Page 64 of The Orc's Innocent Plaything

My heart was beating impossibly fast, pounding against my ribcage so loudly I was certain he could hear it.

“Nay!” I wailed. “I…”

Forcing my lips closed, I squeezed my eyes shut andconsideredhis words. What did I know about orcs, aboutus, which would explain his decision? He’d said he’d do nothing I was uncomfortable with…

“You…” I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. “You have not asked if I was comfortable with you spilling inside me.” ‘Twas the only explanation. “You did not want to make an assumption without asking me?”

He laughed again, from where he stood at the top of the cliff, his hands on his hips, his breath misting the morning air.

‘Twas notnicelaughter.

There was pain there.

“Am I wrong?” I pressed, daring him to give me another answer.

“Aye, pet, ye’re wrong. Spilling inside ye wouldnae make ye as uncomfortable as becoming pregnant and bearing my kitling might. I couldnae risk such a thing without discussing with ye first.”

But…

That made no sense.

I shook my head, the motion helping to solidify my denial, as my fingers tightened around my mother’s knife handle, the one he’d made for me.

“That does not… Orcs and humans cannot create a bairn.”

He glanced away, his voice dull.

“Mated pairs can.”

“Aye, of course.” I’d just helped deliver my sister’s bairn, after all. “But you and I are not…”

I trailed off when Vartok swung the full intensity of his green gaze my way.

And I knew.

I knew.

In that moment, as I ceased breathing, as my heart stuttered, as my verybeingshook…I knew.

The knife fell from my fingers as he stalked toward me.

“I kenned ye the first moment ye stepped into the village, Myra. My soul recognized yers. I took one look at ye—all proud and regal, sitting on that horse, surrounded by thepossessions ye’d taken the time to rescue—because of course ye planned yer escape!—and…”

He stopped in front of me, close enough I had to tip my head back to hold his gaze.

“AndI kenned ye.Ye are my Mate.”

I couldn’t deny it.

I could feel it.

But…

“You never…” I swallowed. “Why?”

“Because ye didnae want me. Ye treated me with disdain.”

“Because you were a flirt! A charmer!”

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