Page 14 of Orin

I believed that becoming a warrior would help me deal with his absence and his failure to come back. It did not help. Despite having one living family member, I still felt alone.

Kagin’s penetrating gaze indicated he was aware Olivia was my K’sha. That would have been the only reason he never approached her. It was an unspoken rule, but Alaran males knew they shouldn't chase after other males’ mates. Especially not someone’s K’sha. The chances of finding one’s fated mate were scarce and treated as something sacred.

The jealousy that was already within me was sparked by my thoughts. I gritted my teeth as I spoke. “She's chosen to be with someone else.” The mere thought of another man touching Olivia made me furious.

With a burst of laughter, theflutzing grik’shead jerked backward. The sound echoed loudly, bouncing off the walls of the hallway. My eyes narrowed and hands balled into fists.What is amusing about me losing her? She is my K’sha. My fated mate.My teeth felt like they were about to shatter due to the extreme tightness of my clenched jaw.

I was not the one she chose to spend time with.

Kagin's expression transformed, reflecting his regret. With a wave of his hand, he adopted a more solemn tone. “If you’re referring to Clor, he is her friend. They work together in the kitchen. I do not believe they are a mated couple.”

His statement caught me off guard.

Not a mated couple?But I had witnessed them together multiple times. I had observed them sharing a laugh. An unexpected growl rose from my chest. I didn’t consider that my feelings were noticeable on my face.

Captain Kagin raised his shoulders, letting his hands fall to his sides. “There is no need to get worked up. I speak the truth...plus, I heard it from one of the other guards that she is not mated.”

I took a step back. “Why are other males speaking to my...my K’sha?” This was the first time I admitted it aloud.

He raised his hands with his palms facing out. “Take it easy.... it's hard not to notice her when she walks about the palace daily. She chats with some of us. I know everyone is wondering why you have not yet claimed her.”

It was not the place of other males to meddle in mine or Olivia’s concerns.Did all the males on Alara desire my attractive human mate?

I straightened my posture while clearing my throat. Then let out another involuntary growl. “This male you mentioned... Clor. Is he in the kitchen now?”

Captain Kagin shrugged again. “How would I know? You can check if you like. I haven’t seen him today. He comes and goes through the staff entrance. Why do you ask?”

“I need to tell him to keep Olivia away from the marketplace. It's unsafe.”

Kagin gave me a wary look. “No fighting inside the palace.”

“Very well,” I mumbled and turned to storm off toward the kitchen.

The kitchen was empty, with only a couple of staff members still present. The lingering smells of fresh-baked breads and spicy meats made my stomach growl.

Two staff members were cleaning, their backs turned away from me. They took a break, and I spotted the male I had been searching for. He redirected his attention to me.

“Can I help you?” He asked, then glanced at my uniform. “The city guard doesn’t usually visit the palace...Is there an issue?”

A bitter laugh escaped me.That’s one way to put it. “I have come to discuss Olivia.”

His posture became defensive and his brows rose. “What about her?”

The male had a slight height advantage, but was not a trained warrior. I narrowed my eyes and stood taller. “What was the reason for bringing her along to the marketplace?”

He grunted his annoyance. “It’s not your place to know, but Olivia and I are friends and she asked me to accompany her.” He glared at me, as if challenging me.

I despised hearing her name on his lips.

I’d noticed the way he gazed at her when they were together. His claim of being just her friend was false. He wanted her as his mate.

My irritation was simmering just below the surface, ready to erupt like a boiling pot. I made an audible noise to clear my throat.

“You two are not mates?” I stated rather than asked.

Thegrik’smouth curled into a smug smile. He took pleasure in aggravating me.

“No.” He said, before declaring, “we are not mates.” He scrutinized me from head to toe. “Who are you to her, anyway? How is this your concern?”

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