Page 69 of Bound to the Orc Hunter

Grace blurts, “Or other things that aren’t useful for something like this.”

What could she be speaking of? Then it hits me—the pillows, the diaphanous pink gown, and the black net stockings. The other types of things she makes are all meant for bed sport.

I shoot my moon bound a knowing look, and her cheeks turn even redder.

“We need a way for cu sith to trap the sluagh birds,” Riselda says.

“Jump and trap one in your jaws,” Mist says. “I’ve done so.”

“And then do what with it?” Rune asks. “We can’t kill it, and we can’t hold it forever.”

“See. I keep telling you hands are useful.” I reach up and pat Aurora on the neck. “We need more orcs.”

“Or a dragon who can burn an entire flock all at once.” Mist stands. “I’ll travel back to Moon Blade Village and see what I can do.” She starts to fade from view, her long hair swirling in a breeze I can’t feel.

I call out, “Tell them about Grace! Tell them to come protect my bride!”

Only her grin remains when she says, “I will.” Then it too is gone.

“I’ll go and stand lookout.” Aurora bats me on the head—much more softly this time—and returns to the path that will take her to the top of the den hill.

“Whatever we come up with to catch the birds, we need things to hold them in.” Grace looks at me. “How many bags do you have?”

I love how practical she is. Sadly, my answer is, “Not enough.”

She turns to Riselda. “What do you have that we can make bags out of?”

“Nothing.” The cu sith holds up a paw. “We have no use for such things.”

“You guys hunt all the time for meat. But what do you do with the leather?”

“We don’t turn hides into leather.”

“Dammit.” Grace’s fingers drum on her leg. “There’s got to be something.”

“The nets your gun shoots can be tied into bags,” I say. “They’re still holding the three we trapped from that recent attack.” The cu sith carried the trapped birds to various locations across their territory and enclosed them in empty dens.

“Yeah!” Her face brightens, and she snaps her fingers. “And my magic let me make more of the net cartridges. It was the first time it gave me what I actually asked for. Maybe that means I can make more of those.”

I like seeing her like this, full of hope. Her magic is a wondrous thing, if only she can get it to do what she wants. And perhaps belief in her abilities can play a part in that.

“Make another of the guns, too,” I say.

“I’m still not a great shot.”

“If there are as many of the sluagh as reported, you won’t need to be,” I growl, hating the thought of her in danger. “Our foe will fill the air.”

I vow then and there to do anything, risk anything, to keep her safe. Life will mean nothing without her, so my life is hers. She is my love, my everything.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Grace

I leap to my feet, determined to make another gun. Closing my eyes, I reach for my magic. Please work this time. Please. My crystal warms between my breasts and the slick feel of plastic weighs down my hands. Yes!

I open my eyes.

No. It’s another bubble shooter, perfectly matching the one at my feet.

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