Page 35 of Bound to the Orc Hunter

“These pixies have probably been squabbling and bumping up against each other’s territory for years. Now they’ll form a new, larger flock.” Branikk puts an arm around me and turns metoward the riverbank where Aurora waits. “Let’s leave them to it and get you some dinner.”

When he stops us on the edge of the rock slab, I squint hard into the darkness, then shake my head. “I can’t see the far side well enough to jump across.”

“Not to worry.” He sweeps me off my feet in a bridal carry, his strong arms holding me effortlessly to his chest. He leaps across the gap, lands easily, and strides forward without setting me down. Normally, I’d be hella uncomfortable to trust my safety to someone else like this, but his body moves with such ease and power, I’m okay with it.

I trust him.

It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this safe and cared for, like I have someone I can count on.

My hands tighten around his neck, his long hair swinging as he walks and brushing against my cheek. It’s soft and smells amazing. I pull even closer to him, almost nuzzling his neck. By the time he reaches the riverbank, I’m only picturing him naked a little bit. Just a smidge. Barely at all.

I don’t want to let go.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Branikk

The water nymphs left fish for our dinner as thanks, and I’m grateful, because it takes almost no time to fillet them and have them sizzling in a pan over a fire along with some mushrooms I’d gathered earlier.

Which is good, because Grace nods off while they’re cooking, only waking to eat what I put in front of her before falling asleep, her cheek plastered to my shoulder, her mouth hanging open, the sweet smell of the tooth cleaning berry I gave her puffing over me with each exhalation.

She’s worn out. All the revelations of the day taking their toll, not to mention the huge amount of magic she channeled to conjure something as large as the Ferris wheel.

“Go,” Aurora says. “I’ve got watch.”

“Thanks.” I kick dirt over the fire, remove my weapons, and carry my moon bound into the trees where I set up the tent. She stirs sleepily, making a little noise of protest.

“Shh.” I press a kiss to her temple, the soft hairs tickling my lips. “I’ve got you.”

My bride lets out a quiet sigh and relaxes in my arms, putting her trust in me. Something changed between us today, something more than her realizing Alarria’s real. I don’t know exactly what it is yet, but I can’t wait to find out.

I lower Grace gently to my furs, and her hands don’t let go of me, pulling me down beside her. I go willingly, wrapping her in my arms to hold all night.

Hazy morning light pulls me awake.

Or perhaps it’s the raging insistence of my cock.

I’m on my side, Grace facing me on hers, her long legs tangled with mine. One arm cradles her head, the other…

The other drapes over her hip, my hand palming her ass, pulling her closer.

Magic ripples through my stud, the sphere of metal stirring, reaching for her, ready to stroke her sensitive nub when I’m buried inside her. The thought makes me bite back a groan. I imagine my bride’s long legs wrapped around my waist, squeezing me almost as tightly as her sweet—

She stirs, her soft breath tickling over my neck. Her long hair spreads in waves behind her, the bright gold a beautiful contrast to the brown furs. Her face looks so peaceful, so trusting, and it remains so as her eyes flutter open and she sees me.

I fight down my body’s insistent demand totake. This is the long hunt, the slow stalk that lulls the prey into my hands.It’s new for my moon bound to look at me without a touch of wariness in her eyes. I will not damage that fledgling trust with unruly haste. My bride’s worth every bit of patience I can muster, and winning her will be all the sweeter.

But damned if it isn’t the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

“Morning,” she whispers, her leg sliding against mine, almost lifting far enough to stroke along my length.

My cock leaps in my pants, and I grit my teeth, using every last bit of warrior discipline to hold myself in check. The greedy thing cares nothing for my plans. It wants—and it wantsnow.

“I heard that!” Aurora calls from outside, cutting across the moment. “Get up. If I’m up, you’re up too.”

“Oh, I’m up,” I mutter, my cock giving one last insistent jolt of protest, as if knowing it just lost its chance.

“Is she always like this?” A soft huff of laughter escapes Grace as she places a palm on me to push upright.

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