Page 71 of Halfling
The mate-bond knew what it wanted, and so did Orek.
After a while, Sorcha got the children and Darrah chasing each other in a loose circle, and she neatly escaped, jogging toward the barn. She smiled as she came, a light sheen of sweat gleaming across the dewy skin of her neck and chest.
His throat went tight and his heart wentba-dump.
“Does she know?” Anghus asked him quietly.
Orek stiffened, some of the lust draining away. He couldn’t tear his gaze from Sorcha and met her smile with his own, because he’d always smile to see her coming his way, but the question was the reminder he needed.
“No.”
Anghus hummed in consideration.
No, Sorcha didn’t know. And that was all right; he didn’t want her pity or worse, her rejection. If things went unsaid, he could live in that ambiguity, could fill it with all his quiet, secret hopes and desires.
Seeing her with the children, he knew he couldn’t offer her anything like that, nothing like what she wanted nor expected nor deserved. He couldn’t offer her anything, really, at least not once they returned to her home.
When they did, his part in her life would be over. His attachment to her would ensure that he’d stay close by for as long as he could, though the mate-bond being left unfulfilled may mean he could part with her eventually.
While he still had some role to play for her, even if it was just protector and companion, he had to make the most of it. He’d add to his collection of her, hoard all the little trinkets of memory and store them away for later, in the long days ahead without her.
And it would be enough—because it was more than Orek ever hoped for.
He cleared his throat, needing to say before Sorcha was within earshot, “If you or your family ever need me, you have my help, whatever it is.”
Orek turned his head to find Anghus looking at him. The man considered a moment before extending his hand. “I’ll remember that. But it’s not required—we’d help you all the same.”
“I know,” he said, taking Anghus’s hand and shaking it. “And that’s why I offer. You and your woman are good people.”
“So are you and yours.”
He swallowed on a dry throat. “You’ll find me near Granach, if you need me or are ever that way.”
“Isn’t that where you’re taking her?”
“Her home, yes.”
Anghus made another considering hum, eyes full of understanding. He slapped Orek’s shoulder in sympathy as Sorcha made it to where they stood in the open barndoors.
“I forgot how energetic they are that young,” she panted, chest still rising and falling quickly.
Anghus laughed. “You and that kit of yours have done a fine job tuckering them out every day. Cara doesn’t know how she’ll ever get them to bed again after you leave tomorrow.”
Sorcha let out a snort of a laugh, one that always made his lips twitch. He was content to listen as she and Anghus chatted about the children and what they still needed to prepare for the departure tomorrow. It was surreal to think they’d been at the homestead over a week now.
Orek enjoyed Anghus’s company, and their homestead was pleasant, but the forest was calling him back.
And if he was honest, he was ready to be alone with Sorcha again.
“We’ll be ready,” Sorcha said, laying a gentle hand on his arm. “Thank you again for all your kindness.”
Anghus shrugged. “Been no hardship. Between the two of you, we’re ahead of schedule and everything’s all fixed up. So thankyou.”
“Anghus! Come help me, please!” Cara called across the clearing.
Waving to his wife, Anghus paused to tell Orek, “I won’t forget, my friend.”
Orek nodded, and Anghus trotted off to join his wife, stopping long enough to pick up his girl and fling her over his shoulder to a riot of giggles.
