Page 15 of Orin

I took a deep breath and displayed an aura of confidence. Embracing the truth, I held my chin high and proclaimed with absolute conviction. “She is my K'sha.”

He glanced at my biceps, where my mating marks revealed small but visible signs of activation. I hadn’t made physical contact with Olivia yet. To fully activate the marks, she needed to be claimed by me, but anyone familiar with the mating marks could see that I’d met my fated mate.

A sigh of resignation escaped his lips, his face momentarily filled with a wistful expression.

In a swift motion, Clor’s hands flew up, palms outstretched, his expression shifted to one of shock. “I did not know she was mated,” he admitted, the realization hitting him like a lightning bolt. “I realized some time ago that she was not my K’sha, andI made peace with being in a platonic relationship with her. She did not mention that she had a mate, or that she wasyourK’sha.”

Of course not. Why would she? She doesn't know.Clearing my throat, I ran my fingers through my hair. In addition to my lack of mating experience, I also didn’t know how to fulfill Olivia’s relationship needs. In her eyes, I would only be seen as an inadequate mate.How could I tell her?

With a tilt of his head, Clor fixed me with a skeptical gaze. “Is she aware of the special bond you two share? Does she know she is your K’sha?”

I expressed my disdain by giving him a disapproving look and pursing my lips.

His arms crossed. “I don’t mean to intrude, but it’s clear to me she is lonely. The imminent arrival of her youngling has left her unsure about what to do next. Maybe you should let her know the significance she holds in your life before it becomes too late.”

It may already be too late.The rumbling in my chest grew louder, causing him to back away. Hewasintruding, and I didn’t like it one bit. “This is not something that involves you...I am here to warn you to keep her away from the marketplace. It is not safe.”

“Not safe?” A puzzled look took over his face, and his brow wrinkled. “Oh, do you mean the bullies that have been showing up there?”

“Bullies?” I repeated. I was not familiar with that word.

“Olivia uses the Terran term to describe individuals who prey on the weak.” A cautious smile appeared on his lips.

My heart twisted.

This male knew more about Olivia than I did.How could I have let this happen?I had suppressed my emotions so much that my entire body ached.

“A group referring to themselves as purists have been targeting those who are not full Alaran,” I stated. This was pure agony.I should be the one protecting Olivia.Not asking him to do it.

He nodded thoughtfully. “Well, I guess that includes me, too. But I won’t let them stop me from doing my job. The cooks send me at least every few rotations for supplies.”

I scowled while pointing at him. “Under no circumstances should Olivia be brought to the market with you,” I ground out. “Understand?”

Honestly, I’d rather he avoided spendinganytime with my mate. But now that he knew she was my K’sha, maybe he’d back off without me having to tell him as much. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heels and left the kitchen.

Latza and Vrek were expecting me for the day’s last meal and I was already late.

8

Olivia

MY FEET WERE SWOLLENand my back ached, so I finally surrendered and sank into the comfort of the sofa, closing my eyes to shut out the world.

This far into my pregnancy I found myself low on energy and in desperate need of a full-body massage. But I had to settle for hot baths instead.

As per usual, the thought of taking a hot bath conjured images of sharing a large Alaran tub with the one and only warrior I desired in every way. Despite feeling uncomfortable, I couldn’t stop myself from daydreaming about sharing more than a bathtub with Orin.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t let go of the desire for something that would never come true. The attraction I had toward Orin was so strong, it felt magnetic.

It would have been nice if he would at least acknowledge my presence and have a conversation with me.

The baby kicked, and I felt a sharp jab against my spine. I cried out and sat up, reaching back to massage my aching lower back. “Hey. Relax in there. Mommy is exhausted.”

I heard a chirping sound, signaling that someone was at my door. Letting out a groan, I forced myself up from the sofa and wandered over to swipe my hand across the panel. My friend stood in the hallway with a pained expression on his face.

Something felt off. “Clor? Come in.” I stepped back to usher him inside.

He shook his head and remained in the hallway. “I’m here to tell you I won’t be able to bring you to the marketplace anymore.” Clor’s voice sounded sad. He shifted from one foot to the other. “We should no longer spend time together.” His eyes dropped to the floor.

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