Page 2 of Marked By the Wild Orc

“Let me send you some money,” he offers again. “Just so you can get by.”

I shake my head, thinking again of how Mia would most certainly find out and then I’d have her on my doorstep, with a knife. “Nope, I’ll be okay. I’m going to try and get a job at…”

“That’s the other reason why I’m calling. I know a place that has a job opening that would be perfect for you.”

I stand up straight. “Already? Where?”

“You know how that apartment complex you moved into at First and Willow is across the street from a strip mall?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I know the orc who owns a shop at the corner of that strip mall.”

My jaw drops open. I walk over to the window of my second-story apartment and look through the blinds. It’s raining and hazy, but I can still see what he’s talking about. “Really? That place is so close I can walk over there. I’d never even need to use my car.”

“Yeah, I got the idea when I was moving you in, but I didn’t want to say anything until I’d spoken to him and confirmed he’s hiring. Talon’s business is new and he’s been saying he needs to hire someone.”

“Who is Talon?”

“Talon Overtree, the best orc tattoo artist in the Pacific Northwest. Personally, I think he’s the best in the entire world, but that might be because he’s also my best friend.”

I purse my lips. “The sign for the store says it’s called Heat and Ink and now I understand the meaning. Kavin, I don’t have a single tattoo on my body and I’ve never given anyone a tattoo in my life, or even watched anyone being given a tattoo. Why would he want a novice like me working there?”

“He needs someone up front because he’s getting busier than before. Someone to greet customers, accept payments and clean up around there.”

“Ah, okay I can do that.”

“Yes, you can and I’m certain you would like to work there, but you need to know up front that it’s an orc tattoo shop that mainly caters to orcs. Can you work with a bunch of huge orcs stomping around who might have little social skills with humans? You will not be mistreated in any way, but there will be a lot of rough orcs who smile very little.”

I let out a snort. “I can work with anyone right now as long as it’s legal and I don’t have to take off clothes or perform sexual favors to get my pay.”

He chuckles. “I’d never put my own sister at a job that isn’t good for her.”

I reach up and start twirling my hair, shifting on my feet. “Wait, what about how orcs used to…I know modern orcs don’t kidnap women anymore but…I mean, I’m young and single, so I’m a little worried that…”

“Don’t worry,” Kavin offers. “All of the orcs who will traffic the shop, and Talon as well, are modern orcs who follow all modern laws. And I know for a fact that none of the orcs you will work with or any of the orc customers will be interested in you as a bride. No orcs will ever, your entire life, want you as a mate.They will treat you as a friend or a coworker. There will be no sexual harassment of any kind. I promise.”

I blink. “None of them will want me as a mate, ever? I mean I’m not necessarily looking for an orc husband, but I’d like to think that I’m at least like to think that eventually, if I’d worked there for many years, at leastoneof them I run into might want…”

“No,” he laughs. “No, I’m not saying you aren’t attractive both inside and out. I’m certain human males will be asking you out often. It’s just that orcs don’t date, we only mate with the female who our body recognizes as physically able to carry our son.”

“Oh.” My eyes instantly grow hot as I recognize his meaning. “Orcs get together with someone who can get pregnant. And if that woman can’t get pregnant then…”

“Then our mating instincts don’t kick in.”

“Orcs can scent if a woman they are attracted to is able to get pregnant?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m marrying Mia, because my body recognized her as the female to mate. We have an orc son on the way.”

I let out a squeak of surprise. “You do? Are you saying I’m going to be an aunt?”

“Yes, I’ve scented that she was carrying my son for many months now, but Mia didn’t want us to tell anyone until she was past three months along. I don’t understand, some sort of human rule. But starting today I can tell anyone, and I want to tell you first because you are my sister.”

“Ah, congratulations, Kavin, that’s wonderful. You’re going to be a great dad,” I say with enthusiasm. I love him so much and I really am truly delighted for Kavin and thrilled that I’m going to have a nephew on the way. But less grateful that Mia is forever tied our family.

“I know this is last minute,” he says, “but can you go over there right now for a job interview?”

“Sure. This couldn’t be more perfect. Things are looking up for me. I’m going to be an aunt and there’s a job that sounds right for me and it’s across the street.”

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