Page 18 of The Orc's Sweetheart
I perk up, excited to see if I can help diagnose him. “What kind of symptoms?”
“When shifted into human appearance, he leaks ink at random times from different body parts. I told him he’s too stressed and maybe that’s causing his symptoms, but he’s become quite shy about it and has retreated into his kraken form most of the time now.”
Having seen a similar case before, I think I know what’s wrong with him. But I’d need to talk to him first before I can officially diagnose him.
“You look like you have an idea,” Doc Calla says, accurately reading my expression.
“Well…” I draw the word out, wanting to be sensitive about how I explain this. “I think the leaking could be that he needs to relieve some of his excess ink—sexually. Some kraken can beshy about the color of their… seed, so they do not want to self pleasure in the water. But if he were to self pleasure on land, or have a partner to receive his seed, it might reduce his embarrassment and his ink could be ejaculated instead of leaking from his body.”
Doc Calla sits back and crosses her thin arms over her chest as she thinks it through. After a moment she nods. “That is a very interesting diagnosis and it honestly makes a lot of sense. I’ve known him for a very long time and, despite being his doctor, he might be too shy to reveal his sexual habits to me. Let’s meet him in the exam room and see if this sounds like something he would be willing to try.”
No way did I think I would start my day by telling a kraken he needs to ejaculate more regularly. I really am living my best life.
Chapter 8
Bodin
At the end of the week I drag myself to The Singing Seahorse pub at the top of the hill for a much-deserved pint and some mild socializing. One of my favorite things is to watch Starry Hill creatures take to the stage on karaoke night. They have so much fun performing to their heart’s content on Marisol’s stage and by morning, we all pretend we didn’t see anything.
Unless it’s Beck. He’s the only one of us who is actually talented and deserves to get up there.
I push open the hefty door and nod greetings at the few patrons already nursing pints. Weaving through a couple of tablesthankfully far apart enough to accommodate my larger frame, I head to the bar for my own drink.
“Hey, Bodin,” comes Marisol’s gentle greeting, her volume low and controlled as always yet loud enough to hear over the din of voices. “Good week?”
I place an arm on the dark wood bar top I recently replaced for her. “Define good.”
My childhood friend raises her brows and huffs a quiet laugh. “Oh, one of those?”
Tilting my head from side to side, I consider the question before answering. “It’s not the worst one ever.”
“Such an optimist. The usual?” she asks as she turns to the keg holding my favorite beer—Berserker Brown Ale.
“Yes, please.” I place my money on the counter and throw in an extra note into the tip jar we’ve encouraged her to keep.
“I’ll bring it to you. Go take your usual booth before Aurelius tries to snag it again. I swear, watching him needle you is entertaining, but he’s bound to be in extra fine form tonight. Katie told me he invited the new nurse out for karaoke and wants to impress her with his moves.” Marisol wiggles her eyebrows as she expertly pours my ale, and I resist the urge to ball my fists.
I like Aurelius just fine on most days, but the mothman has the ability to get under my skin with his ceaseless quips and flirtatious banter. Would Tilly like someone like that? Would she agree to go on a date with— Nope. None of my business.
I nod at Marisol and head to the semicircle booth in a quiet corner at the back of the rectangular pub. Sinking into my seat, Isurvey the patrons enthusiastically discussing their song choices for the evening.
Staying busy with work has been the only thing keeping me sane this week. Usually, I start my rounds in the western part of the island and work in a clockwise direction, looking in on creatures before returning to my workshop for the rest of the day. However, a few days ago, I stopped by Arran’s castle again right before dawn to drop more blood off for him, not because he was late in picking the bags up this time, but—I’d never admit this to anyone—I needed an excuse to start my round on the south-eastern side of the island.
I just had this inexplicable need to see Tilly again.
My sister’s boisterous laugh pierces my thoughts of curvy thighs clad in skintight leggings, and I look up to see her taking a tray from Marisol. “That lazy orc. Don’t worry, we’ll take it to him.”
Beryl saunters over to me and places the tray on the table, somehow still keeping her new wife’s hand clasped in the other. One look at Calixta strutting over in a tight black corset, very short pants, and thigh-high boots, I recognize that she’s brought her A game once again to perform tonight. The succubus doesn’t have a shy bone in her body and loves the attention.
Beryl also seems to like it when all eyes are on Calixta. I’ve never quite understood that dynamic since my natural instinct is to be possessive and slightly jealous if others pay too much attention to my partner. Though, it’s been a while since I’ve had anyone in my life to be jealousfor.
“Hi, sis.” I lean forward as Beryl bends down to press her right templeagainst mine.
“Hi, little brother.”
“Calixta, good to see you.” I sit back and raise my hand to greet her wife.
Looking between me and Beryl, Calixta asks, “Can I do the temple thing too? Since I’m officially family now?” Her tail flicks behind her in excitement and she quickly curls it around Beryl’s thigh to keep it still.
