Page 30 of Song For His Siren
"Of course," he answered instantly. He thought he knew what was coming.
"And don't take this wrong, because I'm clearly really glad you’re here, but what did bring you here? I don't know, I just feel like there is something you’re not telling me."
Khuldruk did not like the uncertain sound in her voice one bit. It would seem his own fear of admitting this had caused some insecurity in his little mate. If he was going to be a protector of her or his people, he needed to be brave enough for hard conversations, conversations that had the power to rip his heart out.
"Yes..." His voice was clouded with uncertainty. He cleared his throat and continued. "Yes, I came here to help save the magic of my realm."
"You've said that before, but I don't understand how coming here will help," she said as she turned in his arms to look at him.
He tightened his hold on her, keeping her close, resting her against his chest. This might have been easier to do if she wasn't looking at him.
"There is a sacred magic for orcs. It is the source of all other magic we wield, but it has been slowly disappearing from our people, and I came to find it."
"Why would it be here?"
He took a breath; it was now or never. "It is the magic of a mate bond. There is a special magic that exists between two people who were created for each other, but there hasn't been a mated pair for my people since my parents."
She had gone still in his arms. His heart started thudding loud and hard in his chest.
"You came here to find your mate?" she asked quietly.
"Yes."
"How will you know if you find them?"
"Because the bond will call to me, and I will know."
"Oh... Well, ummm... Good luck with that. I hope you find your...ummm...mate," she said as she tensed his arms.
"Calli, I already have."
"You have?" she asked breathlessly.
"Yes, I have."
"Who is it?"
"Calli..."
She turned in his arms again, and this time, he let her. "Is it me?"
"Yes," he said solemnly. "It is you, but I under--"
She cut him off by turning completely and throwing her arms around his neck, kissing him. He gave a huff of surprise, and then his arms laced around her waist, holding her to him. The magic of their bond pulsed through him like never before. She pulled away from him, and his mouth chased hers. Ending this kiss just might kill him. But when she put her hands on his chest, pushing him away, she stopped.
"How long have you known?" she asked.
"From the moment I saw you."
"Really? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I was scared. At first, I didn't want to scare you, but then, it was because I am a coward, and I wasn't sure how you would react."
"How could I be anything less than happy? I’ve never felt like I feel when I'm with you, and now, at least I understand it a little better."
The warmth of that statement washed over him. Maybe things would be okay. Maybe he wouldn't have to choose between his mate and his people.
"So now what?" she asked.
