Page 39 of The Orc's Stolen Shepherdess

He pulled my thick wool overdress over my head with a furrowed brow and arranged the creases as I shoved my arms through the sleeves. His look of concentration was adorable like he wanted to get it just right, and my heart swelled.

He met my gaze and any worry he held in his eyes dimmed as he looked at me. It was a wonder that such a powerful and dangerous male could look so soft. So open.

So loving.

Fades, I hoped. . . my eyes fell to his lips.

He rumbled a pleased moan and cupped the back of my neck with his huge, warm hand. He pulled me down for a kiss that curled my toes and made me melt. His lips were so soft butrelentless.

And then he froze, jerked back.

My stomach flipped in shock. “What is it?”

“I heard Brovdir.”

“The warrior chief?” I asked as he hurriedly guided me out of the shelter. “Where is he?”

“Far off.” Caivid tipped his head and closed his eyes to concentrate. I stood still and quiet, trying not to breathe too loud.

“Fuck,” he said sharply. “Something’s. . . happened. He’s looking for us. Why didn’t he send a bird. . .?” Realization struck across his features.

I touched my fingers to my lips. “Oh no. The birds can’t reach us here, can they?” I glanced at the sky. It was still early dawn. “If my father woke early and found me gone, he’ll be worried sick. I need to get home.”

“I’ll take you,” he said, only to flinch and then glance in the direction of where his chief was calling. “Fuck. He’s brutally mad.”

Alarm burned in my chest. “Will he hurt you?”

He exhaled sharply and looked away. “Not if I go to him now and try to placate.”

“Then. . .” My chest felt heavy. “Then I guess this is where we part ways.”

Before I could say another word, Caivid had stepped close. He loomed over me and the warmth of him soaked through my gown. “I willnotallow you to walk back alone.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Caivid, I walk alone in these woods all the time.”

“Not anymore,” he said so fiercely I could hear the crackle of fire in his tone. “I’m your protector now. I won’t allow you to be unguarded again.”

My cheeks heated at how delighted his words made me. “But I don’t want you to get in any more trouble than you already are. I guess we only have one choice. I’m coming with you.”

His brows shot up.

“I can send a message to my father as soon as we’re in an area where birds can be called. And then you can walk me back to Oakwall after you’ve checked in with your chief.” I tapped my chin. “Or I suppose someone else could do it if your chief disapproves. What if. . . Caivid, do you need to ask him before you become my protector?”

“No.” His voice was sharp. “If he tries to deny me, I’ll challenge him.”

“Challenge?”

“Fight.”

I huffed out a nervous laugh. “Don’t do that.”

His eyes softened slightly, and he leaned in close again, looming over me in a way that made me feelshielded from everything around us. Not even the chill in the wind could touch me.

“I would doanythingto keep you with me, sunshine. Never doubt my devotion to you.”

Oh, Fades, my heart felt like it was going to burst from beating so hard.

He grinned as if he knew exactly what he’d done, and his eyes dipped to my mouth. My lips parted in preparation for his kiss.

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