Page 14 of Charming the Orc's Mate

Show up. The message rang clear as temple bells. My mate didn’t need flowery words or grand gestures. She needed someone who kept their word. Someone who proved their intentions through actions, not promises.

Someone who didn’t forget their obligations at the first pretty smile flashed their way.

“Well,” I said, keeping my tone light. “I solemnly swear that if you ever need someone to eat snickerdoodles at three in the morning, I’m your orc.”

That startled a genuine laugh out of her. “Careful. I might hold you to that.”

“Please do.”

Our eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the bar faded away. There was only Carissa—brilliant, wounded, absolutely captivating Carissa. Her tongue darted out to catch a drop of foam clinging to her lip, and my cock twitched. By the gods, I wanted this woman. Needed to see her completely undone, gasping my name with pleasure.

“Refills?” I managed, grabbing our empty glasses before I did something stupid like drag her into my lap and kiss her senseless.

She nodded, and I made my way to the bar. I’d barely caught Vanin’s attention when I felt a presence on either side of me.

“Who’s your date?” Stella’s eyes sparkled with predatory interest.

I groaned internally. Of course the Moon sisters would be here tonight. Their matching grins promised trouble.

“She’s so pretty,” Luna chimed in. “Does she have a sister?”

“Or a brother?” Stella’s grin showed too many teeth.

I rolled my eyes. “Bad dogs. Humans are not for chewing.”

“Only if you do it wrong.” Luna’s laugh carried a hint of howl.

I was saved from having to answer by Vanin sliding our drinks across the bar. But as I turned to head back to the booth, my good mood evaporated.

Tate Gerrard loomed over our table, his expensive suit out of place among the regulars. Carissa’s shoulders were tight, her smile forced as she looked up at him.

I was across the room in three strides.

“—just need your signature,” Tate was saying as I approached. “The sooner we get this wrapped up, the sooner you can get back to your real life.”

Carissa’s shoulders were rigid, her spine perfectly straight. “As I said in my email, I need time to review everything properly. The estate isn’t even fully settled yet.”

“Come now.” Tate’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We both know this is just a formality. Your aunt and I had already come to an understanding before her unfortunate passing.”

“Everything alright here?” I kept my voice level and forced myself to set the drinks down gently instead of hurling them at his head.

“Just a friendly business discussion.” Tate’s tone dripped condescension. “Nothing that concerns you.”

“In the middle of a crowded bar?” I raised an eyebrow. “Seems like you’re the one who doesn’t understand the meaning of private.”

Carissa’s hand brushed my arm. A silent thank you, or a plea to stand down? I couldn’t tell. The need to protect her from the snake overrode all good sense and tinged my vision red.

“Tell her your real plans.” The words ground past my teeth. “Tell her what happens after she signs.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” But his pulse jumped, visible in his throat.

“You’ll tear it down,” I growled. “Just like the old theater. Just like the deli. Flatten everything that makes this town special and replace it with overpriced condos.”

“The theater was structurally unsound. Lieberman retired.” Tate straightened his tie. “Miss Morton, your aunt understood the reality of the situation. That building is worth more as part of our development project than as some quaint little bookshop. The sooner you accept that?—”

“The bookstore stays.” Carissa stood, matching Tate’s height in her heels. “I won’t sell.”

“Don’t be foolish.” Tate grabbed her arm. “You’re not equipped to?—”

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