Page 16 of One Stolen Night with Her Orc

Chapter 11

Poppy

“Poppy, you can’t beserious that you’re staying here! Doesn’t matter that he helped you be free from Marcus. You don’t owe him. And you’re in the middle of nowhere. You’re trapped on an island!” My sister’s voice is low but intense as she berates me over pastries and coffee at Moonlit Grounds Café and Bakery.

Looking around, I make sure we aren’t being overheard. No one seems to be watching us, except maybe Ravena, who is methodically wiping the counter and stealing glances at us. She’s nice enough, but there’s something about her that sets me on edge.

“Addy, don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl. You go get an education. Make a life for yourself away from ourformerstepdad. And come visit me in summer when it’s warm.” I smile big before taking a sip of my latte.

“You’re just going to attach yourself to thisorc?” Now her voice is loud. Two monsters, a minotaur and a demon, in the corner look at us, snorting their displeasure at my too loud sister. I smile and wiggle my fingers in a wave at them, then shush Addy.

“Uh, yeah. He’s strong. Protective. He cares about me. Addy, I love him.” I whisper the last words, almost unbelieving them myself. But it’s true. He’s wrapped himself around my heart like a vine and climbed directly into my soul. Making me feel complete in a way I never thought was possible.

“Okay. That’s bizarre. But that aside, what are you going to do? Be his beer wench?” I set my mug down, slowly, carefully, unbelieving that she’s really this cruel. I know she has my best intentions at heart, but her words sting.

“No. I’m going to get a job. Maybe take classes at the community college next semester. Find my footing. You don’t have to understand. But it would be great if you could be respectful.”

“What do you think?” Addy turns and asks Ravena, the owner, as she walks by with a tray of delicious looking pastries. “Do you think it’s completely acceptable for her tosuddenlybe in love with this orc, Koru, and move in with him? She barely knows him!”

Ravena purses her lips as she sets her tray down on our table, giving us each a little saucer with a cream puff topped with minced pistachios on top. “Well, honeybunch, that’s a big question. You make me miss my own sisters—not something I say very often.” She chuckles a little, a faraway look in her eyes before she turns back to Addy. All whimsy gone. “Let me answer your question with one of my own. Is your sister happy? Is she safe? Because when she first walked in, her eyes were shifty and her posture hunched. Now, she looks vibrant. I think that speaks volumes.”

Addy huffs out hard, making the foam on her coffee shift like the Red Sea parting. “Yeah, you’re right. She is happy and safe. But how much of that happiness is just the newness? How fast will it wear off? And then will she be stuck on this island where she doesn’t know anybody?” Addy’s voice reaches a new pitch. Both Ravena and I arch an eyebrow at her.

“She knows me! We’re a surprisingly friendly bunch—happens in small towns. And we are quick to look after our own. She’s one of us now. And not in a creepy way.” Ravena rests a hand on my shoulder and gives me a twinkly eyed smile. “Now, I’ll say, islands aren’t for everyone. Sounds like that might be the case for you. And that is okay. Just like love isn’t for everybody. Just look at me! Love was blotted out of my life’s future a long time ago.” She sighs, wistful and angry, and I really want to ask her forthatstory.

But before I can open my mouth to ask, Addy grabs my hand, pulling my attention back to her. Ravena, who is wise beyond her years, takes this as her cue to pick up her tray and leave us in peace...or at least silence. Addy’s mouth opens and shuts twice, then she shoves a pastry in her mouth with her other hand. As long as we have each other, we’re going to be okay. Even if we don’t agree with each other.

Looking at the dregs of the coffee and milk foam in my mug, I hear voices I recognize. August and Bjorn. They come in, loudly laughing, and order. August comes to say hi to us, while Bjorn heads over to the monsters in the corner—the ones who snorted at us—and fist bumps them. Now I see it, SAR logos on their shirts. Great. I’m sure our conversation will be repeated and eventually get back to Koru. The game of telephone is strong in this town.

“Look at you two! Like locals!” August gushes at us, even though she’s been here only slightly longer than me. I smile at her, but there’s no warmth. Addy’s chilled something inside of me. I need to think.

Addy rambles to August about her plans for classes. And I notice as I half-heartedly listen, that her excitement is fake. There’s a worry in the crease of her eyebrows I hadn’t noticed before.

“You know you don’t have to leave right away, right? I’m not trying to get rid of you,” I smile at Addy, taking her hand in mine after August has skipped off to sit with Bjorn and the other SAR orcs. Addy’s eyes widen in surprise at my words and her cheeks tinge pink.

“What are you talking about? I—I’m fine. Excited for new opportunities.” She fiddles with the spoon in her cup, not making eye contact with me as she speaks.

“You forget that I know all your tells. All your ins and outs. As exciting as it may be, it’s also scary and new. And lonely. You always have a home with me, even if my home is a little unconventional.” I shrug and smile, lean forward to wipe her tears.

“I see the way Koru looks at you. Touches you—all those little touches add up. He’s totally smitten. And so protective. I—I guess I think you’ll forget about me with your new happy, sexy orc life.”

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