Page 36 of The Orc's Captive Bride
“I need paper,” she said, already moving to examine the shelves. “Pencils or charcoal or whatever you use here for writing. And light. More light. And…” She spun in a circle, taking in the vast collection. “Reference materials. Do you have dictionaries? Grammars? Anything about ancient languages or magical texts or?—”
“I will find what you need,” he interrupted gently.
“Thank you.” She took a seat in front of the book. “If you could start with basic writing materials, that would be?—”
This time a massive yawn cut off her words.
His expression softened despite himself. She’d been dragged through a portal, and then across the country. She’d been installed in a prison and threatened by Lasseran, and she was about to dive into an impossible academic project.
Exhaustion was inevitable.
“You should rest.”
“I’m fine. I just need to…” Another yawn. “Caffeine. Do you have coffee here? Tea? Anything with?—”
She swayed in the chair and he caught her before she could tumble to the floor.
“Thea.”
“M’fine,” she mumbled against his chest. “Just tired. Been a long…” Her words trailed off into incoherence.
The book was still open on the table, the ancient script glowing in the lamplight as if waiting for someone to unlock its secrets. It would have to wait.
“Come,” he said, shifting his hold to lift her properly. “You need sleep.”
She made a sound that might have been a protest, but her head lolled against his shoulder. Her breathing had already deepened, sliding toward unconsciousness.
He carried her back through the silent corridors, acutely aware of her warmth and the way she unconsciously turned into his embrace, seeking comfort even in sleep. Just as she had on their journey.
This is dangerous.
He knew it was true, but it didn’t matter, because dangerous or not, he couldn’t make himself put her down. He couldn’t make himself care about the consequences.
She said she felt safe with him. No one had ever felt safe with him before.
He carried her into the bedroom of her beautiful prison and laid her gently on the bed, trying not to disturb her, and started to pull away.
Her hand shot out, catching his arm with surprising accuracy for someone mostly asleep.
“Khorrek.” His name was a sleepy murmur.
“Yes?”
She smiled, the expression transforming her face and making her even more beautiful. When she pulled his head down, he didn’t resist. He told himself he just wanted to hear what she had to say.
Lie.
He knew what was about to happen, and he didn’t try to stop it.
She kissed him. Just like before, as soon as their lips met, every wall he’d so carefully constructed vanished. There was only the soft warmth of her mouth and her sweet scent filling his head.
He kissed her back.
The decision bypassed rational thought entirely and his Beast surged forward with a possessive growl, demanding he claim her. Protect her. Keep her.
Mine.
He cupped her face with one hand while he braced the other against the bed, holding his weight off her but bringing him close enough to feel her warmth.
