Page 158 of The Orc's Captive Bride
“Found family.”
“What?”
“That’s what they have. Not family by blood but by choice. By loyalty and love.” She smiled. “Like us.”
“Like us,” he agreed, his voice rough with emotion.
Tears pricked her eyes, happy tears, because despite everything—despite the fear and uncertainty and impossible odds—she had this. She had him and she had a purpose that mattered.
“Tell me something about your world you do miss,” he said suddenly.
She considered it, trying to summon nostalgia for coffee shops and central heating and reliable internet, but all she felt was… distance.
“I miss libraries,” she said finally. “Proper ones. With climate control and cataloging systems and unlimited research access.”
He laughed, low and amused. “Of course you do.”
“What? Libraries are important.”
“I’m not arguing. Just… you’re remarkably consistent.”
“I also miss hot showers. And chocolate. And my glasses not constantly sliding down my nose because they weren’t designed for this much physical activity.” She sighed. “I worry about what will happen if I break them.”
“Perhaps we could ask a glassmaker to make you another pair,” he said thoughtfully.
“With what money?”
“I’ll figure it out. Maybe Ulric pays his warriors.”
“You’re not Ulric’s warrior.”
“Not yet. But if we survive this?” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’ll need employment and Ulric seems like a decent leader, one worth serving.”
The casual mention of the future warmed her. The assumption they’d survive. That they’d have a life beyond the next few days.
Hope. He’s learned hope.
“What else?” he prompted.
“Temperature control. Modern medicine.” She paused. “But honestly? None of it matters as much as I thought it would.”
“No?”
“No. Because I have something here I never had there.”
“What’s that?”
“You.” She turned and met his gaze. “Purpose. Belonging. Love.” She pushed her glasses up her nose. “Turns out those things are worth more than convenience.”
His expression softened, a fierce protective love shining in his amber eyes.
“I’ll give you all of that. And when this is over, I’ll find a way to give you the other things too. Comfort. Safety. A real home.”
“A tent is a real home if you’re in it.”
“Thea—”
“I mean it. I spent years living in a beautiful apartment. All the modern conveniences. Perfectly organized.” She smiled. “And I was lonely. Isolated. Going through the motions of existence.”
