Page 19 of One Night with Her Mountain Orc

When I can finally see them, tucked into the trees at the edge of the field, Bjorn has Chad up against an old fir tree, his forearm pinning him tight against his upper chest, almost at his throat. May is on the ground nearby, a rag doll, face covered by her hair and hands. She’s sobbing.

“May!” When she lifts her face to me, tear-streaked and red from crying, I can see a beautiful purple bruise flowering over her jaw and cheek. I lumber a few more steps and fall down beside her, pulling her into me. “I’m here,” I whisper into her hair.

“I’m so sorry. You were right,” is all she says. Neither of us pay any attention to the men. We sit intertwined together. I hear shuffling in the plant debris that litters the ground, but I don’t bother turning around. I trust Bjorn; Chad doesn’t stand a chance.

Eventually, Bjorn sits next to me, a heavy, large hand on my back to steady me. “It’s time to go,” he whispers. Then, to May, he says, “May, I work with Search and Rescue, and I’m an emergency responder. Can I take a look at your injuries?” Sniffling, whimpering, she sits up, chin high, still clasping my hand. She keeps her gaze focused off into the forest, away from where the cars are parked. Away from us.

Once Bjorn has determined that she’s safe to travel, he guides her to his truck. We sandwich in and make our way silently home. No Chad in sight.

Chapter 13

Bjorn

“Iwanted to rip histhroat out. Wanted to pull his limbs off and leave him for the wolves. Break every finger that has ever hurt another person. Cut out his tongue so it can never disparage anyone ever again.”

“But what did you do?” Captain Brann asks as he leans back in his office chair. He has is the persona of relaxed.

“I growled a threat and sent him on his way, letting him know that if he bothered August or May ever again, I know where he lives.”

“Sounds decent. But why are you resigning?” He snorts his retort.

“I figure this loser is going to be a loudmouth, and then public opinion will be down your throat about me. First, a supposed kidnapping. Now, threatening anupstanding citizen.”

“I think you’ve got the pulse of this town wrong. You stood up against abuse. I can’t think of any one person in town who will support the other guy.” Brann leans forward now, back into work mode. Boss mode.

“I’m an orc.”

“Understatement of the year. So am I. But I need you to stop trying to resign. Someone’s going to think I’m keeping you here against your will. And I’m not. Right?”

“Right,” I sigh. “I hate how level-headed you are.”

“That’s why I’m the boss.”

“Huh.”

“Is she okay now?”

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