Page 75 of The Orc's Bonded Bride

“I’ve never belonged to anyone before,” she whispered, the enormity of what he was offering washing over her. Not just a home or protection, but a place in his world, recognized and honored.

“Neither have I.” His fingers gently tilted her chin up. “But I want to belong to you, if you’ll have me.”

Her heart thundered in her chest as she looked up at him, his amber eyes holding nothing but sincerity. The word “mate” still echoed in her mind, filling her with a warmth she’d never known before. This fierce warrior wanted to bind himself to her—not just in private moments, but before his entire community.

“Yes,” she whispered, surprised by the steadiness in her voice. “I want that too.”

The smile that broke across his face transformed him. The hardened warrior melted away, revealing the male beneath—the one who had carried her heart for so many years.

“When?” she asked, her fingers intertwining with his.

“Soon.” He brushed his lips against her knuckles. “After the village completes preparations for the coming winter. We’ll have time to plan, to do it properly.”

She nodded, imagining what such a ceremony might entail. She knew so little about orc traditions, but the thought of learning, of becoming part of this community, filled her with quiet joy.

“Will you teach me?” she asked. “About your customs, what I need to know?”

“Of course.” His thumb traced the line of her jaw. “Though my brothers’ mates might be better teachers. They’ve walked this path before you.”

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees around them, carrying the scent of pine and earth. She closed her eyes briefly, committing this moment to memory—the solid warmth of Egon beside her, the promise of a future together, the unexpected peace she’d found in this place so far from where she began.

“I never thought I’d find this,” she admitted softly. “A place where I truly belong.”

His arm slipped around her waist, drawing her closer to his side. “You belong here, Lyric. With me. With us.”

She rested her head against his shoulder, allowing herself to believe in the certainty of his words. For so long, she’d built walls around herself, convinced that true belonging was beyond her reach. Now those walls had crumbled, stone by stone, replaced by something stronger—the foundation of a life shared with Egon.

CHAPTER 29

Egon’s hands wouldn’t stay still. He adjusted the ceremonial leather vest his brothers had given him, then smoothed it down, only to fidget with the clasp moments later. The village clearing buzzed with activity as orcs and humans alike prepared for the bonding ceremony.

“You’ll wear a hole in that if you keep fussing,” Lothar said, clapping him on the shoulder.

He grunted. “Never thought I’d be standing here.”

Wulf approached, his expression a mixture of happiness and concern. He’d returned just yesterday from Port Cael, and though he smiled for his brother, shadows lurked behind his eyes.

“How does it feel?” Wulf asked, straightening his collar. “The Beast inside—is he calm?”

“For the first time in my life.” He gazed across the clearing where female villagers were helping Lyric prepare. He couldn’t see her yet, but knowing she was there settled something deep within him. “It’s like he knows she’s ours now.”

Wulf nodded, but his mind seemed elsewhere.

“Something happened in Port Cael,” He said. Not a question.

Wulf’s jaw tightened. “Ulric and Jessamin—it’s complicated. But today isn’t about that.”

“Tell me.”

“Later,” Wulf promised. “This is your day, brother. The day none of us thought would come.”

He looked down at his scarred hands. “I still don’t understand why she chose me.”

“Because she sees what we’ve always seen,” Lothar said. “A warrior with honor. A brother worth following.”

Wulf nodded. “The gods brought her back to you for a reason.”

The ceremonial drums began, deep and resonant. The village elder stepped forward, and the crowd parted.

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