Page 78 of The Orc's Innocent Plaything

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Vartok

When I finally allowed myself tosleep that night, my body just shut down. ‘Twas not unexpected after the pushing I’d done these last few days, but ‘twasdisappointing. I wanted to claim my Mate, not sleep, but I’d reached my limit.

MyKteerwasn’t happy with me either.

But when I woke—after dawn on the third day, having slept a full night and day and night again—I could smell Myra on my sheets. At some point during the last two days, she’d curled up beside me. I remembered holding her, but had assumed ‘twas a dream.

Still, it pleased me to know she thought to come to my bed, rather than the small cot in her sister’s home.

I knew I had to ensure she was at my side forever.

Feeling refreshed, I washed and dressed in a blessedly clean kilt I found laid out on the chest. Had Myra done that for me? She’d slept on our journey home, so mayhap she’d spent the last days preparing for our future as well. The thought pleased me, although I regretted I hadn’t been at her side.

I told myKteerthat she was happy and safe here in the village, and I could afford to let my guard down. Soon—now that my brother was home—I wouldn’t have to worry about being in control of everything.

The day was spent checking on things. ‘Twas a constant fight with myKteer, which was desperate for me to hunt down Myra and drag her to my bed. But I had responsibilities and obligations. I might not be the chief any longer—thank the gods—but there was still much to be done.

Kragorn was stronger today, out of bed and eating when I came to his home.

“Blessed Malla,” I breathed in relief, seeing him. “That damned herbdoeswork.”

Laughing, he gestured for me to join him, and his new human prisoner hurried to bring me a bowl of sweet porridge. I watched her as I ate with my brother, and was intrigued to see she didn’t take her gaze from Kragorn. She smelled nervous, scared…but she wasn’t hiding from him, either.

My twin told me the story of his escape, and Lillian’s part in it. By the time our bowls were empty—I’d eaten a third helping—my opinion of her had changed. I still wasn’t sure what Kragorn’s plans were when it came to her, but when I realized he was tiring again, I stood to help him back into the bed, then turned to her.

When I reached for her, she cringed back as if expecting a blow. I took her hand gently.

“Thank ye for all ye’ve done for him,” I said softly, hoping not to scare her further. “Ye’ve made me an ally for life. If ye need aught, come to me, even if ‘tis to escape my brother’s grumpy demands?—”

“Oh, fook off, Vartok,” muttered Kragorn from the bed.

I sent his confused human prisoner a charming grin and a wink before sauntering off.

Hearing Kragorn’s story had been a relief, but I still felt itchy, as if myKteerwasn’t satisfied. There was much to do.

Bloodfire Village was bustling, even this early in the morning, my clan members cheerful and busy. I couldfeeltheir happiness at having Kragorn back home, and I received more than one slap on the back and joke about turning things back over to him.

I didn’t have to fake my relief, and it pleased me to realize my clan knew me so well.

We had our chief back; Kragorn was home. He wasn’t whole, but he was healing.

And there were others to check on…

Mkaalad looked much happier—and better rested—when he met me at his door, wee Ella tucked in the crook of his arm.

“Cousin! If ye’re here for breakfast, ye’re shite out of luck. I cannae cook to save my life.”

“Please,” came Avaleen’s call from the bed. “Save me. Send some decent porridge.”

Chuckling, I bent to kiss the bairn’s head then crossed the room toward Avaleen.

“Besides this lout’s attempts at cooking, how are ye?” I reached for her hand. “Ye’re looking better.”

“I am feeling better.” She was propped up against the pillows, a shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders. Her dark skin shone with health, so different from the shrunken gauntness before the full moon.

I peered closer, and she rolled her eyes.

---