Page 24 of Charming the Orc's Mate

“This?” I wrapped my arm around her waist, drawing her close. “This is Silvermist Falls showing up for one of their own.”

Beverly materialized from the crowd, brandishing a collection box. “There you are! I was beginning to think we’d have to start without you.” She stuffed a handful of bills into the box with a flourish. “We simply can’t let Tate Gerrard get his hands on our beloved bookstore. Why, where else would we hold book club?”

As Beverly wandered off, muttering about finding more cash, Carissa turned to me. “You did this? All of this?”

“The fundraiser isn’t the only offering,” I explained, leading her through the crowd. “I’ve been busy offering my carving services and cutting deals.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What kind of deals?”

“The kind that keep Tate from screwing you over.” I ticked them off on my fingers. “I’m your new local supplier for shelving and displays. Vanin’s keeping you stocked in booze. Poppy’s handling baked goods for events. Chelle’s doing weekly palm readings in exchange for you carrying her protective book covers.”

“They’re the shit,” Molly chimed in as she passed, arms laden with boxes.

I grinned. “And Miranda’s keeping your impulse buy displays stocked with candles and lip balms and other things she swears are necessary and not at all nepotism.”

Carissa slowed to a stop. When I turned, tears shimmered in her eyes. “Torain, I… Thank you.”

I pressed my forehead to hers. “I told you at Paint-and-Sip. Anything for little Carissa.”

She grabbed my shirt and pulled me down, crushing her lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around her waist, lifting her slightly as I deepened the kiss. Someone—probably the twins—whistled, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing hard, I pressed my forehead to hers again. “Ready to go save your store?”

She nodded, determination replacing the uncertainty in her eyes. “Show me where to start.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur of introductions and negotiations. I hung back, content to watch as Carissa worked her magic. She might think herself an outsider, but I saw how naturally she fit into Silvermist’s rhythm. The way she lit updiscussing books with Beverly’s book club. How she actually laughed at Luna and Stella’s terrible puns. The genuine interest she showed in Miranda’s “definitely not magical” products.

This was my mate. Strong. Brilliant. Finally embracing the chaos and finding her place in our little community.

“Torain!” Zral’s voice cut through the crowd. “We need your help with the stage!”

I started to decline, but Carissa squeezed my arm. “Go. I need to grab more flyers from the store anyway. Paint-and-Sip is already half booked for next month.”

“You sure?”

She rolled her eyes and gave me a playful shove. “I think I can manage a quick errand without supervision. Go fix things before we have a disaster on our hands.”

I caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Don’t take too long. I’ve got plans for you later.”

Her cheeks flushed beautifully as she hurried away. I watched until she disappeared into the store before joining Zral at the stage.

The repair didn’t take too long—but then a tent needed new stakes, and another booth had too much wobble for the owner’s taste. By the time I took a breath free of someone’s request, the sun had begun its descent toward the horizon.

I scanned the crowd for Carissa, frowning when I didn’t spot her.

She should have been back by now.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CARISSA

The street party’s music followed me into Spines & Spirits, muffled but still audible through the old walls. I ran my fingers along a shelf as I walked, overwhelmed by the support Torain had rallied. No more faceless corporate vendors or distant suppliers. These were people who knew the store and cared about its survival.

People who remembered little Carrie Morton, and were willing to lend a helping hand.

I shook my head, smiling. For once, the nickname didn’t sting. Maybe because Torain had orchestrated all this while respecting my preference for Carissa.

My throat tightened. How many times had I heard “I’ll see what I can do” or “We’ll figure something out” over the years? Pretty words that dissolved into disappointment. But Torain... he just showed up. Day after day. Solution after solution. Just steady reliability when I needed it most.

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