Page 7 of How the Orc Stole Christmas
A burst of laughter from the direction of the communal fire shattered the moment. Klas jerked back as if I'd burned him, his chest heaving. In the dim light, his eyes glowed like embers, and the sight of his kiss-swollen lips sent another wave of want through me.
But he was already stepping away, putting space between us. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.
“Make up your mind, Jules,” he growled, voice still rough with desire. “Stop playing games. Choose a mate—any mate—but choose soon.”
Before I could respond, he turned and stalked away into the darkness, leaving me trembling on my doorstep with my heart trying to beat its way out of my chest. The ghost of his kiss still burned on my lips, and I knew with absolute certainty that no other kiss would ever compare.
But he didn't want to be my mate. He'd made that perfectly clear.
Sinteklas
Ithought about that kiss all night. I even had to take my cock in hand twice to get some relief. Spending any time around Jules was testing my control. My temper was shorter than usual and I was more irritable even in training. As a result, I took to the forests to hunt alone the next morning, hoping to avoid the ridiculous celebration preparations. I’d need stock up on meat if I was bringing home a hound puppy, anyway. I would not be able to leave it for long for a month or two. Kharag said I could pick a puppy in two days.
I checked my traps and had a few rabbits. I also shot a buck, which would bring a good amount of meat for our stores. I was headed back with the buck and rabbits when something made me stop, something Jules had said coming to the forefront of my mind.
In front of me stood a tree with needles. The only green tree in the area. She had sketched what this tree should look like, the tree you put in your home. It was a triangle shape, not too big, not too small. It had to fit inside and be of a pleasing shape. I was looking at what appeared to be the perfect tree for Jules. I had vowed not to get involved with that ridiculous holiday. Yet it brought her joy.
I remembered her talking about it, the traditions and customs, and her excitement. She almost glowed with it. Thistree would make her happy. I knew she was struggling since she came here. Many human females who came through a portal struggled initially. Caroline, one of the orc mates, cried for a month. Shannon wouldn’t talk to anyone for almost three months. Olivia had settled nicely, but she had a mentor at her auction. Jules was learning, working with our healer, but I know the males were trying her patience.
Tempers were wearing thin among the males as they battled each other to show their worth. I could have told them, skill in battle was not how you won a mate. I should know. I lost one that same way. It was many years ago and not worth dwelling on, but females wanted more from their males than battle skill.
I had to figure out how to bring a tree, a buck and rabbits all back to the village, several miles. I quickly built a travois, chopped the tree, then loaded it with the tree and the buck, and headed for the village. He finally got back late in the afternoon.
“Ho, Klas. What do you have there?” One of the sentries, Bakh, called out.
I was pleased to see him returning to duty and not despondent over his rejection. “A buck and a couple of rabbits.”
Bakh joined me. “Looks like you got something else. Is that a tree?”
I avoided his knowing gaze. “Jules mentioned she was looking for something like this. I thought she might like it.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “She’d make a fine mate. None of the other trees have been as nice as this one.”
I shrugged. “Let me get the meat to the stores before it spoils.”
He chuckled and returned to his post. I dragged the travois through the village, stopping to unload the deer. I headed for the center, where everyone had already gathered with their assignments. Multiple orcs had trees and Bakh was right. My tree was the nicest.
Jules’ eyes widened when she saw me coming, a tree slung over my shoulder. She hurried over, moving to the side to inspect the tree. She clapped her hands in delight. “Klas, this is a beautiful tree. Perfect for our celebration! We could use it right here.”
I shook my head. “No, this is for your hut.”
Her smile grew even bigger. “I love it. Thank you, Klas. But you have to help me decorate it.”
I sighed. But secretly, I was looking forward to time with her.
CHAPTER FIVE
JULES
Inoted a few of the orcs were unhappy that I chose Klas’s tree but I didn’t care. He told me to choose someone, and I did. I couldn’t help it if he didn’t want me. I just had to convince him that I was the perfect mate for him. I couldn’t do that if he kept running away every time he was near me. I hope time in my hut would help him get over whatever issues he had. Olivia had encouraged me in this, as did a couple other orc mates. Kharag only shook his head and said he hopes Klas wasn’t too stubborn.
We had assigned some of the teams to gather berries, nuts, branches and anything else that could be used as decorations. It wasn’t like we could run out to Target or Walmart and buy some lights, pretty balls, or ornaments. We were in the middle of who knows where, and I hadn’t seen a store at all. Apparently there was a town nearby, but box stores were not something they had. And, since Christmas was unknown here, there’s no way I’d find what I needed. So, we would have to make things.
Once I described some ideas I had, wishing I had paid more attention to the all-natural look that was becoming so popular on the design blogs back home, the women jumped on it, adding their own thoughts and ideas, providing direction to the maleswho would forage for our supplies. They had nixed the idea of women going with them, saying we were too vulnerable as targets for the king’s army, who were always looking for women to kidnap.
I was enjoying being a part of something for once. Sure, in the ER, I was part of a team providing care, but I always felt apart from everyone, not included. As I grew closer to some of the women, I wondered if that was my fault, that maybe I kept everyone at arm's length to not get hurt. I had a second chance here to have a new life. I had to make the most of it, create the life I wanted, because going back wasn’t an option.
I gathered up some of the berries, pinecone sort of things, acorn type items, and branches, and headed for my hut. I honestly expected Klas to duck out, but he took the items from me and stalked next to me, stiff and silent, but he was there. That was the key. I smothered my almost giddy smile at the thought of finally being alone with him.
