

ICAN’TBELIEVEWHATI’mseeing.Abeautifulwenchbathinginthecreek oneaslight-skinnedasShally. Foramoment whenIfirstcameuponher myhearthadthunderedinmychestashardasTobias’shoovespoundthehard earthinthedeadofsummer.Iwantedsomuchtobelieveit’sher,butitcan’tbe.

This femaleis waif-like.Probablyten,evenadozenpounds thinner thanShalia.Her hair is darker,thoughoddly,barely anyshadesofgreenforanorc Whenshefirstarrived,Iwatchedherfromthetrees curioustoseeifshewastheoneothers hadmentionedtraveledwiththebandofmisfits.

Iwatchedherstripherclothing,definitelyBlackheartgear

Themoreskinthatwasrevealed,themoremyheartpounded.IcouldseethesamegracethatIusedtoseeinShallyinthis female even with being far away in the trees but maybe I saw what I wanted. Maybe because her skin was so light, I confuseherwiththeoneI’mpiningfor IfIcoulddoitalloveragain,ImighthaveadmittedtoShaliathatshewasmine That shewasmymateandhasbeenourentirelives.I’dtellherwhyIkeptmydistance.

Thevisions

Afemale orc captured and subjected to brutality should she be found bythe time she’s ravaged and withchild will severherholdonrealityanddestroytheveryvillageshecomesfrom Thefemaleisthematetothesonoftheprince

And yet, throughout her life, Shallycraved freedom, as if her soul knew one dayshe’d be caged. I was determined to preventhercapture.Iwouldn’tmateher.Iwouldn’tallowhertogoanywhereonherown.Iwouldprotecther.

Andyet,Ifailed

Icontinue to watchthe bathingBlackheartwashthe filthfromher bodyand mylungs seize, makingme inhale a ragged breath

Hermovements sograceful.Feminine.JustlikeShalia.Evenasachild,whengrandfathertrainedthelittlegirlstofight, shemovedlikeadancer Likethefemaleversionofherfather Everyonehadcommentedonitandhe myfather’sbestfriend preened.

Istaysilentuntilsheleavesthewaterandre-dressesandIkeepmydistancewhileshereturnstohercamp.Iwaitpatiently untiltheirfiresburnoutandthecampisquietbeforeImakemymove

VeryquietlyIinfiltrate the camp, guessingthatthere are probablyfive, maybe six, males total. Islide myhand over the wench’sface,coveringhermouth,andlettheheavyweightofmybodypinherdown “Wakeup,Blackheart Bequietoryou’ll diethisnight.”

Butwhensheopenshereyes,myheartskipsabeat.Lightgrayeyes.DearGoddess.Somehow,thisisShalia.

Iyankmyhandawayasifit’sbeenburnedandthenIsinkmymouthtohers.

Shelaysinplace frozen,unmoving.AsshockedthatIfoundherasIam,then.Reluctantly,Itearmymouthfromhers. “Ifoundyoufinally Iwatchedyoubatheearlier ”

Webothfreezewhenthere’sacoughintheircampandquickly,Icoverhermouthagain,hissingathertobequiet.

Butluckisn’tonmyside andone ofthe males returns frompatrollingthe perimeter,justas one ofthe others rises,as if they’reabouttotaketurnswithashift.Itosstheblanketoverus,myhandstilloverhermouth.Twomales,Icanhandle plusI havetheelementofsurprise.Threemales,Icanhandle.ButIhaveShaliatoprotectandmayhapitwasn’twisetoinfiltratethe campafterall.Ijustcouldn’tleavemysweetloveherealone,notforanothernight.

Weholdperfectlystill,anunmovinglumpbeneaththeblanketasthetwoguardsexchangeplaces.

We’realmostsafewhenShallywigglesslightlytotheleftandIeasemyweight,thinkingsheneedstobreathe,butshegrabs arockandwithanear-piercingshriek,bringsitdownonthesideofmyhead. Whatthe ?

IKNOWWHENHELOSESconsciousnessbecausehebecomesdeadweightonme. “Gethimoff!”IscreamatGnark,whostandsnearbyslack-jawed.

HeandDoparthhaul theprisoner’scrushingweightoffmeastheotherscomerunning.Stugsquintsintothedarknessand again, I find it curious that mymate sleeps ina tent withShodun, allowingme to sleep outside near the fire. Not that I’m complainingbecauseIknowonedaythat’llchange Shodunaddswoodtotheflickeringflamesandthensomeonegasps.

“’TisaWestMountain”

“Morethanthat,”Stugsaysgrimly,kickingtheunconsciousfool.“Royalblood.Seethearmbands?Thetats?” “Killhim We’llleavenow,”Gnarksays “Nay,”Griludsnaps.“Toucharoyal andtheirentireclanwill huntusdown.Rememberwhathappenedtwentyyearsago whensomeonenearlykidnappedoneoftheirmates?Iwasaweebratbuttheynearlywipedoutourclan.Someonemanagedto make a convincingcover story, blamingitona humanleader, and theyputa hitonhiminstead Someone inour clanhad to slaughterthehumantogaintheirfavor.”

Stugswears “Tiehimupwhilewedecidewhattodo!”

Isitupasthestill-unconsciousorcisbound.Iwailedhimgood.Butmyheadisswirlingwithinformation.SoGriludused tobelongelsewhere?Howlongagodidheleave?Apparently,theyareallafraidofWestMountainorcs,oratleastofroyalty

“Theydon’ttravelalone,”Griludsays.Theothersglancearoundtheblackenedforest.We’resittingducksifthat’sthecase, becausethelightfromthefireoutlines our positions easily.However,ifthis oneis indeedaprince,wehaveour bargaining power

“Jogugshalldoit,”Stugsayssuddenly.“Shekilledourkingeasilyenough.Shewillkillthisonewhilewesafelywaitat theforkintheroadthatleadstoSerenity,butinsteadwe’llcirclethetownandheadtowardCollins,theoriginalplan” Wait.Thepussieswantmorebloodonmyhands?IalreadywearthetattoosofthekingIkilled. “Whyme?”Ispitoutandallofthemlookwary.

“Theywon’texpectafemale especiallyonewhoishalf-bred nottorunandcower.Besideswhich,youknowtheevils oftheWestMountainorcs.Shouldtheycaptureyou,youareintheperfectpositiontoinfiltratetheircamp.Ifwegetcaptured, wehaveaweaponontheinside Besides” Stugleansinforthekillingblow “don’tyouwanttomeetthemalewhoraped andkilledyourmother?I’dexpectyou’dwanttoslayhimthefirstmomentyouseehim.Theelementofsurprise,thewayyou hadwithWruk?”Hewhispersthenameintomyear,andinmyfury,Idon’tevenmindhisbreath “HisnameisBrachard” Finally.Ihavesomeinsighttomypast.

“Yes,”Griludsays,hiseyeslightingup.“Andbeforeyoukillhim,mentionthathenearlyslaughteredourentireclan.”

“Youarenolongerofthatclan,”Stuggrowls.“Haveyouforgotten?Nay,hergoalistokillhimswiftly,withtheelementof surpriseonherside,nottoworryaboutgettingyourmessageacross.”

Gnarkshakeshishead “Aye,don’tlosefocus,Jogug Thiskingisn’twetbehindtheearslikeWruk Thisoneislegendary andifyoueverneedtheelementofsurprisethatyoutookoutWrukwith,thisisit.”Heleansintomakehispoint.“Youcould loseyourlife”

Mylifeisrevenge.

Inod,lettingthemknowIunderstandthegravity.

“We’llmakeourwaytotheforkandwe’llleaveatdawn,withorwithoutyou OnourwaytoCollins,we’llsearchforyou intheWestMountainvillageincaseyou’vebeentakencaptive.Butifnot,onceyou’vekilledthisone,we’llmeetupwithyou there”

“Whataboutahorse?”Iask,asGriludtiesWruk’shorsetohis.Whywouldn’ttheyleaveitformetouse?

“He’llhaveone,”hegrunts,pointinghischintowardthetiedmale “Makehimtellyouwherehisisatbeforeyoukillhim Thisonewecansell.”

Igritmyteeth. Stupid to allow himto wake before killinghimjustfor a horse butthe greedyclanwants to sell Wruk’s insteadofallowingmetorideawayonitonceIkillthemale

BAKOG:

THESOUNDOFAbladescrapingfromitssheathwakesme.

Shaliasitsneartheburningfiresharpeningthetool ShelooksrelaxedbutIknowherwellenoughtoseeit’safarce She hasoneeyeonthedarkwoodsbeyondourclearingandsitsnearenoughtometoblockherselffromattack.

Aye,she’sawarethen,thatwherearoyalis,hisguardisn’tfarbehind

“Youknockedmeout,”Igrunt,thesideofmyheadswollenandstiffwithdriedbloodfromtherocksheused. “Aye.HowmanyWest Mountains traveledwithyou?”

Mybrainisn’tatfullcapacityyetandItossherwordsinmyhead WhydoessherefertousasWestMountainswithsucha toneofderision?

“None Iwasinahurrytofindyouandleftalone Buttheotherswon’tbefarbehindme” “Howmanyothers?”shesnaps.

Istareather,browsknotted Somethingisn’trightbutwiththesorenessinmyhead,Ican’tquiteplaceit “Royalguard,”I sayquietly.“Atleast.”

Whenshe looks puzzled,Icontinue.“Myfather.Maybe yours.Maybe Ogol.Maybe Tok.Grikmaycome,or Gruul.Itall dependsonwhoisoutsearchingothervillagesforyou,andwhoneedstoprotectSolaya Webrokeintoseparateteamstofind youandwhenIgotwordfromLordMontiergeaboutarogueclanwithafemale,Icamealone.So,anyonecanshowuphereas mybackup Theyknew Iwas headed this way, toward Serenity WhenIdon’t show up there and let Lord Montierge know what’sgoingon,hisguardwillcombthewoods.”

Shelooksfrustratedinsteadofhappytoberescued.Whatisthis?AndthenIhearafamiliarwhistleandquickasawhip, sheliftsmyheadandholdsthebladeatmythroat,mybacktoherchest.

Whatthe

Iheartherustleoftheothersastheyfreeze “What’sgoingon?”Brun,myfather,asks “Allofyou,stepintothelightsoImayseeyou,”Shaliasays.

“It’sus,”Brunsays,holdinghishandsout Butshedoesn’tdroptheknife.

“Nameyourselves,”Shaliasays.

Iseemyfather’sblinkofconfusion.“Brun,”hesayscarefully.“PrinceofWestMountain.”Hegesturesforthenextmaleto stepup.

“Azorr”

“Terk.”

“Gorvan”

“Tok.”

“Kreele.”

“Gruul”

AndthenShalia’sfather stepsup,hiseyesglitteringwithwet.Somuchmoisture,Ithinkitisabouttobreakfreeandrun downhisscarredcheeks Hisvoiceisgrowlyandbroken,adeepgutturalwhisper “Latsil”

ButShaliadoesn’tflinch.Doesn’trecognizeherownfather.

“Whatisyourname?”Iaskhersoftly,myheadstillthrobbing

Shepausesbutmustthinkitdoesn’tmatterifweknowwhatshe’scalled.Butinsteadofgivingushername,sheanswers, “Jogug.”

There’sdeadsilenceamongtheguard

“Andyou?”shesnarls,herhandinmyhairwrenchingmyheadfurtherbackagainstherchest.

“Bakog Hisson”Ican’tpointtomyfatherbutshedoesn’tseemtocarewhichmaleIreferto

She’slikeadifferentperson.Someofourmalesareexpressionless,othersconfused.Latsil,thebiggestofthelot,dropsto hisknees Itmakesnodifferencetoher

“He is myprisoner,” she says. “Infiltrated mycamp withbad intentions. Didn’t expect myclanto be here.” Her blade pressesintomyskinandthesharplyhonededgeburnsasitslices.

“Andwhereisyourclan?”Igrit,distractingher

“MovedonsoIcouldfindouthowmanyofyoutherewere.”

“Theyleftyoualonewithus?”myfatherasks “Notknowinghowmanyapproach?”

Ifeelherstiffen;knowthatshe’sawareoftheirbetrayal.

“TheyknowIcanhandlemyself.”

Latsilopenshismouthtospeakbutmyfatherclaspshishandontohisshoulder,silencinghim “Youcomefromourvillage,”Brunsays.“Solaya.”

“Iwas born inSolaya,”shehisses “Ifreedmyselffromyourhellhole” Whatstorieshasshebeentold?ButthenLatsilspeaks.“Whyisyourhairsodark?”

Shepauses,butthesunisnotyetbrightenoughtoshowthathishaircolormatcheshers Orshould Butshesitsnearthefire andtheflameilluminatesher.Allshe’sprobablythinkingisthathe’sseenherbefore maybefromthevillageshe’slongsince forgotten.

“I’minpenanceforkillingourking Iwearhismarksnow andhisclothingforthethree-moonmourningperiod” Thoughshemaymeantomakeusawareshe’snottobetrifledwith,sherevealssomethingelse.Thebrutesshe’swith the maleswhokidnappedher haveher purposelydisguised They’verealizedwhosheisthen,andstill daretokeepher They justchangedtheirsentencefromdeathtoapainfuldeath.

“Youdon’trememberSolaya?”Iask Shefalters.“Nay.Tookafallfromahorse.WokeabitcrazedandthatwaswhenIkilledourking.”

“Wecantakeyouback,”Brunoffers.“Youcanseethevillageforyourself.Mayhapitwilltriggeryourmemories.” “Especiallythoseofyourmum,”Latsilsayssoftly

“Lies,”shegrits.“Mymotherwaskilledfornotbearingmorehorrorslikeme!”

“Nay Yourmotherisaliveandwell Andhasbornmorebrats,thoughabityoungerthanyou Boys Youhavetwobrothers Weeones,muchyounger.”

Iseeshe’stemptedtobelievebythegripofherhandinmyhairbutshe’sasmartgirl.Alwayshasbeen.

“Yermother’sentireworldwasfilledbyye,”Latsilsays,emotionclogginghisvoice,makinghisaccentmorepronounced. “Andwhenyebeggedherforbrothers,sheagreeddespiteherlifebeingfull.Evenallowedyetonametheboy-brats.”

She’ssilentforaminute,thenchoosestoignorehisheartfeltpleas

“Iholdyourson,yourprince,prisoner.Ifyouwishtokeephimalive,youwillheadtoyourvillageyourself.IfIchooseto stopbywithhim,youwillallowmesafepassage,”shebluffs MyfatherlooksatmeandIslowlyblink,givinghimasignaltodoasshesays.Iwillremainherprisoner untilItakeher asmine.

“Wewill,”hesays.“Youhaveourwordonsafepassage,m’kirn.Yourlifestoryisnotwhatitseemsandwecanprovethat toyou.Butplease...grantusaboonforkeepingmysoninyourcare.Allowustoknowwhereyourownclanhasgone.”

Shemaynotcareforhermalesbutsheisloyal “Theyhavegonetoasafehaven”Then,inagameonlyshecanguessat, Shaliasays,“Collins.”

AvillageundertheSouthpeakjurisdiction

Latsilnarrowshiseyes.“Thereisnosafehavenforyourmales.”

Latsilwilltearthemfromlimbtolimb.

Myfathercutsintocalmhim “Notownwillhousethetraitors TheywillbedraggedtoSolayaforcapturebytheirown families.”

Her handgrips tighter inmyhair,the blade heldfirmer “We will see aboutthat,Prince Brun Ifyour clanrides directly homeandSouthpeaksbringthemtoSolaya,wewillhaveproof.Ifnot,Ihaveyourorc.”

“Aye,butyouwillneedtoridewithusbacktoSolayaoryoumayalwayswonderifwedraggedyourmalesinourselves” “Ninemalestoonefemale?DoIlookthatstupid,prince?”sheasksmockingly.“Nay.Youallleavenow.Iwillholdyour son,butdonotworry.Iwillkeephimsafe,”shejeers,bringingthebladeuptohertongueandlickingmyblood.

Thereisthefaintestglowoftherisingsuninthewest,thebeginningwakeoftheplanet “Wemusttrusteachotherthen,”myfathersays.“Jogug,wewillawaityourarrival.Youwillbetreatedwithrespect,asa princess Aqueen Wewillreuniteyouwithyourmother,yourbrothers yourfather” Again,herhandtightensinmyhair.Butforsomereason,shesuspectsthatmyfatherlies. “Andyouwillseewholies” “Begone,then.”

Withoutalookback,myclanleaves.

“Don’tgettoocomfortable,orc,”shesaysinmyear “Whenitislightout,youwilltakemetoyoursteedandwewillfind anothercamp.Thenwewillrest.”

Iwouldneverhurther,butshedoesn’tknowthat Sheisexhausted,alonefemalekeptwithoutsleep Myclanwouldnever havelefthertofacedangerousmalesonherown,especiallythosewiththereputationoftheWestMountainorcs.ButIhaveno qualmsthatherclancaresabouther.Nay,the biernaks willfeelmywrathsoon. “Getup,”shesays.

Iplayupmyweakness,groaningasIstruggletomyfeet.It’satricksheknowsbutperhapswiththeholesinhermemory, she’s forgotten.Ihave the upper handbecause rightnow,she doesn’tknow me...butIknow her well.Her fightingstyle,the wayshethinks eventhewayshekisses

EventhoughshewasshockedbymykisswhenIinfiltratedherbedlastnight,IknowShalia.Iknowshe’llcravemykiss again

“Where’syourhorse?”shesnapswhenIswayonmyfeet.

“Backbythecreekwhereyoubathed”

Shelooksatmesuspiciouslyandevennow,she’sfuckingbeautiful.Likeawarriorprincesswithherbattlescarsandfacial markings.Sodifferentthanthepretty,sweetmaidenthatwasmineforthetakingameremoonago.

“Andyourmaleswon’tbewaiting?”shesays “Becauseifso,you’llbreatheyourlastbreath”

“Aye,wench.Andyourheartwillceasebeating.”Thereisadoublemeaningtomywordsthatshewillnotunderstand. “Mayhapyourmaleswillkillmewithoutmyprisoner,”sheagrees “So,we’lldietogetherthen” “Thewayitshouldbe,”Isaysoftly.

Eventhoughshe’sgruffassheholdsthebladetomyback,Iknowshe’sconfusedaswell I’mnotafraidtodie,notbyher hand,andshedoesn’tunderstandwhy.

Sheownsmylife,myheart.She’swelcometodowiththemwhatevershewants.

Wegettotheedgeofthecreekandshewhispers,“Whereisheat?” Iclickmyteeth.“Tobias.”

Mysteedwastrainedbyusboth Hedoesnotneedtobetied,orenclosedwithothers Heloveshisfreedom justlikehis mistress andcomestrotting,steamcurlingfromhisflarednostrils,eagertoseeher. MayhaphethinkswearejustpickingherupfromCreedethewaywedoduringhersummervisits.

Shedropstheknifeinsurprisewhenhenudgesherwithhismassivehead,beggingforthestrokesshenormallygiveshim. Her hand comes out automatically, muscle-memory enabling her to give him the same pets she always does despite not rememberingthemovement

The elementofsurprise is whatIneed,andImaynotgetanother chance soon.Ihookmylegaroundhers andyank.She dropstotheground,whereIcollapsewithher,alegoverherneck Sherecoversquickly,butnotfastenough Westruggle,butmystrengthisgreater.Iknowhertricks.Butthisisn’taboutprolongingitandso,despitethelurchinmy gut,Ichokeheruntilshelosesconsciousness.

Onceshe’sout,Ireleasemygripandscramble,twistingmylargebodyintopracticedmovements,maneuveringmyhands boundbehindmybackaslowaspossible,curlingmyspineandbringingmykneesuptomypointedears.WhenI’massmallas canbe, Iworkatlooseningmyjoints and wrigglingmyhands downmyass and over myfeet Notaneasyfeat, butone my grandfathermadethegirlspracticehundredsoftimes.

Iknowshedidn’ttiemebecauseifshehadshewouldhavetiedmyhandstightertopreventthemove Nay,themalesmust havetiedmeaftersheknockedmeout.

Whenmyhandsareinfrontofme,Igrabtheknifeandhookitintomyboot,bladeup.Iruntheropesbetweenmywrists backandforthuntiltheropesnaps,thenflipthebladesafelydown

Icheckherover,makingsureshebreathesfreely.WhenIfeellikeshe’ssafe,Icradleherintomyarmsandsob,forIhave never,everinjuredShally Myheart Mylove