Page 32 of Romancing the Orc

The orcs formed an alliance with unicorns, since there were no horses, and learned how to use the special magic of the realm. They build villages with cottages made of living trees, and they spend their evenings at the pub, drinking and talking with friends over a pint of cider or ale. They have bathhouses fed by hot springs and use magical glowing crystals instead of electric lights.

“It all sounds really lovely,” I say.

He glances back to offer me a wistful smile.

“Do you miss it?” I ask.

“I do.”

Of course he does, Lara. I roll my eyes at myself. It’s his home, and he spoke of it with clear affection. But howmuchdoes he miss it? Does he want to leave Earth? My tummy gives a nervous flip, but I force myself to ask, “Do you want to go back?”

“I tried when I first got here, but I could never figure out how. When Naomi opened the door to Earth, I got sucked through and flung far from the others in my party.”

“Who were they?” My brain whirls. I want to know everything about him. “What was your job? Why were you one of the people coming to Earth?”

“I was with the human witch Naomi and several orc warriors, including King Aldronn. I was one of the king’s guard.” His shoulders flare, his back muscles rippling in a fascinating way. “It’s the highest honor an orc warrior can achieve.”

He’s such a good fighter, but I had no idea he was one of the elite! “King’s guard. That’s really impressive.” Andseriouslydifferent from being a cover model. Can anything here compete with his position in Faerie? Will living on Earth ever be enough for him? Kings aren’t exactly thick on the ground, let alone one willing to hire an orc. “If paperwork wasn’t an issue, what would you like to do here on Earth?”

“I learned much in all my years of warrior training. I used it in Alarria to protect one very special person, my king. I will use it here on Earth to protect one very special person.” He halts on the edge of a clearing and turns to me. “You.”

“What? I’m no one! I’m certainly not royalty.”

“No, you’re not.” His dark eyes bore into mine. “You’re far more precious, my mate.”

My heart skips, and emotion fills my chest until I feel like I’ll burst. “Are you sure that will be enough for you?”

“It will be everything.” He cups my cheek. “Youare everything.”

Giddy delight fills me, and I take a step forward, ready to throw my arms around him. “Brokk, I—”

He reaches for me, pressing insistent fingers to my lips.

My body shivers with anticipation. Is he going to kiss me?

But when he leans over, it’s to whisper in my ear. “Men are coming.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Brokk

Alarm ripples through the plants surrounding me, coming from the direction of the river. The sprites went after the main group of pursuers, but these two men must be scouting far ahead of the rest.

Two humans pose little threat. I could take them down in seconds if not for two things: they have guns, and I can’t risk any threat to Lara.

The Moon Goddess sent me to this world to find and protect my mate. Failure, as the humans say, isnotan option.

I spin in place. Lara’s bright-pink catsuit stands out against the green of the jungle like a neon sign blaring in the dark of night. If only our followers had caught up to us near one ofthe mandevilla vines! The pink trumpet flowers and thick leaves would make the perfect camouflage.

“There’s nowhere for you to hide,” I whisper in her ear, plucking at the shoulder of her catsuit. “Not in this.”

“Then I won’t be in it,” she says. “I’ll be like you. My skin’s less visible than this pink.”

Her creamy light-tan skin still stands out far more than mine. I love Lara exactly as she is, but for a split second, I wish she were an orc with green skin.

And the thought of her naked while these two men hunt us… I suppress a growl, knowing deep noises can carry.

“They’ll be looking for this. I’m a walking sign that screams, ‘Look at me! Here I am!’” She frowns down at the catsuit. Then her head whips up, a smile covering her face. “I’ve got an idea. They want me alive. They’re looking for me in this hot-pink monstrosity. We use me as bait, and you sneak around them and wham!” She throws a little punch.

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