Page 86 of Bound to the Orc Hunter

“I’m fine.” He captures one of my hands and pulls it up to press a kiss to the palm, his eyes dark and serious and so full of emotion it takes my breath away. His voice is a hoarse husk. “Everything’s fine now.”

“Drake? The puppies?”

“You saved everyone with your ride. It kept the sluagh from any further attacks.”

“Oh, good.” I sigh and sag with relief, finally noticing the golden wooden walls and ceiling, a window with shutters thrown open to let sunlight pour in. I’m in a bed, a real bed, not furs on a floor. “Where are we?”

“This is our cottage. This is our bedroom.”

“And this is your friendly local herbalist.” A female orc bustles into the room, a leather satchel slung over her shoulder. “Hello, I’m Gerna.”

She has the long black hair, dark eyes, and green skin I’m already used to. Her brown leather pants and boots are familiar, but her linen tunic’s got an extra touch of pretty, embroidered with green leaves around the neck and hem. But what really surprises me is she’s about as tall and muscular as any of the men.

Is this why Branikk found me attractive, because I’m actually built the way he thinks women should be built? Instead of upsetting me, the thought makes his affection feel more real, morepossible. It’s actually comforting to think there’s finally a place where I fit in.

More people crowd the doorway, two human women standing in the front, with several orcs behind them. While Gerna pulls out numerous little bottles filled with various-colored liquids, the other women approach. They both have tan skin and brown hair, but that’s pretty much it for similarities.

The shorter one is tiny and bristles with energy. Beaming at me, she trots over and gives me an enthusiastic hug, words pouring from her in a rush. “Hi! I’m Taylor. I’m the other one who got whammied with the deathsleep, but Gerna fixed me right up just like she did you. I’m also married to Krivoth, Branikk’s best friend, so we’re automatically besties now, too.”

A startled laugh escapes me. “I don’t think that’s how that works.”

“Oh, it’s how it’s going to work, all right.” A male orc walks over from the doorway. Handsome, if a little frowny, he stops and puts a hand on each of Taylor and Branikk’s shoulders. This must be Krivoth. “My moon bound won’t accept anything less, and she’s very determined.”

She throws him an affectionate look and waves over the other woman.

Taller and with longer brown hair and a more hour-glass figure, she’s got a pretty smile, and her hug is warm. “I’m Olivia. I hear you can also conjure.”

“She’s the one who got the food magic,” Taylor says. “It’s awesome!”

Olivia laughs. “I am ‘Pizza.’” She makes air quotes.

“I met pixies who talked about you,” I say. “They were disappointed I couldn’t make pizza, so I made them a Ferris wheel instead.”

“A Ferris wheel!” Taylor’s eyes gleam like a little kid given a pile of birthday presents. “You havegotto tell us that story!”

“And she will… later,” Gerna says, shooing everyone but Branikk back and handing me a potion to drink. “What does this taste like?”

Magic fizzes across my tongue, along with a fruity flavor. “Strawberries.”

She nods and records something in a little journal.

Two orcs shove through the crowd at the door, an older man and woman, who cries out, “Branikk! Introduce us right this instant!”

She’s beautiful, with high cheekbones and lovely eyes, which look so much like Branikk’s I know who she is even before he says, “This is my mother, Kora, and my father, Bronn.”

His father is pleasantly handsome, with silver salting the hair at his temples. What really strikes me is the feeling of calm steadiness he exudes.

“Mother, Father, this is Grace, the moon bound bride the goddess blessed me with.” Branikk’s voice is filled with so much pride that my heart leaps to hear it. These are his parents, some of the most important people in his life, and here he is, clearly proud I’m his wife.

Tears prickle the backs of my eyes. I’m not a crier, but damned if I know what to do with this feeling, all these emotions making me feel like I might burst.

“Now don’t you dare call us by our names.” His mother comes over to embrace me. “You’re our new daughter, and you’ll call us Mother and Father.” She pulls back to look me in the eyes, her hands firm on my shoulders. “Yes?”

Not trusting my voice, I can only nod. She’s already hugged me more in the first minute of meeting me than my own mother has in years.

“Kora, let the girl call us what she wants,” Bronn says, before giving me a quick hug. It’s like hugging a mountain, something big and solid and eternal.

“What is this?” I ask when he pulls away. “Why do you feel…?” My hand grabs at the air, like it’s trying to catch the right word.

---