Page 52 of Thankful for My Orc
“Exactly.” I realize several of my colleagues are watching us curiously, probably wondering what the emergency was and why I’m still here. “I think we just passed our first real test.”
“The first of many,” he agrees, then sets down his champagne glass and offers me his hand. “Dance with me?”
The string quartet has given way to a small jazz ensemble, and several couples are already swaying on the dance floor. But before he can lead me out there, I catch his hand.
“Wait. There’s something I need to ask you first.”
His expression grows serious. “Anything.”
“Earlier tonight, when you looked at me and I felt that… connection. That wasn’t just attraction, was it?”
He studies my face for a long moment. “No. It wasn’t.”
“Then what was it?” My heart hammers. “Because it felt… important.”
He hesitates, and I can see him weighing his words. “Can we find somewhere quieter? This isn’t a conversation for the middle of a dance floor.”
We slip out onto a balcony overlooking the city, the cool night air a relief after the warmth of the ballroom. String lights twinkle overhead, and we’re blessedly alone.
“Forge,” I prompt after a silent minute ticks by, “you’re making me nervous.”
“Among my people, there’s something called a soulbond.” He leans against the railing, his expression serious. “Have you heard of it?”
“Riley mentioned it once. Something about… permanent connections?”
“Permanent is one word for it.” He takes a breath. “When two people love each other deeply—when they choose commitment with their whole hearts, then consummate it with loving passion—sometimes the Goddess blesses their union with a bond that links their souls.”
My stomach flips. “Links how?”
“Emotionally. Spiritually. The male can see a red shimmer around his mate…. Both partners can feel each other’s emotions through the bond.” His amber eyes find mine. “And it’s forever,Jordan. No divorce lawyer can break it. It’s not a contract. It’s not even a choice, really. No, the commitment is a choice, but the bond, it just… happens. If the connection is meant to be.”
I should be terrified. Every divorce case I’ve handled—especially my own—should be screaming warnings. But instead, I feel a strange certainty settling in my chest. “Is it common?”
“No. Rare, even among orcs. Most couples neverexperience it.” He reaches for my hand, hesitant, like he’s afraid I’ll pull away. “Jordan, I need to tell you something.”
“Okay,” I breathe.
“I can see the shimmer. Around you. Right now.” His voice is rough with emotion. “It started tonight, when you introduced me to your colleagues. When you chose me, publicly and proudly, without hesitation.”
The confession hangs between us. My breath catches, and for a moment the world tilts. He can see something around me—something that marks me as his—and he’s been watching it happen all night. The possessiveness of it should terrify me, but instead heat floods through my body.
“You can see it right now?” My voice comes out breathless.
His eyes darken. “Yes. It’s faint but growing stronger. Like embers catching fire.”
I reach up and touch his face, half-expecting to feel something different—some physical manifestation of this bond he’sdescribing. His skin is warm, familiar, and the way he leans into my touch with that low rumble in his chest makes my heart race. “I can’t see it. But I can feel… something. Like you’re pulling me toward you even when you’re standing still.”
“That’s the bond recognizing itself,” he says softly, covering my hand with his. “It’s trying to complete.”
The enormity of it hits me. This isn’t just attraction or even love—this is destiny knocking on my door, asking if I’m brave enough to answer. My pulse pounds in my throat, and I can feel my hands trembling slightly.
“How long have you suspected?” I manage.
“That a bond might form? Since the beginning. The elders say you know your mate when you meet them—recognition that hits like lightning.” He looks almost shy now. “But I didn’t know it would actually manifest. I’d hoped, but…”
“What does it mean?” My voice comes out soft, and I can’t hide my fear. “If we… tonight…”
“If we make love, with the feelings we have, with the choices we’ve made…” He cups my face gently, his thumb stroking my cheek. “The bond might complete itself. You’d be mine in a way that goes beyond any human marriage.”
