Page 10 of Vexing the Grumpy Orc

Only then did I let out the breath I’d been holding. Let my fingers unclench from around the stem.

Harrison slid back into his seat, voice dripping with false sympathy. “I apologize you had to deal with such a... primitive specimen. Some of them can be quite intimidating when they forget we’re a civilized society.”

My fingers tightened around my wine glass. The urge to throw the contents in his face grew stronger with each word.

“Their clan in particular has violent tendencies.” He glanced around like he was sharing state secrets. “They slaughtered a human without remorse.”

“Really.” Ice coated my tongue. “And I suppose you were there? Witnessed this alleged slaughter firsthand?”

“Well, no, but?—”

“Then, disrespectfully, shut the fuck up.”

He blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I set the glass down before I shattered it. “I’ve had enough of your thinly veiled bigotry for one evening.”

“Bigotry?” His perfect smile slipped. “I’m simply expressing concern about documented violent incidents?—”

“You’re expressing shit.” The words burned in my throat like acid. “You’ve spent this entire dinnermaking snide comments about non-human patients. Suggesting they’re too difficult or dangerous to treat. That’s not medical concern—that’s prejudice wrapped in a white coat.”

“I see.” He sat back, studying me like a disappointing lab specimen. “I had such high hopes for you. But I suppose even nurses can fall prey to monster sympathies.”

“Monster sympathies?” I barked out a laugh. “Is that what you call basic decency?”

“I call it dangerous naivety.” His voice hardened. “These creatures may wear civilized masks, but underneath they’re still savage beasts. My duty as a doctor is to protect?—”

“Your duty is to heal. Period.” I shoved back from the table. “And those ‘savage beasts’ are people. With families and lives and every right to proper medical care.”

“Ms. Cuyler?—”

“I quit.” I grabbed my purse. “Find someone else to nod along with your bullshit.”

I stormed out of the restaurant, fury burning through my veins. The cool evening air did nothing to calm me down. Neither did the heavy footsteps approaching from behind.

“Witch.”

I whirled on Galan, who at least had the decency to look startled by my expression. “What? What could you possibly want now?”

“You defended us.” His dark eyes searched my face. “Why?”

“Because he’s wrong.” My hands shook with lingering anger. “Because his sort of judgment is just fuckingstupid. Because—” I broke off, chest heaving. “Just because, okay? Now get out of my way.”

He shifted closer instead. “Hannah?—”

“No.” I jabbed a finger at his chest. “You don’t get to say my name. Not after you ruined my ritual and called my magic filthy. Not after you made it impossible to save—” My voice cracked. “Just stop ruining my life and leave me alone.”

I shoved past him, half-expecting him to grab my arm. To demand more answers. But he let me go, his burning gaze following as I fled down the darkening street.

Tears pricked my eyes. Stupid. So fucking stupid. I’d just torched my best chance at steady employment in Silvermist. And where else could I go that would have the ley lines and mushrooms I needed for Digby’s ritual? Which meant travel, which meant saving, which meant more and more and more time.

But Harrison’s disgusting tone as he dismissed entire species as primitive... I couldn’t stomach it. Wouldn’t stomach it. Not even for Digby.

My familiar would understand. He’d probably have bitten Harrison’s ankles if he could.

The thought made me smile despite everything.Then I remembered the statue sitting in my cheap apartment, cold and lifeless, and the smile crumbled.

I’d figure something out. I had to. But right now, I just needed to get home before I punched someone. Or kissed someone. Or both.

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