Page 58 of The Orc Chief's Baker
He tightened his grip slightly. That meant she’d called for him. It hadn’t only been the imprint warning him she was in danger. In her time of greatest need, she’d wantedhim. His throat tightened as the urge to nuzzle the top of her head with his cheek grew overwhelming.
“So . . . um . . . I have a favor to ask.”
He nodded. He’d give her anything.
She let out a little puff of breath that warmed his shoulder before saying, “Instead of going back to Oakwall, could you take me to Savili and Iytier’s home?”
He blinked rapidly as shock flattened him.
“I know it’s not really allowed to have unmated women stay in the clan,” she said carefully.
Was that not allowed?
“But Savili has been my friend since childhood. Her sister is one of my closest confidants.”
His hands tightened around her slightly as his face went flush with... jealousy.
He wanted to be her closest confidant.
“And Iytier is mated, so it shouldn’t be too big a thing to stay at his home for the night.”
Oh,fuckno.
She would not be staying withanyother male. Human or orc. He would not allow it.
“Uh . . . Brovdir your claws are out.”
His breath caught in his throat as he realized he’d clutched her far too hard. The wet fabric of her dress was caught slightly around the sharp tips of his claws. Heslunkthem back into his hands so quickly it almost took the cloth with it.
“Hurt?” Fades help him, if he’d harmed her without thinking?—
“No. I’m fine.”
He exhaled a sigh of relief. Fuck, he’d never considered himself the jealous sort.
But he’d never imprinted on anyone before, either.
“Your claws are so much bigger than the orcs from Rove Wood. It was almost as long as my pinky.”
Pleasure flushed him. “Thank you.”
She sputtered and her cheeks reddened delightfully. “That wasn’t—I . . . I mean I don’t . . .”
He waited, wishing to hear more compliments from her.
“Never mind.”
Disappointment made him sag.
“Anyway, I really need a place to stay. Just for tonight.” She added that last part far too rapidly. “Just for now. And then I’ll go back to the village in the morning.”
“Stay with me.”
The request came out before he even realized it was coming.
Trinia’s beautiful eyes widened. “Uh... Brovdir, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
Why not?
