Page 60 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

“Lead the way, my love,” I murmur against her hair, relishing the sweet scent of her lavender perfume.

Hand in hand, we make our way back inside, not even trying to hide the giddy smiles plastered across our faces. Mariah leans into my side as we walk, her head resting on my bicep, and I’ve never felt more complete.

As we enter the ballroom, a hush falls over the crowd. Curious eyes follow our every move, widening at the sight of our joined hands and rumpled clothing. A couple of monsters turn to each other with scandalized whispers, and some of our former classmates wear shocked expressions.

Surely everyone remembers how I treated Mariah in high school. Even if they heard of our rumored engagement last month, it’s probably a surprise to see us acting this cozy right now.

But I remind myself that I don’t care about the whispers or the stares. Let them talk. All that matters is the amazing woman beside me and the love we share.

I lead Mariah onto the dance floor just as a slow song begins to play, the romantic melody swelling around us. Pulling her into my arms, I hold her close, swaying gently to the music. Her body molds perfectly against mine, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

Mariah lifts her head from my chest, the soft light making her skin glow.

“I love you, Thorak Ironfist,” she murmurs, her lips curving into a tender smile. “I’m sorry it took me this long to realize it.”

“I love you too, Mariah Parker,” I rumble, brushing a feather-light kiss across her forehead. “More than anything. And I’m going to spend the rest of my days proving it to you, and making up for all the time we lost.”

Mariah’s eyes glint with unshed tears as she rises up on her toes to press a soft, sweet kiss to my lips. I lose myself in her, in this perfect moment where nothing exists but the two of us, swaying together.

For the first time in weeks, the tightness in my chest eases, replaced by a deep sense of rightness, of coming home.

28

THORAK

Iapproach the Moonflower Inn, dressed in my nicest leather vest and sturdy trousers, my heavy boots thumping on the cobblestones. Mariah agreed to dinner with my parents tonight. It’s a huge step for us after dating for just a month, but things have been going so well that it felt like it was time to deal with it.

I can’t wait to see her, though my stomach churns with nervousness.

Stepping inside, the cozy lobby’s flickering fireplace and soft fragrant breeze calm my jitters. Mariah emerges from the back, looking breathtaking in a flowing green blouse that brings out her emerald eyes.

Still, I notice the apprehension in the set of her shoulders, the way she chews at her bottom lip. Mariah tucks herself against my side and I pull her close, brushing a kiss to her temple.

“Hey,” I murmur. “You look beautiful.”

She offers me a crooked smile. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.” Her fingers pluck at my vest.

“Only the best for meeting the parents, right?” I joke lightly, hoping to ease some of her tension.

“Right,” Mariah agrees with a shaky laugh. “Lead the way, handsome.”

Hand in hand, we exit the inn into Elderberry Falls’ bustling streets. The smell of baking bread and blooming flowers fills the air. As we walk, I give Mariah’s fingers a reassuring squeeze.

But as we draw closer to my parents’ house, Mariah’s steps falter. She turns to me, worry etched across her delicate features.

“Thorak, I can’t stop thinking about the last time I saw your parents at the brewery. The way they looked at me, the things they said...” She shakes her head, chestnut waves cascading over her shoulders. “I know Gruna’s been working with them, but what if it’s not enough? What if they still can’t accept me?”

Gruna’s been trying hard to get my parents to come around over the past month. She and Mariah have quickly become close friends, and Gruna wants my parents to accept this relationship as badly as I do. She’s been talking with them, sharing articles and books, and thinks they’ve made good progress in overcoming their prejudices.

I’ve barely spoken to my parents since our last confrontation. Orc clans are close-knit families, and it hurts to have grown estranged from them. But I know my sister wouldn’t have encouraged this dinner if she didn’t believe Ma and Da were ready to be more open-minded.

I stop walking and gently cup Mariah’s face in my large hands, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze.

“Mariah, listen to me. I know my parents haven’t been the most welcoming in the past, but I truly believe they’re trying to change.” I brush my thumb over her cheekbone, marveling at the smoothness of her skin. “And even if they can’t fully accept us tonight, it won’t change how I feel about you. Nothing ever could.”

Mariah leans into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When she opens them again, there’s a steely resolve amid the apprehension.

“I know, Thorak. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.” She takes a steadying breath. “I’m just nervous, that’s all. But I trust you, and I trust in us.”

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