Page 16 of Claimed By The Orc

I frowned. “I am not perfect.”

“For me you are. It’s hard to think around you.”

I forced myself not to reach out and touch him. “Do you want me to leave?” I wouldn’t go far. I’d still be watching, but I learned that some humans needed space when faced with a big decision or problem, and I would respect that if it was what Tanner wanted.”

But he shook his head. “No. Just—and I feel like the biggest asshole asking this of you—can I have a little time? Not a lot. If this is too much, I’ll help you find a way back home, I swear, but I just . . . Fuck. I need some time.”

Nothing Tanner said made sense. I’d already told him he could have all he needed. So I picked up his hand, enjoying how it was slightly smaller than mine in this form, and brought it to my lips. I barely brushed them along the knuckles, but Tanner still gasped, his eyes fluttering closed for a second like I imagined he would with a more intimate gesture.

“Take all the time you need, my Tanner. I am not going anywhere.”

CHAPTER 9

TANNER

Iwas torn between needing space and staying in the safety of Mahk’s arms forever. I was a bigger guy, so it was rare for me to be the one comforted. Normally, I didn’t mind. I liked being in charge, and I was a caretaker by nature, but every once in a while, it was nice to be on this side of things.

Plus, Mahk’s arms felt amazing. The way he held me so securely, there was no hesitation, none of the awkwardness that often came when cuddling wasn’t leading to sex. There was no impatience, no fidgeting. Mahk held on, making it clear he wasn’t going anywhere, even if he hadn’t said the words.

As amazing as it was, the rational part of my brain knew I needed to create some distance because I’d never be able to think clearly like this. I also needed to get home. I didn’t like leaving Jake home with everyone by himself at night, in case something happened. He hadn’t tried to call me, but in light of the conversation we’d had today, I was afraid he wouldn’t unless it was a bad emergency, in a way to prove to me that I needed him home.

That was another reason I had to take a step back from whatever was happening with Mahk. I didn’t want to stay awaycompletely—I didn’t think I could. But a good night’s sleep and a little clarity would do me a world of good.

I shifted a bit on Mrs. Cunningham’s sofa to look Mahk in the eyes. He still had that cautious hesitance, like he was positive I would break things off and run the fuck away at any second. I tried to smile, hoping to let him know we were okay.

“I need to get home.”

He nodded solemnly. “Of course.”

Mahk disentangled himself from me and stood up, and then suddenly he was human again. That switch was going to give me whiplash. It took my brain a second to register why he’d changed appearances.

“You don’t need to walk me back. I’ll be fine.”

Yeah, that didn’t go over well. Mahk narrowed his eyes, his lips pursed as he thought. “If you do not want to walk with me, I understand. I will follow you.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. “Have you been following me home a lot, Mahk?”

He nodded, completely unashamed. “Almost always, unless I had a lead on Koth and had to work. But even then, I came to check on you afterwards.”

“You know, most humans frown on that kind of behavior. We call it stalking.”

He seemed to think about this, considering why we wouldn’t be okay with being followed without our knowledge.

“And you? Are you upset that I followed you? I had to make sure you were safe.”

Warmness filled my belly. I stood up and touched his now smooth and tan cheek. It was weird seeing him like this after seeing the true Mahk. I wondered why his human form was so short. While he was maybe four or so inches taller than my 6’3” as an orc, he was at least six inches shorter than me now. He was also narrower now, and I could easily wrap my arms aroundhim and hold him there. I had so many questions about the magic. Did he choose what his human form looked like, or was it random? How did it actually work?

Anyway, none of that mattered right now. My brain was at max capacity, and I could wait for those little things. I had a question to answer, and the longer I took, the more concerned Mahk became. I could tell by the way he was stiffening and how his cheek twitched under my skin.

“No, I’m not. I should be, but I’m not. But from now on, you don’t hide in the shadows. I want to know you’re there.”

Mahk beamed. “Okay. I like that.”

“I like that too. Now, c’mon. I have to get back home. We can walk together.”

“I like that even better.”

I took his hand as I led him out, just to reinforce that even if I was fucking confused, I wanted him here, next to me.

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