Handsown

by ViolentAI

Summary:

Papa has passed and when I read his final letter to me, I find that he was in love with an Orc from Orc Mountain. He beseeches me to trust the Orc, let him take me to the mountain and start over. I trust Papa. Can I trust Ogath? To be my Hearts Father? What could he be hiding from me? And what of these other orcs? Some are kind. Some are irritating. Others... I don't know how I should feel.

Notes:

Disclaimer: This story is based in the world created by Finley Fenn. My work is mere fanfiction and in no way compares to the amazing time anyone is in for when reading Finley's books. I highly recommend them.

Three relationships occur in this story. 1) The Main Female Character has no name. No description. She is you. Me. Anyone. and her mate(s) 2) Mari/Ogath/Guryon 3) Omith/Tormarr/Cole

Chapter 1: Letters

It's been a month since Papa's passing and each day since, I've received a bouquet of flowers with not a single note upon them. Not just any flowers though. But Papa's favorite flowers. I sigh as I take the preciously crafted bouquet into the house and into another mug; for last week I ran out of vases. I do not know the sender, but I would not feel comfortable throwing them out. For though Papa is gone, with these flowers all around, it smells like he is still here.

I sigh and look at the boxes Uncle Rupert brought me. He'll be back on the morrow to pick up whatever I've packed and take it away. I grab one of the boxes and head to his empty room. My eyes water as I start sifting through his clothes. Papa's favorite blue tunic I lay on his mattress. I will keep it. I find three more of his favorite shirts he said were gifts from a friend. They are overlarge for papas frame but he slept in them every night saying they were comfy and reminded him of his friend. I set those aside as well.

By the time I fill the one box, I'm too emotionally wrought to try for more. I pull one of Papa's overlarge shirts on, that is so big on me it looks like I've been swallowed whole by a monster of fabric, and lay in his bed hugging his pillow close. "I miss you Papa." I murmur squishing the pillow close to my chest. Doing so causes a crinkle like that of paper. Frowning, I pull away and reach inside the pillow case. A letter. Several, actually.

I open the one addressed to me. The rest are addressed to Papa in a flowing scrawl. "My precious daughter, I am dying." My lip trembles but I read on. Obviously Papa wrote this while he was ill. “We all meet a crossroads or two or more in life. This is my final crossroad. The one where I decide to write this letter because I want to give you a choice. I know you do not have any jobs incoming with the fear of plague at our door despite the doctor assuring others it were not. But there are others in need of your services. Orcs. A dear and darling friend will be coming by not long after my passing. I hope you let him in. Our home as well as your heart. As he has entered mine. I love you little grommit. Love always, Papa."

I sniffle, wiping the tears away so they do not smudge the paper. "Oh papa." I sob and start reading the letters from Papa's 'dear and darling friend'.

When Ogath arrives the following morning, nervous and overlarge, I recognize the tunic he wears by the flower I'd stitched in the lapel for papa only for the shirt to mysteriously disappear. Papa pretended to be unaware where it could have gone. I hug him. He wraps his large arms around me, his grey hair braided into a fine peppered braid, falls over my shoulder. When he asks me to join him in the mountain, I do not hesitate. Do not question the big burly fellow. We pack my things and head for the mountain, anything else I require would be packed up by his clan mates.

Within a week I am settled with Ogath, or Pa as he's told me to call him, "O'ly if ye wish" he'd added after. And now, I am sending letters to fellow distant friends, to invite them to the mountain. I hope they come. The place isn't as bad as we are told. Everyone here is very sweet and the food is filling. I know they'll love it. I hope they write me back to tell me they'll come.

I seal up the letters with wax and Papa's favorite flowers dried; and hand them to Pa who kisses the top of my head like Papa used to and baps my nose with my letters before saying he'll be back in fortnight.

Chapter 2: Mama's Story

Summary:

There are moments within this story that are spoken by Ogath or others about Mama and every chapter like that, will be titled "Mama's Story"

Notes:

CW: Alluding to Sexual Assault/Non Consensual Acts

Pa's back much quicker and I'm glad. He wakes me up the morning of his return with a smile, a fresh cup of 'strong grain liquid' as he calls my coffee, and a pretty pressed flower.

"Thank you, Ogath." I smile. I haven't called him Pa yet to his face. But I do it in my head all the time. I'm just embarrassed that I feel so close to him so fast. The letters to Papa helped. I've also read Papa's letters to Pa as well.

He kisses the top of my head. "Ach, sweet as your Papa, hun."

CW: Alluding to Sexual Assault/Non Consensual Acts

I laugh. “He really was sweet.” I take a drink and he starts eating one of several pastries he’d placed on the table. “You know, Ogath, I’ve read yours and Pa’s letters but you guys don’t talk about how you met.”

Ogath’s cheeks brighten for a moment before he clears his throat and he starts pulling out suggestions of dresses for me to wear. I wait for him to be seated again before smirking at him. His cheeks brighten once more and he shoves a whole pastry in his mouth this time.

I burst into laughter. “You’re sure you didn’t inherit Papa’s traits?” I struggle to say through my laughter. For Papa was just the same. If there was something he wished not to talk about, then he didn’t. He would first try distraction methods, then he’d move to stuffing his face with food or drink to indicate he was unable to form words.

Pa snorts. “Ach, I ken he got it from me.” He smirks. Eyes soft. I don’t reply. Pa will speak more if I do not. As if he’s stuck in a trance, a memory and my voice will only break it.

“Your Mama was a sweet lass.” I blink. Oh. I… was not expecting him to mention mama. His soft, low chuckle fills the air around us at my surprised face. “Your mama would oft look thus at me same. She was expressive. Voice. Face. Hands.” I flush because I too talk quite expressively with my hands. “Mama was snatched from her home, from your Papa because an orc wanted her for his own.” I gasp. I’d heard of kidnappings happening before the new captain made that deal with us humans but hadn’t known of Mama being kidnapped! “But she was wanted and hunted by several orcs. Not just the one.” My eyes bug. “She did not want any. She loved Papa.” He sighs and pulls out a bottle of berry juice he rarely drinks. Takes a sip and a shudder runs over his form. “Old ways that are changed now, were done to claim her. But no orc seed took, you ken?”

“Papa’s did.”

He nods. “Ach.” Lips twisting in pain, he continues, “Many wished to… remove you. But I–begged to keep her and you. Bargained.

“To keep you.”

“Did you… participate?” I’d heard of what he’s talking about. The taking turns. Until seed took root.

Pa looked away. I bite my lip. “I’m not proud of my youth.” He sighs. “But I did not touch her after.” He puts the drink away before nibbling on another pastry. “It does not excuse what I did. Does not make it better. But I loved Mama in the end. Before? She was a woman. That I wanted. I apologized for the rest of her life. I will apologize for the rest of mine.” He swallows, his gaze not meeting mine. I’m shocked. Horrified even. Papa said that this Orc held his heart. But he did–

“Did Papa know?” I blurt.

His surprised gaze looks into mine before his lips thin as he nods. “Ach. He knew. When I brought Mama back, he hit me.” He snorts. Rubbing his jaw like he can remember the blow fondly. “I landed in Mama’s rose bushes. Cut up and bleeding. Busted lip.” He touches his lip next. “Mama made him patch me up.”

“But–How did you go from being one of the orcs to–to Mama forgiving you?!”

He meets my gaze. “I did not lie to her.” He swallows. “When I told her I would not touch her. Or her child. She did not believe me. I ken she was right in this. She was stolen. Forced and then bargained for. And now I say I will not touch her? Ach, she did not believe me. Said if I were not lying, I would take her home. To her husband.” He starts brushing his hair. “I did. It was a start to her forgiveness.”

I nod. Jeeze. To think Papa, my non-violent Papa actually hit an orc. Papa was big. But Pa, Ogath, is bigger. Much bigger. “How in the world did Papa go from hitting you in the face, to saying you’re dear to his heart?”

At the mention of Papa’s letter, Pa’s eyes warm. “Ach, that is a much longer tale than meeting Mama.”

Chapter 3: Meeting Jultin

Notes:

It is pronounced Yule-Tin

We’re interrupted by some scouts, younger than Pa, knocking at the stone by the entrance to our room. I currently share one with Pa and a surly orc maybe a few decades younger than Pa, who looks at me curiously, as though I am a bug under a microscope. Or a flower with strange colors.

That surly orc actually comes into the room when Pa leaves with the younger scouts.

“Good Morning Omith.” I murmur while taking a sip of my coffee. He sneers at the coffee.

“That stuff is gross.” He shudders and shakes his head. “No sugar? No milk?” He makes a blech face. I snort laugh. Feeling the burn of the coffee up my nose. Coughing, sputtering and snorting.

“Oh my god Omith why!” I shout and he laughs handing me a cloth. He doesn’t seem so surly in moments like this. He’s always trying to make me laugh. But then, his smile will drop, his laughter stops and the growling begins. Not at me. Never directed at me. No. It’s at the door. And any other orc standing behind it.

“What do you want Pái?” Omith snarls.

“My name is Ragi, pretty human.” Pái croons from the doorway. I do not acknowledge him. It only seems to encourage him if I do. Neither name is a good one. Omith has informed me that Ragi means he is a coward. Why his mother would name him that I do not know. Or maybe she was a seer? But Pái means that he’s a peacock. Flashy feathers, or in his case, knives and cloth.

“Pái, if you do not leave I’ll beat your arse in the training grounds.” Omith hisses, blocking the other orcs view of me.

Pái growls something in Aelakesh to Omith before strutting, literally like a peacock, away. “I’m sorry.” I murmur.

Omith rolls his eyes after glaring at the door a few more minutes. “It is naught your fault, sister.” He murmurs. I’ve heard other Skai women being called sister. Though I am not skai, since I have essentially been ‘adopted’ by Ogath, I am considered Skai by extension. “Pái is stupid.” He growls. “You..” He looks at me with wonder and fear. “You are perfect.” His smile is soft, indulgent. It reminds me of Pa, but also of Papa. It makes my heart ache.

“Ogath left you some pastries.”

Omith takes a pastry, stuffing his face for a moment before uttering the one sentence that makes me freeze, “He’d love it if you’d call him Pa.”

Mid sip, I pull the cup away, “I’d love it too. I just… it feels strange. Like I’ve known him forever. But it’s only been what? A month? It’s only been two months since Papa passed. Wouldn't that be like against his memory if I suddenly call someone else Pa?” I grimace as I stare into my cup. I don’t want to see judgment in Omith’s eyes, even if he’s never looked at me like that before. Omith crouches before me, sugar berry sweetness at the corner of his cheek. “God you’re messier than a toddler.” I grumble wiping it off his cheek and he gives me a wide cheeky grin.

“What do you know of toddlers?”

I flush. “Not much, Mama passed giving birth to my brother. But some of my friends have children and I’ve seen the way they eat. It’s a wretched mess.”

His eyes are intense as they look into mine. “Do you look like her?”

I frown. “Like who?”

“Mama.” He clears his throat. “Your mama?”

I blink in surprise. “Yes. I do.”

He stares at me, my features and nods. His lips thinning, he nods again before getting up and shoving two pastries in his mouth. When he’s done chewing, he murmurs about how he is tired from scouting the grounds around the mountain all night and is going to sleep. Not to allow any orcs to come visit or he’ll be one angry orc at the interruption.

I take the moments while he piles on furs to clothe myself in Papa’s blue tunic turned dress. It is shorter than a normal dress in season but I pair it with a pair of trousers and boots to finish the stylish ensemble, before stepping through the doorway into another room where my ‘shop’ is set up.

It’s more of a workroom but Pa has people come by sometimes to be fitted. Some orcs do not wish to be wearing furs and leather but cloth. They pay me credits or baubles or trade a service for mine, to get cloth fitted clothing. Today, I am working on an Ash-Kai’s outfit. He’s pretty arrogant, mated to a pretty teacher.

But he liked my designs, in fact, he’d seen my clothing before coming to the mountain, but never had a reason to commission my services back then. He’s happy I’m here in the mountain now. He wants a custom outfit for him and his mate. I am excited to continue with the design we spoke about.

Hours pass by. A Skai youth brings me lunch at Pa’s request. Not long after Omith wanders inside and sits on a stool to watch me craft. He drinks his sweetened coffee and eats a cookie. I have no idea where he got it from but he’s a genius at sniffing out sweets.

After a while, he gets back up, washes up quickly and then hands me a comb. “You know,” I murmur around a pin, “you could always do this.” He harrumphs which I take to mean “‘Ach, I think not, sister mine. You do my hair better’.” Omith laughs at my imitation of him.

“Ach, a mighty good impression. And it’s like you say, *sister mine*, you do it better. Finish pinning that so you can braid my hair please.” Instead of his stool, he sits cross legged on the floor. Where he’ll come up to my chest instead of sitting taller than me even in a stool.

I do finish pinning the pants I was working on but before I can get up to turn my chair, I am turned instead. Omith turns his head glaring at the orc over my shoulder. “Jultin.”

I smile at the orc in greeting. “Hello Jultin. Thanks for moving my chair, was probably a tad heavy with me sitting in it.” I grimace. “So next time, can you let me know when you’re gonna do that so I can stand?”

Jultin’s black eyes sparkle. “Ach, next time?”

I nod. “Mhmm. That way I don’t strain your back.”

He smiles. Perfect teeth, perfect tusks, perfect smile. My heart stutters. “Thank you. Was there anything I can do for you?”

“Ach, I have more cloth that needs stitching or mending, I am not sure. My brother Jul’m brought some by yestereve?”

“OH! Jul’m was very sweet!”

Omith’s face sours further. “Ach, I bet he was.” Jultin’s smile widens into a broad, almost teasing grin. “Tell me, lass, what would I owe you to put these with my and my brothers other things?”

I grimace, “Oh! I’m sorry, I can’t do that.” He raises both brows in surprise, his smile faltering. “I can add it to my list but I can’t put it before other people’s items. That would be extremely inconsiderate. I hope you understand.” He holds his clothing like he’s not sure what to do with it. “Don’t worry though, as I said,” I grasp the cloth our hands grazing, my cheeks flushing, “I can add it to my list, I just need to see about the amount of work that is needed and if you wish to trade or pay.”

I take a look at the cloth, seeing not much work was needed except for a few areas that look like a drunk spider had sewn it shut in a few places, and I write up a receipt. “Here, this is the price for the mending and fixing of the stitches. If you can’t afford it we can discuss trade.” I make a copy of the receipt and pin it to the cloth wrapped in a bundle. “Shouldn’t take but a week from now with my other work ahead of you and on the day of completion is payment. Does that sound good?”

Jultin looks at me with wide awestruck eyes. “Ach.”

“Good. Thanks for visiting me.” I grin and wave him off. He walks away, looking at his hand that holds the receipt, and smashes into the wall before exiting with an apology. “Some of these orcs are so strange.” I laugh, and pick up Omiths comb. “Alright, I’m ready.” Omith is glaring at me. “What?” I ask, perplexed.

“You like him?”

I blink, “I don’t know him well enough to like him.”

“Ach, but you smiled. Were interested?”

I roll my eyes, “Oh goodness you orcs and your noses. He has a beautiful smile. Something about a male and his mouth is just attractive. Jeeze. Do you need to know more?”

Omith is looking more and more surly than before. Almost greener than his natural complexion. “No. But I’m tellin p-Ogath.”

“No!” I hold his comb like a weapon. “You tell him and I’m *never* doing your hair again!”

“Tell me what?” Ogath walks in. My eyes round as I stare at the smirking Omith, mouthing ‘you knew!’ He winks, tapping his nose.

Chapter 4: No More Berry Juice

Notes:

Hámundr - Hah-mun-dur

Ogath looks between us, arms crossed, brow arced. Waiting. Papa did that look too and it makes my cheeks flush to my ears. Before I can say ‘nothing’ he stares me directly in my eyes and I groan.

“Fine!” I hiss glaring at both males, crossing my own arms as I sit almost pouting in my chair. “This is tag teaming and it’s rude.” Omith rolls his eyes. “Ogath is mad that I thought Jultin was sort of…” I grit, feeling a wince coming on with each word I say as Pa’s gaze narrows. “--endearing.”

He slowly unfolds his crossed arms, a thoughtful yet closed off look on his face. He nods a few times to himself in thought before rubbing his chin. “Ach, I am not surprised you would find him… endearing as you say, but I was hoping you wouldn’t be looking for a mate for some time.”

I momentarily forget to breathe. “MATE?” I nearly shout. “No. I’m not trying to mate anyone. Not now, maybe not ever. Mama died in childbirth. That was from a human baby!” Pa’s face becomes more closed off. I’m surprised in light of how open he’s been. “Can you imagine if it were an orc? No, I don’t know if I’ll be open to mating. Not like that.”

He scratches the back of his neck, a tad roughly before sighing. As if reluctant to divulge information I'd find pertinent. “Not all orcs want you for your womb.”

“But I bet they’d try to change my mind.” I snort.

He shrugs. “Most orcs wish for a child but not all. If they do not take your wishes into account, they are not worthy and you will find someone else.”

I sigh, lost in thought for a bit. I’m not sure if it’s that easy as papa is making it out to be. But I would hope it were. “Well, it doesn’t matter sister dear.” Omith says. “At least not now. Many orcs will try to court you. But it does not mean you have to allow it. Stick with me,” He grins widely, his eyes full of almost mischief, “I will keep you safe, you ken?”

I grin at him, noticing his unkempt braid. “You’re right,” His grin grows even wider, all his beautiful sharp teeth on display. “My braids are better than yours.” Omith’s laugh is a bark. Loud and sharp with his amusement. I giggle. “Well, are you off to work?” Omith nods and leans forward to press a kiss to the top of my head. My cheeks flush and I smile up at him. “You have a good night okay?”

I turn to Papa. “Will you take me to dinner? I’m all done for the day I think.”

Pa nods and he takes my hand as we head to dinner. Omith walks with us halfway before leaving with some other scout buddies of his. Their elbows meeting his ribs as they verbally jab him. I’m pretty sure they’re teasing him about his skai sister.

“How was work?” I ask Pa after we’re seated.

He grumbles as he chows down. After a few minutes he tells me of his mostly uneventful day. Since today was just a day of him giving a more in depth lesson to some of the older teenaged skai boys who want to focus on sneaky tasks. We eat our stew while we exchange our days.

After dinner, we go to one of the rooms where skai couples and children are playing and we mingle. Drinking one glass of berry juice, because Pa says I’m too young for more. I’m okay with one glass because it’s not my favorite beverage.

We are sitting by the fire, just looking at the hearth, my head leaning against Pa’s arm when I murmur, a little lightheaded. “Tell me more about you and Papa.”

Pa sighs as he lays his head on mine. “Ach, after Papa mended my wounds, Mama gave me food to take home. But I did not leave. I set up a small shelter in the trees near their home. Knew my brothers would be watching. Could not allow her to be taken again. I fought many times that night. And many nights after. Reminded those fool orcs I was given leave to do with Mama and her whelp as I pleased.” At my stiffening, he rubs a hand on my back. “I was not going to do anything to Mama. Or you. I loved her spirit. She was divine. I knew you would be just like her. So I knew I’d love you.” My eyes mist. I love him too. I barely know him. But this orc is the only other person in this world who could make me feel like Papa was still here.

 

I wake up in my bed the following morning, Pa already gone and Omith walking around the room. A slight headache buzzed in my brain. “Coffee?” Omith asks near silent. I mumble a yes with a groan and he gives me my black coffee and an egg sandwich. “P-Ogath says no more berry juice. Not even a glass.”

I snort which hurts my head. But I drink my coffee in the companionable silence that sits between us and nibble my sandwich. After a time, Omith kisses the top of my head and lays down in his bed. “Sleep. P-Ogath said he wants you to take the day off. We make our own hours remember? You don’t have to work as hard as you did out there.”

Long after his light snoring, I lay in bed thinking on his words. He’s right. I know. It feels weird to not be working. I was always working. Papa owned that house but we still had to pay for food. For cloth. Mending materials. But I have a home. A roof over my head that doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon. Three meals a day and any snacks I would like. I don't have to worry about my materials because Pa has taken care of it. He and Omith have just been “saving credits” and they’re happy I’m here so they can finally spend them.

But still. It feels like I’m a burden. Well, they don’t make me feel that way. For sure it’s just me. My fear that they’ll think I’m a burden.

I doubt Pa ever will. I hope.

I don’t know about Omith. He’s especially doting. And sweet. And kind. He makes me smile. I hope he doesn’t feel I’m a burden.

I fall asleep soon after only to wake up to Omith coming back from the baths. His hair is still wet as he pulls on a tunic. I glare at him and he pauses. “Mornin’. Did I wake you?”

“Not really. But you should dry your hair properly. You’ll get sick otherwise.”

He rolls his eyes. “I am orc. We do not get sick so easy like you.” He mock sneers.

I toss a pillow at him and he lets it hit him. “OH! She got me!” He falls to his knees before my bed. “Someone, save me. Please. She’s gonna finish me off!”

I laugh before mock growling, “You’re right I will.” Standing up I snatch a drying cloth near the bed and slaps it over his hair to dry the dripping mess. “Especially if you leave water all on the floor. People could slip.”

“Ach, I told one of the Keepers helpers. He was not happy.” He laughs cheeks flushed. “Thank you, sister.” His dark eyes warm me as he clasps his hands over mine.

“You’re welcome. But it’s just hair Omith.”

“No.” He murmurs staring at my face. “So much more. It is so much more than that.” He swallows before turning his back to me. I finish drying and ask for his brush and I brush it out and braid it before putting the braid into a bun and adding a thin knife into his braided bun. He turns back to me and grins. “I will be the best looking skai this night.”

I grin back. “Yes. The best.”

Soon, Omith leaves with a kiss to the top of my head and a wave. I’m left alone in the room for the first time in a while. I write a note for Pa and decided today would be a day of wandering.

Some Skai greet me as I walk by but eventually, after several twists and turns and long dark hallways, I end up in the Bautul Gardens. The midwife lets me pluck flowers her mate planted for her so that I can make a flower crown. As I weave them together to make this beautiful thing, I start to feel myself being watched.

I look up from my task to see a big burly fellow wearing a loose tunic and loose trousers. His boots are laced tightly with the ends of his trouser legs tucked in. He looks to be taking a break from gardening work. His thick gloves are in a pocket, hat dangling from a string around his neck, as he eats a salad. His hair is short for an Orc, but it’s wild curls are held back in a small ponytail at the top of his head.

His black eyes meet mine and he waves from the distance. I smile kindly and wave back. He finishes his food as I look around. I see Pái staring at me from a nearby tree. I shiver from a cold chill. As if someone had walked over my grave. His eyes are so intense.

I regret that our eyes meet as he saunters over with his exaggerated swagger. “Look who is away from her protectors.”

I frown at his terms for Pa and Omith. “I don’t need them to protect me.” I continue to sit. I’m at a disadvantage either way. If I stand to leave, it indicates he intimidates me. If I continue to sit I can’t hit him the way I need to if he tries anything but it also implies that I do not fear him.

“No, because I am your real protector.” He puffs out his chest.

I roll my eyes. “No. because I can take care of myself. I don’t need anyone. Including and especially you.”

Pái’s eyes darken and his cheeks flush with rage. “You need to learn your place. Good thing you’re already on your knees.” His hand drops to the ties holding up his trousers, his threat clear. I feel a sliver of fear and trepidation worm its way into my skin. Like a parasite it writhes within and tries to worm its way into my bloodstream.

“Ach, she is perfectly fine where she’s at.” A voice that sounds like the rumbling of the earth beneath your feet. Low and deep. Full of promises you don’t want him to keep. “But you, are destroying the view.” Pái tenses as we both look over his shoulder.

The big burly male had put his hat back on, so his upper face was in shadow, making it more menacing for his pitch black eyes to glitter down at Pái angrily. “If you threaten her again, I will string you up using the hair on your head.”

“You wouldn’t do anything here Hámundr.” Pái stutters.

“You’re right.” Pái’s shoulders slouch in relief. “I’d drag you out of the garden first. The dead aren’t good for the vegetables.” Pái whimpers and backs away from the mountain of a male. “It is not a threat, Ragi. You will not hurt or harm her. You gain her hunger. Seek her peace and blessings from the Goddess. We do not take these.” With each word it is like a punch in the chest. Pái becomes almost smaller with them and he retreats backwards, nearly tripping over a rake in the grass before rushing out of the gardens.

I look up at my savior. “Thank you…”

“Hámundr.” He murmurs, giving me a once over. Seeing that I am unharmed, he nods and picks up the rake Pái nearly fell on, before moving back to the vegetable garden.

I only realize I’ve been staring at him for a while, because I notice the sweat on his back, soaking into his shirt. With the sun starting to set you’d think he wouldn’t be so hot but I remember what it’s like working in a garden no matter the season. Always works up a sweat. And boy is he working one up.

“Hámundr works hard you ken?” I nod in agreement. Still staring. Jeeze how does raking make his muscles bulge so hard? A snicker jerks me out of staring. I turn to stare into the eyes of another orc. He’s more lithe limbed than Hámundr and maybe a little older, I honestly can’t tell ages in orcs yet to be completely honest. Gwyn, the midwife swats him, and he jerks to the side just before it lands. Smirking at her, he wraps an arm around her waist before pulling her into his side. “Look at her hunger for my brother, my witch. Like once you hungered for me?”

I sputter. “No. I’m not–I wasn’t–” Cheeks flush, the orc laughs at me. His mirth makes Gwyn roll her eyes while trying to hide her smirk.

“Mayhap you give him a token of your favor woman?” He jerks his chin at my hands before swatting his mate on the bottom, taking a kiss and leaping into the trees. I blink after him.

“What just happened?”

Gwyn laughed that time. “Don’t worry, it’s not the first and it won’t be the last. It is a pretty crown of flowers though. I don’t think Hámundr would mind if you gave it to him in thanks?”

I look at the crown. “But don’t men–

She put her hand on top of mine. “They are orcs. They might be macho full of crazy muscular stupidity but there’s so much more to them than that. Sometimes it takes a conversation. Sometimes more so. But you learn as you go how different each one is. These are not men constrained by the unspoken laws of other bitter men. They are orcs with different beliefs and rules.”

“Thank you.” Gwyn smiles at me before patting my hands and following her mate up the trees. I stare at my hands and the crown within it and nod, decision made. I stand up, brushing the grass from my skirt and looking at the large orc wiping the sweat off his brow.

Chapter 5: A Gift

“Hámundr.” I call when I’m halfway to him. I’d noticed his ear twitch when I’d stepped closer to him and it almost reminds me how a dogs ear perks up when his owner is in range. I hold back a laugh as I finally enter his space.

Hámundr had stopped working. A hand grasping the end of his rake as he mops the sweat from his brow. “Ach? What is it lass?” His voice grumbles.

“I-Uh… I wanted to thank you–

He shakes his head. “You already thanked me. Let not my brother force you to do aught you wouldn’t ‘fore.” With a wave of his hand he pockets his cloth and grasps the rake with his other hand to start getting back to work.

“Wait!” I almost shout, grabbing his arm. Or trying. My hand is so tiny compared to that bicep there. My eyes nearly bug out at the difference. The hairs on his arm are damp with is sweat but not in an unpleasant way. “I–He isn’t forcing me. I truly would not mind if you would take this as a token of my gratitude. I wasn’t sure how I would get out of that situation. So your intervention was welcome.” I lift my other hand to present him with my flower crown. “I just–” Taking a deep breath, not meeting his eyes for fear of seeing a form of rejection, I hurtle forward, “I didn’t think you would like it. Most males would think it stupid. Or feminine to wear or accept a crown of flowers. And I didn’t want to make you feel les–

His rake drops as he turns. A clawed finger and thumb enter my vision before lowering to my chin. He tilts my head up so our eyes meet. “This,” His other hand takes my crown from my hand, “is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever given me.” My cheeks flush with surprise and delight. He brings the flowers close to his face. He closes his eyes as he takes a slow but deep breath; while giving it a soft kiss. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest. “I will cherish this. For the goddess would have me do nothing less. Thank you, skai sister.” His eyes hold my gaze enraptured, I see in my peripheral him gently holding the crown in both his hands. “Will you put it on me?”

I nod and he bends to his knees before me. He’s tall. I suddenly realize when I can barely see the top of his head even with him on his knees. I take the crown from him and place it on his head.

He looks up at me and his mouth spreads into a wide grin. “Handsome?”

I swallow. My throat tight and mouth dry. “Very.” I murmur and he stands. My eyes never leaving him.

A throat clears behind me. And we both stiffen. I recognize that sound. Turning around, I smile nervously. As if I were caught stealing cookies. “Ogath.” Hámundr greets.

“Hámundr.” Pa murmurs a thoughtful expression on his face as he looks at the other orc. “I like your crown.” He smirks. From the corner of my eye, I notice Hámundr puff out his chest.

“Ach, is lovely. The goddess smiled upon me this day.” My cheeks flush just as Pa looks at me.

I clear my throat. “Did you get my note?” It is clear I am trying to change the subject and Pa’s eyes tell me he knows just this.

“Ach, took a bit to find you. Ragi told me where to find you.” My face scrunches up at the mentioning of that orc. Pa nods as if in understanding. “Worry not, krútt mitt, I have spoken to Joarr.” What that means, I am unsure but I nod with him. “I am hungry, what of you?” My stomach growls in reply and I blush. Pa laughs. “And you Hámundr? Are you wanting to join us?”

I turn to look at him but he shakes his head. “I regretfully decline. I must finish here first. Next time mayhap. I thank you for the invitation.”

Pa nods. “Come, krútt, let me feed you. Omith will join us. He took off early this day.” I laugh and take his offered hand.

“Omith is sneaky. Will he get in trouble?”

“Absolutely.” Pa smirks and I laugh harder before turning to look at Hámundr, a soft expression on his harsh face.

“Until next time Hámundr.” I wave.

“Ach, lass.” His hand brushes a stray curl from his brow before touching the crown on his head. “Until next time.” We wave again before leaving for the kitchens.

Chapter 6: Meeting Aaden

Notes:

Aaden -- Ay-Den

Omith is already seated in the dining area of the kitchens when we arrive. He looks like he’s eating a feast with Pa and my dishes surrounding him. “Good eve my son.” Pa murmurs as I sit. He hugs Omith to his side and I blink. My eyes staring between them for second maybe hours. I’m not sure. Omith is trying not to laugh. Pa is looking at me like he’s questioning my sanity.

I don’t blame him. I’m questioning mine. “Wait–but you never said–

“I would not put you in a room with a male who was not blood related, krutt mitt.” Pa states matter of factly before scooting Omith over with his boot. “Did not our names make you think mayhap? Tradition has the orcling named after the father. The first syllable or sound oft’ makes an appearance in each one.”

I sit there my mouth open and closing. How did I not see this? Realize? But that would mean Pa was with another woman. He must not have liked Mama the way I thought. But what of Papa? Did Papa know about this other woman? From their letters to each other, I saw that they were quite close. And I know Pa gave me the mild letters. Papa, I recall signed his letters off with an I love you. I don’t think he’d say that to a brotherly figure.

I feel mildly queasy at this revelation but Omith changed the subject by discussing his day and how he got away from scouting and I tried my best to listen. Something about flirting? Not sure.

After a while, Omith dings me on the tip of my nose with is spoon. “Ach, stop. We did not mean to hide it. We did not know how you would react. I’ve nearly called him Pa so many times we talk of him. Surprised you did not ken. Forgive me sister mine?”

“You’re not hiding anything else from me?”

Omith’s smile is sad. “I ken I’ve told you all my secrets to tell.”

I give him a narrow eyed look. But he doesn’t elaborate and his expression doesn’t give me any hints. “Hámundr.” Pa intervenes. I snap my gaze to him. No. My eyes say. Omith looks at Pa with raised brows. “Joarr say the Bautul lik–

“Helped me.” I interject looking at Pa with an annoyed squint. He laughs silently. His shoulders bouncing while he eats. “I thanked him with a flower crown.” My tone implied ‘end of story’. But Omith’s gaze informed me that he’d let it go. For now.

I scrunch my nose at him. He does it back and reveals his sharp teeth in the most immature and childish sneer. I stick my tongue at him. Before he can retaliate, Pa growls at us. “Stop. You’re adults, not babes!” I look at Omith smugly. I’d gotten the last. I do a little jig in my seat and he rolls his eyes. The rest of the meal is uneventful. A bit of stolen food between me, Omith and Pa. Mostly them stealing my sweet rolls with cinnamon and a white glaze than me stealing anything. But I pretended.

The following morning, we wake up to Omith being berated by an orc younger than Pa but older than us but who spoke mainly with his hands. Pa takes Omith with him to take care of the Skai Sneaks in Training, as I am dubbing them, on orders of said orc before leaving without a backwards glance. If he were a villain, I’d expect him to swish a cape before his exit. But Pa seemed to have absolute respect for him. So I guess he can’t be all that bad.

I go to work not long after they leave and finish two orders. On the third, I realize I must leave the rooms. Against Pa’s orders. I mull over it for but a moment. I do not believe I should skip over this commission request because of Pa’s order. That would be inconsiderate to him waiting in line so patiently. Therefore, against Pa’s wishes, I must leave.

Taking the handmade note, the Orc had made, I make sure I’m properly dressed to be seen around the mountain before donning slippers and walking down. Down. Down. The mountain.

After a while, I know I am well and truly lost. I bump into a very surly looking yet handsome orc, who growls at me. Literal menacing, baring his teeth growl. I jump in surprise before baring my own teeth at him. “Don’t be an ass.” I hiss. “Where’s the forge?”

His dark gaze is unfathomable. Completely devoid of interest or any other emotion. He jerks his head to the left before turning from me and walking away. I huff. He could have used his damn words. I’m grumbling as I walk through the door on the left that is an entrance to a hallway. How I hadn’t heard the *tank! tank! tank!* of the hammers I don’t know. But soon, I’m standing at the entrance to the Ka-Esh forge.

The only male there is an orc nearly as tall as Hámundr. “Hello,” I call above the hammer bouncing off the metal he is forging. “Are you Aaden?”

He pauses in his task for a moment, gaze meeting mine. Eyes shining back at me from the fires before he dunks the metal in the water. “Ach.” He grins. His beautiful face sweating just slightly as his brilliant white teeth also gleam in the light. “An’ ye are the newest Skai sister.”

Chapter 7: Aaden of Clan Ka-Esh

Summary:

Ay-den

“Oh, you didn’t have to stop your task.” I murmur in protest of his dousing the metal.

He chuffs. “Ach is no problem. My lover already ruined it not long ago.” He grins at my surprised look.

“That grump is your lover?” My mouth all but gapes at the thought.

His chuff turns into a full blown beautiful throaty laugh and my lips stretch into a grin along with him. Before I can continue apologizing for my rude question, he waves me off. His gorgeous face beaming at me with mirth. “I like you.” He admits with a nod. “Wasn’t sure if I would. Not all personalities intertwine, so to speak.” He interlocks his fingers to demonstrate. “But, there is no need to apologize. He is *quite* the grump. Most vicious lover I think I’ve ever had.”

Aaden fairly has stars in his eyes talking about said grump and I tell him so. Wherein he flushes. “Well, he’s quite sexy beneath all that angry. Besides, have you never had someone look at you *meanly* and just feel a quiver in your belly?”

I snort. “No. I don’t think so.”

“Well, it’s not for everyone. But I’ll have to say, it is extremely sexy.” He winks with a sexy smirk of his own. My inner self sighs. *This guy I could fall for.* It says. But he’s taken. “Enough about my glorious sex life. Tell me, Skai sister, why are you here instead of anywhere else in the mountain?”

“OH!” I gasp. “Thank you, I was having such a laugh I nearly forgot. Here,” I hand him his hand written note. “You brought this to Omith for a commission request. I was going to start working on it but I didn’t understand your annotations. Or the measurements really. So I was hoping to take them with my own notes so I can understand.”

Aaden flushes again, but this time with more embarrassment than anything. “Sorry. I have terrible handwriting and eventually started abbreviating almost everything. Faron is the only one who can read it.” He rubs the note smiling. “I’m glad he’s the one who wrote my name on here. You wouldn’t have been able to read it otherwise.” He banks the fires of the forge and places a placard down with predetermined times someone would be in the forge along with another saying he’s off.

“Come, we will go to your little room and you will measure me. Then, I will take you to lunch. I am sure you were properly frightened by my lover and I do not wish you to think ill of me in association. And if you *weren’t* frightened, please, do pretend so for my sensibilities.” With that, I am nearly swept off my feet with how quickly his long legs eat up the distance between the forge and my workroom.

Aaden hums when we enter my workroom. “What is it?”

“Can you do it with my clothes on?”

I blink at him. “Well, I mean, yes? It’ll mean I have to make adjustments of the measurements since the clothing adds to it but it should be fine.” Aaden smiles gratefully and we proceed to measure his limbs. I hum a little tune Papa used to sing to me while I do my task. I pause momentarily, when I drop to my knees before him. His body seems to tense. I look up at him and he looks down at me. I swallow, “uh, I know what you want me to make doesn’t involve trousers inseams but this is for when or if you ask me to make you some. So, excuse me.”

My left hand drops to his ankle and the other stops at the apex of his thighs. I murmur an apology as the back of my hand grazes him. I see the number I want and quickly pull away like I had been burned. My cheeks probably a brilliant cherry red.

Aaden excuses himself. Stating he needs the bathroom but he’ll be back shortly before stepping out. Near fleeing, if I didn’t know better. But with him having a lover, I most definitely do. He’s gone maybe 10 minutes; a strange look on his face but relatively normal. Or as normal as I can tell, as I have known him only an hour. I show him the sketch I prepared based off what he wants. “Perfect.” I grin looking up at him looking at me.

“Er–” My stomach growls. “I guess that speaks for me.” I laugh embarrassed.

Aaden nods as well, before his stomach also growls. His turn to laugh. “Mine seems to have the same idea.”

-

Lunch is actually not a kitchen affair. Well, not a staying in the kitchen affair like Pa, Omith and I usually do. Aaden and I walk in only to be handed a basket and then we leave.

“You don’t eat in the kitchens?”

Aaden snorts. “No.” But he doesn’t elaborate. I follow him. He nods to acquaintances but doesn’t seem to want to talk to them. Even if they are watching me with avid interest.

Eventually, I’m wondering if he’s going to ‘get rid’ of me. Because we’ve been walking for a good long minute and I don’t know exactly where we are.

Suddenly, “Hold my hand.” He murmurs. I don’t immediately, until the hallway sucks all the light from it. The stones around me feel too close. My breath begins to come too quickly. Too short. Too little. Oh heavens. I never realized–I’ve never–

Hands cup my cheeks. “Shhh.” He soothes. “It’s okay. Breathe with me. Can you do that? Can you breathe?” Our foreheads are touching. I can feel his breath on my face. I nod. And for the next few minutes, we breathe. In. Hold. Out. Again and again. “That’s a good girl. Remember the pattern. I will take your hand and we will walk. If you feel panic, squeeze my hand. If you need me, I expect you to ask. You are safe with me. You ken woman?”

“Yes. I understand.” I feel him nod as he removes his hands from my face and pulls away. I almost let the panic set in to feel him comforting me again. But I don’t. I’m okay. I can breathe. “Thank you.”

“I would do this for anyone. None should be left alone with their fear.” There’s bitterness in his tone, but I can’t see in this darkness. So I can’t gauge his reaction.

I start talking so I don’t panic. “You know, I should really be questioning my sanity.” Aaden snorts. “Truly I should be.” I insist. “I’ve known you for just over an hour maybe closer to two and yet, I’m letting you lead me into the darkness of the mountain. What sane person would do that? You could be a murderer for all I know.”

“Good thing I am not.”

“That’s what a murderer would say.”

Aaden’s laugh bounces off the walls. “Good point. I keep it in mind for my next victim.”

I snort. “Sure. but at least make it painless?”

“Where’s the fun?” He laughs. “But sadly, not today. Mayhap another I’ll take you on this offer ach?” He tugs me forward and through a doorway I didn’t know was there.

“It’s not an offer, I was just–” But I don’t finish my sentence. Instead, I suck in a breath to the beautiful soft glow of crystals. “What–where are we?”

“Mmm… I call it a Crystal Grotto. But I don’t know if or what my brothers call it.” He lays a thick blanket on top of some moss before sitting down and taking the the food out of the basket.

“My goodness.” I breathe. “This mountain becomes more and more amazing with each passing day.” I sit next to him. I am small in stature but these orcs all make me feel smaller. “Thank you for bringing me.” I grin. And he smiles back, handing me a cold sandwich.

We sit and eat in silence as I look at the crystals light. When suddenly an animated Ka-esh comes in with another. They pause looking at Aaden with mixed feelings on their faces. I look at Aaden and his face is blank when looking at them. Completely opposite from how he’d greeted me. I blink at him and then at them. Still paused as if waiting for something.

“Uh… if you guys are having lunch there’s plenty of room.”

One of the Ka-esh smiles at me gratefully. “Ach. I ken you are right in this. Thank you.” And they move on.

Looking at Aaden, still stoic, I bump his shoulder with mine. Nearly making him fall. He turns to me with a mock growl. “Ay. You were lost. Do you want to go or would you like to finish?” At my nod to our food he glances at it.

“Och, thank you. I would like to finish.”

So we do. Not hurried, which I was worried he would be. Eventually he talks to me about some of his work. He mostly does jewelry but occasionally he’ll make weapons. His preference is ornamental. But as the clans like their weapons he doesn’t always get them.

“OH! What if you make *me* something?” His black eyes stare into mine with surprise. “Just think of it as making it as payment. That is, only if you think it’s a good approximation of worth in comparison and–

“Ach, I think this is a good idea. I will think on it.”

-

Aaden then packs up the blanket and basket and the other Ka-esh wave as we leave. He pauses at the open door to the darkness, taking my hand and squeezing. “Let me know if you panic.”

“I will.” I murmur, squeezing his hand back. And then we’re off. Walking through the darkness in silence. And maybe it’s the silence, the world around me just dark and bleak. Nothingness. But I panic just moments within. I squeeze his hand like my life depends on it and a sob breaks out, “Please.” I gasp.

Immediately, he stops. He comes in close, our foreheads touching once more, his hands on either side of my face. I can feel his breath on my lips exhaling from his nose. “Breathe. Breathe with me.” In. hold. Out. Once. Twice. Three times. Again and again. When my heart slows to a calm beat, my breathing back to normal, he pulls his forehead from mine. And his lips press to it instead. “That’s my girl. So strong. Let’s go.”

He takes my hand again and I’m so lost in the warm feeling left from his lips we get out without another hitch. But I'm still twisted and knotted up all the way back to my work room. When our eyes meet as I enter the room, him on the outside his cheeks flush. “Ach, I–

But he doesn’t finish.

“Where were you?” Pa! He rushes down the hall, anger, disappointment, fear and relief warring across his features. He stops abruptly before Aaden. The two about the same height. Omith stands next to Pa. Just a shade shorter. Pa growls. “Why do you smell of her fear!” Immediately he’s pulling out a knife, or three.

“PA! NO!” I shout, jumping between them. “Stop. Please.” I plead, hands outstretched.

“Is alright, Ogath. She’s afraid of the dark.” My cheeks flush red at Aaden’s matter of fact tone. I feel like at my age I really shouldn’t be.

“The dark.” Pa’s words are disbelieving. Questioning if Aaden thinks he’s stupid.

“He’s not lying. I–we were going to lunch and he took me down the Ka-esh wing. We–it was super dark down there and I couldn't see. It terrified me. Aaden helped me breathe through it.” I implore Pa to listen to me. I don’t want Aaden to be hurt over this stupid simple matter.

Pa stares at me for a while, Omith waits on the sidelines for his orders. Pa sheaths his weapon(s?) I can’t tell if it’s more than one, he moves too quickly and I’m too busy staring at his face. “Thank you Aaden. My gratitude for helping her through that situation. I’m sorry I reacted so strongly.”

“Family is precious.” Aaden murmurs from behind me. “I will see you when either of us has made progress.”

I whip around, “You’ll do it then?” I grin widely.

His eyes are warm as they stare upon me, “Ach, I ken I can make something befitting such a strong Skai.”

“Yes!” I laugh, doing a fist pump. “Thank you!”

He chuckles. “Of course. I will see you later.” His smile falls, the warmth now seeming false on his face as he addresses and says bye to Omith and Pa.

I grimace and turn back to them. “I’m sorry.” I begin but Pa just pulls me in for a hug.

He sighs, his hold almost crushing. “I was so worried. Please, leave a note. Something.”

I nod. “I will. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it.”

We go back inside the room and they both watch me as if I will disappear at any moment. I don’t comment on it. I can understand how my disappearance might have affected them. I feel a tad bit guilty but I don’t regret my time with Aaden.

How could anyone be mad at him?

Chapter 8: Aaden POV

Notes:

Chapter 8 is SUPER short. so I'll give you 8 and 9 this week ;)

Aaden

 

The growl that precedes me being slammed against the wall is the deepest and harshest sound I've ever heard before. I know the stones will leave bruising. But so will the hand that is clasped around my throat.

“How was your date?”

My cheeks flush as I try ineffectually to push him off of me. “Shut up. It wasn’t a date?”

“Oh?” He grumbles. Low, deep, throaty. A challenge. I swallow, my heart speeds up as he leans in. Taking in deep breaths. “Sure smells like *something*.” He makes a humming growl noise. “You kissed her.”

“On the forehead!” I growl back my teeth bared.

He snaps his teeth at me. And my body responds, quick as lightning. Jutting against his hip. He rumbles in approval as he lets go of my throat and drops to his knees. His face pressed against my leaking promise. “She touched you here too.”

I gasp. “For *TROUSERS*!” I shout that last word because he’s pulled down mine and swallowed me whole in one fluid motion. “Fuck, Faron.”

Chapter 9: Raudhan of Clan Grisk

Summary:

Rue-awn

Notes:

This orc is the absolute SWEETEST and people can fight me on that TT~TT

I don’t see Aaden or anyone else for several days following ‘the incident’. But Aaden does give my brother a note, requesting I keep his completed commission until he’s completed my ‘payment’. So, I’ve moved on.

And today, under strict supervision of Omith; who has a day off, I am taking completed work through the mountain. I’m paid in either credits, or a trade of goods. I have two things left to drop off when I notice Omith is bogged down with a lot of trade items. “Shouldn’t you be taking that back to the room? I only have two left. I’ll be fine. One is to some Grisk and the others to Skai. I can get back to the room by the time you’re done with putting all that away.”

Omith stares at me as if trying to read some hidden message. I wait for him to sigh before smiling. “Thanks Omith.” He grunts and grumbles about ‘the things he does for…’ but he’s too far for me to hear the last of his sentence. I snort laugh as I walk down to the Grisk common room.

I’m humming a song when I enter and see Hámundr! What in the world is that Bautul doing in the Grisk common room? I open my mouth to call out to him as he leans against the wall, but then I see the Grisk next to him. With his hand down Hámundr’s trousers.

My cheeks flush in embarrassment and a hint of jealousy. I bite my lip to prevent myself from growling as if I were an animal and this Grisk was stomping on my territory. Gritting my teeth I turn to leave, when I pump into a sort of sloshed Grisk fellow. He’s looking at me with strange eyes. As if he knows. As if he understands. I swallow nervously, before putting on a customer service mask, “Do you know where I can find Raudhan?”

The Orc snorts. “You were lookin at him.”

I can feel my face paling. But I nod, grit my teeth and take a deep breath. Settling whatever demons I can before walking close enough that the other Orc, Raudhan, such a handsome name, notices me. He removes his hand from Hámundr’s trousers and pats him on the chest while jerking his chin at me over Hámundr’s shoulder.

Which stiffen under my gaze. He looks at me with the tiniest bit of horror and surprise. He shifts uncomfortably beneath my gaze. I struggle to hide my confusion and sense of rejection. There clearly had been a connection, right? So why–

I take a deep breath, before looking at Raudhan. He’s shorter than Hámundr by several inches but still taller than me by a few. His hair is French braided on top but tied back in a ponytail instead of completing the braid. His features are soft but not in a rounded sort of way, but with kindness. Wearing a loose fitted shirt that had obviously been made for someone larger and the same with his trousers, he gives all the sweet neighbor vibes. “Raudhan?”

His head perks up as our eyes meet. “Yes?”

I give him a soft smile. “I finished this for you.”

He looks at the package in my hands and grins. “OH! Thank you!” He chucks Hámundr’s shoulder with his fist. It bounces off like water on stone. “I don’t have to wear your clothes anymore with these!” Walking past the immovable mountain, I can’t seem to look at anymore, he gestures to me, “Come. We can get my payment.” At my hesitation he adds, “It’s not far.” Before I can ask if Hámundr would be coming, he looks at him over my shoulder, something crossing over his eyes. “I’ll talk to you later Hámundr.”

He growls out something I can’t understand before walking up to the Grisk and wrapping a hand around his nape and pressing their foreheads together. “Naught will change.” With a soft kiss to his lips, Hámundr leaves us. He doesn’t look at me.

Raudhan and I walk in silence to his room. When we enter, he immediately goes to a chest at the foot of his bed. “My mother once told me that good things don’t always come to you and if they do, they’re fleeting. She said to let them go rather than hold on too tightly for fear you’ll damage yourself.” He turns back to me, but his black eyes full of emotion ensnare me in their web. “If you wish it, I will walk away.”

From Hámundr. He means walk away from Hámundr. The orc he obviously cares deeply for. To him, this is the moment. All the times he’s had, the happiness, everything he’s felt up to now was his fleeting moment. And now he’s ready to give it up. My heart aches for him.

“No.”

His eyes widen with surprise. “What–what do you mean no? I could see it. You were jealous. Upset. Ach, you still are!” He shakes his head. “No. I’ll walk away. You, woman, obviously are trying to be nice.”

I roll my eyes. “Look, Raudhan, I won’t pretend or lie to you. I am–was, interested in Hámundr, but that doesn’t mean I want to break you two up. Despite the fact that I thought something was budding between us, that doesn’t exclude the fact that *you* are already blooming with him. I was jealous. But I was jealous of you not because you had Hámundr.” He jerks away from me as if I’d slapped him.

“Why would you envy me?”

“I–you looked so happy. Like everything was in its rightful place and you were looking at the puzzle and admiring the picture it had created.” I smile at him. “Hámundr is super kind and extremely protective. You are just like the plants in that garden and he looks like he loves to see you thrive. I would *never* take the sun from you.”

He seems to fumble, unable to find the proper words to describe his feelings. “I-you–are you sure?”

“I’m sure. You and Hámundr looked amazing together. And besides, I wasn’t looking for a relationship anyways. So it’s fine. My mother died in childbirth with my brother so I fear something similar could happen to me.” I confide in explanation. “So, don’t worry. You keep your mate. We can still be friends.”

“Ach, you are too kind. Hámundr is right, you do resemble a camellia.” His smile is sweet, and full of relief. But the awkwardness that is filling the silence as we both mentally try to figure out what to do from here, is near debilitating. “Here.” He says woodenly and thrusts a bag at me. “It’s the agreed upon credits. Thank you. I look forward to more clothes from you.”

I take the pouch and nod. “Well, let me know or give your order to Omith or Ogath and they’ll get it to me.” I wave and take a hike, my last commission in my arms and I hope this one is uneventful. I don't think I can handle anything more going forward.

Chapter 10: Jultin and Jul'm of Clan Skai

Summary:

and their not so secret secret.

“Jultin? Jul’m?” I jingle a bell they seem to have hung from a string into their open doorway.

“BAAAAAA.” I pull back with a disturbed expression on my face.

“Beatrice! Just lay down.” Grumbles a recognizable voice.

“B-BOCK!”

“No sass from you.” Says the other recognizable voice, but more groggy as if he were sleeping. “C’mere. Daddy needs cuddles, you brat.”

“Coming! Coming!” Calls the first voice. Jul’m stands before me. Just like his brother, he has a perfect smile. His eyes sparkle with surprise but happiness. “OH! Hello–” He’s cut off by a furred creature jumping onto his head from somewhere above him, and landing on his shoulder. I squeak in surprise. “Ach, is alright. Scout is merely curious.”

Said curious scout chitters at me, looking at Jul’m and then me. He laughs. “It seems he has a lot to say.” Picking up the animal that just seems to get longer the more he pulls up, he finally places the top paws and head onto something over him. I’m assuming a shelf. Scout climbs back up and my brain is frying because I just noticed Jul’m isn’t wearing a shirt.

He’s wearing cut off trousers low on his hips, his well defined stomach and muscled chest is plainly on display as he stretches up to pet the furry not cat creature. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen that thing before. Not that we had any pets anyways growing up.

And then Jul’m is jumping at me. I scream. He shouts. And we both fall to the ground. “What the f–Oh my god!” I screech. Right next to us is a goat. A black goat, eyeing me like they’re not sure if I'm food or friend.

“Damn it Phillippa! That was beyond rude.” Jul’m curses crouched over me.

I look back at him briefly before looking back at Phillippa. But then the mental image of him laying on top of me a hairsbreadth of air between us, makes my gaze jerk back to him. Our eyes are caught in a snare.

“Ach, brother are you al—” the curtains move and I turn my head to see miles of bare green skin. “Skai-kesh take me!” Jultin hisses covering his well endowed self with a hand. My eyes try to pop out of my head. I’d seen it. My first ever and I’d *seen* it. My cheeks flush so brightly they could probably use it as a lantern. Jultin snatches Phillippa by her leather collar still covering himself and quickly flees back inside. Not without giving me a full view of his very rounded behind.

Some devilish imp inside me proclaims its bite-worthiness.

I look back at Jul’m who is staring at me intently. Still hovered over me, forearms at either side of my head. “You smell of sadness?”

“Oh, um, well, things happened. It’s nothing.” I’m still pretty red in the face, “Do you think you can help me up?”

Jul’m’s brows arch in surprise. “Oh, yes! Sorry!” His cheeks flush with embarrassment and jumps off of me like he were hit by lightning. He takes my hand in his and drops it immediately after he’s helped me to stand. “Come in. Don’t mind the friends, they’re just hanging out. And if you see Simon, you only saw Scout okay?”

I frown not feeling very comfortable with lying but when we enter their mid sized room, it’s almost if not as large as our three bedroom room, I can see why.

There, on a tousled bed lays a chicken. A sheep, the one who likely baa’d me earlier; Bessie, is laying on a shoddy sewn bedding next to a more neatly made bed. A lizard is on the headboard. I’m not sure if that is a snake or a doll on a wooden beam across the top of their room. Jumping through stone and wooden hoops and along shelves is the long furry not cat, Scout. I really need to figure out what that is called. And Phillippa. Who is chewing on something.

“This is… a lot of friends.”

Jultin burst from inside a wooden closet, startling me but none of the animals. I feel like he’s done this before all too often. “Don’t tell Simon!”

“Oh–yes, Jul’m told me not to.”

“Oh thank heavens.” He leans a shoulder on his brother as he runs a hand through his long wavy locks. His shirt is on backwards, and his trousers aren’t tied. He’s wearing socks but one has a hole in it.

It reminds me of the pair I’d made the brothers. As well as mended clothes. “I’ve brought you two the work you originally asked for.” I step to the curtain and bend down to pick up the dropped package. “Though, Jultin, I still have to work on those trousers you brought me.” I stand up and turn around to see the orcs simultaneously jerk their heads up and flush with embarrassment. They stare at me. I stare back. Mouth opening and closing, unsure how or if to address catching them ogling me.

Am I embarrassed or is that appreciation simmering low in my belly?

I clear my throat. The best bet is probably to ignore it. Just because they look at my backside doesn’t mean they’re interested. And besides, didn’t I just find out about my–the bautul I was thinking about is involved with another. Aaden is sweet but taken. Besides, I’m not looking for anyone. So, I walk back to them and offer the package for one of them to take.

Jul’m reaches forward first. “Ach, about payment.” Jultin cringes.

“Ach.” He turns and walks back to the closet he’d popped out of. “See, we usually make credits off the animals. But *someone*, who we will *not* mention,” He coughs, “Klucky.” He coughs again. “Has not been laying any eggs. And we sheared Bessie just two weeks ago. So, Jul’m said you did trade of skills.” He pulls out a little baggie. Walking back to me holding the item like I’m about to snatch it out of his hands and like it were as precious as thin glass.

“Am not very good and I don’t have confidence in my skills as we don’t have much downtime to put in them. But–

“Just give it to her.” Jul’m shoves him forward and we’re so close, I can feel the hot puff of air from his mouth on my forehead.

“Ach, here.” He drops the bag in my hand. It is light. Lighter than I expected, the way he held it.

I open the bag and instantly I am in love. “It’s adorable.” I reach a hand inside and pull out the fluffiest little baby ever. It’s not the best I’ve ever seen but then again, I’ve only seen stuff like this before my mama passed away. In fact, mama had one almost the exact same. I cuddle the bunny made from the softest of wool to my cheek. “This is amazing! The best kind of payment.” I grin.

Jultin visibly relaxes and his brother chuckles bumping their shoulders. “I said she’d love it, brother.”

“Ach, that you did. I’m glad it pleases you. If it is alright with you, I can make something like this for when you finish mending my other clothing?”

I nod. “That would be lovely. Thank you.” I rock on my heels looking at their room. It is a bachelors room, despite it being filled with animals. With clothing strewn on the floor and tools placed haphazardly in a corner. “What’s uh–what’s your other friends’ names?”

“Oh!” Jul’m grins and beckons the lizard on his cleanly put together bed. He brings him closer and I realize it's more than just a tiny lizard. He’s pokey with a little pokey beard.

“He looks so regal.”

“Ach, he thinks himself king of the room that’s for sure. This is Alaric. Our almighty ruler.” As if in response to this, the lizard poses, puffing out his chest.

“An this is Klucky. His jester.” Jultin offers, pointing. Alaric hisses and she bocks. Almost doing a dance before laying back down.

“And is that,” I point up at the snake, “real?” They both look up.

“Ah, no. Not anymore.” My brows arch in surprise. Do they have a dead snake in their room? Jul’m sees this expression and shakes his head. “No. It is like him but the Go’fry and Scout did not get along. At all.”

“They fought all the time.” Jultin adds, now seated on his bed holding Klucky. She practically preens under his touch.

“And then one day Go’fry was gone.”

“Gone? Is there a snake hiding in the mountain?” My question is full of alarm. A snake crept into our house once when I was a child. I never truly got over it.

Jul’m laughs. “No.” And then a yowel is heard. “That, is what made our Go’fry find home elsewhere.” He chuckles. ‘That’ was a tom cat. Scout jumps down from his perch and tackles the tom. The tom and scout tussle until the tom is on top. After a concerned second, the tom gets up, picks up scout by the scruff of his neck, who is playing dead, and drags him to a small pet bed. Where scout is laid down and the tom cuddles him.

“When Go’fry started bullying Scout as a tiny thing, Cat’s Mate got upset. Seems Scout was small enough to be one of his babies and he adopted him. Cat wasn’t too happy and so Cat’s Mate spends half his time with Cat and the other with Scout. But only *after* dragging Go’fry to the garden. Joarr was happy the pests were being taken care of at least.” Now, I'll never go into that garden carefree.

“So then why the fake Go’fry?”

Jultin blushes. “Ach, is because Scout *liked* Go’fry. So I made him a stuffed one.” He gives a light shrug before creating a nest out of his blankets and placing a disgruntled but quickly appeased Klucky. He pats her head and she makes a coo sound. His posture becomes less shy, with his shoulders back and a teasing smile fixes on his face. “If there is naught else, I can walk you back to your room? Or is Omith on the way here to pick you up?”

Frowning I take in Jul’m’s posture as well. His smile has dropped and his eyes are hooded after he placed Alaric back on the headboard of his bed. What… what in the world just happened?

“No. I told him I would walk back after my last delivery.”

They nod in unison. “Jul’m will walk you back.” His brother looks at him with an unreadable expression before nodding a second time and going to the entrance of the room. He beckons me and as we exit I notice a Skai glowering at me and Jul’m. I startle but, Jul’m takes my arm and pulls me along. The Skai rings the bell and Jultin exits the room, Scout on his shoulder. The two walk down the hall and out of view.

Chapter 11: Need Help

“Omith?”

“Hmm?” He murmurs sleepily.

I’m sitting in my seat at my desk, in view of his bed, if he were looking at me, but his back is to me. So I’m able to caress and finger the stuffie bunny Jultin gave me a week ago. I’m holding onto his other mended clothing until he tells me he is finished with his payment.

“I wanna go outside.”

I watch his back visible stiffen. Almost as if he were turned into a sculpture. “To the gardens?” He knows that’s not what I mean. He knows and I know he knows. He’s been watching me antsily for days. And I don’t blame him looking at me skeptically.

I’ve completed all of my work. I’ve told everyone that for the time being, I’m not taking any more commissions. To be completely honest, it’s not just the odd homesick blues that’s catching up to me. I am a bit overwhelmed. I work constantly. Day in. Day out. And if I can’t sleep? I work. My fingers hurt. They ache terribly and I need a break. And I need help.

“No.” I answer his question. “I want to leave the mountain. Look, I’m overworked—

“Then don’t accept as much.” It’s nonchalant. He doesn’t care. To orcs, you work as much or as little as you can in a day. It’s healthy.

But I’m the only one.

There is so much that everyone needs and continues to need. Their clothes are shoddy mismatched patchwork of other peoples clothes put together. And any of the newer clothing is laughable.

“You don’t understand! I can’t just leave everyone like this-I—”

“You can.”

“But I won’t.” I grit and he rolls over. Looking at me, down at the bunny and then back up. I growl frustrated and nearly toss it onto my desk. But I don’t want it to hit the scissors or the needles, so I gently place it down on one of my shelves for display.

“Ach, that is the trouble sister. You won’t. Not, ‘you can’t’.” I roll my eyes but he continues. “You wish to help. I understand. You need help. So you wish to go to your village of hate to find help for our mountain.”

I frown. “There were good people in my village.”

“Ach, when you lived in it. Now you live with orcs. They do not care how or why. They will only be mean to you.”

I give him a mulish expression which makes him snort. “Not all. I had friends.”

“I do not trust your friends.” This time I flinch. Because I trust them. They might be human but they’re good people. “I do not trust many humans sister mine. But I trust you. If Draf will allow me or Pa, one of us will come with you. But you will not travel without us. Understand?” I nod. “Good. Now let me sleep.”

I scrunch my face into a mock sneer. “You love it when I bother you.”

His eyes narrow with warning. “And don’t you tell a single soul either.” I laugh and he winks before rolling over and snuggling into his furs.

Chapter 12: Forgiveness

It takes three days before Drafli allows Pa to come with me. He signed something about ‘paperwork’? I think. Could have signed ‘bullshit’ and I’d have bought what Pa told me. Drafli’s smirk is the only reason I’m sure he didn’t say shit about paperwork. But I do think needing Jule and Grimmars permission had been truthful.

“Who will you talk to?” Pa asks me after a few days travel.

“I have a few people in mind. But it all depends on how they react to you.” Pa hums to indicate he is listening. “Well, Mari is a good choice. She actually makes delightful sewn patterns. I’m sure some of the ladies of the mountain would love something like that on their clothing.”

“You are good with patterns.” Pa murmurs touching the breast of his shirt and the rose I’d sewn into it after he’d told me about the rose bush incident with Papa.

“I’m okay. She is much better. More intricate designs. Well sought after.” He nods. “But I’m not sure how she’ll react to you. I’m hopeful she is open minded but I keep recalling when one like Geva came into the town for directions. She was not kind and implied their stupidity. I hope she will not act that way towards you.” I tell him a few more people in my little town before finally sighing. “And then there’s Cole.” I spit his name out like I'd just licked a pig's belly.

Pa arches a brow. This is probably the first time I've actively acted as if I dislike someone or something.

“Cole is… great at his job. Even better than Mari. He’s just… a jerk.” Pa frowns, annoyance and concern warring within him. “He’s a bit rude and doesn’t seem to get people in general. But he creates beautiful pieces. A lot of us wonder why the hell he’d live all the way out here when he could easily get a job in a bigger and better town. The city even. But he’s bluntly told everyone to mind their own damn business.” Pa snorts through a laugh. I side eye him and he shrugs.

“It makes sense to me.”

“Of course.” We laugh. “You know, I just realized but the way you talk is different than other Skai. NOt that there’s anything wrong with they way they talk, it’s just yours is a bit different. Like a Grisk. Or the Ka-Esh.”

Pa nods. His face contemplative. “Ach, is alright. I have not told you this, but my ma died birthing me. And my pa died when I was a babe. I was raised by a kind Ka-Esh who found me abandoned deep in the mountains. I was hidden from my brothers for many years… and then I was found.” He sighs. He looks up at the sky, his face filled with pain. He swallows, I watch as his throat visibly bobs. “My Ka-Esh Pabbi, Kit, took it upon himself to fight for me. He did not live. And I was taken back to the skai. I was one of the few who could read. Could write. Who talked the way I did.”

Silence fills the forest around us, our steps quieted by the pines on the floor. I step closer to Pa. Taking his hand in mine. Mine is dwarfed by his but I give it a gentle yet firm squeeze. I want him to know that I'm here for him. I might be many years younger than him but he's my Pa. Even if I don't say it out loud yet, I mean I did but I haven't done it since, I need him to know that I am here for him. He is my heart's father even if I'm not the daughter of his loins.

“I felt the need to fit in. I did what the Skai wanted me to do. I did what I was told. No matter how much I hated it. Even if I knew my Pabbi would hate it.” He squeezes my hand back before stopping and looking at me. “That is how I got into the mess with your mama. Although I knew it was wrong, I did it anyways. For that, I will always be sorry.”

“Your forgiveness is not for me to decide. If you say mama forgave you, then you are forgiven. If pa pa could forgive you and love you the way he described in his letters, then I know Mama could too.” Pa smiles so sadly, so bittersweetly.

“You're just like your mama and I will never ever be worthy of any forgiveness she ever gave me. Nor could I have asked for yours." He leans forward, his hands cupping my face and kisses my forehead. "You are my heart's daughter. From the day you took in your mama’s womb, even now. And I love every moment of your growth." He rests his forehead against mine. Our eyes stare into each other's for a moment, for a day, for a year. Before he kisses my forehead again, taking my hand in his. “We must hurry lest we arrive to your old home before dark.”

Chapter 13: Mari

Summary:

Mar-ree

“Mari!” I smile in greeting.

She looks me up and down, brows pinched close, assessing my welfare. “I heard an orc came to your house and took you away.” She crosses her arms, preventing me from entering. All of the places I have gone to today have said something along these lines. And when introduced to Pa, they’ve turned me away without fully hearing me out.

“In a way? He knew my Papa–

“How do you know he’s not lying so he can ravage you? Do you think?!” I flinch at her hiss of outrage. Her feelings are understandable. She looks past me at Pa, standing at gate in front of her home, and she glares at him. “How did you know him? Hmm? Have you touched her! I’ll have you know–

“MARI!” I hiss, grabbing her hand in both of mine and tug on it to get her attention like I were a child. “It’s fine. He’s fine. He’s never touched me. He loved Papa. Was with Papa.”

Mari’s mouth gapes several times, her eyes bulging. She looks at Pa again and nods. “Come in. Both of you. Before someone sees me letting an Orc into my home.”

Mari serves us tea and butter scones. “Eat them. I’ll be getting more in the morning from Mrs. Bates. I keep telling her she needs to give them to other people. I can never eat them all.” Pa looks at them suspiciously and Mari grabs one from his plate and takes a bite. “See? No poison. Now, please. Eat.”

We eat. In complete silence.

I know what she is thinking. I know she is mad. Hell, I’d be just as pissed off at her if she’d done the same thing to me; what I’d done to her. What right do I have to be upset with her being upset with me? I open my mouth to explain but she raises a hand to silence me, pointing at my plate of scones and full cup of tea. I sit back down defeated. She cleans her hands after taking the last bite of her plate of scones. “Look, I get you were grieving. I know that people don’t always act the way they would normally during that time. But you’ve been gone. For Weeks, hun. And I—” She bites her wobbling lip. “I thought you were dead. I was grieving for your Pa as well as you. I just—you couldn’t have written to me? Besides this?!” She slaps the letter I’d sent out to her and a few other friends here in town. The ones who wouldn’t even hear me out. Looked at Pa with disgust.

It was an invitation to the mountain. As if—

“It’s written like a fucking party invitation. No explanation on how or why. Just that ‘the mountain is great. Come join me’.” Her expression is asking me if I’ve lost my senses.

I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“And another thing! How could you—

“Enough!” Pa growls. Mari’s eyes widen with alarm as she looks at Pa. “If she is your friend, as ought you say, then understanding her view is not berating her for forgetting. Yes, she could have sent another letter. Or told you what transpired. But we are still grieving.” Mari blinks at him. No male aside from Cole has ever used that tone with her before. Reprimanding.

She’s always been the waspish one. The one who informs the other party of their wrong doings. She is not “wife” material. As she’s been reminded a time or two by an aggrieved and insulted male.

Mari stares at Pa for a moment longer. Her eyes narrowed, assessing as she’d done to me before. “Do you have designs for my friend?”

Pa’s face is devoid of emotion. “She is my daughter.” My eyes bounce back and forth between the two.

“That means nothing to some men.”

“I am not a man.”

“You don’t need to be a man. You just have to have a prick that likes a hole. Not caring what it’s attached to.”

They stare each other down. Pa cold. Mari bristling and protective. I open my mouth to interject, but then she nods as if something were settled and asks if we want more tea.

“No, thank you.” He turns to me. “I ken your friend will be kind enough to give you shelter for the night. I will sleep outside.”

Tonight? I look out the window and low and behold it is indeed late into the evening. We still hadn’t discussed business with Mari. And if she doesn’t want to come, I need to speak with Cole. Heck, even if she does want to come, I should probably talk to Cole.

Pa pats my hand, I can see he wishes to hug me but fears initiating will make my friend suspicious. So I hug him instead. He pets my hair before patting his heart, signing daughter and leaves.

“What was that?” Mari asks. Curiosity in her expression and tone.

I turn to look at her and murmur, “He called me his hearts daughter.” Her gaze softens and her mouth makes an ‘o’ for a silent ‘awww’.

Mari gives me a spare nightgown and we lay in her bed like we did as young teens and she tells me all the gossip of the village. When she is done, we lay there, staring up at the ceiling of her little cottage.

“Will you come? For me?”

“For you?” I nod. “No.” I snort. Of course not. “I can’t uproot myself for a friend in a place of uncertainty. Unless there is a job that I am needed, I can’t run off. I’m sorry, hun.”

“Don’t be. I expected it.” But it doesn’t make it any easier. “Tell me about your work.”

“I noticed you don’t have as much sewing materials. What happened?”

Mari snorts. “Cole.” There is affection and bitterness in that tone. “Your customers came to me. And for whatever reason, that sparked some kind of competitiveness in him and he did a sale. Lowered his prices for new people. They fled me in droves. When I saw his prices I thought they were indecent. But he made even by the amount of people who left me and others in the town.” She shakes her head. “It was brilliant. And so for a while I was dipping into my nest egg.” Oh ouch. She sighs. “So I needed a new stunt.”

She looks at her nails which I hadn’t noticed were paint stained. “Is that dye?”

She grins getting out of bed and walking towards her open bedroom door. “Follow me.” She waves her hand with a wicked expression. Good thing we’re adults because that expression always got us in trouble.

We exit the back of the house and I hiss, “Mari you’re going to get us in trouble.”

She gives me a droll stare. “By who? Ogath?” She snorts. “Yeah, right. What is he? Standing in the forest around my home?” She smirks at me and snags the end of her skirt. “Should I flash him? Scare him off like all the others?” She pulls it up over her calves, her knees, it gets to her thighs.

“MARI!” I squeak.

She pulls her nightgown over her head in one swift motion, throwing it in the air. Her hips sashay back and forth as she does a twirl, her hands in the air, breasts lifted into the air like an offering. “Like what you see Ogath?” She shouts. “Comes with the worst mouth and an even worse attitude. She looks to the quiet and dark forest. “Think you can handle it?”

There is no sound. No reply.

“Exactly.” She huffs. Walking normally yet still naked, to her little shed. Well, not shed. It’s a ‘mothers cottage’. But since Mari’s mother is long dead, she was using it for storage. As we enter, I see that she isn’t using it for storage any longer.

Mari lights a few candles and my mouth gapes in awe. “What–How–Mari this is amazing!”

Mari’s cheeks flush in pleasure as she wraps one of the colorful pieces of dyed cloth around her frame. It covers her from shoulder to mid thigh, with each end going back over her forearms, covering both breasts and back to her thighs. She takes two ends and wraps it around her back and then back into the front to tie. Giving her cleavage a deep v but covering her in the nearly sheer fabric.

The patterns Mari seems to have been able to put onto the fabric are able to keep her modesty.

The room is full of subtle and not so subtle patterned fabrics. “Mari, how did you do this?”

She sits on a small lounge chair, picking up a stick with a strange coating on it and lighting it before sticking it into a hole in the table next to her. She blows out the flame and it’s smokey scent fills the air around us. It is calming. Making the bones feel languid.

“I was desperate. So, I went to the brothel.” I gasp in surprise. Mari? To the brothels? We didn’t have a big one here in town. But it still catered to some people here and out of town. If anyone saw her enter there, she’d have been blacklisted from polite company. “They gave me work. At first, it was just cleaning. I didn’t want to lay on the beds for my money. I wasn’t that desperate. But then, I was getting there.” She sighs, leaning her head on her hand.

“But Quin took pity on me and said they needed fabrics. But not like I’d made them before. They needed things that were different. Exotic. New. Outrageous. And she had an idea. In her home country they would use patterned dyes. But she didn’t know the exact way. So, I had to be creative.” She stands and walks to one of several work tables. She tosses me a block. It’s flat on the top, and the edges with a hand groove for an easy grip. The bottom though, has been deeply carved. The middle is empty but the edges of the bottom have an intricate pattern.

“I dip it in the dye and press it into the fabric. I have it made this way, so I can line them up and make a continuous pattern.”

“Mari you’re a genius!” She grins, her cheeks flush with pleasure.

“Thanks. Well, that’s what I've been up to.” She sits back down and stares at me intently. “Now, tell me why you want me and others to come to the mountain.”

I fidget with the block and sigh. “Well, I need help. I’m overwhelmed with the work I have to do and I thought this town would be an amazing place to look for help. You were one of my first choices but I was afraid of coming because I realized how I’d messed up.” I grimace, my lips twisting into a bitter almost snarl. “I’m sorry.”

“Ask Cole.”

I blink up at her in surprise. “You don’t want him as competition? Or is it because–

“No. I’m over that. Once he turned me down, of course it hurt. I was publicly insulted. But he’s a great crafter. He’s also one of the least liked people in this town. Just the other day I overheard the gossips saying about a vote to kick him out of town.” My brows shoot up in horror. “Yeah. My thoughts too. He might be a jerk, but he doesn’t deserve to be kicked out.” She looks over her shoulder as if to see if anyone is eavesdropping. “Just between you and me, I think it’s because the mayors son was his lover.” My eyes bulge.

“You’re lying.” I gasp, my lips splitting into a grin.

“Nope. I’m pretty sure he plays a different sort of character.” She smirks, whispering conspiratorially, “I caught him on his knees with that mayors son a few months ago. Just before Papa passed. I was going to tell you but with everything going on it didn’t seem like the right time. And then–

“And then I was gone.” She nods.

“Water under the bridge, hun. We have our whole lives ahead of us. We can’t dwell too hard on it. Right?”

“Right.” I smile and bump her foot with mine. She yawns. “Bed time?” Mari winks, nods and she blows out the candle. We head back to bed.

Chapter 14: Good Morning

The next morning, literally when the sun rises, Pa gently wakes us up, to Mari’s horror.

“What are you doing in here?” She hisses, pulling her blankets up and over her shoulders, covering her bared breasts. The woman sleeps naked. Doesn’t care if I’m in the room. “How did you get in anyways?! I locked the door.”

Pa snorts. “Lock is flimsy. You’re lucky you’ve not been robbed before. Two bumps and it unlocks?” He shakes his head while Mari looks at him like he’s lost his mind.She opens her mouth about to spew her outrage, but he cuts her off by handing her a plate of freshly cooked food. She glares at him but graciously accepts it and the glass of milk. She mulishly eats, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she silently moans between bites and with Pa’s back to her. Whenever he turns around to look at her, she clears her expression of resigned bliss.

Pa narrows his eyes at her before sitting down into a chair he’d brought in from the kitchen and eats his meal with the both of us in his view. He, of course, finishes first and opens Mari’s closet. She sputters in outrage. “Get out of there, you brute!”

Pa looks at her archly. “Eat.”

“Food be damned. Get out of my closet before I throw it at you!” She hisses.

He snorts. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Her plate is flying before he finishes his sentence. The food splatters his face, sliding down his clean clothes. The plate clatters on the floor. His expression is the coldest I’ve ever seen in my life. Not even looking at me, his voice is calm as he addresses me. “Is it too early to speak with Cole?”

I shake my head before remembering he’s not looking at me. “No. He’s an early bird.”

Pa nods. “Please, speak with him. I will be there shortly.”

“Yes, p-Ogath.” I hurriedly dress while shoving food in my mouth. I’m out of the room with barely a glance at my best friend. She isn’t looking at me. They’ve been staring each other down. I grimace as I flee. That argument is going to be heard even to the next world.

“Go away.”

I stand at the closed door of Cole. He has a ‘closed’ sign on his door and he won’t open it. “I have to talk to you.”

“I don’t.” He murmurs from the other side. “In fact, neither do you. Go to your orc. Go to your friend. Leave me. I need to pack.” That last sentence is full of bitterness.

Chapter 15: Omith POV

Omith

 

Back in the mountain

 

I wait for my Skai brother to finish speaking with Drafli before it is my turn. It is for my punishment on skipping out on my patrol those days past. Although he’d sent me on extra patrols, he’d informed me that it wasn’t my actual punishment but for me to make up to the person who had to take my work that day.

The other orc leaves. I step forward and Drafli swiftly dolls out my punishment before leaving me standing in the hall. No. NoNoNo! I jerk towards where he’d vanished only to come face to face with my punishment. “Tormarr.”

The older orc looks down at me with disapproving eyes. “A deals a deal Omith.” I grind my teeth and glare at him. Lips tightly sealed. His scowl slips into a smirk. His eyes hooded, hiding his emotions. “Nothing to say? Though I am not surprised. You Skai don’t oft say much.” He leans forward, his lips a hair's breadth away from my ear, “Donnae fret little Skai, we’ll get you talking ach?” He pulls away so our eyes meet. “Or at least, you’ll be making some kind of noise out of that mouth of yours.”

My fist slams into his face. “The most arrogant Grisk I’ve ever met.” I growl, standing at my full height, which is the same as his but somehow, he always makes me feel smaller. “You’ll not have my arse in this life or the next Tormarr.”

Tormarr licks his bleeding lip and grins, the thin scar marring his otherwise beautiful features stretches along the left side of his face, his eye flashing with delight. “Ach, mayhap. You never know what Akva, or your precious Skai-kesh, has planned for their beloved people.” He jerks his head, turning away from me. “Come. You will bunk in my room.” He smirks at me over his shoulder as he starts walking. “Sadly, there is but one bed.” I curse the gods. I curse Drafli. I curse everything. But mostly, I curse Tormarr.

Chapter 16: Cole

“Cole, either you let me in or I’m gonna break in.”

“No and no.”

I growl with frustration and go to the alley between his house and the building next to it. As Pa had told me, the window on the end of the building is easily wiggled open. I pull myself up with a mighty huff and wiggle like a worm through the window. I catch myself on my hands before falling face first into a beautiful rug.

Cold metal touches my cheek.

“I told you to go.” I look up at Cole who is looking down at me coldly, a rifle in his hand.

“Where did you even get that?”

“It’s old. A relic. But it still works.” He jerks the rifle. “Now get up and get out the way you came in.” There are bags under his eyes.

“How do you know it works?”

He shakes his head and the weapon lowers for a moment. “Why do you think they’re kicking me out of town? I nearly shot Harker when he wouldn’t accept–” He cuts himself off and just stares down at me.

“Accept that you ended your relationship?”

He’s slightly taken aback that I seem to know but he merely nods. “Now, if you’d get up and go, I have to figure out where I’m moving to.”

I start to stand, my hands in the air. “Cole–

“No.” I hear a click.

“I HAVE A PROPOSITION!” I shout, closing my eyes in fear before he shoots me.

“What?” His voice is incredulous as if I’ve lost my wits and he’s trying to figure out why an idiot just spoke. I hear complicated clinking sounds and I open up my eyes to find him removing the bolt of his rifle and pulling out a chambered unfired round. *He was really going to shoot me!*

“Look, I don’t know what that Orc has put you up to. But unless I like you, I’m not going to fuck you. And I don’t find women attractive or very affectionate.”

My mouth gawps at him. “NO. I–” My cheeks flush red. “Oh my goodness, cole! I have a job for you.”

He pauses, putting his rifle back together. Looking at me. Really looking this time. He starts to mutter to himself as he stares. “Doesn’t look hurt. Stupid? Maybe. Looks healthier actually.” and his words drift to mumbles as he looks away finishing his rifle before walking out the door.

Confused and concerned, I follow him.

Chapter 17: Mari POV

Summary:

and her damn attitude

Mari

“You might be her pa but you’re not mine. Get out.” I break the silence that has been building between us since my friend left. I feel a tiny bit betrayed that she just left but honestly, I don’t blame her. The tension and hostility is so thick in this room, it can be cut with a knife.

He crosses his arms over his now messy shirt. “No.”

I sit up straighter in my bed. “Out. Now. Before I scream bloody murder. Someone will–

“Naught a one will hear you. Because the second you start screaming, I’ll have you over my knee.” My mouth drops at his audacity.

“How–

He is suddenly right before me. Hands at either side of me, leaning forward and inadvertently pressing me back into my mattress. “I dare.” He growls. “For you are a danger to yourself.” I sputter and he growls. Literally growls and a fluttering of emotions goes off in my stomach. “What woman in her right *mind* would pull her night dress off in the middle of her yard? Where *anyone* can see? Let alone taunting a male just to imply his inadequacy?”

My eyes bulge. “You-you were out there?!” I squeak.

“Of course. I would not let my hearts daughter and her friend stay alone in that home with the flimsy lock and the loose window in the kitchen, without proper surveillance. You are lucky my brothers were not around to see your delicate flesh or else I’d be chasing them to get you back. Your pert teets on display for the moon to shine on. Your bared slit?” He growls again, anger and something more in the depths of his black eyes.

I’m probably redder than a tomato. My embarrassment sparks within me but I don’t want to be embarrassed so I lash out. “What in the world were you doing watching anyways?! The minute I was even *nearing* undress, you should have–

“No. You challenged me, woman. Scoffed at me. Deemed me unworthy.”

“I did–

“You did.” He stands, looking down on me. Making me feel small but also, so needy. “Then, you spurned my care?” He shakes his head. Disappointment filling his gaze. “I washed your night dress, set it out to dry for you. Made you food. Then, as I was aught to help you as I do my own hearts daughter you throw my care into my face? So it may stain my clothes? My person?” Fury is in his gaze as he looks down upon me.

I clench my thighs beneath my blanket. My breathing unnaturally heavy.

“Get out.” I stare at him. “Get out or I will pull you out Mari.” The way he says my name makes me quiver.

“I–I’m not dressed Ogath.”

Something flares in his black eyes. “You were not dressed last night.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to be out there!” I hiss.

“Out. Now.”

I shudder and step out of my bed.

He doesn’t give me the lustful gaze I thought. In fact, he seems more standoffish. Almost as if he’s closed himself off to me. “Turn around.”

I turn around, my back to him. I don’t want to see the indifference on his face. “Bend over.” My back stiffens.

“Bend–?” Ogath pushes me over. Face first into my mattress. I growl beyond pissed. Turning my head to the side, I snap my teeth. “You have some nerve–OUCH!” I yelp as the loud clap of his hands on my bottom bounces off the walls in my room. “YOU BRUTE! You can shove your *care* and whatever you–OUCH! Stop smacking me you heathen!” I wiggle and writhe on the bed, trying in vain to get up. But he’s holding me down with one hand.

*how strong is he?* The hussy within me demands. The one that oggles men and wonders what they look like without clothes. The one that’s been oggling Ogath with admiration and desire since I saw him at my gate.

Ogath growls, leaning over me, his hand moving to the side of my head, and joining the other. I go to get up but it’s his body that is now caging me into my bed once more. My heart flutters and my tummy constricts. Thighs clench closed. Although he only spanked me a few times, I can feel the tops of my thighs becoming wet. “You will dress.” He growls. “You will eat. I will pack your things. Then, we will meet my daughter and take you, her and this cole to the mountain.”

“Pack my–What? NO. I am *not* going to the mountain.” I hiss. “I have a life here. A job.”

He presses me further into the bed. I gasp when I feel him, through his clothes. Pressing into *me*. My body weeps. My brain frazzles. “You ken I do not smell your favor? Since the moment you saw me? Even now, when you are naught so sweet? When you shout at me? Demand I leave? I smell this. You wish for my care.”

I do. I really *really* do. I face my bedding and moan lowly into it.

“I am no man, Mari.” He thrusts his straining prick against my bottom. “Might be older than you but my hearing is just fine.” He moans just as lowly as I did into my ear. I feel their warmth as they flush with my embarrassment.

Suddenly, I am bereft of his presence. The warmth, the weight of his body over mine, is gone. I look at him over my shoulder. “You will dress.” He states, pulling out a pretty blue dress that would not weigh me down during travel, a bralette but nothing for my bottom even though I know and he knows, from rummaging in my drawers, that I have some. “I will feed you again. While you eat I will pack your things. My brothers will be by to pick up whatever we leave behind.”

I try to summon my temper, but it is weak in its attempt while I sit up, my arms crossed over my naked breasts. “You’re not the boss of me.”

He stops before leaving the room. Looking at me over his shoulder, eyes roaming over my naked flesh like I thought he would earlier. Goosebumps skitter across my skin, “No. But you wish it.” He takes a deep breath. A pleasing rumble fills my ears even from this distance. I know what he’s smelling. At my flushed cheeks, he smirks. “Dress, Mari.” And he leaves the room.

Chapter 18: To the Mountain

To his room. He’s continued packing while mumbling whatever he’s thinking. I’ve seen him do it before but I always forget how startling and strange it is. He’s thinking. He does it out loud and he often goes to a safe place, to do a mindless safe activity. Like packing his clothes.

“Cole?” I call to him from his bedroom doorway. He doesn’t hear me. “Cole!” I call louder. He pauses and looks at me out of the corner of his eye. A shirt wadded in his hands. They flick back to his packing.

“What job? Because I don’t fuck people for money.”

“Your current job.”

He jerks his head back to me. “Why do Orcs need a clothier?”

“Why do you need clothes? We can all go back to wearing bear skins and leather.” We both roll our eyes. I snort, finding it funny. His eyes narrow, not seeming to find it as funny.

“Bear skins.” He sneers. “Yes, that sounds like a grand idea! But why stop there? We can paint our bodies like heathens. Handprints on our faces and stripes on our chests!”

“Exactly.”

He stops and looks at me. Stares actually. Assessing my expression, body language that he seems so inept in assessing. Shaking his head, Cole continues packing. I hear him mumbling about people not making sense. This is why he has no friends. Etc. etc.

“Look, I need help on the mountain. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. They are half living from pieces of cloth, smaller than their frames, pieced together. They need proper clothes and you are one of the best people I know.” He finishes packing his bags and his face impassive, he looks ready to tell me to take a hike. So I rush my words. They tumble out of my mouth at a frantic pace, trying to sell what I need him to buy. “I need your help. You’re leaving anyways. And from what I surmised you don’t–

He thumps his bags down on the floor before me. “What’s the pay?” He cuts me off.

I blink. “Uhm Ogath would know that? Sometimes the orcs pay me and sometimes they pay me in trade.”

Cole frowns. “What do orcs know of trade?”

My temper rises, “You know nothing about orcs and yet all you’ve done is criticize them. Why do they need this? Why do they need that? What do they know of this?” I glare at him pointing. “Orcs are just like us. But honestly, from my experience, I’d wager they are a thousand times better.”

His frown deepens. “That isn’t what I–” He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. You only feel that way because you are a woman. What use do they have of me? I’m a man. I don’t have a womb. Men don’t like men like me. Who find males attractive. What would they have of me?”

“First of all, they don’t need my womb. They need me for my skills. It’s none of your business but damn it! I’m pure!” I hiss and his eyes widen with surprise. “Ogath would murder any orc who dared touch his hearts daughter.”

“She is right.” Our heads whip around. Pa is standing in front of Mari. I frown at her but she shakes her head. Indicating, later. “I would destroy any who would covet her and were undeserving. She is–too dear to pawn off as a possession but I donnot have the words to describe that she is a piece of my heart and I cannot give her to just anyone.”

Cole’s face scrunches in an odd emotion, that is something of a twist between confusion and annoyance. “Even Orcs are like humans.” He mutters. “I’ll take the job. I don’t have any other prospects and I’d rather go where there is a demand than try to ‘socialize’ in the next town or further to get people to come to me for work.”

Pa smiles. “Of course. Leave a note with anything you’d like to take with you that can’t be carried on our backs. We’ll have people come by for your things.”

“Orcs?” Cole asked, this time with genuine curiosity.

Pa shakes his head. “For Mari’s things, yes. For yours? No. The town is not welcoming to my kind. I do not want them to be harassed for your things. A note with some trusted humans will do the trick.”

Cole nods. “That was my thoughts. We leave tonight?”

Pa smiles, appreciating his no nonsense. “Ach, boy.”

Mid-step, Cole pauses and looks at Pa coldly, “I am not a boy. I am a man. My size notwithstanding, I am still a man. Average in height even if that means I am shorter than you.” He huffs, pulls on his bag, a cap and his rifle. At Pa’s raised brow, Cole shrugs. “You can have 6 knives on you, I can have a rifle.”

My and Mari’s gazes jerk to Pa and we count silently. “I can only see four?”

“There is one in his boot. It’s peaking. The sixth is in his hair. Though the handle you wouldn’t notice as a pommel. It was the point glimmering in the light from the window that made me notice it.” He says it so nonchalantly that it seems negligible how many Pa has. As if he only counted them absently.

Pa looks at him with a gleam in his eyes. “Ach, good eye. But I only wondered if you knew how to shoot.”

Cole’s face is devoid of any animosity when he asks, “Would you like to find out?”

Pa laughs and Cole has a small smirk. “Ach, we will make a game of it? See who gets dinner tonight?” Cole nods and Pa grins. I wasn’t expecting him to like Cole this much. If I didn’t know Pa loved me, I’d be jealous.

“Let’s just go.” Mari huffs, her body indicating tension and annoyance. Pa watches her with hooded eyes. Mine flick from one to the other. Cole ignores them and pulls on his boots.

“Ach,” Pa agrees, his hand patting Mari’s shoulder before leaving it there to give it a reassuring squeeze, “Mari is right. We should leave if we wish to be back in a timely manner.” He removes his hand. From my angle, it almost looks like he grazes it down her arm, but he walks around her too quickly to actually see. My eyes meet Mari’s and her cheeks flush. My brows raise, eyes widening. NO. I mouth. You guys didn’t!

She rolls her eyes and mouths back. No. We didn’t.

I narrow my eyes at her. She sticks her tongue at me. I point at her in mock severity. She rolls her eyes again, the tension bleeding out of her as she turns and follows Pa out the back door.

Chapter 19: Decisions (Multiple POV's)

Raudhan

Hámundr’s hand runs through my hair in the aftermath of one of our much slower but longer sessions of loving. Our bodies are sated and now it is time to cuddle.

“What is the matter, Fire Blossom?”

I shrug. “It’s nothing really. I—my mother was not always kind you ken?”

His arm tightens around me as kisses the top of my head. “Ach, I remember.”

“She wasn’t like her.”

He lays there for a minute for me to elaborate but I don’t. “Fair Tongue?” I nod. He sighs. “No, she is not.”

“She likes you.”

He makes a noncommittal grunt. “She is kind.”

“*You* like her.” He is silent. “*I* like her.” I feel his gaze upon me in the darkness, but I do not meet it. “Would it be so selfish to pursue her?” I roll so that our eyes might meet properly. “Together?”

“You are all I need.”

“And you are all I need.” I murmur back in our way of affirming our love. “But I know you want more.” He opens his mouth to protest and I forge forward, “After meeting her, I think I do too.”

Hámundr’s smile is beautiful. “Ach, I ken we can pursue her my Fire Blossom. Mayhap she will bear us little Fair Blossoms like the two of you. Or mayhap it will just be us three forever.” I smile, nodding. Either scenario would be the highlight of my life.

“Then we are agreed?” He nods. We seal it with a kiss.

Aaden

“You are sure that is what you heard?” Faron nods, sitting across from me in the crystal grotto. I sigh inwardly. “It doesn’t matter.” He archs a brow. “Shut it.” I chuckle. “It’s not like she would be interested in us. You are the surliest male ever and I am absolutely smitten with you.” To prove my point, I crawl to him and show him how deeply my devotion can take him.

Jultin

“Are you done brother?” I jerk my head up from the mag-nif-fy-ying glass the Ka-Esh traded me for help. I look at Jul’m and smile almost timidly.

“Ach, look.” I pull the last little one I’d been working on, with leftover bits of wool, out from under the glass and hand it to him. It is no bigger than the last segment of our thumb.

He smiles, nearing a grin. “Ach, brother, I think she will like this.”

I grin back. “I think it is the start to a beautiful courtship. Someday soon, mayhap we will have the mate we always desired, brother.”

Jul’m swallows. He’d never ever wanted another. But meeting her? It had been like a bolt of lightning to his heart. Speaking with her had lit the fire that had always been empty inside him.

Yes, she would be a wonderful mate for my brother. And also, for me.

Chapter 20: Omith POV

Omith

“Touch my ass one more time, and I’m cutting off whatever is touching me.” I growl menacingly.

Tormarr smirks, his eyes hooded. “Hmmm. Can you?”

My hackles rise. “Of course I can.”

“Want t’bet, little Skai?” The Grisk taunts and I hesitate. “Unless you think you’ll lose?”

“What are we betting?”

Tormarr looks me up and down before leaning close, “You.” I jerk back from him with a frown. He always invades my space. He knows it unnerves me. If not for his smell, I’d think he were also a Skai. or even an Ash-Kai. He schemes too much. “You win? We can spar.” I snort. That’ll be an easy win.

“And what? If you win you get my ass?” I roll my eyes.

“No.” He shakes his head, looking at me disappointed. And a part of me constricts at the chest at such an expression. I rub a hand hard into that feeling as if I can rub it into non existence. “There is only so much I will take from you that you are no’ willing t’give. If I win, you’ll kiss me. No’ chaste. You kiss me like a lover.” He eyes my lips like they’re the most tempting fruit he’s ever seen. I shake off the feeling.

“I’ll win this bet.”

He nods. “Of course. The humans like t’ ‘shake on it’.” He holds out his hand to me and I grit my teeth in annoyance before placing my hand in his. He grips it tightly, shaking my hand. “I look forward t’your lips on mine.”

Chapter 21: Mama's Story; Keepsake

We’re sitting around camp readying for bed under the stars after several days of walking. Actually, Cole and Mari are already out cold. Pa and I are setting up a fire pit to keep us warm. Well, mostly Pa. I too am tired and dead on my feet. Pa chuckles. “Mama was not a traveler much either.”

“Really?”

“But she wouldn’t let me hold her back then. So we walked until she was tired.” He sighs. “Back then, she feared I’d touch her again.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Ach, no. Mama would have cut me to ribbons if I had. Vicious and protective.” He smiles, reminiscing.

“Og–” I stop at the wounded look he tries to hide. Am I ready to call him Pa? To his face? In a neutral setting? The panic starts to set in but he shakes his head.

“Stop.” He orders. “You are allowed to call me Pa. But it does not mean you have to. You are my hearts daughter.” He holds a hand to his chest as if willing said heart to stay within his breast. “I would love you to call me Pa. But I will wait.” Tears prick my gaze and I nod butting his leg with my toes. He squeezes them comfortingly, in his large warm hand.

Clearing my throat, I continue with my thought. “How did Papa come to forgive you? Love you?”

Pa’s gaze goes back to being reminiscent. “Ah, Papa was so fierce and protective of Mama. Of you. He watched me all the time, you ken?” I nod even though he’s not looking at me. “I didn’t leave. He found out, though I was not trying to hide it. Mama was even feeding me.” He snorts. “I think he denied it. Did not want to think of Mama feeding me, caring for me. When I–” He sighs and shakes his head. The remembering, still clearly haunting him. “Mama did not lie to him. He knew of my… involvement. But he was willing to forgive if I got off their land.”

“So you were at the edge of their land I take it?” Pa snorts, turning into a full belly laugh as he sparks the fire.

“Ach. Papa was not happy with it. But I followed through. Eventually, when he did notice I was still around, he asked me why. I told him of my brothers lurking about, hoping to steal Mama. I was protecting her. Her daughter. Protecting Papa.” He smiles, love and sadness in the tilt of his lips and the glimmer in his eyes. “He thanked me. Apologized for harming me. Not because he forgave me for what I did. But because he said ‘there–

“‘are other ways. Aggression is not the key to successful partnerships.’” We say simultaneously.

“Ach. Just that.” He says, sitting next to me. We bump shoulders. “Then Mama found out again I had not truly left and started feeding me more. In fact, she instructed Papa to bring me food. A blanket.” He pauses, looking at me. “It is the blanket I use to this day.” My eyes fill with tears as I remember seeing that blanket. It was stained. Like blood had been spilled or wiped upon it. But it was well cared for. Pa wraps an arm around my shoulders, kissing the top of my head. “It is the blanket you were born into. The blanket I cried into while holding you in my arms. The blanket I–” He swallows, choked up as well. “Ach, I ken this is enough story time for tonight, my daughter.” I sniffle and he guides me to sleep next to Mari and he across from us.

Chapter 22: Tormarr of Clan Grisk

Summary:

Tour-Mar

When we arrive at the mountain, Drafli pulls Pa aside and I witness, for the first time, Pa’s anger. He growls menacingly at Drafli. Snaps at him. And although we’re a distance from him, and can’t hear his words, I know Pa tells him off. I fear it will come to blows for a moment, but after Drafli calmly continues explaining whatever it is that upset Pa, Pa reigns it in.

When he does, I notice a subtle relaxing of the other Skai’s limbs. Despite his calm, he was prepared for it to come to blows. Whatever he did pissed off Pa enough to warrant a fight.

Pa comes back to us after one last word and a swipe of his hand. I touch his arm questioningly and he shakes his head. “Not now.” He looks at Cole who was studying the fight like a bug under a microscope, and Mari, who was watching with horrified fascination, and gestures for them to follow. “Come, we bring you to Grimmar.”

Mari squeaks. “The scariest orc in the mountain?!”

Pa looks at her, mock offended, “I’m not the scariest?”

She frowns, eyes narrowed on him. “You’re a different kind of scary.” Pa grins wolfishly, his sharp teeth flashing. I eye them once more but Cole seems to have lost interest in them and is watching other Orcs pass us by.

In Grimmar’s ‘office’ which I feel is more like a war room I read once in a book. A table and people able to sit around it to discuss important information. “Ogath, welcome back.” He greets. The woman to his left holding a wriggling hellion smiles.

“We’re glad you’re back.” She looks at me and smiles. “I know we haven’t officially met. I’m Jule.” She stretches out a hand, expertly holding onto the orcling in her arms. I shake hands with her and she does so with Cole and Mari. “You two are going to be helping out our seamstress here?”

Mari eyes Pa, “Something like that. Although, I have orders for outside the mountain.”

“Oh! No worries, we can deliver.” She taps a finger to her chin thoughtfully. “And you?”

Cole nods. “I wish I were able to negotiate my wages but as is, this is my best prospect.”

Her eyes seem to warm to him and his ordeal. “Don’t worry about it. If there is anything the Orcs are plentiful on, besides the obvious,” She snickers and the orcs join in, us other three humans are left out of the joke, “is gold. So you’ll be well compensated for your time.” She beckons the other two closer to the table and another orc with an almost fierce scholarly look upon him. They start going over contracts. Cole is vicious in his negotiations. Straightforward. A true businessman. He even makes sure Mari gets the best deal possible, to both of our surprise. “Okay!” She grins. “John and Rosa will get this rewritten up and we’ll come back for signatures. Ogath will show you to your rooms.”

Before we can leave, Grimm calls Pa to speak with him privately. Everyone single files out except Jule.

Cole, Mari and I stand out the room waiting. Cole leans towards me, “You know,” He eyes me, “You look a lot better than when you lived in town.” My eyes bug out. What? He leans more, eyes squinting. “You’re cheeks are fuller, you don’t look like you’re–

“What are you doing!” And suddenly, I’m in the air. Feet dangling and off the ground. Looking down at a surprised Cole.

“Omith?” I murmur looking surprised at him. “What–Why did you grab me?”

“He was too close.” Omith glares. Cole just stares, mouth agape, eyes blinking. “If you get that close again, human or not, I will not hold back.”

Cole clears his throat and gives himself a visible shake, “That’s fine, I’ll just make your clothes too small.”

“SHE makes my clothes. Not you.”

Cole smirks. “Not anymore. We’ll be sharing the load.”

“Omith put me down. Others are staring.” I whisper embarrassed.

“Let them stare.” He growls, his cold face promising pain.

“Put her down.” A new voice I’ve never heard, says calmly but coldly. Omith stiffens, his hold tightening before he places my feet on the ground. The Orc stands next to Omith. They’re of the same height and his hair is french braided neatly with stray wisps falling at his temples and by his pointy ears. The thin scar travels from his left temple, over his cheekbone, skips part of his cheek to deepen on over the left side of his lips and down his chin. He smiles down at me. “I am Tormarr, beautiful.” His eyes flash with mirth.

“Hi.” I smile a tad reserved. “I don’t know you.”

“Ach, is alright. I am a… friend of Omith’s. Under my mentorship by Drafli and Grimmar’s Orders.” He looks at Cole. “Ye will join us. I’ve a room for you near ours.”

“Ours?” I ask, my brows meeting.

He looks at me like I’m a precious child he wants to hug but is holding back. “Ours. Omith will stay with me. And the human male.”

“Why you? Why not Ogath?” I cross my arms, my chin tilted up.

“Is likely that many are wondering at favoritism.” Says another voice I’ve never heard before. This one is dark, deep and angry.

“Brother.” Tormarr smiles, kindly.

Faron comes down the hall. He stares at me blankly. Absolutely no interest. Curiosity or otherwise is in his gaze. I feel the fine hairs on the back of my neck lifting, my body screaming predator and that I should run. Instead, I set my shoulders and stare back. I will not be cowed.

“You’re not Ash-Kai.” I say after breaking eye contact with Faron.

Tormarr smiles. “No. But how would you know, if you do not know me? You do not have a Grisk nose.” As if to demonstrate, he sniffs at us.

“You do not dress like an Ash-Kai. I may have only been here a month but I know how each clan likes to dress and you are not an Ash-Kai. Clothing is my livelihood. Give me some credit.” I scoff.

Omith seems to puff out his chest. He looks like a proud papa. I roll my eyes at him as he nudges me with a wink.

I look at Cole, cutting off Tormarr before he can begin talking in circles as he seems to like teasing others. “Look, Grimmar is a fair ruler. I do not know Tormarr but I know Omith. Omith will not allow a single hair on your head to be touched.” Cole nods.

“I think it would do us good. Maybe the other clans know of different techniques.” I roll my eyes. Ever the business man.

I look back at Tormarr. “I might be just a human but I will find a way to hurt you if you harm him. He has come here under good faith to do a job and I expect anyone who interacts with him to understand that. Do I make myself clear?” The older orc stares at me. Really takes me in.

He smirks. “You’re just like your–” He looks over my shoulder at Omith, then past it after hearing the cloth to the room Pa was in moving aside. He meets eyes there too. And his smirk turns into a full blown grin. “Just like Omith. Good day Ogath.”

“Tormarr.” Pa grits. “I don’t have to say much to you, I ken?” The other orc shakes his head. “Good. Come, ladies, I will take you to our room.” He pauses next to Omith. They press their foreheads together one hand on each of their necks to bring them close. But I’m not watching them. After they admitted Ogath was Omith’s real Pa, they have greeted each other like this. No. I’m watching Tormarr who is watching Pa and Omith. A look of longing, of need, of something deeper and more beautiful flashes across his face.

When the two separate, Tormarr flinches at my gaze on him. He closes his emotions off almost immediately after.

He nods at everyone, “Come Omith, Cole. We will take you to our room. Brother.” Is his last farewell to Faron, who merely nods back, his eyes still on me.

Grimmar and Jule take their child and others file out of the room. Off to do whatever it is they like or need to do for the rest of the day. They are already around the turn of the hall when Pa starts walking with Mari by his side. “I need to ask Jule something, Ogath.” I call out. He looks back at me with concern. I look at Mari pointedly who huffs. “I’ll be back to the room soon. Promise.”

Mari glares at me and then turns her glare on Pa. “She’ll be back soon. Just take me to this room so I can figure out what the hell I’m supposed to be doing here.” Pa’s back straightens and he looks down sharply at Mari. Her tone not helping. I grimace. I didn’t mean to get her in trouble. Pa nods at me and they walk away at a clipped pace. Mari’s eyes demand retribution at her earliest convenience.

“Lying is for the weak.” Faron states blandly but like a strike to the face.

Chapter 23: Faron of Clan Ash-Kai

Summary:

Fair-un

And Raudhan's Papa <3

Notes:

CW/TW Faron starts a mate bond with our FMC without her permission.

As of writing this 2/09/23, Be advised. The term Mate Bonded and Scent Bonded might change with the coming books. Finley is revising and making it clear what each one is. AS OF NOW: 3/22/23 A mate bond is a virgin requirement. One party must be a virgin, attracted to their male and that male attracted to them. A scent bond is when both parties find pleasure in each others bodies, intimately.

As of 2/12/2024 Mate bond and Scent-bound are technically the same. But scent-bond is not. Mate bonding can begin to occur with skin to skin contact and mutual desire/attraction.
Quoting Morning Dove from discord
"A scent-bond is when an orc and another person have interacted sexually. And a specific orc's scent is the strongest on that person.
As you pointed out scent-bound is when a person has only ever had sex with that one orc and no one else."

Editing a second time today to add some more defining of these terms but from MK on discord
"Mate bond - every couple eventually develops a deep mating bond. It’s when blood is exchanged usually during fun times, hence the biting and drinking of blood. It is mentioned in the epilogue of Fall that Olarr and Aulis have a complete mating bond because Aulis drank Olarr’s blood.

Scent bound - when there is a virgin or virgins and they have sex with each other, only scenting of their mate. Natt and Ella were going to be a true scent bound couple until Kaugir intervened and ruined that

Scent bond - when couple like Jule and Grim mate and eventually only smell of each other"

I glare. “From the amount of secrets I hear Ash-Kai are known to hold and hide behind I’m surprised you speak to me of weakness. As is, I want to know why you hold hostility towards me.”

The coldest, cruelest, meanest smile graces his lips. “That is omission.”

“Lying by omission is still lying.”

He steps forward. I stand my ground. He turns to my side and takes another step and I feel a shiver of fear skitter across my skin but turn with him, my head tilting up with each of his steps. He leans forward and snaps his teeth at me threateningly, growling low, deep, dark and angry.

I swallow. My chest clenching with fear but part of me, the strangest part of me, is horrified that he somehow looks more attractive when he’s snarling like a beast. I never thought I’d find someone like this attractive. Let alone ar–WAIT! Stop!

I jerk back. Startled. “What is your problem?!” I hiss, shoving him, my hands splayed on his very naked chest. My eyes stare into his.

Oh lord, his skin is soft as silk. Something flares in my belly as I suck in a breath of air. I see the surprise flash in his gaze before he growls.

Hands roughly cup my face, fingers laced in my free hair, as he pulls me in for the hottest kiss of my life. Not that I’ve ever kissed anyone but oh my god I don’t know how anyone can top this. His hot breath mingles with mine as he demands entry between my lips. I gasp. Our tongues tangle. His hand fists my hair, cupping my head. The other pulls me into him. I feel his hardened flesh, branding me through our clothes, pulsing and thumping against my belly. I moan. He growls, jerking away from me.

We’re both gasping. What the fuck just happened? This time I growl. “You fucking bastard!” I hiss. He jerks back again, his cold surly glare trying to freeze me in place. But I’m livid. I punch him. Just like Papa taught me. My fist flies and hits him in the cheek, my fist grazing his mouth hard enough to smash his lips into his teeth. His tusk cuts my knuckles. He doesn’t fall. Not like I’d wanted him to but he stumbles. His hand comes up to his face in surprise, pulling back to see some of our mingled blood on his hand. He blinks at me. His coldness gone.

“Don’t you ever touch me like that again.” I hiss.

His eyes darken. “Don’t order me, female.”

Mine burst into flames as I snarl at him. “I will rip you to shreds if you try it.”

His face breaks into a full grin. Split lip, his blood mingling with mine. He sees me looking and licks it up. “Look forward to it, Saucy Minx.” He chuckles. It soon turns into a full laugh, he clutches his belly. “--Thought you wouldn’t–HA!” His eyes dance with mirth. Before I can react, he wipes the blood on his hand on my lips. Instinctively, my tongue wipes it clean. “Tastes good, ach?”

“Tastes like copper.” I hiss, my belly quivering.

He smirks, stepping away. “Good-bye, female.” After one last look, him adjusting himself and me blushing as I look down to see what the hell he’s doing, he walks away.

“Barbaric son-of-a–” I squeak to a halt. “Raudhan?” My eyes look at him surprised at his appearance. This beautiful bloom of a male and a much older Orc who looks just like him. I stiffen, hoping they don’t think less of me for this. I know men would. Human men. Would be my fault. Taunting him. Putting my hands on him. I curse softly.

Raudhan’s Papa smiles kindly, his eyes warm on me. He’s tall. Taller than his son at least. Taller than me. But most people are taller than me. Even Mari is taller than me! “Ach, don’t let the Ash-Kai ruffle you.” I focus back on the old Grisk. “Be at peace, not all feel that bond well. Though, it is harder for us than other clans.” I’m confused but he continues. “Come, we're on our way to Ogath. Wanted to meet you.” He smiles and my heart melts. It’s so warm and kind and full of everything Papa used to look at me with. Everything Pa looks at me with. “We take you to him. Tell him you’re going to lunch with us.”

Chapter 24: A History of Guryon of Clan Grisk

Summary:

and his unwavering loyalty and guilt.

Notes:

CW: Murder, implied Non-Consensual Acts, alluding to torture and incestuous feelings

If any of this bothers you skip to the end chapter notes and I'll give a brief summary.

“OH.” I’m surprised he’s so straighforward, but then again, his son was pretty blunt so I shouldn’t be all that surprised. I look at Rauhan who is looking at me strangely. “Okay... uh… thanks.”

We walk to our rooms but Pa and Mari aren’t there. There isn’t a note. I frown, but don’t think much of it. He’s probably giving her a tour. So I leave him a note on my pillow and leave with Rauhan and his Papa who stayed by the entrance.

“Thank you for having me.” I smile at Rauhan’s Papa after we’ve settled in the Grisk common room with our meals. There’s a couple children playing and drawing in the corner. Well, sort of. There aren’t exactly corners in the mountain. But in their own little space, with what appears to be the softest rugs and blunt toys.“But I fear you have me at a disadvantage.” His eyes smile at me with undisguised mirth.

“Ach, I ken lass.” He starts eating, his eyes twinkling with mischief and I burst out laughing.

“Oh my goodness, you’re as bad as my Papa!”

He smirks around a mouthful. Waiting until he’s fully chewed and swallowed before answering my unspoken question. “I am Papa, least to this one.” He bumps shoulders with Raudhan who looks at his Papa with affection. “If you don’t like Papa, am Guryon of Clan Grisk.” I startle, blinking at him with surprise.

“But–Orc tradition is the first sound or close to the Fathers, isn’t it?”

His smile turns bittersweet. “Ach, it is. But Rosanna had fire hair. Though orc cannot, our orcling should have something of her. Raudhan means red-haired.”

I blink at him. “Wait, Raudhan already talked about his mom but I thought you’d died or something the way he–” I look at Raudhan. “You said something about if something good comes to you it’s fleeting. That–

“You let it go ‘fore it pains you?” Guryon nods. “Was my Rosanna. Pessimist.” He snorts. “Too pretty for fatalism, but her world was oft bleak ‘fore she met me.” He sighs. “Fleeting.” He scoffs and takes a drink from his cup. “I was. For her.” I feel in my bones this story is going to hurt.

He stops himself from continuing though. Stating that the story is not something that should be spoken when eating. If I’m sure I want to hear it, he’ll tell me, but only after we’ve finished. So we do. We eat, talking about nothing and everything. Guryon tells tales of his beloved son. Regalling me of the many things he’d done that were either wild or endearing. I laughed so much my sides started to ache by the end of our meal. Papa Guryon didn’t even need to request for his son to start taking the dishes from us. I try to join but he shakes his head and asks me to sit down.

I look to his Papa and nod. Okay. He wants me to hear this. I sit back down and look at Guryon. “Did your wife–er, your mate pass away? Did you leave her? How were you fleeting?”

“Eventually she did. But I not leave her. Would never.” He shakes his head. “Loved her more than life.”

“I stay here, when clan left. Care for the dead, I thought. My family. My friends. Rosanna loved me. With all her fierce heart. She stay too.” He looks down at his empty plate and I know it’s to hide the shame and pain in his eyes. “With fire hair, caught his attention.” Raudhan steps next to his Papa with slightly dampened hands and rubs his back reassuringly.

“You didn’t know, Papa.”

He growls, glaring at his plate as if he could see this ‘he’, before his son takes it away with one final pat to his back. “Should have.” He admits. “Denied it. He took her. She fought, screamed, bled him. Everything to run. And then…” He swallows.

“And then she was gone?” I supply. Hoping that is the end. But no stories in this mountain are that simple.

Guryon scoffs, his eyes fired with anger, self incrimination, hatred. “No. Every night, she were brought. ‘To clean her.’ He say. Still she loved. Did not deserve her. Not her body. Not her heart. Nothing.” He looks at me, stares at me. “Raudhan is not the son from my seed.” I gasp with surprise, my hand coming up to cover my mouth. I never would have known. Is that–The other orc? “I cannot father.” He answers my silent question. “He made sure of that.”

“Oh my goodness that means that you raised–

“My son.” He emphasizes. “Raudhan is mine, in places of matter. My seed did not bear him. My heart did.”

I swallow, looking at him rather tearfully. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply–

He shakes his head and waves off my apology. “No. I ken your meaning, lass. Am heart sore in many years. I ken I lash out in defense.”

Just like Papa. I shake my head. How strange. Pa is like Papa in certain mannerisms but Guryon is almost an exact replica with green skin and tusks. Even the smattering of grey hair at his temples and one stripe at the top of his head are the same. “What–” I sniff. “What did–How did you get him if he had Rosanna?”

“She died. Not right ‘way mind. She bled… when Raudhan came. Too much. Womb was barren. ‘A present for release’ an’ I clean her every night. Eight years. Survived eight ‘fore I freed her.”

“Freed?” I choke out the word, horror in my gaze. He looks at me without flinching.

“Ach. Freed. She said no. Refused to leave us. But was pain to see. To hear.” I see he’s lost in the story. This terrible, morbid story. “He liked me hearing. I poison the food. Her drink. No pain that night. She saw naught but the story I told her. Drink made her see things. Happy things. Cleaned her, held her, an she slept.” A tear falls down his cheek, remembering his mate cradled in his arms for her last sleep.

“And them?” I interject.

His eyes blink back to now. And he smiles. Ferally. “They died. Sick. Angry. Pained.” Revenge. That is what he got. For all her years of suffering. “You know Hámundr?” I nod. “His Pa gave me the plants for the food. His potion for Rosanna.”

“Do you think–Would she have hated you?”

“Ach, I ken she would harm me. Rosanna fought. But I could not. Wrapped her and put her to rest. We fled and wandered.”

“Eventually Hámundr found us.” Raudhan interjects sitting beside Guryon, wiping his hands clean on a cloth. I notice from the corner of my eye Olga looking at him fondly as she dries washed dishes. “Told us to come home. His Pa died in the war but Grimmar saved us. If not for Hámundr we would still be wandering.” He bumps his Papa with his shoulder. “Lost, I add.”

Guryon snorts. “Ach, is sad but true. Very lost.”

“Thank you.” Both Orcs looking almost identical, except for age, blink in confusion. “For confiding in me. I understand how difficult it might be to share certain stories to others who are not your family.”

Guryon smiles warmly at me. It’s almost impossible to believe he’d looked so wild and terrifying when talking about the justice he’d imposed upon those other Orcs. “Only wished you to know where we come from. Know Raudhan.” I blink at him and then at Raudhan. Who shrugs like he has no idea what his Papa is getting at. But something about the shrug tells me something else. I nod instead. Sure. “Ach, is nap time you ken?” He hugs his son and rubs his back before stepping out.

I immediately turn to look at Raudhan but he beats me to speaking first. “My uncle.” What? “He was my uncle. It is why we look so similar.” My mouth drops. Oh my god. OH MY GOD. His–Guryon’s brother?

I get up and run. Out. Out now. I’d held it back that whole time. But that! THAT did it. I’m at the latrines in seconds, heaving in a hole in a bench seat. Heavens. Help me.

From the other side of the door, I hear Raudhan apologizing. Saying something about something but I can’t hear exactly what that something is. All I can hear is the rushing of the blood in my ears. I lose focus of the world around me. My head lighter than a feather but heavier than anything I’ve ever beheld.

And then arms are around me. Thick muscles and the scent of flowers. Helping me up. I feel so lightheaded. I think I pass out momentarily. Or several momentarilies because I see a fuzzy outline of Mr Muscles, I see other shapes and people. I think I hear Omith shout something but he’s with Tormarr so that can’t be it. A sassy snarky remark back to the shouter and then I’m in my bed.

Notes:

Guryon unalives his enemies to prevent them harming his mate anymore and unalives his mate out of guilt and out of mercy. Guryon's brother loved him in ways a brother should not. Guryon's brother castrates him.

Chapter 25: Mari POV

Summary:

Holy FUCK, it's smut.

Mari

 

“You want me to sleep where?!” I’m almost screeching. ALMOST. But not quite. The brute of an orc doesn’t even reply. I ‘heard him’, his eyes say. His bed. I am to sleep in his bed. “No. She is my best friend and I’m not sleeping with you!”

He blinks at me, his cold facade slipping to reveal a devilish sharp toothed smirk. He leans forward, just the hint of being within my personal space. “Your sweet perfume says otherwise.”

“I’m not wearing any—” my face turns beet red. “Y-you brute!” I shout. My hand flies of its own accord, to my horror. Ogath snatched it midair, not even looking at it. But staring coldly down at me. My lady parts quiver with excitement.

He pulls my hand closer, pulling me closer. Until I’m nearly chest to chest with him. His long thick tongue swipes the tips of my fingers. Just a taste. I whimper and then shake my head, panting, struggling to pull my hand out of his, to no avail. “Look at me.” His voice is low. With desire. With need. With promise. My gaze locks with his and I’m swallowed whole by their inky depths.

“Ogath.” It is a moan. A need. A plea.

“Mari.” He growls, yanking me that smidgen closer. Our chests touch, my face upturned and ready. Waiting. Kiss me my lips demand. But then, he pulls away. “You will sleep on my bed Mari. Not my daughters. Not my sons.”

And this should be the moment I run screaming. Where I high tail it out of the mountain like Jule said I could. Where I go home and forget all about this older male with grown children. It shouldn’t be the moment I look at his temples for the smidgen of grey. It shouldn’t be the moment I wonder how much experience he has in different parts of his life. It shouldn’t be the moment I realize he wants me in his bed not just because he wants to grind out hips together in a sensual dance. No, it’s because he wants me to start smelling like him.

He wants me surrounded by him every night even if he’s not going to be around.

This should be the moment I tell him to take a hike. Not the moment I feel liquid smearing between my tightly clenched thighs.

“Mari.” He growls warningly, his brows meeting in a forbidden v. His lips down turned with displeasure. I can’t clench my thighs any tighter without breaking my legs and still I feel the beginnings of a trickle as it soaks the hair I have there.

His nostrils flare as he scents my “perfume” on the air. But before he can push the issue. Demand, cajole or inquire in his maddening way, he’s suddenly twirled me around, my back to his front. With a hand over my mouth and the other around my waist, he lifts me off the ground and rushes out the door to his place, and into a darkened room across the way.

I hear her voice a second later. “Ogath? Mari?” I jerk in his arms but he's sat down, with me between his legs, his member a line against my tush. I can’t call out to my friend because he’s covering my mouth.

I feel myself squirming. Not to get out of his hold. Not because I find this uncomfortable. But because this setting was a fantasy of mine. A near caught experience.

His head is at the crook of my neck and I can feel him breathing. His hot breath warming my skin. Oh dear heavens protect me from this excellent specimen. Or better yet, protect him from me.

I moan behind his hand. My bottom rubbing slowly against him. He growls into my throat. It’s a warning. A threat. A challenge. “Mari.” He growl whispers. His teeth grazing my skin.

I rub him harder. Feeling myself wet further, through my skirts. He shoves me forward but doesn’t let me fall. My head is pillowed in his hand on the floor, and my tush is high in the air. He in turn is covering me; in near the exact same position before only curled over me. The position of power has shifted.

“You started this.” I did. I really did. He hikes my skirt up and rubs his prick against my slickend lips. Wetting his leather kilt as his prick tries to break free of its confines.

Imagining it lifting enough of the material for us to touch flesh to flesh, makes me shiver with needy excitement. I moan into his hand.

He reaches around with his other hand. Plucking at my bud of pleasure with an expert hand. The combination of sensations, the fear of getting caught throws me over the edge. I shout into his hand. He bites the crook of my neck as he joins me in bliss. His seed splashing my thighs.

I’m lost in the heaven of breathing. Breathing in his scent. Breathing in the smell of us. And then, he’s lifting my head, just so.

“Ogath?” I murmur and the hand that was pleasuring me so sweetly is cupping my throat. The one pillowing my head reaches down to the seed on my thighs. It trails in it. Covering his fingers and lifting them to my mouth.

“Taste.” He rumbles. “Taste me.” I whimper. I’ve only tasted one other male and that had been a disgusting experience. But Ogath? I open my mouth and he feeds it to me. One succulent delightful amazing finger at a time. When they are clean, he goes for more. And more. Until I’m sure my thighs are pristine clean. He growls, picking me up once more. I feel him hardened beneath his kilt again and something flashes in my mind.

Oh. It’s the face of my best friend. Because this is her dad. I just–with her DAD! I squeak as I’m brought crashing back to reality. “Put me down Ogath.” He growls. “NO.” I twists so I’m shoving his shoulder. “I said put me down. This was a mistake. I can’t–WE can’t–”

He plops me down on his bed. His face full of frustration and his body straining with the need to lie down with me. I clench my thighs. Ogath glares at me, “Sleep. Do not leave.” He growls angrily before stomping out of the room.

Chapter 26: Faron POV

Faron

I prowl down to the bowels of the mountain. Hunting for the one being who will know. Who will understand. Me. All of me. My thoughts, my decisions. My feelings. I hunt him because he’s making it a game. Trying to hide his scent. But his excitement is making my already raging body, more eager. More. So much more.

Not many, if any, would believe that I hadn’t intended to bond her to me. I truly didn’t try. Wasn’t trying. I was testing her.

Of course I wanted her. What orc in his right mind would not? But I cannot just take her. I was courting her. In my own way. Take me at my angriest. My snarkiest. Take me. All of me. And dish it back ten fold.

My body shudders when I remember her snarling at me. Snapping her teeth as if those dull implements could do me any harm. But the implication had its affect upon me. So beautiful. And now, I had irrefutable proof, she wanted me too. Not just Aaden.

I lick my lip, the one she’d made bleed. The one I can still taste her on. My growl turns into a groan.

I grab him. He shoves me. Wriggling and writhing in my arms. Tussling and grappling with each other, I press him against the stone. Our breaths are heavy and our hearts are beating erratically. We stare into each others dark as sin eyes and then he smells me. Sniffs me. And he growls. “What did you do?” He shoves at me, but I’m pressing him hard into the stone.

“Did not mean to. Not that.” I groan, pressing my face into the crook of his neck. I can smell her on him from our tussle. Her scent rubbed on him and it is so mouth watering. Images of them writhing beneath me. Begging to be filled. I groan, nipping him. Where we are bonded. He moans. “You smell so good, Aaden.”

“How did–” He moans as my claws pluck his nipples over his tunic. “How?” He continues to demand with a growl.

I lower my head, lapping and licking, sucking the hardened points beneath the tunic. “So fierce, this saucy minx. Threatening. Demanding.” With each word I nip him with the small feather light bites. “Then she tried to shove me. Her hands.” I growl, lifting his tunic and giving him rougher and rougher bites along his pectorals, his slim waist, flat belly and abdomen. I’m on my knees before I continue, “All over my chest. Touching. I smelt it. Her. She wanted, desired, me.” I hiss, untying his laces. His trousers fall quickly away and I lick it. Lav at it with my tongue. Aaden moans, clutching my hair in his clawed hands. Grazing my scalp with pleasure.

“I kissed her.” I growl, giving long laps at the head of him. Swirling my tongue. He bucks his hips and I press them back against the stone. “She tastes divine, my mate.” I stand up and kiss him. Our tongues tangling. He demands from me. Biting at my tongue. I taste blood, his and mine.

I push my hand in his hair and grip it. His moan is a whine and a plea. Begging me. Conceding. I pull us apart and snarl, “Those other males matter not. We will have her. Ach my mate?”

He moans, a hand untying my trousers laces. “Ach. Ours.”

Chapter 27: Cooperative Need (multiple POV's)

Summary:

A bit of cooperation to get the blood pumping.

Tormarr

“Stop.” I grunt, holding the Skai, that is revving and waiting, wanting and demanding that he be allowed to hunt down that scum of the mountain. Yada ya. The human male is sitting in the corner, a cushioned chair, a desk haphazardly set up for him and his work. He stares at us as if we’re the most odd pair. He’s probably right. But that isn–A fist flies.

My head jerks, but my arms tighten around him. He smashed my lip into my teeth. I try my best to keep my head clear as I wrestle for control of his limbs. And he wrestles to be free. We flip back and forth. Me on my back, he on his. I twist, reaching for his right arm to be pulled behind him. He turns, swinging. In my effort to evade, he nearly escapes. I keep my hold on his arm, sweeping one of his legs out from under him, he tumbles. I tumble. He’s face first on my bed. Our bed. I’m pressed into him, holding his hand behind his back my other pressed into his upper shoulders. Both my legs between his, he’s unable to dislodge me.

“Stop.” I growl again. “THINK.” I ass on a hiss as his swiping claws knick the side of my waist. I shove on him further, making him almost eat my furs. He’s not slept in the bed yet even if it has been a week or two since he’s come under my supervision.

I still can’t believe Simon allowed it. Let alone Drafli. Neither was lenient on discipline when it came to their own. But because this Skai once slighted me, they allowed it. I told them when he was younger, that if he didn’t reign in his impulsiveness, I wanted to train him. To teach him, since whatever the Skai were taught just didn’t seem to be working. Considering the orc was an older adolescent when it happened, I had conceded that he needed his clan and family first. But once he was of age if things continued, he would be under my instruction.

He’d done well. Until now. He’d feared me when he was young. But now, that fear has turned into resentment.

I’m not much older than him truly, but I was old enough to make a name for myself among my clan. Especially because I was raised by an Ash-Kai.

“Get off me, Marr!” He growled. I know I misheard. He’s never called me that before. But still, just him giving me a pet name, makes me solid as stone. With my front to his back he stiffens when he feels it. “You sick fu–” He groans when I thrust my hips into his.

“Sick? Ach, I think you are mistaken, Omith. If I am sick, then so must you.” I grind myself against him again. I smell the scent of his blood as he bites his lip in order not to respond. “Mmm.” I hum. “I will press my face t’this fur for nights t’come. Smelling your sweet blood mix with my scent.” He tries to buck me off him and I laugh. “Deny all you want.” I lean forward, my mouth nearly kissing his ear. “Bu’ I know you like the human watching.”

His whole body twitches and I hold back my chuckle.

“I know all about your watching your—her. I also know of your detours.” Our gazes simultaneously flick towards Cole. Who is noticing our quite, our stares.

I saw Omith’s surprise when Cole was leaning into Ogath’s daughter. He wasn’t jealous of the male. No. He was jealous of the female. Covering it up. He growled at the male.

“Does his voice sound as you dreamt?” I whisper watching the two. Omith is flushed. He’s angry, aroused, embarrassed. I press my chest into his back, removing my hand and trail it to the laces of his trousers. When he stiffens further, I slide it up the edge of his tunic. He’s not like Ogath, wearing a kilt and tunic but wears his tunic with trousers and tightly laced boots. A shame really. “Cole.” I call out and Omith jerks in my arms. My hand is up his tunic, playing gently, caressing his skin.

The male human’s gaze meets mine. I beckon him with a jerk of my chin. He frowns but steps closer.

“I can smell you.” I murmur. And I can. His scent of arousal has been filling the room while I wrestled with Omith. It wasn’t enough to overpower Omith’s delightful scent but it was enough to make me notice. “Tell me,” I demand, “have you ever wished to taste an orc?”

Cole’s brown eyes flash with desire before he clamps down on it. His fisted hands shake. He glares at me. “That would be unwilling.”

I laugh. “Ach, Omith,” I thrust my hips. He was unprepared and moans. “Would you deny this human a taste of your delightful prick?”

His shoulders slump in a sort of defeat, “No. I would not.” My smirk turns into a delighted grin.

Omith

Tormarr informs me in no uncertain terms that if I try to leave the room, or attack him or Cole, I would never have Cole taste me again. My feelings for her war with the desire to see Cole on his knees. My brain nearly fuzzy with this desire. Or maybe it is completely fuzzy with it.

Because there Cole is, twitching, looking aroused while seeing me get into an easily accessible position.

Tormarr sits on the bed, near the middle, leaning against pillows and the wall, and he instructs me to sit between his legs. To lean against his chest. I knew he was going to involve himself in this.

But I’ve been in love with Cole for several years now.

Pa knew about it. But we don’t abduct our mates anymore. I had to find a way to court them. When it was mentioned that there might be a way to bring him to the mountain to help with the clothier load, I wanted to shout as to my want in volunteering.

Now, I’m staring at the socially awkward male I’d subtly given leather to for his work with my scent on it. He’d complained originally about the scent. Washed it off until his human nose couldn’t smell it any longer. Sold it. But then, he started liking it. He would smell it and keep it. He stopped selling those leathers. I was told by my Skai brothers, that he had asked for all the leathers I’d sent him to be brought to the mountain and his rooms.

I lean against Tormarr, his prick wedged between us, rubbing hotly into my back. “Ah-ah.” He tsks. “You should remove your trousers.”

I flush at that. Standing back up, towering a full head over Cole, who takes in a deep breath as he takes me in. All of me. His pupils are dilated. The chocolate of his eyes darkening with each second. I growl in approval and I watch him twitch. He looks at me with desire. With need and my prick leaps out of my trousers. I toe off my boots and remove them completely. His eyes widen at the sight of me. But not worry. With lust. With possessiveness.

“Omith.” Tormarr interrupts. I nearly snarl at him but a look at his warning brow makes me sit back on the bed. His bed. I lean back, my head in the crook of his neck my tunic still on protecting me from his–I feel his hairy thighs against my own. I jerk my head. His kilt lays beneath him, opened wide. His prick is hot against my body, trapped between us. He trails his hands to skim against the hem of my tunic. “Cole.” He instructs. “Kneel.” The male swallows a whine as he does so. He’s never met me beyond today. But he knows my smell. He’s masturbated to it. And whatever fantasies he’s had, I’m betting it’s never been anything like this.

“Lick him.” Tormarr continues. Cole’s tongue is slow, tentative, tasting. Tormarr keeps instructing him. He’s inserting himself into this. Making me used to the thought of him being around in the most intimate way he can.

His hands dip inside my shirt. I can clearly see down my chest as they glide up and down, up and down my skin. I shudder. Because it also brings Cole in and out of focus as he worships me. Licking, swirling around the head but never complete contact.

“How does it feel, Omith?”

“If you weren’t here? It’d be perfect.” I growl.

He laughs. “Oh, I bet I make it much better.” I groan because he’s reached my nipples. Peaking with arousal, my prick twitches. He chuckles. “Suckle it. Slowly. Swipe it with your tongue.” Cole complies and I shout. A small spurt of my seed spilling on his tongue. Cole moans, the head of me inside him. Tormarr nips my ear and a shudder runs through my body, spattering Coles tongue in the process. He chuckles. “Keep going Cole,” He instructs when the male seems to think about pulling away. “Omith will reward you with more. I promise.” He growls, pinching my nipples. When Cole relatches on, his hands joining in, one cupping my bullocks, the other trying to wrap around my prick, I grasp Tormarrs thighs.

It’s not Coles mouth that tips me over. It’s Tormarr’s. As he sucks on my neck, thrusting his hips into mine. Cole moans as he spills in his pants.

Akva help me.

 

“Can you think now?” Tormarr demands. His mask back on. I flush, nodding. “Good.” He nods. “You’ve known the woman for a month. At best. Spying on her doesn’t count as knowing. Despite what you Skai think.”

“There is much you can learn from information gathering.” I grumble.

“Yes, but you can’t know everything.” He rolls his eyes. “And you weren’t there all hours of the day. You barely know her. Why in the world would you continue to go off the path for her?”

I glare at him. “I love her.” I state matter of factly.

He stares deadpan. “You don’t know her.”

This time my temper rises. “I don’t have to know her!”

“Then you don’t love her!” He snaps back. “You love an idea of her!”

I flinch but nod in concession. “You speak true.” But I smirk at his own smug expression. “But I do not love an idea of her any longer. I have known her every day, waking, sleeping, eating with her for a month. She is no longer an idea. She is alive. Before me. Everything beauty in one little package.”

Tormarr snorts. Cole stares at me blankly, and I know that face is the one he uses when he feels hurt and used. My chest clenches. It isn’t like that Cole. “She is a woman.” Tormarr states as if I am blind. “One you never knew, who could be anyone, do anything! What of this power over you? What could she do t’you? Too much! She is no’ worth your ruin!” He shouts.

We stare each other down. Our breaths heavy with our arguments. “She is worth the destruction of my body, my heart, my soul.” I state and Tormarr shakes his head. I can clearly see the worry there. He’s not doing this out of spite. To put a wedge between us. But because he cares for my welfare. “I can’t just toss her to the side, Marr.” I murmur and the other Orc stiffens at the nickname I’ve heard Faron call him.

“Why?” He demands.

“I just can’t!”

“No, you need a valid reason. Give me one.”

“Because she’s my sister!” I shout this before my voice almost falls to a whisper. “I can’t because she’s my sister.” I know he already knew. All the orcs already knew. Our noses are just that sensitive. It’s why so many kept trying to court her. They knew I wasn’t any competition. But Cole didn’t know. His eyes widen slowly with realization. “Without her, I don’t have a connection to our mother. And not just that. I love her. She is so smart.” I feel my eyes fill with tears. “She would have been the most curious girl. So kind. So fierce. She would have been my greatest protector growing up. She would have been the best big sister in the mountain. No. The best in the world. And it’s something I will never have because of how we grew up.” A sob bursts from my tightly clenched lips, my vision blurry as my cheeks become more wet with each passing second. “And she doesn’t even know.”

Tormarr’s arms wrap around me tightly. He presses my face into the crook of his neck as he trails his fingers in my hair and lets me cry.

“I can’t. She’s all Pa and I have. He can’t take her away from us yet. Not yet. We can’t let them Mate bond yet.”

His arms twitch but he just lets me spit nonsense. I know I can’t control that. Can’t control the fact that it was started. I just have to hope it was unintentional. That Faron doesn’t care. He’s already mated to Aaden. Neither have cared for orclings of their own. So why her? Why my sister?

Chapter 28: STOP

It’s been several days since I fainted. Guryon has come by several times to apologize. As well as Raudhan. I don’t blame them. I’ve told them that several times. But that Grisk guilt seems to be strong with these ones.

Pa? That wasn’t the reaction I thought he’d have. In fact, he merely kissed the top of my hair, stated “whatever decision, I will always support you.” And then he looked at Mari, at the fact she didn’t dress in the outfit he’d laid out for her the wee hours of the morning before he went out, and muttered something about getting us food.

Most days have an eventful moment like that. Today is no better.

“Mari.” I moan in mortification. Today is my first day back to work and she’s wearing her pretty shawl with flowers in a way that flashes too much skin for all the orcs that are coming for mending or custom clothing. Pa is going to kill all of them.

“What?" Mari looks at me as if I was the one who lost their mind and not her because wearing a shawl that Papa would not approve of is definitely my fault.

I shake my head and don't answer her. Instead I hand her a piece of fabric, some paper and a pencil. "If you're not doing anything aside from acting out. Write down all the things that this cloth needs in cases of mending."

Mari rolls her eyes at me "I'm not acting out. I'm not some teenager. I'm a grown woman."

“If I didn't know better I would say you're in denial.”

Mari's eyes glare at me. "Well,” She begins, “it's good that you know better." And then she sticks her tongue at me.

I laugh.

She laughs.

And then Pa walks through the door.

Pa stops. And stares for a moment at what I’m sure is my best friends thighs but I’m making notations on this cloth for this Bautul gardener who is not Hámundr’s. Some other orc of a rosy name. Pa jerks his head up to look between Mari and me several times as if to gauge what in the world was going on in this room. It isn't much, mainly because all we're doing is collecting information on what is going to be needed for each item that has been brought to me. And we haven't set up an area for Mari's block printing. But then Pa’s gaze settles on Mari’s cleavage.

I look at Pa’s face and I know for a fact he's reached his limit. Pa growls some expletive in Aelakesh. Mari's head jerks to look at him with confusion but then she's squeaking as he plops her up into his arms and over his shoulder. His hand holds her dress in place over her bottom. "Ach, we will be back, my daughter. Do not leave." Before I can reply, Pa has hauled Mari out of the room.

I snort laugh. "Well, I guess it's just me then.” Several minutes pass, Maybe half an hour. When I notice a knocking at the edge of my work room door. “Come in, I call.” And in walks Jul’m. His face is a tad red.

“Sorry.” He states. “I was coming here when Ogath took your uh friend.” His ears brighten.

“Oh. That’s okay.” I murmur. Is he embarrassed that Pa picked up Mari? Is he interested in Mari? Wait. I jerk my head back. Where’d that thought come from? It’s not like I’m looking for a relationship. And besides who even says he’s int—

Jul’m thrusts his hand at me. I flinch, startled but am pleasantly surprised to find another little baggie like the one Jultin gave me with the wool bunny. “What’s this?”

“Ah, Jultin has to… work. He sent me to bring you phi’s trade for his mended clothing.” I’m suddenly extra giddy opening the baggie. “Careful! You don’t want them to tumble to the floor!” He cautions, his large clawed hands cupped beneath mine because in my haste, I’d already dumped the bag. Out tumbles not one, not two, but seven little baby bunnies. Near replicas, except for coloring and differences in ears. Jul’m has to catch two bunnies that tumble over my hand. They’re both the same coloring except on opposite sides. And their ears are reversed.

The other five are all different. In color and in size. But there is one bunny that is the tiniest. Her ears are perky and large and her coloring is a mix of white, beige, brown, and black.

“These are the most adorable things I think I’ve ever seen. I love them.” Jul’m gently placed the other two bunnies in my hands and I cradle them to my chest like the most prized gift.

The orc grins widely. His happiness and pride shining in his eyes and the way he subtly puffs out his chest. I feel a zing of awareness at that smile.

I jerk myself into a turn so I can place each little bunny on my shelf with my bigger bunny. I place the tiny bunny between the other 6. When I’m done with the placement, the larger bunny behind all of the smaller ones, I take Jultin’s clothing that have been waiting for him and turn back to his brother.

Jul’m is nearly my height. Just a few inches taller. Tall enough that I can probably lay my head on his shoulder. I mentally smack myself. STOP.

Chapter 29: Great Grisk Showroom Shop (x2 POVs)

Summary:

and all the naughty activities that occur here

Mari

 

His hand is flat against my rear, and the apex of my thighs. Covering my nether bits from others’ view. Why did I do it? Why do I keep provoking him?

He’s fucking hot. My inner hussy proclaims.

But that’s not a reason is it?

He’s my best friends parental figure. What does that say about me lusting after him? Nothing good. A trollop perhaps.

Okay but have any of those spinsters felt muscles like this beneath their bellies? Have they ever had a massive hand covering their rounded derrière? A pinky slip beneath their short skirt and tickle the seam of their need? I clutch his shirt in my hands. Wanting to feel his skin beneath mine. But we’re not at the stage of admitting to that yet. Will I ever be? I don’t know.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand snarkily.

He swatts my bottom with his other hand. I jump in surprise. I honestly shouldn’t be surprised. He does it every time when I sass him. “To get you dressed as you are won’t to be without.” He tilts his head so his nose grazes my thigh closest to him. “I ken you wish me to smell your sweet nectar Mari, but I care not to share you with just anyone.”

“That implies you’d share me.” His hand caressing my calf is the only answer I get in response. And although I’ve only been here a week, I know this male well enough now that when he shoves food in his mouth or just stays silent, he is avoiding.

We stop somewhere a little ways down the mountain. I’m not sure I just know it is no longer the “Skai” wing. How do I know? Well the Skai mated ratio compared yo other clans is skewed. Like the Bautul. Thus they don’t feel the ever present need to improve their home to more human standards. And this wing sees to cater quite a bit to humans and our needs. There’s a lot more males walking about here too. And they’re either blushing or laughing at my circumstances.

When we stop next to a male with silver at his temples and a stripe of it at the top of his head. He’s smirking at me. His eyes riveted on my bottom. “Ay!” I snap. “It’s not a museum to be stared at.” His eyes widen before his smirk turns into a full grin.

“In an outfit like that? I cannot look?” I flush. Because that is part of why I wore it. For a certain someone to look.

“I—no. That’s not—“

“Isn’t good to lie, you ken, pritty lass?” He taps his nose and I huff my irritation. Muttering about orcs and their damned noses. He laughs. “Joking, sweet. Ogath, my brother,” he greets. “Fine coat?” He teases.

Ogath laughs. I feel it between my thighs. It makes me squirm. Which gets me swat on there bottom. “Damnit Ogath!” He seats again. I feel a trickle of something. Something that got me into dangerous territory last time. Both orcs noses twitch.

“Delightful, Ach?”

Guryon smiles almost bitterly. “Ach.”

“Come, Guryon, we dress this wayward female, Ach?”

The male, Guryon blinks at Ogath. “You are sure?”

“I ken I might look back an regret when you double-cross me. But we work it out, Ach?”

He smiles, but it still doesn’t show in his eyes. “What in the world are you two talking about?”

But they move on and I huff my annoyance. I knee Ogath in his manhandling chest. He takes a deeper breath than before but keeps walking into the equivalent of a human stall for wares mixed with an indoor shop. He sets me down next to shelves upon shelves of cloth. “Give Guryon what you like. His will.”

“Guryon is picking my clothes? Not you?” I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously.

“Ach, need a second opinion oft times, you ken?” My gaze informs him of my lack of trust. But my fingers itch to touch the fabric, the leather, the furs. Oh this is going to be fun! Before I can start, Ogath clucks at me with his tongue.

“What?” I growl. A mischievous gleam is in his eyes. “No.” I answer.

“No?” Ogath growls deep, low and so attractively. I clench my thighs together.

“No.” I affirm.

“Strip.” A tingle in my spine makes it’s way straight to my nipples and core. I cross my arms.

“Make me.” And I realize that is the wrong sentence to utter. Because in a flash, Ogath is on me. Nipping my neck, my bared shoulders, all of me as he slowly strips me in front of his friend.

“Ogath.” I moan as he practically swallows my breast while. His tongue swirls my nipple in the heat of his mouth. I pant, clutching at and ruining his perfect braid. Guryon is staring, his cheeks flushed, with clear arousal in his gaze. I feel my own skin heat. But when my gaze skitters down his still masculine form. I’m surprised to see he isn’t creating a tent beneath his kilt.

Ogath comes off of me with a pop. A slight sting from his tusks and teeth make me whisper. But not in protest. I love the feel of his teeth on my skin. He looks at where I’m looking and he smiles at his friend. He turns back and kisses my nipple and up my breast to speak in my ear as if to keep the conversation between us. Yet he is speaking not in a whisper but in his normal voice. “Mmm, he is handsome, ach?”

I nod. Because he is.

He’s about the same height as Ogath with beautiful peppered hair. One side is partially shaved, it looks like it’d be as soft as down feathers. But not so closely shaved I can’t see the silver there. He seems to have pulled his hair to the other side to French braid at a curve so it could hang over his shoulder. I finger my own hair. A bit wild and reckless like me.

“He likes hair, little Mari. Likes the feel of it on his skin. You aught let him pet you.” I find myself nodding again. And I’m happy I do because the relief on Guryon’s face almost breaks my heart. What has this beautiful orc gone through that he feels like I’d automatically say no?

Guryon sits on his calves and Ogath helps him wiggle my upper body onto his lap. Immediately, Guryon is combing his fingers through my hair. We both moan in unison as his nails gently scrub my scalp. “Beautiful.” He whispers as if afraid to say it aloud. He brings a strand of my hair to his lips to kiss gently.

“Fear not, little Mari. Guryon desires you. Don’t you Guryon?”

“Ach.” Guryon agrees. His eyes full of the desire he seems to be missing beneath me. I feel confusion rising within me but then Ogath tells him to kiss me and all other thoughts leave my mind as he bends forward and our lips meet.

It’s the sexiest kiss next to the first one I shared with Ogath. It’s sweet, slow but full of need.

Ogath starts kissing me too. But all along my body. He takes Guryon’s hands and makes him cup my breasts, pinch and roll. Grasp. Pinch and roll. I’m squirming in their arms, Guryon is swallowing my moans, and Ogath is holding my thighs wide open for what he has proclaimed to be his “favorite meal”.

He licks my petals of any of my arousal before he dips between them to find the core. The creator of my sweet nectar. I am his dessert and he loves to savor me. Every last drop. Just as I’m nearing my crest, my body seizing beneath their ministrations, Ogath stops.

“Guryon.” He raises his lips from mine. And I cry out at the lack of his beautiful tongue. Ogath slides up my body, pulling my legs around his waist as he kisses Guryon. The kiss is just as sweet as he’d done with me. It is soft, it is yielding but they devour each other. Tongues tangling, lapping, I shift beneath them. I’d never found males together as attractive. I never even thought about seeing two males together except in secret. Like Cole with the mayor’s son. Rumours, yes. But you never see it. And right now? I think the world is missing out.

They pull apart, a small string of my desire and their saliva ties them together before Guryon licks it up. “Delicious.” He growls. I feel a gentle twitch beneath me.

“Take off his furs Mari mine.” Ogath growls, flipping me, so I’m now face planted into Guryon’s loins. My ass in the air for Ogaths pleasure. Which he rumbles with delight. Desire. And need. “Soon,” he growls into my crease, as he licks me. I squeak trying to pull away. But Ogath holds me firm. “Undress him.” He swats my bottom.

With a curse, and a glare, I get to undressing the shirtless male. At least he makes it mostly easy, and taps with a claw where he’s got himself tied. Alone, I’d never have gotten him undressed. With a murmur of thanks, I untie his modified kilt, a blush on my cheeks.

 

Ogath

 

I watch Mari’s trembling little hands untie my friends kilted cloth. She is so beautiful. Naked, aroused, delighted. She wants him. I knew she would. I knew she’d like him.

It’s been two months since my daughter’s Papa passed. It’s been 4 years since he and I were intimate. 2 years ago, he told me to find another, since he was dying. I refused. Even if I wouldn’t have minded seeing him with Guryon, I knew it would take him time to get used to the idea. Something he didn’t have.

So I left it. He was mine. And I was his.

Nothing else. He knew I liked Guryon but wouldn’t move on until I was ready. Teased me about him in his good natured way. Because he loved me. He wasn’t threatened by the fact that I would eventually find happiness again after he was gone. Maybe a little bittersweet. But he never begrudged me my life.

Guryon’s kilt shifts and slides off his thighs and I see his partially flaccid member. It is lengthier than my own but not as wide around. I tongue my Mari. Ach, she is mine. She will fight, she will deny. But she is mine. Mine and hopefully, Guryon’s. Today will be the key to find out.

She is innocent in all ways except her tongue. And even that, is too innocent.

“Lick him.” I growl into her flesh. She moans at the scrape of my teeth on her sensitive skin. She raises her hand to touch him and I swat her bottom. “No. Lick him.” I command. She glares at me and I lightly nip her bottom. She yelps but a fresh scent of her arousal alerts me to her true feelings.

She starts to lick him. Around the base of his shaft. Along the length of him before swirling around his Arousing his nervendings and giving him a sweet ache in his cock. It isn’t enough to fully bring him to life, but that is alright.

When he is nearly there, his loving prick mostly in the air, Mari gasps softly. There, beneath his shaft is mostly, smooth skin. His bullocks long been removed by his brother, the skin has merged with the rest. The only thing indicating the violent act that caused it, are the scars of someone’s claws along his thighs, the base of his prick, and the skin where his bullocks used to be.

She slowly, carefully, as if afraid to harm him, grazes her fingers against the scars there. “Does it–Are you alright?” She asks, her doe like eyes looking up at him. I can just imagine the picture she presents to him. Her lips saliva slickened. His prick half hard, pressed against the roundness of her cheek, her eyes wide and imploring. Reverent of him and his beautiful prick.

“Ach, no,” He growls. His heated gaze riveted on the beauty that is Mari. “The pain long past. Has moved elsewhere.” At the perfect moment of her sigh in relief, his shaft bobs at the sensation.

She chuckles. “I’m sure.” She licks his scars, kisses them softly as if she can heal them of their presence, before kissing up his taint, his shaft, and laving at the tip. Swirling her tongue on and beneath the foreskin there.

My own cock twitches with need and when she plants a kiss on the tip of him, I see the absolute adoration on Guryon’s face and I know, I know she’s it. She’s the one. Absolutely. The one to bring him peace and love that he deserves. The one to let me care for her. Her needs. Her heart. Her pretty mound. I delve my tongue inside, pushing her forward, until the head of him pops into her mouth. Muffling her squeak.

“Beautiful.” Guryon murmurs, his hands caressing her cheeks, her hair, down her neck and back. Until he looks at me, tongue deep inside this female. Ours. Our female. I pull myself out of her and her moan is muffled on her new favorite treat. “Ogath…”

I smile at him, sitting up and pushing my prick against Mari’s heat, as my hands massage her breast and her pleasure nub. I lean forward to kiss him. Our tongues tangling, tasting each other. For all these years, Guryon has been the forbidden fruit I’ve never allowed myself to taste. Until I’d offered him Mari. He hadn’t needed Mari to tip the scales into my hands. But I wanted to give him more. More than me. I wanted to give him what was stolen from him. A female who loved him. All of him.

 

Mari

 

I can’t tip my head that far back, but I can hear them kissing. Guryon’s prick tastes so much better, so much more than that other male. The one I’d done this to in desperation. His couldn’t compare.

Ogath suddenly pulls me off Guryon and I purse my lips in irritation. Licking them of his divine taste. And then I’m turned, into Ogath’s lap and he’s kissing me, his prick between my crease.

Guryon settles behind me, his thighs beneath mine and above Ogaths. His prick replaces Ogaths and moves to rub between my heated petals. I whimper as he glides through the folds and buts against my bud. He pulls me back until we’re laying on the ground. If I look down, I can see the head of him push forward before retreating as he pumps between my thighs. Ogath looks down on us with such heat. “Ach, the wait will be beautiful.” He reaches between Guryon and my thighs. His fingers slipping into my heat and scooping the slickness onto his fingers before they disappear and fall lower.

Guryon’s moans fill my ears as the slick sound of fingers inside a tight needy hole schluck beneath me. “Ach, so tight. Have you not touched yourself?”

Guryon snorts before groaning when Ogath hit something particularly delightful. His hips jerking against me. Making me moan as it buts me again. “No.” He breaths against me. “Oft’ desire is not enough. My own are not enough.”

“But I am?”

He sputters clear fluid on my mound. “Yes!” He pants and moans when Ogath pulls his fingers free. “Please, Ogath. I take your care. Deep inside.” Ogath growls, pulling our thighs around him as he slides his heft deep inside Guryon. When he’s hilted, he presses Guryon’s prick against my mound and rocks his hips. In turn, rocking the hardness against me and my sensitive parts.

“Oh fuck.” I hiss. I never knew. Never thought this would be a thing. Held tightly by one orc as he’s taken by another. They both make sure to ease my pleasure with theirs.

With each retrieval. Each slap of flesh, I’m bouncing on a precipice of arousal. Guryon is cupping my breasts, pinching and rolling my nipples. Alternating between his claws and fingers. Where Ogath would bed forward and lap at them and Guryon’s fingers. His teeth nipping me and Guryon. Hot breath making my nerves ache.

The slick slapping sound of Guryon’s now fully erect member on my arousal, drips down to where he is connected to Ogath. Every thrust forward is like I’m being thrust into. Even if I’m so very empty. My heat seeking, pleading, weeping to be taken.

I moan. Whine. Beg and plead mumbled nonsense. “Ogath.” I gasp. And then shout as Guryon pinches a tad harder than before.

Ogath slams home with a fearsome growl that makes my skin tingle and the hairs stand on end.

I’m biten on my shoulder. Not hard enough to break the skin but I feel every scraping sharp point digging in to the sensitive flesh between my neck and shoulder blade. “Guryon!” I scream. As his clear spend gushes forward. Splashing me with zest as Ogath does the same inside his friend. He pulls out on a groan to finish allowing gobs of warmth to mingle with Guryon’s on my naked flesh.

“Feed her.” Ogath rumbles.

Guryon’s hand mixes the two fluids on my belly and breasts, before bringing them to my lips. Fuck.

I thought Ogath was divine. But the two? Together? I moan as I suck his fingers clean. Ogath joins in. When they’re not stuffing my mouth, they’re stuff it elsewhere.

Fingers fill me. Thrusting inside of me, before leaving, scooping and going lower than the heat of my arousal and thrusting into Guryon. Who groans, lapping at my neck. Continuing to feed me.

When I am cleaned and fed, Guryon kisses me, their spend on my tongue and him lapping it up as if it were the sweetest ambrosia. He pulls away for Ogath to kiss me.

When both are done, they help me up. “Now, find something’s you like. Guryon will decide if they are alright, Ach?” Ogath swatts my bottom.

Guryon nods, soothing the sexy ache Ogath gave me. “Ach.” And I’m pushed towards the cloth and furs naked and free.

Chapter 30: Pray to Skai-Kesh With Us?

Summary:

And a CAMEO of characters you have never met or have no idea about but the discord knows

“Here,” I flush offering his brothers clothing.

Jul’m smiles softly and reaches for them. Our fingers grazing. “Thank you.” He swallows nervously, fidgeting.

“What’s the matter?” I tilt my head in confusion and a tad bit of curiosity.

He laughs, “No. No it is alright. I wondered if you’d join Jultin and I tomorrow morning.”

I blink with surprise. “What would we be doing?”

He scratches the back of his head, “We would go to pray to Skai-kesh.”

“Oh.” I blink in surprise. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that.”

Jul’m smiles softly, “Ach, I ken is your Pa doesn’t want to force you. Most, if not all, Skai pray to Skai-kesh every morn. We have a room and all for this.”

My mouth is probably gawping open like a fish in air. I jerk myself out of my surprise and the fact that Jul’m’s smile looks so handsome and brings such charm to his features. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to.”

“Truly?” He grins, his charm ratcheting up several notches into devestating to my heart territory. I swallow, my hands clenched tightly into fists behind me as I stare at him and nod. He steps close and caresses my arm gently, almost hesitantly like he’s never touched someone in that manner before. “I will come for you in the morn.” He steps back, the warmth of his skin on mine feeling like a burn doused in cold water. I will forever feel this imprint. “Good day, bright dream.”

I wave a soft smile gracing my lips. “Bye, Jul’m.” He waves back with that sweet devastating smile on his face until he’s out in the hall. Where his mask falls back on and he walks away. The abruptness of it, makes a trepidation skitter across my skin.

I sit down, feeling flushed. Oh jeeze. I plop in my chair. Can I even work with that smile in my head? Is it even right for me to like him? After the emotional rollercoaster I've been through these past weeks? Months?

What about Jultin?

I groan into my hands. Remembering his hopeful smile when he gave me the bunny. They’re both unattached. Unmated and seemingly interested.

Jul’m called me his “bright dream”.

My wail of despair is cut off by the a soft knock on a shelf nearest the door. I jerk my head up to see a short woman with rounded curves, brown wavy like hair in a high ponytial, brown eyes with glass wrapped in wire and a clear material on her freckled nose. She wears a tunic like shirt with buttons up the side and a calf length skirt. Her feet are bare. She is heavily pregnant and holding a basket against one hip and a toddler on the other.

“Oh goodness! Let me help!”

She laughs. “Oh, don’t mind me. I’ve been doing this for a long time. Say hello, Maybe.”

The tiny replica toddler grins, she’s got all her teeth, cute bangs and sprout for a ponytail. “Hewwogh.” She greets with a tiny handed wave.

“You seemed pretty lost, and I know a thing or two about that, so I didn’t want to startle you with a shout.” The woman smiles at me, placing the toddler down and the basket as well. “It’s lovely to finally meet you.” She grins, holding out her hand. “I was hoping to come sooner, but,” she shrugs sheepishly, “I got lost.” She laughs as if she’s told a joke. I just smile.

“Well, I can do any mending you need if that’s okay?”

“Well, I was actually hoping to borrow some of your things instead. I can pay you for what I use but some of these hold special meaning and I'm not sure if you have the proper equipment to help me mend them.” I nod in understanding. Some of my older customers sometimes would ask to work along side me because they were unsure I could do their well loved piece justice.

The woman grins. “That’s wonderful! Do you mind if I leave this here? For when I can work on them?” I nod. And she does a weird fist motion, tossing it in the air before pulling it down close with a soft ‘yesssss’. But it’s so endearing I laugh. “Well, it was lovely meeting you. If you’re ever in the Ash-Kai wing, let me know.”

Just as she’s leaving, a shirtless male with low slung trousers and tightly laced boots walks in. “Ach, you get lost my mate?”

She laughs before lightly punching his shoulder. “Sweetheart, this is one of my mates, U’snar.” She giggles as he pulls her in for a kiss.

“Ach, lovely to meet Ogath’s hearts daughter.” He murmurs between kisses. “Donnae mind me, my sunkissed mate is too pretty not to kiss. Tell me, little lost, have you introduced yourself?”

“I–

“Mene me! Mene me!” She is cut off by the grumbles of the cutest little girl while she bats U’snar’s pant leg. He chuckles. “An you. You are too pretty not to kiss, ach?”

“Ach.” She nods as if this were a fact, before puting her hand to her cheek “Awww so tyute.”

I frown. “Wait, Orc’s can’t have daughters. Is she–” I slap my hands over my mouth in horror. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” the woman murmurs. “She is his daughter. And his brothers.”

I jerk in surprise. “What?”

“My mates, they’re brothers. U’snar helps at the nursery, and Jaedason helps in the Ash-Kai forge.” She grins. “It’s a wonder not more of the orcs are mated like us.” She shrugs. “But each their own. Orclings are hard on the body as it is.” She pats her belly before chuckling and rubbing a different spot. Likely where she is getting kicked.

“You don’t seem that worried.”

She scoffs. “If there is one thing I’ve learned having three before meeting my mates, is that as long as the people around you are competent, everything should turn out fine. Plus, there’s magic here. If something terrible were to come, Joarr would inform us so we’re prepared.”

“Wow.” I murmur. “You’re–that’s crazy how unfazed you are.”

“If it wasn’t for the magic here, I would never have come. I trust in these orcs more than anyone I’ve ever known. The friends I’ve made here, on this mountain, in this den, are the greatest friends of my life. Here, I can be neighbors with them. Here, magic is real. Whether it is through the orcs themselves, or the love they spark, it’s magic. That same magic has led you here. To now. To today. It offers you choices and choices within those choices. But it ultimately is your decision. What do you want?” She smiles maternally at me. It makes my chest constrict because it reminds me of Mama. “I wanted to be loved for who I was. Lost and all. I got it. With two of the most amazing orcs I could have ever met.”

She gestures to me. “Now, it’s up to you. Think on it. What do you want? You’ll find the answer.”

“Bye!” Her daughter waves before beckoning her parents. “Cawmon. Cawmon."

“Well, the high queen interrogator says we must be off. I’ll see you next time.” She grins, waving. U’snar waves before wrapping his arm around his mates waist and the other’s lower two fingers are being held captive by an impatient toddler.

Something small, like the lighting of a candle sparks in my chest at the sight. Imaginings of me with a little child, pregnant, my mate at my side. Loving me for all of me. It constricts my chest. Because even though this woman is reassured by the magic of the mountain, magic didn’t save my Mama. Maybe it was because she wasn’t in the mountain, or maybe as some have said ‘god needed an angel’ but either way. I lost my brother and my mother in the same night. I can’t imagine how Papa felt and now Pa after they lost a mate and a child.

Notes:

Jul'm calls her his bright dream but don't get attached to it. I change his pet name later because I forgot until I was uploading this.

Chapter 31: Accepting His Care; Mari POV

Summary:

Fyrirgefðu mér (FEER-uh-gev-thuh meer) = Forgive me.
Stilla (Steal-uh) = calm

Notes:

I've said this in other places but some of these words are not in Finley's dictionary for Aelakesh on her website or in her books. It is just me researching words/phrases from the language she uses as inspiration for Aelakesh. So if I do get it wrong (I believe it is Icelandic) please, someone comment and let me know <3 Thanks!

Mari

 

If there is one thing I’ve learned in all of my days working, it is the quality of fabrics. What feels the best against my skin. What I like best against my skin. My mother never knew. Although, I doubt she ever really cared. The first time ‘she’ bought me a nice outfit, it was made of unrefined wool in the middle of summer. I understood our… financial difficulties, but I knew she didn’t buy it. I also know she didn’t buy it. Because Roberta was wearing it last yule and Roberta’s father comes to Mother every Thursday, paying her whatever he has in scraps.

I never wore it after she initially gave it to me, thanking her with a smile. But it was that moment, the fabric leaving scritch marks on my skin, that I wanted soft things. Comfy things.

And now, I stand in front of all of this wealth. I’m giddy with excitement. “I can have anything from these piles?” My words are a gasp, a breath of pure desire.

Ogath’s eyes darken at my tone but I pay him no mind. “Ach, Guryon will tell you if he will like it or not.”

“Why does it matter?”

Guryon chuckles, and the warmth in his tone fills my own chest. “Grisk like scents. If it compliments us, we keep. If not, no.”

Us. The word makes me shiver. I quickly turn away from the orcs staring at me like I’m a meal on a platter and back to the shelves. But then, I’m reminded of my mother. Again.

I snap back around and both Orcs looks at me with surprise, my face most likely looking irate. “No.” I growl. Ogath’s brows raise as if to ask ‘this again?’ “Yes! This again.” I hiss. “You listen here!” I point at him threateningly. “I will not be some toy for you to meddle with. I am my own woman! I can pay for whatever we buy. You will not pay for a single scrap of cloth. A pillow. A feather. A fur. I don’t care what I grab. Neither of you is responsible for me.” I glare at Ogath who opens his mouth to retort, but I cut him off, “NO.”

His jaw snaps shut, irritation bleeding into his features for probably the first time ever.

“I will not be given scraps because you want to fuck me.”

Guryon’s gaze snaps to Ogath with surprise, before landing back on me. “No, no! Fire Seed, stilla. Please. We want you as ours. Not a thing. Ours. Will not discard you. Will not leave you.”

I swallow, “How can I trust that? I just met you. I met Ogath less than a month ago!” I jerk because I hadn’t meant to yell, but I don’t take it back. I can’t swallow any of the word vomit spilling from my lips. “Besides, he’s my friends sister. Why would I think he wants me for forever? If young and fresh is what he’s into I’m sure he’ll find better when I’m no longer useful!”

And then, Ogath snaps. I’m not sure what it is that exactly sets him off but one second he’s standing feet from me and the next he’s towering over me, his face is not that terrifyingly cold mask, but blazing fury. His snarl is real, dark and feral. “You think I lack? That I will not show you care as you age? Toss you; beautiful inside and out, aside?” He growls. Menacingly. Causing goose flesh to adorn every exposed piece of flesh. Which is all of my flesh. My nipples pebble as fear skitters in the pit of my stomach.

“Ach, you will understand my care, imp.” He bites, his teeth sharp and dangerous. “Guryon,” His friend stands in front of me. His smile, apologetic. It is like they already discussed this and are going through the motions of whatever they’d previously planned.

Guryon wraps his arms around me in a hug, just as I was going to push him away but his hug traps them between us. My hands at his shoulders. “Guryon.” I growl.

“Fyrirgefðu mér.” He leans back against the shelf, making me stand on my tiptoes.

Ogath kicks my legs wide, forcing my bottom out. “What the fu–” I shriek in anger. Thrashing in Guryon’s grasp at the first firm smack. My bottom bounces with the impact. It stings. “Ogath if you–” I screech this time. Furious. How dare he?!

The same bounce occurs but the sting is on the opposite cheek.

He smooths his hands over my reddened flesh. I glare at him over my shoulder, his fury blackening his gaze. “Now, little imp, I offer you care. Care for your heart. Care for your wants. Care for your needs.” His fingers trail over the sting to the dripping desire between my thighs.

I try to clench my thighs but he’s standing between my legs for that very reason. “Get away from me.” I snarl. He quirks a brow, his face disapproving and it makes me twitch. In irritation. Not trepidation. Doesn’t make my insides squeamish with his disappointment. “Who says your ‘care’ won’t stop? Right now, all you’re interested is getting your dick wet.”

He fists my hair, arching my back so his mouth is next to my ear. “If I wished to wet my prick, it’d be seated at your womb.” He growls, letting me go. The confession leaves me quaking. Imagining that beautiful thick appendage inside me? I shake my head and Ogath snorts. “Denial.” I feel Guryon nod. I turn my head to glare at him and he shrugs.

“You like us?” He asks. My lips thin and I don’t answer. His lips twitch with suppressed humour. “We like you.” My unsure gaze is snared by his, so certain. “Accept Ogath’s great care, fire seed. Accept his fealty. Trust him.”

Trust? I don’t trust anyone. Well, I trust his daughter. I’ve always trusted her. Only her. Can I trust her Pa? Can I trust Ogath? Trust this care? That he–it will last? And thus, trust this other orc? Strong, wise, pained. I swallow. Fear and trepidation coursing through my veins.

All I see in Guryon’s eyes is certainty. Care.

I’m going to regret this.

I push against Guryon’s chest but not to get away. It’s to thrust my rear into Ogath’s kilt. I whimper when the warmth of his heft weeps as it nestles between my crease. “Ogath.” I pant. “Will you care for me?”

His groan is a growl that makes me quake. “Ach.” He rumbles. “I give you great care, imp.” He pulls away from my rump and I strain on my tip toes to feel him again. But he’s stepped too far back. “Will honor you with lessons. Teach you your errs. Seek your truth and your need.” He leans in, grinding his prick against my hip. NOT where I want it. He nips my bare shoulder. “I will care for you, both of you, forever. You’re mine Mari. Ours. Soon, you reek of us. Inside and out.” I moan, as he nips me again. Just thinking about being filled. “But not today.” I groan in frustration when he pulls away.

“Today, you learn lessons. I show great care in your needs.” And he swats me. I jerk in Guryon’s grip. “Count.”

“One.” I murmur on a gasp. “TWO.” This one is sharper, shocking me. Again. Again. He ramps up the heat. Again. Again. My bottom is heated, reddened. Again. Again. And I’m dripping. My need clutching at air. I just want him to touch me. Rub me. Pinch me. Something! “TEN!” I shout, my voice hoarse and needy. “Please, Ogath. Please.” I’m not sure if I want him to continue or stop.

“She asks so prettily.” Guryon says.

“Ach.” Ogath growls. “Come.” He orders. Guryon lets me go, but doesn’t let me fall. The two males arrange me, on my back, thighs spread around Guryon’s shoulders as he breathes me in. He rubs his cheek against my thigh, looking up at me with adoration.

“You ken I thought this lost to me?” My brows knit in my confusion but he doesn’t leave me hanging. “After Rosanna, no woman stirred me. None made me want. And none wanted me.” His black gaze devours me. Kissing my ankle, down my calf, the inside of my knee. “Then Ogath brings you. Enticed me with your scent. Asking me to meet him. Your desire fresh.” My cheeks flush at this revelation. I glare at Ogath who is now sitting behind me. We’re in the exact position from earlier but the males are switched.

Ogath is unashamed. Unapologetic as he shrugs. “I have wished for Guryon but seeing you. Smelling your need for me, I knew you’d wish for him too.” He picks up my hand and kisses the back of my palm. “Now, say please my she-devil. Beg Guryon to please you.”

Guryon is now kissing the other leg down to the apex of my thighs. But he avoids it. Kissing and licking around my mound. I squirm but they hold me tight, my rump grazes Guryon’s kilt, I whine. “Please Guryon. Taste me.”

His tongue immediately laps at me. Flicking my pleasure nub, his hands cupping my heated flesh.

Guryon kisses and tongues my desire like he would my lips. It is soft, warm and slow. Deliberate in making the fires within me to slowly become ignited. A slow developed inferno of flame and need.

He laps at me. Nibbles my flesh, his sharp teeth offering me the pleasurable side of pain. He sucks on my bud just as he thrusts fingers inside of me. I shout as they curl within. Grazing something. Something hot and needy that makes me want to squirm and my belly quiver with something molten.

“Guryon!” My hands grasp the peppered hair and grip it tight. Disheveling his near perfect placed hair. “Oh, fuck.” I hiss as he pins my hips down. His strength mixed with his gentleness a turn on. He rumbles his delight at the fresh trickle from me.

He swipes his fingers against that strange exciting thing within me and my moan turns into a garbled mess of nonsense. Begging, pleading, bribing. “Just fuck me. I can take it. I promise. I need you. Both of you. Inside. Now. Yes. NO. don’t stop!”

Ogath pinches my nipples a little harsher than before, causing me to yelp but feel so warm in my belly. He growls in my ear. “We will not fuck you. You are not settled yet. Don’t trust yet. In my truth, in my care. I ken this. You ken this. We show you my care. I care for you, for Guryon. Ach?” I whimper and nod. Because I want them to continue. Later. I’ll understand this later. Ogath chuckles at my ear. “So impatient.” And then he guides us. Both of us.

“Lick her. Her delight, to her bud.” Guryon follows through without a second thought. “Pet his ears. Gently. Slow. Soft. Like you would a cock.” My fingers fall from Guryon’s locks and gently, slowly rub the outer shell of his ear. From lobe to pointed tip. Guryon shivers. Shuddering beneath my ministrations. But he continues his slow back and forth lapping. “Enter her. Two fingers only. Glide them in, curl them up and out.” He continues listening, obeying. Before I can clutch his head and force him to finish me, Ogath continues, “Lift his head.” I do. “Two fingers, my she-devil here.” He places his own fingers on my lips. I place two fingers on Guryon’s lips. “Suck.” He commands the both of us. We open our mouths dutifully, fingers entering and we wrap our lips around them. “Love it, like a prick.”

I take my lead from Guryon, who has likely had more than I. and even if he hasn’t, his tongue is expert as he fucks and curls his fingers inside of me. His tongue curls around my fingers. Licking them. Sucking on them. Splitting them apart between his tongue, where he fucks them with his tongue. I copy him. Loving Ogaths other fingers as he pinches and plucks my nipples.

Guryon’s thumb comes up unexpectedly. To rub and glide over my engorged bud. My shout is muffled around Ogath’s hand. He rumbles his pleasure. Plucking and pinching a tad harder. Fucking my mouth with his fingers as Guryon fucks my fingers with his tongue. His fingers inside me thrusting a little harder. My eyes roll back as the fire turns into an explosion. My back arches, my thighs quake. I seize in their arms, and melt into pleasurable nothingness.

“You Orc’s sure know how to make a woman boneless.” I murmur leaning against one of the shelves after picking out a couple clothing for Guryon to inspect. Well, it’s a mix of inspection, sniffing and checking it against my own skin, his skin, and Ogath’s. When I looked at Ogath inquisitively, he shrugged. So I shrugged. The Grisk was odd. He has a small pile of ‘keep’ and a larger pile of ‘no’s’.

“Done.” Guryon smiles and takes my ‘keep’ pile and tells the Grisk at the counter, who showed up after our little excursion with a wrinkled nose; which made me flush with embarrassment, where to take our purchases. Which Guryon and Ogath split the cost, informing me that I can pay them back when I’m back to business. Alleviating some of my fears. We have dinner together before Guryon heads to his room and Ogath and I, to ours. I sleep like a proverbial baby.

Chapter 32: Mama's Story

Later that night, Mari is sleeping soundly on Pa’s bed and Pa is sitting on Omith’s bed, sharpening one of his many knives. I watch him.

“Something amis, my hearts daughter?” He doesn’t raise his gaze from his task but he’s been aware of my staring for some time.

I hum. “You haven’t said anything to me about Mari.” His shoulders stiffen. “I’m not mad, I just don’t know why.”

Pa finishes his task, wiping the weapon down before polishing it and putting it away. I think it’s because he doesn’t want to leave the task unfinished and because he wants to give me his undivided attention. “Ach, I fear you would be upset. That I–That she–” He sighs and clears his throat. “No. I wish to care for her. She liked me from the beginning.”

I smirk, yeah, I'd noticed that too. “How did you convince her to join us? She seemed adamant on staying.” Pa might be able to fool others with his stoic stare, but Papa had the same face when he was embarrassed. A slight downward tilt to his lips. The tips of his ears coloring. I cluck my tongue at him and these traits only intensify. “You stole my best friend?” I ask in mock horror.

Pa glares at me without any heat. “Ach. I stole your best friend. And she will be my mate. My and Guryon.”

“Guryon?” I am surprised to hear him speak of Raudhan’s Papa. “He’s older than you.”

Pa smirks. “Ach, but it seems my little imp likes it thus.” He looks with complete adoration over at the gently snoring female who is drooling on his pillow that she is snuggled against.

I laugh, “Yeah, she has said that men with silver seem to be a little more capable than others. They know their mind or something like that.”

“I am not betraying Papa.” I jerk my head at Pa with surprise, my eyebrows meeting my hairline.

“I didn’t think you were.” Even if the same thought had crossed my mind when calling him Pa.

He comes to sit next to me on the floor. “Papa told me to find someone else, after he got sick. But I wouldn’t move on til he passed. You know, Papa loved me before Mama?”

I snort. “Really?”

“Ach.” He nods. “Mama let me stay with them the last few months she carried you. And Papa admitted if Mama ever allowed it, he’d gladly accept me in their home forever. We cooked together. Worked together. We were happy. Even Mama.” He sighs. “And then, you were born.” Papa wrapped you in my blanket, and handed you to me while the midwife took care of Mama. I cried. You were perfect. Beautiful. Your beautiful little face with eyes so large. Lookin at me like you look at me now.” There are tears in my eyes as I stare at him. With all the love I can muster. “That night, Mama told me she loved me. She would try. But she needed time. And patience.”

“How long before Mama let you kiss her booboos?” I laugh. Papa wasn’t a prude, and he’s told me about relationships. He never went into detail and I doubt Pa would say anything more than Papa ever had.

Pa snorts. “Never alone. She would panic and we’d have to start from the beginning. So was always the three of us. But not for *many* years. And at first she’d only watch.” My wide gaze locks with his and he laughs at my surprise. “I wouldn’t have expected it either but Papa suggested it. He knew her best and it worked. She let me love her like Papa did.”

“Wow.” I smile imagining what my life would have been like if Pa had stayed. But that thought alone makes me frown. “Pa?” His gaze latches onto me. Because I said it. I’ve finally said it. To HIM. In a setting that doesn’t *mean* anything. Except that it means everything. “Why did you leave us?”

Pa flinches like I’d just pulled my arm back and whacked him with my fist. He stands and walks to the singular candle. “I ken it is time for sleep. Long day ahead of us. Especially for you. Since you will be going with those twins to pray to Skai-kesh?” He blows out the candle and lays down. I’m left blinking in the darkness wondering why in the world my question could have made him react that way. Was he–is Pa hiding something?

Chapter 33: Praying to Skai-Kesh

Summary:

And then guests for breakfast!

“Okay, so how do I do this again?” I blink looking down at the fur covered benches before me.

“Ach, we will sit upon the bench and offer to Skai-kesh a fear, a longing and a blessing.”

“If not for the circumstances of Ogath and your Dam, you would not even be allowed to come here.”

I blink at Jultin’s offhand words. “Why is that?”

Jul’m, who I originally felt would be the one to make a blunder, glares at his brother. But sighs and explains. “He speaks of ‘The rite of Favor’.” At my quizical look, his face inflames and looks almost pained as he continues, his voice cracking, “It is when an Orc brings one not of Skai to Skai-kesh and anoints her with his favor, filling and cleansing you while you pray the first time.” Now my cheeks are inflamed.

“Oh.” I cover them to hide them.

“We asked Simon if you had to go through the rite. He said as you are under the protection of a father Skai, you are Skai. You do not have to do the rite unless you so choose a partner.” Jultin supplies with a flirtatious wink and a slight smirk. He’s wearing the facade he wears outside his rooms. The flirty, carefree face. Whereas Jul’m aside from that moment of flustering, is stoic and blank.

“Let’s pray.” They both look to Skai-kesh, who’s statue I cannot look at below the waist, and I assume pray. So I follow their gaze to his.

He looks like the Skai. Tall, forbidding, strong, and… virile if the stories are true. If my best friends exhausted but happy expression is anything to go by. A fear. A longing. A blessing. I can do this. I can.

I fear… What do I fear? Pa’s secrets.

I long for… what do I long–an image of an orc pops in my head and I fall off the bench with a squeak. I laugh sheepishly, “Sorry.” I apologize to two very concerned orcs who help me up simultaneously and back onto the bench. They lift me without much difficulty and their hands linger longer than proprietary probably dictates before slipping away. But a ghost of their hands, the warmth of them is left on my arms, my hips. It gives me gooseflesh.

Okay, lets do this again. I do not long for… him. He’s taken. I long for– Another face. Another orc. This time I’m prepared not to fall down in my surprise. I grit my teeth and move on from that one as well. to be happy. Yeah. That is a safe one.

My blessing? Pa. Pa is my blessing. I am so happy he’s in my life.

I place my hands down from the prayer position I'd inadvertently placed them in. Jultin and Jul’m are watching me, just as intently as Skai-kesh is. My cheeks flush. “All done?” Jultin smiles, his smirk gone momentarily. I nod. They look to Skai-kesh, with adoration and love, “We ask you to bless her, to sate her fear, grant her longing, and give her deeper blessings.”

“Would you like to break fast with us?”

“Sure.” I smile.

On the way to the kitchens, Jultin piles me with jokes and witty comments. Putting me into stitches with laughter.

A rumble, akin to stone shifting or thunder rolling across the skies, causes me to shudder and gooseflesh to prickle across my body. Jultin and Jul’m stiffen beside me and they glance over our shoulders. When I go to glance over my own shoulders, I notice that the twins block my view. But by then, the sound is cut off and we continue forward.

We grab some plates and fill them up with breads, nuts, berries and cook hands me a cold tartlet. “It’s from your friend.” She smiles and I recall my last time here when cook smiled the same at Raudhan. “And it’s not very sweet.” Oh! That’s nifty. I thank her and the three of us settle onto one of the benches.

Right when I’m nibbling on some berries, a thunk and a mug of steaming liquid is placed before me. I’m startled enough to jump in my seat. The three of us look up as the Orc who’d dropped the drink in front of me plunks their bottom down in the bench in front of us.

 

“Good morning.” Sings one voice. A grumble next to it sounds the same greeting.

“Good morning Aaden.” I say with a grin. My goodness he is so handsome. I look at Faron and my heart stutters in my chest. My hands grip the skirt at my thighs, as I feign coldness. “Faron.”

His eyes are all heat as he devours me with his gaze. I try not to let it catch me on fire. “Ach, good morning my Saucy Minx.”

My cheeks inflame before I glare at him. “I–

“Ach, don’t start.” Aaden admonishes Faron, who looks at his mate not with resentment or a lack of affection but just as much if not more heat than what he’s given me. “How was your morning?” He asks with his beautiful smile. He’s wearing a pristine looking shirt that accentuates his handsomeness. A warmth spreads in my chest.

“We went to pray to Skai-kesh.” Jultin smirks staring at Faron with a challenge in his gaze.

Faron’s nostrils flare before he smirks back, his black gaze sharp. “Yet she’s not favored?”

“Simon said I didn’t have to go through that. Besides, I don’t think they’d trick me into doing something like that without my knowledge.” It is a dig at Faron. My hackles are rising. I will not have him be cruel or mean to my–to the twins. I don’t know why I speak. I was perfectly fine not instigating or rattling anything but then there i go, speaking and his eyes, so hot and dark are staring at me.

“Drink.” He states. I blink at him confused before he nods at my hot drink. “It is how your Pa makes it.” I narrow my eyes at him and he just grins at me. “Go ahead.”

I don’t pick up the cup and instead take a bite of the tart that Raudhan made for me. I’m determined to ignore him.

“Is that a new earring?” Jul’m asks Aaden who looks at him with surprise. Jul’m shrugs. “You make pretty pieces. I’ve thought of buying from you.”

Aaden taps the earring, “Ach, is not finished. Testing new weight and the like.” He’s looking at me when he says that and I know he’s talking about my payment. “But I think something else will do.” Jul’m watches him with his expressionless gaze. Observing and taking in all spoken and unspoken information. He nods.

“I ken you are correct. Something light and delicate, mayhap a necklace would suit better.”

Jultin looks at his brother over my head with narrowed eyes as if to ask ‘what are you doing?’ My head is just bouncing back and forth between all of the males. Confused.

“I ken you are right. Mayhap I’ll ask your opinion some more Jul’m. So long as we all come to an agreement.” Aaden stares at Faron. Who is eating tarts, similar to mine, like he’s going to die otherwise. He’s not looking at anyone. Looking surly and annoyed.

Jul’m laughs, the first time outside his rooms. “Ach. We will see.” He bumps my shoulder friendly. “Two mornings from now you will join us again for prayer?”

I nod. I think that’s fair.

Jultin seems to have decided the conversation is not worth it or that the confusion isn’t at least, “Remember to pray to Skai-kesh tomorrow though. Is good to keep your faith to him. Your Pa should have a statue of him in his rooms.” I nod my thanks. “We must be off.” He kisses my temple while looking Faron in the eyes. My brows arch and my cheeks flush when Jul’m does the same. They’re gone in seconds.

Faron stands abruptly and sits next to me. “Do Not move.” He growls and I freeze like a rabbit caught in the stare of a predator. And Faron leans close, his breath on my skin making it prickle with heat and he licks me. I jerk in surprise, but his hands are grabbing a hold of me before I can pull away and he licks me again. Either side of my face where the twins had kissed. He rubs my shoulders, my sides, my back and my arms with his hands, and kisses my neck before pulling away. His face is a scowl. The same as he’d had when I first met him and he storms off. Dodging orcs and females alike when they come abruptly into the kitchen. It makes me wonder how he’d bumped into me that day I met Aaden.

Chapter 34: Temptation

“So! It’s just you and me.” Aaden grins, his face glowing with mischief as I finish wiping off any lingering saliva from my cheeks. “And I think it’s time you saw some adult entertainment.”

I pause mid drink. I didn’t drink it while Faron was here because he rubs me the wrong way. I’m pretty sure he’d rub me the right way if I asked. My body stiffens at the thought and there is a twinkle in Aaden’s eyes. I narrow mine at him. “Adult entertainment?”

“Curious?”

Yes. “Nope.”

Aaden laughs, his beautiful unmarred skin warmed by the firelight from the lanterns. My heart clenches. What in the world is wrong with me? Faron and Aaden are mated!

“Come lying minx.” I roll my eyes at him but finish up my drink, which is exactly as Pa makes it for me. Making me frown and wonder how he knew. As we walk side by side, Aaden asks me about my favorite things. From colors, to flowers, fabrics. The like.

“And you?”

He smiles at me, “Later. I’ll tell you all. But for now, we are here.”

We turn a corner and that’s when I can smell it. It’s an assault on the senses but not in a bad way. My heart thumps in my chest with fear and anticipation. “What about the uh… orclings? Shouldn’t the adults be doing this where it’s private?”

Aaden chuckles. “Of course. This is private. We passed Juno standing guard.” We had passed by an Orc just leaning against the wall but I hadn’t thought about it before. “This is one of many places where we can be… free.”

He doesn’t push me in the room like I half expected him to. Instead, he stands with me at the entrance, holding the cloth that covers the door so I have an unobstructed view of the room and the males and some females within.

Mostly though, it is males. Indulging in a bit of carnal pleasure. Some, like me just seem to watch. Out of curiosity, out of lust I do not know. My eyes aren’t riveted to them. No.

I swallow, my mouth and throat suddenly beyond dry.

“They look magnificent together, don’t they?”

Yes. They do.

I stare and stare. And stare as Hámundr kisses Raudhan reverently on the throat. Raudhan is on full display this time. His kilt is lost at Hámundr’s feet. For Hámundr is holding him up. Both hands at the bend of Raudhan’s knees, muscles bulging as he holds up the male, his hefty prick kissing Raudhan’s puckered hole.

“Wha–WHY?” It’s loud in my ears but barely a breath out of my lips.

Aaden hums, “Why indeed.” He’s watching me. Not them. Not any of them. It’s hard to tear my eyes away from Raudhan throwing his head back onto Hámundr’s shoulder while his arse swallows the tip. But when I do, my cheeks are flushed and my belly clenches with some butterflies flying way too fast. Aaden’s gaze is piercing. Understanding and curious. “They are a delightful couple.” He nods to the two and my eyes jerk back like they were meant to stare. “It is alright if it arouses you.” His words, whispered into my ear make me jump with surprise. He touches my hand which I have clenched against the fabric of my stomach. “Breathe, Minx.” He removes my grip from my shirt, finger by finger as I try to breathe. Staring at Raudhan taking Hámundr piece by piece. Swallowing him whole until they’re flush. Bullocks laying against bullocks. Their breathing is erratic like my own.

Aaden takes my wrist and guides it over my clothed skin. Just grazing me. Just me feeling me. A teasing touch. That makes my skin warm. When he places my hand on my breast he whispers heatedly in my ear, “It is not wrong to touch yourself. To feel pleasure when others take theirs. We share in pleasure. In life. Love. We share.” A soft sound slips past my lips. Aaden grabs me and pulls me down the hall, his hand over my mouth, his other clasped tightly around my hip, holding me to him.

We turn a corner just as I hear, “I thought I heard–” and it sounded like a panicked Hámundr. But I’m unable to call out to him.

Aaden chuckles when we enter a different room. “That was close.” He lets go of me with an apology. “I wished to see. Naught else. Would have been startling if they saw you.”

“Why did you do that Aaden?” I’m kind of bristling. I’d have liked a warning. My chest aches. Because yes I like Hámundr but I refuse to break up that wonderful and amazing couple that they are. Just like Aaden and that arse he calls a mate. If he makes Aaden happy, no matter how much he infuriates or makes my body feel–like how watching Hámundr and Raudhan made me feel–it doesn’t matter! I’m not getting mated. Not to them. Not to the twins–wait, when did I start thinking about them with me together? Wasn’t I just–STOP. I take a deep breath and glare at the most attractive male I've ever seen in my life like he stole my favorite cookies.

He watches me, like Jul’m watches. And it makes gooseflesh skitter across my skin.

“What?” I glare, my hands coming up to cross my arms over my suddenly sore and perky breasts.

His gaze locks on my arms for a moment before meeting mine. “I was debating on telling you the truth or not.”

I frown at him with a bitter taste of betrayal. “Why would you contemplate that?”

His smile is bitter as he runs a hand through his hair only to scratch his scalp in agitation. “You–”

“Me?”

He growls and mutters something in Aelakesh. “You are delight and kind. But also new and frightening.” He clutches his shirt over his heart. I feel his pain radiating in mine. “Our story is quick. But feels forever. I cannot help admire you. You are fiery as the heat of my forge and as strong as any metal I have shaped with my hands. But just as metal for my jewels, I should have steady hands.” They’re shaking. “I fear handling you.”

I take a step towards him. My brows knitting in confusion. “Why would you want to handle me? I am your friend. You’re–Faron.” I choke on the name because it reminds me that I shouldn’t be taking a step forward. I should be taking steps back. But when I start to, Aaden grabs me. Pulling me closer.

“Faron is mate bonding you.”

“Aren’t you mad about that?” I ask, breaths filling with his scent. A little smokey and soot like but underneath the metal and the coal or wood he uses, is the sweet smell of burnt honey. I’m not a sweet loving person, but the smell makes me lick my lips nonetheless.

He leans forward, our foreheads touching, noses grazing as he closes his eyes and breathes me in before pulling away. “No.” I jerk back in surprise, but I'm completely trapped within his arms. “Fascinated. Intrigued. Not anger.” He licks his lips as his beautiful black gaze devours me. “May I?”

My breath hitches as he leans forward. “May you…?”

He pulls away enough that our gazes lock. “Devour you.” I lick my lips and his eyes lock onto the motion. “I wish to etch you into my every breath. Taste you. Devour you inside and out.” His fingers, grip me just a tinge tighter and it makes my breath quake in my lungs. My belly full of butterflies turns into a flurry of a storm. My toes clench in my boots. I find myself nodding.

Aaden’s hand glides up from its position on my hip, grazing the underside of my breast, around it, over my shoulder until he can cup my cheek and the back of my head. His other hand rounds my bottom, squeezing me and making me squeak. He huffs a laugh as he picks me up, my legs wrapping around his front. And heavens help me I can feel him. All of him. Hot and heavy between my thighs. My undergarments and his pants the only things keeping us apart. We are the same height now.

He tilts my head with his gentle grasp and his lips descend upon mine. Swallowing my moan as our mouths mesh. As he devours me.

He licks the seam of my lips, beckoning, begging for entrance, and as I’m lost in this. In him. I open my mouth to his plundering. Tongues tangling, teeth nipping. Breaths heavy as we suck in the others scent.

“Aaden.” I moan when he pulls back staring at my flushed cheeks. My breasts rising and falling with each panting breath.

“You smell divine.” He pants after a deep inhale and I squirm on him. He thrusts his hips into mine and I whine. I’ve never heard that sound come out of me before. It makes me feel things. Strange arousing things. “I wish I could lay with you now. But you’re not ready my minx.” He groans as he thrusts against me once more. His lips eating up every sound I make before he rips himself away. “You–Faron!”

My head jerks to the doorway and there is the angry looking orc from earlier. “Oh, please, continue.”

Chapter 35: Saucy Minx's Bath

Summary:

Oh look, a bath AND a show.

Notes:

Ríddu mér (REE-du meer) = Fuck me

Notaðu mig (No-tah-do Meeg) = use me

Ég bið þig (yeg bith thig) = I ask you (he is begging)

Aaden sighs and his hands seem to reluctantly let me go. I’m so very mortified. I just kissed, allowed someone who is mated to kiss me! To this very orc standing before us. I face him. I’m going to apologize. I’m going to. “I–

Faron cuts me off with his knuckle lifting my chin and gaze from staring holes into the floor. Wishing it would just swallow me whole like those sands I hear you can find in the wilds. He’s close. Far closer than I thought he’d be in a situation like this. I try to pull away but Aaden is at my back. I’m packed between them and heat floods my system with something akin to need.

“Faro–

“Saucy Minx.” He clicks his tongue, his stormy expression melting away with each step towards me. I suck in a breath and gods why does he smell so good? I lick my lips. Wanting it to be him. I inwardly shake myself. No. Faron is an ass. It’s the damn mating bond. I don’t like him. No. No I do not. He leans forward and I feel my insides turn to liquid. But his lips don’t meet mine. Instead they pass my lips, my cheek and graze the shell of my ear. I shudder with his exhale. “Would love to mix my scent with Aaden’s. But your Pa would throw a fit.” I jerk at the mention of Pa. Guilt this time, paints my cheeks. He pulls away and smirks. “Come.” He beckons with his chin. “We’ll take you to the baths. Can’t have you smelling of my Aaden.”

They lead me around and around and I’m left lost and confused. Unknowing where we end up. But the baths. Oh goodness me the baths are like that thing one of the ladies in town calls a hot spring. The water is hot. Not from a stove or flame from what I can tell. But naturally hot. The smell isn’t as pleasant but I can live with it to spend some time in this delightful place.

“It will only be me right?” I ask the orcs staring at me as I dip my fingers within the water.

“On your side.” Faron states.

I look at the water. Well, there is plenty of water. I guess I can just look the other way right? “You won’t look?” The thought pops in my head and out of my mouth in seconds.

Something gleams in Faron’s gaze but he smirks. “Ach, I ken I will not peak.”

I narrow my eyes at him but the two males turn their backs to me. I watch as Faron takes a step into Aaden’s personal space, his arm wrapped around Aaden’s waist to trail fingers up and down his opposite forearm, while he murmurs into Aaden’s ear.

Aaden’s back stiffens momentarily before relaxing and his breathing becomes heavier. Like when he was with me.

I ache.

But not because they are being intimate. No. I can understand the feeling of being left out and that is what this feeling is. I shouldn’t feel it. They are together. It is them. Not us. And who ever heard about three people in a relationship? I turn from them, shaking the memory of the woman with the baby and two brothers, her belly rounded by one of them and instead focus on getting undressed.

I stop at my small clothes. A rudimentary wrap around my breasts and my makeshift pantellets. I peak over my shoulder and meet a blackened stare. Aaden. My breaths hitch. His hands are caressing Faron’s bare back as the other orc does something to his neck or continues to talk to him. Aaden murmurs back nipping Faron’s earlobe. I see the muscles in his back twitch and I flush with more heat when I try to imagine what that feels like. I turn away from them and drop into the water.

Resurfacing moments later, with a gasp. This is HOT. And it’s no way helping my thoughts because now all of me is warm and I can just imagine how they would make me feel this way. Oh goodness this is going to be the longest–

“You forgot something.”

I turn quickly but Faron still has his back to me his hand reaching behind him to give me soap. I flush even though he can’t see. “Thank you.”

“See? Is not so hard.”

“Shut up.” I growl snatching it.

Faron laughs. “She speaks to me like you.” He’s addressing Aaden.

“Shut it.” Aaden growls only making Faron laugh harder. Before making an abrupt turn, a snarl on his lips makes my thighs clench.

He takes Aaden into his grasp, his claws making divots in his skin. Aaden groans, his eyes flashing with need. “Undress me.” Faron’s voice is dark as the depths of the mountain and just as frightening. But no less arousing.

I follow Aaden’s gaze as he takes in Faron’s mostly undressed state. He drops to his knees before Faron and slowly unties his laces, his eyes solely on his mate. I watch from my awkward position as something, well, not something. My cheeks flush as from my view the tip of Faron’s hardened flesh grazes Aaden’s cheek. Aaden doesn’t even blink. His fingers trail down Faron’s clothed thighs and to his calves. Where he continues to undressing his mate.

One shoe unlaced and then the other.

Faron is looking down at Aaden. He hasn’t once turned to look at me just like he said he wouldn’t. I bite my lip as I stare. As I stare. I dip further into the water, my shoulder hunched as if to hide myself, make myself small so no one will notice my eyes narrowed down to these two men before me. Faron places a hand on Aaden’s shoulder to keep his balance while Aaden lifts his foot. Pulling off the boot. He places the shoe down and then pulls off his sock and then he places the foot back on the stone floor. He repeats this same slow reverent action with the other foot.

His hands trail back up the path they’d taken down to the shoes until they lay on the topmost hem of his pants. Our eyes meet. I startle and turn away.

Faron’s chuckle burns my ears. When I peak over my shoulder, Aaden hasn’t started pulling Faron’s pants down. At least, not until our eyes meet again. But then, Faron grabs Aaden by the back of his head again. Guiding his gaze back to him. As if to say, ‘you are servicing me, I am your focus’. Aaden moans on a hiss but his eyes don’t stray. I watch as Faron guides that barely seen tip against Aaden’s mouth. But he doesn’t open it. Doesn’t lick his lips being coated white by the dribbling from Faron’s prick. Dripping down his chin and throat as his head is tilted back to stare into Faron’s eyes.

“Continue.” Faron commands, releasing Aaden.

Aaden doesn’t lick his lips, doesn’t wipe his lips, neck or chin. He pulls Faron’s pants down until his fingers touch the floor and Faron takes a step back, out of Aaden’s grasp. One step. Two. He continues until he’s dangerously close to walking into the waters backwards. Aaden stays there. His chest heaving, lips twitching, hands on the ground as he watches. Reverently. He stares at Faron as if the male will give him the earth or burn it to the ground. Whichever he so desires.

Faron stops one step before falling in. I can see his stiffened length easily now. But my eyes are honestly, riveted, on Aaden. His unmoving body. Except for the occasional twitch. As though he is ready for any and all commands.

“Crawl.” Faron’s voice is a growl. It’s filled with cool detachment. As if he’s asking about the weather. Asking about someone’s estranged parents. Something so innocuous and yet it’s full of power. So much that I catch myself wanting to do it as well. Wanting to crawl to him. Beg him. Love me. Command me.

My skin twitches.

Aaden crawls. Prowls forward like a tamed beast allowed out of its cage. No. Not tamed. His eyes spark with heat. With need. Demands. This is no tamed beast. It is a wild god demanding its tithe.

Aaden stops before Faron. Before his eyes can ask what next, “You may lick it.” But he isn’t close enough to Faron–

Aaden licks his lips. He sits on his haunches and swipes at his throat, his chin, bringing it close to his mouth and licks it clean. Every drop. Every piece.

Faron chuckles, it is warm and indulgent like the hand that caresses Aaden’s cheek. “How do I taste?”

“Like mine.” Aaden husks. His voice is softer, deeper, needier than anything I've ever heard.

He chuckles again. “Taste what is yours. Take every drop. Then, we bathe and I can plough your needy arse.” Aaden grabs Faron’s wrist and pulls. Bringing Faron that last bit of distance to bring his heft against Aaden’s cheek once more. Dribbling and wet. Spilling precious seed while Aaden adoringly rubs his face against Faron’s prick, like a cat does its favorite pillow.

Aaden licks Faron’s desire from his face, wiping away any excess with his fingers before slathering it all over Faron’s bobbing length. “I will.” He states before swallowing Faron whole.

Faron growls and groans, hissing and giving jerky thrusts into Aaden’s throat. His adam's apple bobs as he pulls back, swallowing what has spilled. He hums around the crown. I’m unable to see what he’s doing but obviously, it is driving Faron wild. His claws have extruded and are delving through Aaden’s hair, clutching him as the other orc groans. His eyes nearly rolling back at Faron’s pricking fingers. “Aaden.” Faron huffs, his breaths panting, needy. His hips looking wild in their thrusts. “I’ll fill your mouth. Cover your tongue ach? Drown you in my scent and my claim?”

Aaden’s slick tongue and mouth makes more and more obscene slurping sounds with each question. His hand trails from Faron’s hip down his heavy weighted bullocks. Caressing and rhythmically clutching them. Faron’s left leg lifts onto the ball of his foot, knee bent and hips canting.

“Now, Aaden. Drink me. Taste me.”

Aaden moans and I watch him swallow. Gulp after gulp as Faron empties himself into his mate. Filling him. Making him reek of him. And Aaden, the feral and devout god that he is swallows and milks him. Tastes him. Is filled by him.

After a time Faron hisses and yanks on Aaden’s head a tad harshly. “You and your teeth.” He growls. “I should gag you.”

Aaden grins. “Ach, you ken I would like this.”

Faron’s eyes gleam with delight. “I ken I would like this too.” Without even looking at me, he rumbles, “Did we delight you Saucy Minx?” I watch his slow sensual smile grace his face and make my heart flutter. “Was it all you sought?”

My cheeks flushed, I turn away. Realizing for the first time that I watched the whole thing. I cover my face with my hands. “I do not know what you mean. I have been sitting here bathing.”

He hums but does not reply to me. “Come my mate, I wish to fill the rest of you with my scent.”

I stand. “I think it’s time I–

“Sit.” Beautiful lightly scarred hands press on my shoulders, seating me back down on the stones. “Remember,” the voice whispers enticingly as his hand slides down to my own. “It is not wrong to touch yourself. To feel pleasure when others take theirs. We share in pleasure. In life. Love. We share.” Aaden trails my hand over my naked breasts down, down, down, beneath the water. I gasp as he uses my fingers to press against, between, within. I whine as his fingers imitate a feeling I've never had before. I’ve never experienced before. My thighs quake, Aaden takes a deep breath at the crook of my neck, nipping me with his sharp teeth before suddenly releasing me.

“Aaden!” I choke jerking my head to look at his retreating form over my shoulder. Faron is already in the water to the left of me, watching Aaden strip, slow and sensually to him. He pulls off his shirt, dragging it over his skin like prized silk. Before loosening his trouser ties and letting them fall without a care as he stands above and before Faron. I can see his jutting length as a string of his seed dribbles out of him as if for Faron’s approval.

Faron leans back onto his hands, head tilted so that he may flick out his tongue and lick up the gift.

Aaden bends down on his haunches, his prick bobbing just above Faron’s face. Aaden trails his fingers over and against Faron’s nose, who groans as if in pain, before stuffing those fingers in Faron’s mouth. My cheeks flush brilliant enough I should see red on the stones around us. Because those are the fingers he used to place mine in me. The ones that felt inside me before retreating so quickly.

Faron growls deep, dark, and angry as he sucks on Aaden’s fingers. I clench my thighs, thus clenching them around my own hand whose fingers are still inside me. My fingers twitch as if to remind myself of their presence, spasming to the sounds of Faron’s slurping tongue.

Aaden pulls his fingers from Faron’s mouth with a loud pop. His nostrils flare as he scents his mate. Faron lifts a hand and pulls Aaden by the hip until his prick is dripping onto his tongue. The head of him, pierced and swollen, is mere inches from Faron’s lips.

After several licks and tongue swirls, Faron lays down, his hands on Aaden’s thighs before lifting with considerable muscle and tossing Aaden into the water.

Aaden surfaces, sputtering and spitting. Laughing. “You brute!” He growls, launching himself at Faron with a ferocious and gorgeous grin. Beguiling and hungry. They wrestle. Their limbs entangling, tossing each other around in the water, racing.

It is so sweet and I’m thankful for it. Because it makes the heat within me subside long enough that I can clean myself off. Using the bar of soap Aaden had left next to me when he’d told me to sit.

My cheeks flush. At least most of the heat subsided.

And then it returns. Full force. With a gasp and a groan. My head whips to the side and I see them.

One of Faron’s arms crosses Aaden’s midriff, and up to his shoulder, the other around his hips. He rocks against him. His prick either in or against Aaden’s crease. Aaden’s hands clutch Faron’s arms as he throws his head back over Faron’s shoulder.

In the lamplight I can see that Aaden has nipple piercings. My cheeks flush pink at the stray thought of licking them, or nipping at them with my teeth.

Oh gods, what has come over me??

Faron sits down, Aaden in his arms and the thought flees as soon as it is created. He’s not inside him. With Aaden’s taller height, Faron’s heft is slipped underneath Aaden’s. With each of their thrusts, the head of Faron’s prick grazes the underside of Aaden’s piercing, nudging it again and again so the other end stutters at the entrance of him. He murmurs words into Aaden’s ear, nipping and tugging. Making Aaden whimper and claw.

And then the hand holding his shoulder goes down and tweaks one of Aaden’s piercings. His breath catches. Or mine does. Because I find my hand doing the exact same as Faron’s. It shifts to the other. And tweaks it too. Tugging and pinching. I whimper.

Aaden jerks, his black gaze zeroing in on my hand. He groans murmuring to Faron. Who bites down on Aaden but doesn’t break his skin. “Harder.” Aaden growls.

Faron chuckles, pulling away instead, making Aaden growl deeper with irritation. “Peace, Silver Tongue, first,” he lifts Aaden with ease, his arms flexing as his leaking prick presses against Aaden.

Aaden gasps. His back arches, thrusting his chest into the air, his need jerks in the air around him and the smell. My nose twitches as I smell that burnt honey smell all over again. My tongue swipes my lips just before I chew on them. Staring with everything I am as Faron presses Aaden down on him. Presses inside Aaden.

“Fuck, Faron. Ríddu mér. Notaðu mig. Ég bið þig!”

Faron growls with delight. “Ach, since you beg so prettily.” He raises his hips, slamming home within Aaden who shouts and writhes upon his mate. His prick juddering and twitching spilling into the water. He hums, swiveling his hips to make Aaden gasp, “Look at you. So hot and tight around me. Sucking me. Taking me. Your mate. Your lord. Your god.”

Aaden shouts just that. “Oh, my god, Faron!”

Faron lifts him and lets the world push him heavily, back down. “Gripping me. While she watches. While her fingers seek out her own pleasure.” His words startle me because they are the truth. My fingers are seeking my pleasure. Delving gently within. As gently as Aaden had.

I moan with Aaden as my fingers graze something, a small bud, it jolts up my spine and lands back down to my core. My other fingers pinch and twist my puckered breasts. I gasp as I plunge two fingers inside me. In and out in and out to Farnham darkened delight. I can see him whispering, speaking to Aaden. Spurring him on.

“Will you come for me?” I hear Faron ask. He nods. I nod. And then, our gazes lock before his eyes trail down my body, taking in my pinching and delving fingers. “Will you come for her?” He growls, his hand fisting Aadens desire. Stroking it as he pound inside his arse. “Come for us Aaden. Come so I can fill this needy hole if yours.”

Aaden jerk, claws extended scouring the stone as he shout. I gasp, and twitch,. Choking on my own shout. “So good. So good” Faron growls, his teeth clamping in the crook of Aadens neck and shoulder.

Chapter 36: A Day In the Throuple of Mari (Mari POV)

Mari

 

“Guryon?” I groan. Wiggling beneath the arm latched around me. “I gotta pee.” I mumble, trying to squirm out of his hold. He just grumble growls in his sleep and pulls me closer. I squeak. “Guryon!”

He jerks awake, ready to fight. He pushes me behind him and glares at the door. But when he notices nothing, he looks at me confused. “What is amiss?”

“I have to use the privy.” I wince, clenching my thighs.

He visibly relaxes. “Ach, sorry. Come.” He moves the furs covering us both and that’s when I find out that he’s naked. As the day he was born. Just gorgeous male, green skin. My cheeks flush and he smiles, puffing out his chest a little at my admiring if embarrassed gaze.

Why didn’t I know he was naked? Because I was brought here more asleep than awake. Ogath has to go to work early in the day, especially now that we’ve been back for quite a few weeks now, and since everything in the “Great Grisk Showroom Shop”, Ogath has left me with Guryon. Maybe not in the mornings, as he’s done today but Guryon would come pick me up when my best friend had to go out and about.

I think it was because of the praying she needed to do this morning. It would have left me alone in bed without anyone to watch over me. So, Ogath bundled me up in a fur and carried me to Guryon’s. He laid me between the orc and the wall. Kissed my forehead, kissed Guryon on the lips and then left. I promptly drifted off right after that.

And now, I’m staring at the body of one of my orcs. Oh, that makes my body quiver. Because, yes, Guryon is mine. Right?

Looking at him, I notice how the things he endured because of his brother, his guilt, his depression as Efterar calls it, have taken its toll on his body. He’s not yet spoken of his wish to gain more muscle like that of Ogath but I’ve seen the yearning gaze when he’s looked at him. Not in a lustful way. And since Ogath is very affectionate, I know it isn’t that. It’s usually when Ogath is doing something that accentuates his strength, that Guryon looks at him thus.

I am satisfied, in love with the thickness of his belly. I wish to kiss it and have him squish me. But if he truly wishes to put on muscle, I hope he speaks to us about it. If he tells us of his fears, his insecurities, I will tell him I only long for the added weight and comfort of him surrounding me. I want to tell him this now. But I don’t know how he’ll handle my truths, or if it would make him more insecure and uncomfortable in his own skin.

“What makes you lost so?” Guryon asks as he wiggles his fingers at me. He’s gotten dressed in the moments it took me to get lost in my thoughts. Just a kilt. But still. I take his hand with a giggle as he threatens to tickle me if I do not get out of his furs.

“No! Don’t do that. I will ruin the furs.”

Guryon shrugs beginning the short trek to the bathroom, “Is naught I cannae wash?”

My cheeks pinken. “But it would be soiled.”

Guryon laughs. “You ken I changed my son?”

I jerk to a stop mid-hallway and nearly fall when Guryon keeps walking, my hand still within his. “Son?” I am surprised. I don’t think I’ve met a son. Omith, yes. But that is Ogath’s. I did not know Guryon had one too.

Guryon stares at me, blinks twice and nods. “Ach. We clean up first. Then, I take you.” He quickly, pulls me along and nudges me into the privy. I relieve myself, my body relaxed and happy at the release of pressure. Guryon is leaning against the wall when I exit. He takes my hand again and we walk back to his room.

He pulls out a slip of a shirt that is soft but not silky, with slim strings tied around a round piece of metal at the base of my throat. It is like a link but it is the only one and the strings go up the ring before hanging off the top. Guryon ties these around my neck. It is the only thing holding the loose shirt on me. It covers just my breasts and hangs down my back loosely. He then wraps a long skirt around my hips. It has a slit up the thigh.

“When did you get my clothes?” I blink down at the pretty tan ensemble.

“Ogath brought them this morn.” He probably packed it while I slept. “Come, lass, I bring you to my son.” He holds out his hand to me once more and we’re off.

“Shouldn’t your son be at work?” I pause, “What do you do for work?” My cheeks flush at his smile. “Oh heavens, how don’t I know this?” Then I narrow my eyes at the innocence on his face. “It’s your fault I don't know this.” I glare. He raises his brows as if to say ‘oh? How so?’ “You know exactly why I don’t.”

Suddenly, I’m in a room that is being set up for a family. My butt is on a table and Guryon’s hands are on my hips. His thighs widen mine. He hums, his smile turning into a sensual smirk. “Tell me, beautiful. Should I tell Ogath you sass me when he returns?”

I gasp and try to shove him but he is unyielding. “You jerk!” I grit. “I can sass you now if that’s what you want!” I try to shove him again but still, he does not budge. His smirk is turning into a sexy wild grin. STOP IT. I want to shout. You’re making me thighs want to clench! But they can’t because you’re between them. So instead, the center of me clutches at nothing and I realize, Guryon didn’t give me any panties. I glare at him. “You planned this.”

“Ach.” He growls, lowering his lips to my collarbone.

“I will bite you if you try to kiss me. I’m upset with you.” I harrumph and he merely chuckles, nipping me harshly. I yelp and he licks the sting all better, his lips and tongue moving down over me. “Guryon!” I gulp in air. “This is someone’s rooms! We can’t do this–OH beloved gods!” I squeak. For he’s latches onto my peaked breasts over the clothing, the cloth wetting and providing no protection from his laving and sucking. My fingers clutch his beautiful hair, ruining his semi formed braid.

He groans, sucking on the lush peak, his teeth pricking the curve of my breast. I whine as he moves to the other breast. Replacing his mouth with his fingers and pinching just shy of painful. “Oh, gods Guryon. What are you do–OH! Fuck, you bastard.” I hiss. Because he’s dropped one hand to seek between my thighs.

He pulls off my breast with a wet but muted pop. “For such anger, you smell so sweet. So ready. Needy.” I flush and go to shove him instead of clutching. He chuckles and nips the aching tip. “I ken we could ease your suffering.”

He flicks the center of my pleasure. Not harshly, it’s just the right amount of pleasure to make me jerk in his grasp. I suck in a breath as he fills me with two of his fingers. Gentle thrusts that make me wish he’d just pound me with his hand. But no. That’s not Guryon.

“I give you great pleasure.”

“Are you s-OH! Sure?” My gasp in the middle of my sentence ruins my cool and detached tone. His smile against my belly makes me growl. “Get off me.” I hiss.

He pulls my hips so I’m barely sitting on the table. I hold onto the edges with both hands so I don’t fall off. It’s not that high of a height, but the way I'd fall would definitely hurt my wrists.

He murmurs nonsense against my thighs, something about beloved. Nectar. I’m unsure. But truly? What does it matter? Not when his lips are kissing me. His tongue is licking me, delving between my lips, my crease. Lapping up my delight, my desire. Devouring me with every flick of his tongue. He swirls his thumb against the swollen bud. Making me cry out, gasp, and clutch him. My feet dig into his back, my nails into his scalp. He growls at me. In me. Moans. The vibrations making me quiver and shake.

“Gods Guryon. Please~!” My breath is short gasp. Full of my need and desires. “Oh love, don’t stop. Please. Fuck.” I hiss. My fingers opening and closing, delving further into his hair, scraping his scalp. Making him growl and groan. Lick me more fervently, deeply, quickly. Again and Again. In. Out. Suckle. Thrust. “OH!” I choke as my toes curl. “Guryon!” I scream this, clutching him. Curled in on myself. As if to hold him to me, in me. Keep him with me.

-

We slowly extricate ourselves from one another. My fingers from his hair. His fingers from within. I sit up. He stands and as I push my clothing back into order, he licks his fingers. I shudder and caress down his bare chest. “Is it your turn?” I smirk, biting my bottom lip.

Guryon shakes his head before kissing me. “No.”

I blink at him in surprise. Isn’t it always supposed to be that way? “But don’t you want me to make you feel good?”

“Ach, you did. I feel delight within me.” His cheeks flush as he admits something he’s feared I’ll hold against him. I know this because of how he says it. “But is difficult to make myself hard with need.”

“Oh that’s nothing to feel ashamed of Guryon.” I smile up at him, kissing his cheek. “I like the taste of you is all. Hard, soft. You still give me pleasure.” I lick my lips to emphasize this. Because although it can take time, I have held him in my mouth and he’s eventually gotten hard. Even if it were a mild hardness. It was amazing that it occurred at all. I was happy laying in bed, lazily licking him while Ogath watched.

He rumbles his thanks. Nuzzling my neck. “Come, you meet my son. Raudhan can smell for us.”

Raudhan does indeed smell us coming. He made sure to get some snack foods from the gardens and some fresh cool water. “Good Eve, Papa.” He murmurs when we enter his abode. Guryon pulls his son in for a hug. Ruadhan, who is shorter than his Papa, rests his head against Guryon’s shoulder with a sigh. Guryon in turn rests his head on his sons.

My tears prick the longer their hug goes on. I’ve seen so many families not give a damn about their children after they become adults. I’ve seen the sparse affection from infancy to adulthood just dwindle into nothing but a smile you’d give an acquaintance. I swallow and wish I’d had that. But I guess, in a way, I do.

Guryon pulls away and reaches his hand out for me to take. “Raudhan, this is Mari. She is–

“You smell like her.”

Guryon’s cheeks pinken. “Ach, well–

Raudhan laughs. “No. Papa. Not you. She smells like my–well, you know.” He looks at Guryon sidelong.

“Are you talking about my best friend?” I ask. Because on a shelf is a dried crown. A type of intricate design I've only ever seen one person make. “Did she make you that?”

Raudhan shakes his head. “No. She–

“Made it for me.” I jerk around and look up and up. Holy hell how tall is this orc? He’s all muscles and height. He’s taller than Guryon. But not tall enough he has to duck through the door. She probably looks like a fairy next to this beast!

“Well, you likely deserved it. She doesn’t make them for just anyone.” I murmur, fidgeting with my hair and placing it behind my ear in an old nervous habit. “It’s nice to meet you both.” I murmur belatedly. “My names Mari. I am–

“My mate.” Guryon smiles proudly, his arm wraps snuggly around my waist. It makes me flush but feel so pleased.

“And Ogaths?” The other bigger orc tilts his head after a sniff.

Guryon’s smile is even more proud, his cheeks flushed with happiness, “Ach, Ogath and I share this beautiful woman. She is fierce in her loving, ach my heart?”

“I care about you both equally. Deeply.”

Raudhan’s pleased smile is something I never thought I’d see bestowed upon me. Not when he’d had a mother prior. One I heard Guryon speak of fondly if only briefly. “Come, Mari, join us for our meal. Hámundr has brought some greens Papa said you were fond of.”

I gasp and sharply look at my orc. “You told him about me but I just learned of him today??”

Raudhan laughs. “I ken it is because you distract him.” He winks. “I have not seen him smile this much in many years. If not all my life.” He looks so happy, and fond at his Papa it makes my heart ache.

I swallow, but before I can speak, Guryon does. He steps up to his son, placing his hands on his sons shoulders, their foreheads touching. “You are the light of my life. If not for you, I would not have made my age. You are my smile. You are mine. Even if I did not bear you. You are my heartson. A choice I will make again and again. I will never waver. You ken, my son? My Raudhan? I love you. Even if I did not smile oft enough, it was not you. It was me an' I loved you again and again forever.”

Chapter 37: A Realization

“My Papa told me that getting regular checkups is absolutely necessary for your health.”

“Your Papa would be correct.” Efterar of Clan Ash-kai, as he has introduced himself, is an older orc but not that old. He looks more aged by life and the things demanded of him than anything. Very no nonsense. “But I think you might have other reasons for coming?” He arcs a brow at me. And my cheeks flush. I had been absolutely preoccupied by my thoughts while he did his magic hands check up.

“Oh owner of the most lust inducing prick in the land, I have brought you the nectar of life.” Calls a breathy and beautiful orc. He is wearing some nice silk purple trousers, paired with some nice shiny black boots. Although, with that hem, he’d be better suited to bare feet or some kind of soft slipper. He carries a platter of food jingling some beautiful bracelets on his wrists. “And food.” He grins and winks. “Hello.” He greets before wrinkling his nose a smidgen. “You smell like the toothache clan.”

I feel my whole face scrunch up in confusion. “The toothache clan??”

“Grisk.” Efterar explains. “You smell of Grisk.”

I sniff my arm but I know I’m not going to smell a thing. Well, I do actually. It’s those muted smells of lemon tartlets. From Raudhan’s clothes. “I bumped into Raudhan in the hall from the baths. He gave me his shirt since the towel was too small.” I flush brilliantly. I honestly have no idea what happened to the towel after he gave me the shirt.

The other orc places his bounty of food down on an immaculately organized counter. He hums as he stares at me with a certain glint in his eyes. “Look, I don’t know what your problem with the Grisk are but I’ll have you know, I’ve not met a single one who has any teeth problems.” I try for my fiercest glower.

He rolls his eyes. “Such a fierce protector. The Grisk are too sweet. They’ll rot all your teeth out of your head.”

“Looks like you haven’t had much exposure as yours are still intact.” I peer at him, sticking out my tongue. I gasp. “Shit! I’m sorry.” I laugh, covering my mouth.

The orc seems to have a reluctant smirk as he holds it in. “Well, I have a healer on tap. No rotting for me. But you, I’m sure if you keep this company will be rotten within a week.”

I snort, shaking my head. “I’m Ogath’s daughter.” I hold out my hand with a smile.

“The new Skai sister.” His frown now, is more severe. An honest frown. He does not shake my hand.

I blink at him. “You don’t seem to like the Skai? Or is it Ogath?”

He sighs. “No. Ogath didn’t–” He swallows. “I just have a hard time with the Skai in general.” He shrugs. “I’m Kesst of Clan Ash-kai, and mate to this gorgeous creation of the gods.”

I gasp a second time. “Your Rathgarr’s brother!” and then my eye’s bulge. “OH. I shouldn’t have–” I shake my head. “We’ve never met. Don’t tell your brother!”

Kesst looks at me strangely as if he’s trying to follow my train of thought. But is unable. “It matters little what you are hiding. I’ll get it out of Rath one way or another. Why’d you come? I heard Eft say something about you coming by for more than a check up?” He picks up some cut piece of meat and hand feeds a piece to Efterar.

“OH, I uh…” My cheeks are pinkening once more. “I was wondering what was wrong with me?” I squeak, looking at Efterar pleadingly.

Efterar finishes chewing before asking, “Like what?” His hands are hovering over my shoulders.

“Well, sometimes when I’m near certain uh… people… I feel a tightness…” I bite my lip my eyes darting from one male to the other. Why in the world couldn’t there be more female doctors? “Here.” I press a hand to my lower abdomen beneath my dress. “It makes my legs feel weird and I get light headed?” Kesst turns, choking on air, or food, I’m not sure which. So he coughs trying to dislodge something. Efterar rubs his back. “I just… I don’t know what could be causing it. Especially because it’s more than one person. It just happens! I can smell something that–Hell, them talking to me closely makes it so much worse. It’s not pain but it definitely aches!” I say all of this in a rush. As if, if i get it all out of me, it’ll make it better. Because just thinking about it all. About them makes my thighs twitch and close tightly.

Efterar opens his mouth to reply, but Kesst cuts him off after turning to me, he’s trying not to laugh. “You’re aroused hun. Whoever, however many whoevers, is making you hot and bothered and ready for the ‘Good Orc Seed’.” He pats my shoulder a little awkwardly with sympathy at the horror and shock most likely painted upon my face. “Many people feel this way and that’s okay.” He gives me a reassuring smile.

“But I can’t have kids!” I panic. I can feel it crawling up my throat. Remembering that awful night. Mama was crying. She was gasping and in pain. Then the midwife. She said… she said something was wrong. And I was picked up by Papa–no… Oh my god no. “I need to go. Thank you. So much.” I mumble and rush from the room.

Chapter 38: A Day In the Throuple of Mari (Mari POV)

Summary:

Helvíti (HEL-vee-tee) = hell, damn, fuck

Ég er þakklátur (yeg er THAK-lau-tur) = I am grateful

Ég er þín (yeg er THEEN) = I am yours

fyrirgefðu mér (FEER-uh-gev-thuh meer) = forgive me

Mari

 

The lunch went by pretty nicely. Quickly too because Hámundr had to get back to working in the garden. Something about planting before frosts? I don’t know anything about plants. So, I just listened to the Orcs talk. Unless they asked me about my own profession, in that case, I talked their ears off.

After Hámundr left, Raudhan talked with us for a little longer before hugging his father and asking for a basket for tomorrow. And then, we were off.

Guryon took my hand in his and we walked in companionable silence until I realized, we weren’t going to his rooms. We are still in the Grisk wing but it’s the room where he did filthy things to me. Making my cheeks warm. When he pushes me inside the dark room, I gasp because I’m wrapped in a familiar embrace.

“You’re back early!” I murmur, my hands caressing his back in that tight hug.

His hands run over my bare back, and then fall to my thighs and rear. One hand on the cloth of my skirt, the other fishing through the slit of my thigh. I moan as he cups my bare cheek. “How was she?” He asks as if I weren’t around.

“Ach, a little sass.” I gasp a second time, this time tinged with outrage. But Ogath’s hands, overly large on my backside, holds me to him. It’s how I unmistakably find out how aroused that statement makes him. I mean, it could have been from my bare bottom being in the palm of his hand but honestly, it didn’t truly jerk to life until he asked his question. Until Guryon lied!

“I did n–

“Shh, little imp.” His hand on my clothed thigh, comes to tilt my head up. Our eyes meet. “Did you sass him?”

I glare at Ogath. “I’ll sass him now. Then we’ll see what he thinks of sass then! What do you say to that you lying jerk?” I growl but am unable to see him because of Ogath’s hold.

Ogath rumbles a chuckle and then his gaze look over my head. “You lie?” At his wicked smile I know Guryon has nodded. “Two naughty mates?” He grins.

This time I do pull out of his grasp. My hands on my hips as I glower at the both of them. “Two? I didn’t lie! I told you the truth unless you’re too dumb to notice.” I’m spitting mad and if the cold look appearing on Ogath’s face is anything to go by, I am definitely going a little too far. “Or is all the blood going to your dick making you lose function in your brain?”

“Ach, you first I ken.” Ogath murmurs before snatching me up and placing me on the big bed in the corner of room, belly down, skirt trussed up and over my hips.

“Tell me, little Imp, did you think sassing me would get you out of trouble?” My thighs twitch at his cold words. While his hands caress my ass and thighs.

“Get off me.” I grit.

“Get up.” He tells me and I push up only for him to place a hand on my back, between my shoulders.

“You bastard, MOVE!” I hiss now.

A harsh landing SmACk! bounces off the walls of this not so empty room. I yelp and try with all my might to shove up with my hands. But then, Guryon is there, holding my hands. Kissing them and I glare at him. “When it’s your turn I’m going to torture you so–FUCK you Ogath!” I shout as he smacks my bottom again.

He rubs the blooming prints there. Reverent and delighted. I can see it in the corner of my eyes, the glint in his eyes. Because when he’s like this, that’s the only place I can see anything. Those delicious and delightfully dark eyes. I grit my teeth and growl at him. His gaze crawls up my body until they meet mine. He gnashes his teeth and growls, low and dangerous. I clench my thighs and bite back a whimper. “You’re a brute.”

His eyes flash with purpose as he leans over me, his nose almost touching mine. Near making me crosseyed to keep his gaze. “I’m your brute.” He nips my bottom lip and then pulls away. Leaving me with a wonderful sting that I can’t seem to lick away.

His hand comes down on me again and again. One cheek. The next. Again and again. Slap, stroke, slap, stroke. The tears spill down my cheeks when he grips the burdened flesh and lifts me up from ass and hips. Settling my knees on the bed, widening them with his own. Spreading me with his hands. Showing himself, my wetness spilling between my thighs. That forbidden place, twitching just as bad as my weeping slit.

He groans and growls. Bending forward, and my breath catches. Waiting. Please. Please. pLeaSE! But he pulls away. “Guryon.” His voice is rough with his need. Guryon jumps up from his seated, near lounged position on the bed. When he gets up, Ogath grasps my hips and flips me onto my back, laying me on the fine feeling pillows, my burning bottom on soft bedding, as he spreads my legs wide.

He grasps Guryon, by the back of his neck and pushes him down, knees to the bedding, on his elbows. Face inches from my dripping wetness.

“You will resist.” He growls and Guryon’s face is pained, his nostrils flaring and my legs twitching. I grit my teeth and plant my feet. Wanting to beg. To plead. But I can see the steel in Ogath’s gaze. I will not get what I want. Nor will I sway Guryon.

The smack to Guryon’s ass is louder and harder than what Ogath does to me. But it makes me clench just the same. “Count for me, my hungry troublemaker.”

Guryon’s punishment is as quick and sharp as mine. He counts each smarting slap. Wincing only slightly as he stares at the bounty between my thighs. The bounty he’s not allowed to partake. Not yet. a little voice whispers in my mind. And that makes the scent of me bloom in the air. Both males pause to breathe deeply. Their rumbling growls make my belly quiver with delight.

When Ogath finishes, his prick is straining against the cloth of his trousers. Demanding he take them off. Guryon is near salivating. I can feel my wetness pooling beneath my bottom, between my crease. Ogath grasps Guryon by his fallen braid, “Apologize.” He growls and lowers Guryon into my clutching heat.

“Ach, fyrirgefðu mér.” He begs, his lips brushing mine. I whimper at the whispering breath against me. “I ken I give you great pleasure.” He echos his words from earlier. “I ken we can ease your suffering, Sweet Fire Seed.”

And he licks me, from one end to the other. His long black tongue flicking at the end. Making my hips jerk up at him. Towards him. Needing him. Please. And then he lurches forward, tongue dipping inside as Ogath thrusts inside Guryon. “You will not spill.” Ogath demands, slamming home again and again. Guryon nods. Moaning and whimpering. Pleading and trusting as he delves inside me. Laps up my desire and holds my thighs open with his hands.

I’m shuddering and shunting my hips. Pleading and begging Guryon to go faster. Thrust his fingers inside me deeper. But he’s slow. As slow as Ogath is inside him. Ogath watches us with a hooded gaze. “Tell me, little imp,” He gives a vicious thrust, “what you love best of our hungry troublemaker, my strength?”

I choke on my moan as Guryon gives a harsh suck of my budded pleasure. “Fuck.” I hiss, my fingers too, thrusting into the males hair. Ruffling the white on the sides as I delve my fingers through it. “I love his eagerness.” I murmur, panting. His fingers thrust deeper. Harder. I gasp arching my back, trying in vain to kick my legs. “OooOH!” I suck in a desperate gasp of air. “Guryon, you are so handsome.” I murmur. Giving him my truth. “I love the way you think. How you always make me feel warm and cared for and loved.” I moan and pant because he’s loving this. He’s loving me talking. Even if it’s so damn hard to speak. To think through all of this. “Your eyes,” pant, “they are so warm when they look at me. I love when they heat for me. Needing me. Wanting me. Oh, and I can’t wait until I can feel you both inside me. Pulsing with love. With life. Filling me, stretching me.” I whimper because Ogath is furiously pounding into Guryon. Shoving the other Orc into me. His tongue spearing me.

I gasp and shout, fingers scrabbling and clutching. Grasping and needy. “Oh gods!” I shriek and Ogath pulls out. Sprays the both of us with his potent hot seed. Guryons, ass, back and hair. I whimper as it splashes on my belly, my breasts, my chin. Guryon’s moan inside me makes me shudder and clench his invading tongue.

Ogath lays beside me, and starts swirling his seed on Guryon's back. Painting him. He puts his wet dripping fingers to Guryon’s tongue. Where he laps it up just to spear me. I moan at the view of it. As I’m stuffed with it. “Oh, fuck. You’re terrible.” I breathe. But Ogath pinches my nipple in protest and it makes me clench once more.

“Up.” Ogath growls and Guryon obeys. His slick tongue covered in me, with Ogath, licks his lips before groaning as he swallows whatever is on it. Whatever I left him. His prick is tenting his kilt and I salivate. I’ve only tasted him once and I want to taste him again.

Fingers press to my lips. Ogath’s. He feeds me the seed that was splashed on me. He beckons Guryon forward, until my thighs are on either side of his. He feeds Guryon. Who laps it up with reverence. His own prick leaking the clear fluid there as it jerks with his desire. He still hasn’t spilled. Just as Ogath demanded. My fingers slip through Ogaths spend and mixes it into that of Guryon’s slow drizzle.

I wrap my fingers around his heft. He’s so thick around. I whimper at the thought, the clenching need inside me. I would die. Very happily.

“Please.” I hear. But it came from me. My wide eyes jerk to Ogath who is staring at me darkly, intently. He sits up and kisses me. Long deep and lusty. He moves off and nods his head at Guryon, who bends forward, his leaking heft pressed between us. The leather, soft and supple on my belly. His lips are warm and unhurried. Delicious. A delight. Tasting of me. Of Ogath.

I’m panting again when his lips leave mine. But I realize, the only reason he ended it, was because Ogath had moved. He had been tugging on Guryon’s kilt. Which tied at his side. He pulled it out, wet and dripping between us. He tosses it into a brand new basket.

“Show me your desire, Guryon. I wish to see your need. Your handsome form filling her. Show us how hungry you are for her pretty warmth.” My throat closes with surprise as the heady desire fills Guryon’s eyes. His prick jerks and he licks his lips, staring down at me, laid out before him like a feast. Like he were offered the last piece of dessert and even though he’s just had his meal, he’ll have this too.

I shiver and watch Ogath’s fingers cover mine, guiding us, Guryon and I, to completion. His prick jerking at my entrance. And then I feel that delicious pressure as Guryon presses himself forward.

The pressure builds, I feel the slickened head press forward inside of. He’s so wide. It aches as I clench around him. I whimper and writhe.

Jerking with a gasp, the wet hot mout on my breast distracts me enough, surprises me enough that I relax just that bit more for Guryon to inch his way further, deeper inside me. I whimper. It’s both pain and pleasure. Especially Ogaths mouth on my peaked breasts.

“Oh gods help me.” I squeak as he widens more, grasping my thighs and pulling them impossibly apart.

Ogath chuckles, it tickles my flesh. He pulls off with a pop. “The only gods here to witness your lusty body being filled and ripened are us, little imp.” I shiver as his breath blows over the swollen tip of me. “We give you rest and care. We fill you,” Guryon inches forward as my clutching heat grasps him tightly before relaxing. He breathes and juts his hips forward in tandem with my body. “You honor us with your worship.”

“Fuck.”

“Ach.” Ogath growls. “Fuck. Fill her my mate. Make her warm and open. Willing for my Skai plowing.” I whimper. Gods yes.

Guryon growls, gripping my wide open thighs, showing Ogath my swollen bud. And the younger orc obliges his mate. He lowers himself, places himself just above me, him, us. There. His long sensuous black tongue slips around Guryon’s heft, before climbing back up to where we fit so seamlessly together. Or not so seamlessly. For Ogath has fit the tip of his gorgeous tongue between me and Guryon. Gliding between us as he lathers his tongue in the squelching need. He pulls himself free but only to bite on my heated peaking pleasure.

I shout. Clenching and releasing around that thick heft. Guryon takes the advantage given to him. He slides forward with each relaxing of the muscles within me. Until we are flush and he is heavy full inside me.

Ogath's gaze is a stare. A dark beautiful view of perfect wanting. Desperate and devout to us. To this. And I would give anything to have him look at me, at us like this forever.

“I feel you. Kissing my prick.” Guryon growls, his heft jumping inside me. Kissing back. Bathing me in pre-warmth. I mew and clench. Needy.

“Guryon, Please!”

“Helvíti.” Guryon curses before slowly pulling free. I feel how empty it makes me and whimper. My mouth imitating a land fish as I try to find the words to beg him. To plead with him to-to what? He’s already filling me. He’s going to pump me full of everything I could ever want. Could ever ask for.

Ogath comes back up and lays next to me, his lips against my ear. A hand, lazily drawing circles on my skin. My throat, my chest, lingering on my belly before flicking me with his claws. It is both pleasure and pain. “Such a good little imp. Look how he fills you.” I look as Guryon continues his slow onslaught. Dragging himself against my every sensitive part before slamming home again. Home. Yes. Inside me. I moan. “Ach, it feels good?” I nod. Frantic. Pleading. He hums and kisses my cheek. “You will milk him for me ach?” Another frantic desperate nod. Yes, anything. “Make yourself warm and lusty and willing for my Skai prick? To seek my seed?” I suck in a breath. He isn’t asking. But my eyes flick to his and yes, yes he is.

“Yes.” I try to say clearly but Guryon takes that moment to slam inside me and Ogath pinches me between his forefinger and thumb. My back arches. Guryon shouts over me and I’m writhing on the bed while Guryon spills his heat, his seed inside me. It might not be able to take root, but it’s there. Its inside me. Filling me up and spilling around his girth. I moan, mumbling and muttering soft whimpered yeses.

Guryon cuts me off once more but this time with a slow beautiful kiss. Full of his delight, his thanks and his devotion. “Ég er þakklátur. Ég er þín.” He murmurs, between kisses and although I do not speak Aelakesh, I know he is telling me exactly how he feels and how much he loves and appreciates this moment.

Guryon pulls away from my lips, lifting his to Ogath's. I stare as they nip and suckle and lick each other. Telling each other without words, “I love you.” , “I didn't forget you.” Finally, when they pull apart, lips bruised from their teeth, Guryon starts to pull his shrinking heft from me. I whine as the gush of liquid spills around us and down my bottom onto the furs.

Ogath stops Guryon. He bends forward and begins the delightful process of cleaning up his mate with lips and tongue. But then his eyes meet mine over my thighs and belly, and he pauses in his ministrations. He switches places with Guryon, instructing me wordlessly, yes, to finish the job. I lick my lips and start lapping and sucking him clean. While Ogath stares at my dripping lips.

He watches, riveted to the spot as Guryon's clear seed spills from me. And as if possessed, the male soaks his hands in the spillage and pushes it back inside. Warming me back up even as it spills back out. He continues this process, tucking fingers within and stretching me as Guryon had. And then, I groan around Guryon's shrunken heft between my lips, for Ogath did not use his fingers this last time. No. He continues nudging forward with his heavy and hungry prick. He isn't as wide as Guryon but he continues. More. More. And oh gods help me. I whimper as he kisses the entrance to my womb. Lovingly as his prick jerks forward as if eager to do it more.

Ogath looks down at himself. At us. My body clinging to him quickly with each release. He groans, hips jutting forward. I whine. “Gods Ogath, too much.”

He shakes his head. “Not enough.”

“Fuck.” I hiss.

“So soft, an warm. Willing for my Skai plowing? Take my seed an' my care?” He punctuates each half question with a slow thrust and pull. Thrust and pull.

I nod jerkily. “Yes! Yesyesyes. Gladly. Wholly. Yours. All of me. Please...” I exhale on a whimper.

Ogath growls, “Not yet.”

I glare at him. “Why not?”

His black gaze looks to Guryon and his still seed and slick covered self. I bite my lip, giving them both a haughty stare. Ogath jerks within me as he growls, a menacing snarl making me clench. I open my mouth and Guryon slips himself inside. The second this happens, Ogath begins to pound inside me.

The raunchy squelching of Guryon's spend allowing this harsh and demanding action to be fluid and smooth. My breasts bounce with each pounding thrust. His exit and entrance rubbing at something. Something so delightful I can't help but need him more and more. I gasp and lap at Guryon. Mewling and whimpering around him, making more of a mess than I am cleaning him. The Orc hisses as he scratches gently at my scalp.

Ogath lifts one of my legs up, my toes curl as they touch the light skritch of stubble on his cheek. It only adds to the sensations overwhelming me. I break free, panting, clutching Guryon's thighs. He isn't very well, cleaned but most of it is either in my mouth or on my face. Guryon kisses me and licks me clean. His fingers finding my breasts and pricking the peaks he finds there.

“Look at me.” Ogath growls and we do. He groans, his shunting hips losing focus. Becoming erratic as he slams within me.

“Ogath.” I pant. “Please. Oh gods.” My back arches under their ministrations and Ogath finally jerks and shudders to a stop. In the deepest depths within me. Sputtering and spitting inside. Making me full. Making me warm. My womb coaxing out more of his seed until he's spent, replete.

When we are finally cleaned and dressed, ready to leave, I express my dismay at the mess we've left on this unknown persons rooms. Both males laugh.

“Ours.” Ogath amends. “Is ours. Is the closest to both wings we could take.” My brows raise to my hairline.

“But what about--

Ogath grimaces. “Is alright. We will speak of it. For now, the rooms are not complete.” He shrugs and urges me to the Ash-Kai wing. Where we meet an annoyed orc and his mate. “Efterar, Kesst, these are my mates.”

Kesst gives me a wan smile before giving a sniff and leaving. “Excuse my mate, he is working through his thoughts.” I nod and go through the motions of an examination. Even if it is with hovering magic hands. This is the second time I've met the orc, but now I am Ogath's mate. It makes me flush with happiness.

“What else can I do for you?” Efterar asks with raised brows as he washes his hands.

“I hope you can look at Guryon.” Both Guryon and my brows arch in surprise.

Efterar blinks before looking over the male and nodding. He beckons him to seat next to me. Guryon complies if confused by this turn of events. Efterar does his magic hands hovering over Guryon as Grisk do not like touching magic. “I see.” Efterar murmurs. “Do you wish me to balance your body? Because of this injury,” He states, hand hovering over where Guryon's bullocks would be, “you have a inbalance in the body. I can fix this if you wish?”

Guryon blinks at him. “Why fix? I am well ach?”

Efterar seems to think on his response. “You are well enough. Although, you would be more well with it balanced. Your aroused state would not waver so. Energy will not wane. Other benefits for you and your new family.” He blinks. “I can leave you to think on it?”

Guryon blinks back his lips parting as if to speak. “I-” It is an expelling of breath more than anything. “I could run with Raudhan?” He swallows, hoping. Fearing hope. It's not about me or Ogath. Though I'm sure those are factors in his thoughts but he's been imbalanced for years. So long. And he is a good Papa. I squeeze his hand in mine reassuringly.

Efterar nods. “With much ease after the body is used to the change. Will take a few visits and then an occasional one so I know if it still works right.”

Before Efterar can continue Guryon nods. “Yes.” His words are a fervent whisper. “Please.” Efterar smiles kindly and asks Ogath to touch Guryon's head so Efterar can place his hand on Ogath's.

When we are finally done, Kesst walks back in and glares at Ogath, who doesn't look offended in the least. In fact, he is going out of his way to look smaller and unassuming. “Your daughter was in here not an hour ago. But with your woman absolutely reeking of the two of you, I'm not surprised you didn't smell her panic.”

Ogath's dark gaze locks with Kessts. The other orc suppresses a shiver, his fists tightening. “You should talk to her. She was babbling about her mother.”

“Thank you.” Ogath murmurs. He kisses my cheek and then Guryon's before stepping out of the room in a rush. Guryon and I watch him go. Unsure if we should follow or stay behind.

Chapter 39: Omith POV

Summary:

From fighting to fucking. No in between.

Omith

 

Tormarr steps inside the room. I'm staring down at and gently rubbing my thumb over this leather belt in my hands. Cole made it for me. He said it was a first attempt. I can tell it is. The branding is shoddy. One of the burned on knives is a little too burnt and the buckle might need replacing in a few months. But it's from Cole.

There have been some nights of intimacy since Tormarr forced the issue. Made me accept what I feel. The prick. But I've not vocalized it. Not really. No vows. No fealty.

I am Skai. Papa taught me our ways. One of those, is the Rut. If I want Cole, I must come to accept that it comes with Tormarr. For this headstrong Grisk will not give me up.

He is older. Supposedly wiser. But he's also a blundering fool when it comes to my feelings. Either that, or he thinks brute force will win the day. That is more a Bautul trait, at least in battle. But here is this Grisk, a male of cold patience, silent and gorgeous humour. Staring down at me, with that insufferable smirk his annoying adopted brother inherited.

Which leads me to why I'm sitting here.

“I was waiting for you.” It is a grumble even if I try to clear it out of my throat. He raises one brow in inquiry. Doesn't ask. Not verbally. “Faron?”

I watch him jut his jaw from side to side before biting on and then pursing his lips. Letting them pop as he decides on a course of action. “What o'him?”

“You told him about my sister.”

“Ach. I did. What o’it?”

If I thought I could keep my calm, I was wrong.

I launch myself at Tormarr. The male was expecting it, I can tell. For his legs are braced but we still crash to the floor because I hit him lower than his stance will allow. He tries to grapple me with his legs, wrapping them around my waist in a bid to squeeze the life out of me. He grits his teeth as he tries to shove me.

I growl, pushing at his legs, sitting up, I use my other arm to swipe my claws. He jerks his chin and snarls back at me.

When I pull his leg out from around me, he uses the momentum to shove me with his boot. Throwing me off him and onto my arse. “Akva curse you!” I hiss, grabbing my boot from the floor and flinging it at him as he tries to stand. He rolls out of the way and feints to the left before slamming a shoulder into me from the right. I hiss through my teeth and the pain. We thrash and roll, him trying to restrain, me trying to pummel him. But I can see, too late, I’m out maneuvered.

Tormarr lands straddling me. His knees pressed into my forearms locking my arms down, his weight impossible for me to buck him off in this position. And his head is too far away to headbutt. I snarl at him. “She isn’t a thing to be talked about between you and HIM! He does not woe her like a real mate. He has a mate!”

“Ach an’ some who‘ave mated ‘fore found a mate t’ share. Why no’ them?”
“Because he’s an insufferable prick! Lording over others about his accomplishment in luring a well sought over mate like a daughter of Ogath.” I growl.

Tormarr’s gaze darkens. His eyes narrowing with a chink in his cold armour. “You know no’hing abou’ my brother. No’ a damn’d thing.”

“Get off me.” I grumble, flexing beneath him.

“No.” Tormarr hisses leaning forward, his hands on either side above my head. Looking down at me, pressing his crotch, his beating heft into my chest, clothed and saving me the heated branding upon my skin.

“Get. Off.” I snarl this time.

The door opens. “Hey, so I wasn’t sure what you would like from the kitchens so I grabbed a bunch of everything.” The door closes. “I hope you don’t mi—” Cole stops mid step, peering down at us on the ground. His brows arched high. “Am I interrupting something?”

Tormarr’s dark gaze meets the humans. “Yes.”

“No.” We say at the same time.

But Tormarr sits up. One hand covering my mouth. I bite him but he looks unfazed. I can taste his blood on my tongue. “Yes you are.” He informs the male.

Cole nods, as if expecting this. “I can come back?” His words are almost uncertain.

Tormarr shakes his head. “No. Place it down an’ c’mere.” Cole nods, placing the platter on a table by the bed, and steps forward. Tormarr’s eyes looks at the male up and down. From the top of his blonde head to the tips of his laced boots. He licks his lips, looks down at me and then back at Cole. “Kiss me.” He commands.

I watch the emotions flit across the normally impassive males face. It’s only here. In this room, during intimate moments that his cold detachment crumbles. He wants Tormarr. He looks at me. I know, he wants me too. Our nostrils flare, because the sweet scent of his desire is also in the air around us. He looks back at Tormarr and steps forward. His lean body taller than us in his standing position. He grasps either side of Tormarr’s face and lowers his lips to the orcs.
They kiss, soft and slow at first and then it heats.

Tormarr grasps the back of Cole’s head and he moves the male, pulling him down onto his knees next to me. His black tongue plunging into Cole’s mouth as if imitating how he’d like to plow him there. He pulls away and Cole moans, trying to follow the sinful things Tormarr can do with his mouth. “Strip.” He orders.

Cole strips. And I groan behind Tormarr’s hand. His creamy white skin is revealed. He’s only been undressed before us a handful of times and each time it’s like giving food to a starved male. He’s hard and ready. I lick my lips and Tormarr’s hand.

“Kiss him.” Tormarr orders, scooting down my body, until our pricks are aligned and removing his hand from my mouth to gesture for Cole to sit on my chest.

Cole’s thighs tremble as they step over my chest. He gingerly sits down as if afraid he’ll crush me. His hands are tentative as they slide up my chest as he leans forward. “Do you want this? Want me?” Cole asks, as he’s asked every time since the first.

I grasp his hip in one hand and the back of his neck in the other. “Ach, I want you.” Have always wanted you. Will always want you. He dips his lips to mine but they don’t meet mine just yet.

“I do too.” My prick jerks against the wrong one. I can almost see Tormarr’s head behind Cole’s shoulder but I’m not looking at him. Not right now. Not when Cole’s lips are touching mine.

I devour him. Groaning with frustration and delight, for I love kissing Cole. But he tastes like Tormarr. Fuck. They taste amazing together. It makes me want to snarl. But also a different part of me, a more primal part of me, wishes to see Cole covered and filled in Tormarrs scent. And then in mine. Just like now. As our tongues mingle and our teeth nip one another. Bruising the others lips and tongue.

I groan as I feel Tormarr shift, he lifts himself from off me, and then picks up Cole from my chest. Our lips separating with a wet smack. I allow him to slip from my grasp as I watch from the floor as Tormarr settles Cole against his abdomen. “My kilt, human.” He grits. Cole’s fingers tremble as he unlaces Tormarr’s kilt. His heft already tenting and wetting the inside.

All our pricks jerk at the unveiling of Tormarr’s length.

His eyes meet mine around Cole’s waist. “Strip.”

I glare at the male as I do just that. Trousers off. Shirt away. I am bare before them. Cole’s breath hitches as he looks at me. He licks his lips. He’s tasted me every chance Tormarr has allowed him.

Tormarr chuckles, leaning up, his chest grazing Cole’s back, “No’ t’day, Cole.” His hands slip around Cole’s chest and he grazes over his slim figure. Cole is slight for a male his age but not too scrawny. He’s firm of muscle but nothing that says he works on it that often. “T’day, weel pleasure each other.” He shifts Cole a little further down until their pricks are touching. He beckons me forward, until I’m kneeling just so on the bed, that my prick is against the underside of Tormarr’s length. Then he takes Cole’s hand in his and they both grab our sandwiched slickened pricks. “Like this.” He instructs, stroking all three of us at once.

I groan, Cole whines, Tormarr hisses. I grab Cole’s other hand and grasp closer to the base of our pricks. Following Tormarr’s pace. Cole’s toes spread as he pants. His hips jutting as he tilts his head back on Tormarr’s shoulder. Mirroring our first time together.

Tormarr’s gaze meets mine and it’s full of all the heat he hides from me and the world. His accent thick on his tongue, he growls at me, “I’ll ‘elp ‘im ‘ave w’oever ‘e desires. I gave ‘im the information ‘e desired. I’ll no’ give ‘im more.”

“Damn you.” I hiss. My fist pumping that little bit faster. Our fists working against each other, meeting again and again. Cole is shivering and shaking between us. Panting. Whining. “You’re such a prick Marr.”

He lets out a breathless laugh, followed by a groan. “Ach. I ken. I ken.” He bites, sucking  along Cole’s neck and I swallow. Wanting that but not just yet. He doesn’t break the human’s skin. Merely leaving markings along the stretch of skin and just that makes my prick sputter, drenching our pricks and hands. Making them slippery and sliding. “But ye like me like this. Ye’d ‘ate me if I didnae push you. T’ love my scent. Wish ‘im t’be marked by me. Scented by me.” His own prick sputters, splashing a little on Cole’s waist.

I groan, watching this in my peripheral, but also caught in Tormarr’s gaze.

“I will. Jus’ as I’ll do it t’ you.”

“Fuck.” Cole hisses. “That sounds so damn hot. Scent me. Please. I love your scents.” It’s our turn to curse as we feel ourselves falling. “Can imagine you guys taking me all the time. Bending me over and taking me.” The imagery sparks thoughts of sharing him. Skewering him on our pricks. Delighting in all his cries. “Fuck. I want that so bad. My face in the furs. Your cocks inside me.”

Tormarr erupts first and I right behind him. Cole, is last. Only when our spend splashes on him, scenting him as he begged, does he shout his release. Our scents mingling.

We wipe it all over Cole’s skin, before licking it off and starting the process all over again.

Chapter 40: Familial Love

“--ir.” The words come filtering in through a fog. “Dóttir.” I grumble and try to pull in the leg that is currently be gently stroked by soft fingers. The hand grasps my leg and I growl. Kicking it with my other foot. They let go with an even softer chuckle. I pull both feet inside my blanket. “My hearts dóttir.” The voice whispers closer to my blanketed form. I peak a squinted eye out from beneath the blankets, and everything from these past few days come flooding back.

The feelings. The arousal. The memories.

I sit up and stare at him. Pain. Anger. Fear. Are all warring within me. My nose is red from my crying. My eyes are pained and stinging. Probably swollen.

“What ails you my hearts dóttir? Do you need Efterar?”

I shake my head before he is even finished. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I stare at him with pain and betrayal. He’s frowning. Confusion clearly on his face. He opens his mouth but I cut him off before he can speak. “You were there. You were there when mama gave birth.”

“I told—

“About me.” I growl. Stabbing a finger at myself. My finger pressing into my chest. “You told me about my birth.” Realization dawns on him. “That birth. You took me from the room. Pulled me away from Mama. I remember. I don’t know how I didn’t before. How didn’t I know?”

Ogath sighs. “I do not know why. You were so little. Mayhap you didn’t want to remember? Remember her pain? Remember me? I do not know. It was a sad time. Your Papa and I thought it best if I left.”

“With my brother.”

He swallows but his eyes meet mine as he nods.

“Omith?” Another nod. Tears fill my eyes. “And mama?”

His eyes close. “I—

“Truth. I want truth.”

He sighs once more.

“Please.” I lay my head against his arm. His hand finds mine and holds it in a gentle grip.

He swallows. “Your mama accepted me. Forgave me. She let me and Papa love her. And… my seed took. We were happy. And fearful. The mountain was not safe. The town was not safe. There was a midwife who helped people with orc babes.” His hand clenches on mine before relaxing. “She was stern but not cruel. But it did not mean she kept thing secret. Human soldiers were rounding up women and their orclings. To lure their mates and fathers.” My turn for my fingers to clench tightly in his. “Ach, she was telling the soldiers of the women who gave birth. We did not find this out until the night Omith was born. The midwife told them of Mama and Omith. She did not yet know of me.” I watch him. His eyes are far away as if he’s reliving the moment. Remembering every detail of Mama’s pain. “I was there. With you. Holding you while we watched. It was beautiful. Your Mama’s strength. She beckoned me, when Omith came into this world. I laid him in the blanket, just as I’d laid you. Wrapped him and kissed him. The midwife was horrified. But I—I was distracted. Did not see this. She said there were complications. I was confused. But then the door burst open.” He caresses my fingers as if to comfort me. But as he’s so far away, I’m wondering if it’s the me in the past or if it’s himself in the now. “Stormed in. Several males. Your mama saw. Even after all of this, she told us to go. You walked in from your room because of the noise. Mama shouted and then, I grabbed you. I grabbed Papa. I had everyone and we ran.”

“Everyone except Mama.”

He swallows, tears filing his eyes. “Ach. Without Mama. We fled. You were so scared. Omith cried so pitifully. Papa… Papa was so mad at me. But I—We all would have died.”

“Oh, Pa.” I whisper. My own eyes spilling tears to join his. I sit on my knees and wrap my arms around his neck. He hugs me tightly, his nose in my hair.

“We put you in care of a trusted widow. She was mated to a Bautul but lived outside the mountain with a garden. Thought we could rescue your mama. But…”

“Were you too late?” Ogath shakes his head.

“No. Without an army of orcs, we could not save your Mama. She told us to go. She loved us, but she couldn’t have us risk you two.” His hold on me clutches tightly as I hear him swallow. “She did not deserve the fate they gave her. We stayed, the night of her execution. As she stood before her people; people who condemned her. Tried to make her feel small. She looked at them with all the pride and all the anger of a woman wronged. She never looked upon them with fear. Defiance. But never fear. No matter the cuts and bruises that marred her skin. No matter that she gave birth not days before. She was beautiful. And it broke our hearts.”

“Why did I never see you again?” I murmur against his shirt, sniffling."

"Papa and I decided to lie. Lie about your brother. Lie about how she died. But then Papa was dying. And he wanted me to take you home. Here. With me. With your brother. To know  us.”

A breath of air leaves me in a slow exhale. “I’m happy he did. I’m happy he didn’t want me alone. I just… I wish he hadn’t lied. I wish—There is no point in wishing. But I— I remember. I remember the woman shouting about complications. I remember mama screaming. Shouting. And I remember you. Picking me up. Taking me away. I thought… I thought mama died and my brother too. But I remember his skin. He was grey. It’s why I always believed Papa. Because babies aren’t born grey. Humans aren’t born grey.”

Papa nods, his chin rubbing against the side of my head. “Ach. There were not complications with him. She would have survived. Hale and hearty. She was a strong woman.”

“God this has been such a mess.”

“Fyrirgefðu mér."

“Of course. I love you, Pa.” His gasp of surprise is endearing and it makes me laugh as I sniffle, pulling back to look into his beautiful black eyes. “I’m so happy you’re in my life. I’m so happy I’m not alone. And even after all of this time, I’m so happy I have the truth.” My lips tremble as I say this. As I admit to him. To myself. This happiness. It is bittersweet. Because this would have been so much more had Mama and Papa been alive. Been here. With us like this.

My cheeks wet more as I whisper. “I miss them.”

“Ach, I miss them too.” He whispers back, his eyes full of tears once again.

“PA!” The word shatters the moment as Omith rushes through the door. “Ach, oh, sister mine.” He coos, and then I really start crying as he wraps his arms around me in a soul crushing hug. Because this male just met me. He has never known me. But he has loved me for every moment that he has. Without prejudice. Without fear. My little brother. A male I would have fiercely protected throughout his life if I had been given half the chance.

“I love you.” I cry. Because I do. He has been so affectionate and loving. So kind to me. My brother.

“I love you too.” He croons, stroking my hair. After some time, and my sobs turn to wet sniffles, he apologizes. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.

I pull away, my mouth a little wide in surprise. What does he mean we? He rubs his nose a small smirk gracing his lips. My gasp of incredulous outrage burst from me. “You— YOU!” I shove him and he falls off my bed laughing. “You and your damnable nose!” I gasp a second time. “The whole mountain knew!”

Omith starts chortling as I toss a pillow at him. I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. But then Omith is no longer laughing. And instead, he’s smelling my pillow. I remember belatedly about Raudhan’s shirt. Before I can snatch the pillow away from him, he stands and growls. An angry glower on his face.

“What is this?”

“None of your business.” I glare back, reaching for my pillow.

“Omith.” Omith looks at Pa. They exchange words silently and he hands me back my pillow. I stuff it back under the pile, on top of the shirt. But Pa’s hand on my shoulder is a question.

“I was in the grisk baths and I left in a hurry.” I shrug. “Raudhan offered me his shirt and brought me back to the room.”

Chapter 41

Notes:

Fallegur Býfluga FAHT-leg-ur Bee-flew-guh (icelandic: Beautiful Bee)

My translations might not be accurate. They are not all used in Finley's books/glossary, but the words are Icelandic, just not sure if they would be the 'correct' usage. So if there are any people who know the language, please comment and let me know if it's correct or not. There will be more coming up.

Omith didn’t want to ‘leave it’. But Pa wouldn’t let him dig in and try to pry the information out of me. I left it at, “It doesn’t matter why I left the baths in a hurry. I just left. I forgot my clothes to change into and then Raudhan helped me back. As a thank you, I agreed to lunch tomorrow.”

Omith pouted but Pa said he hoped I would enjoy the company. That afterward, if we could talk about some things, he would be glad for me giving him time. Of course I agreed. I enjoy hanging out with Pa and he assured me that Mari would likely be there as well. I can’t wait to tease her and make her roll her eyes.

Now, it is tomorrow.

I wake up when Pa comes in the morn to give me a kiss. A hot drink and some meat, bread and cheese. He took his time pulling out clothes for me and then he showed me the Skai-kesh carving from stone. It isn’t necessarily a statue as it is larger than my hand but smaller than my forearm. It’s place is on a shelf above Pa’s bed. He reminds me when I pray to give to Skai-kesh a fear, a longing and a blessing. And then he leaves. Telling me he is to greet Mari, who was staying with Guryon tonight, for their prayers.

It made my heart clench a little. Because… I know what my fear is at least.

I sit with Skai-kesh before me on a little table. My legs beneath my bottom as I look at him. I sigh. Taking a deep breath and letting it free. I close my eyes and pray.

Skai-kesh, father of the Skai, thank you for bringing me to the mountain. For bringing me home to Pa. I fear things are moving faster than I am prepared for. I long for… I bite my lip as I feel my chest constrict. I long for… them. Even if I shouldn’t. My cheeks flush and I hurry onward. Knowing the truth of my family is a blessing.

“I ask that you sate my fear, to help me with my longing, and give me deeper blessings. Thank you.” I whisper, head bowed, hands clenched in my lap.

After a moment of silence, I stand, putting on my my fingers slipping to the pretty little dress, it is a rich dark red brown, and it compliments my skin. I change my underclothes, put the dress and my slippers on.

Just as I’m grabbing my laundry and Raudhan’s shirt, I stop in the hall. My little basket held tightly in my fingers. It is a small stop. But I straighten my shoulders and move to walk past the male leaning against the wall.

“It is grant your longing.” Pái says as he starts to walk beside me. “Not help with it.” I ignore him but he continues speaking as he follows me. “Rumours are true then? You are thinking of tasting of the mountain?” His hand reaches into my basket and grasps Raudhan’s shirt.

I reach into the basket, grasping the leather handle of one of Pa’s knives. I pull it free as the basket falls. “Drop it.” I growl, holding the knife up in a threatening pose. “I am not sampling anyone. As you can smell like all the other Orcs here, I am clean of other males scents. I may have been marked, but I have not lain or tasted anyone.” Pái stares at my knife. A look in his gaze. Feral and wicked. But not the kind that makes gooseflesh raise on my skin. I shove down the fear. Pái is larger than me in breadth if not in width. But he holds onto the shirt.

“Ah! There you are! I was wondering--Pái?” Jultin tilts his head cutting off his happy go lucky greeting. He tilts his head at us. Taking everything in. “Simon was looking for you.”

Pái tsks dropping Raudhan’s shirt before him before walking away. Stepping on it on the way.

I grind my teeth and pick up my dropped laundry. Jultin steps forward to help me. Scout, the not cat, having been on his shoulders, jumps down, grabs a pair of pantilettes and drags it to Jultin before I can snatch them from him. Cheeks red, I watch as he gently places them on top of the pile.

“Thank you, Jultin.” I whisper, placing Ruadhan’s shirt on top of them. He stares at the shirt, his nostrils flaring a bit, as if to scent it.

“You are alright?” He watches as I tuck my knife in my basket.

“Yes. I would have used it if I’d needed to. Was Simon truly looking for him?”

Jultin rolls his eyes. “Ach, no. But it worked. I’ll like do something for the male when he learns my trickery. It is worthy sacrifice, I ken.”

“You are far too sweet.”

“For you, fallegur býfluga, always.” His eyes are dark, serious and beseeching. As if begging me to hear him. To see him. “Come, I will bring you to the Grisk wing and then off on my errand.” He switches his mask on, his smile flirty and far more false than ever.

When he drops me off in the Grisk wing, his smile is gone, and his eyes are earnest as he asks if I will still be joining him and his brother for praying to Skai-Kesh tomorrow morning. I agree that it is still happening. Relief fills his eyes and he places a gentle kiss on my palm.

“We look forward to it.” My chest aches as I watch him go, before finally walking to the kitchens and to the laundry room where I see some of the others in the mountain; such as Dufnall, Alma, and another orc I have not met yet.

“You know we can do that for you. That’s our job.” Alma murmurs and I laugh, as it’s the same things she’s told me every time I’ve come down here. She’s rounded and working at her desk more than bending over these tubs.

“You have plenty to do. I am just doing my own so no one else has to.”

Dufnall sniffs, then snorts. “Not just yours.”

“Ay! What did I say about sniffing my laundry.” Dufnall shows his form of a goofy smile. He likes me. At least, as much as he can like any human.

I ask him about Cat and Cat’s Mate. About their kittens and their homes. We talk about the babies and children in the classroom. Nonsensical things to pass the time. When Cook comes by to let me know lunch was nearing, as I’d asked her to, I took Raudhan’s shirt off the line and said my farewell. I’d be back for the rest of my clothing after I rushed to my rooms to grab a leather bag to place his shirt into along with a little embroidered Lemon Tartlet on a scrap piece of cloth.

I arrive to the crisp air of the Bautul Garden. Raudhan is already waiting under the shade of a tree, a mat or leather on the grass to protect our clothes. He is speaking with Hámundr who is finishing eating some strawberries and cheese with what I think are crackers.

I step up to them and greet them. They both smile at me and greet me in turn.

“Ach, sorry.” Hámundr murmurs apologetically. “I am finishing my lunch before yours so I can get back to work.”

“Oh, you could have joined us.” I state with surprise.

He shakes his head. “I ken Raudhan only said lunch with him. I thought it best not to barge in.”

“That is considerate. Thank you.” He nods and then bestows a kiss upon Raudhan’s cheek before walking away. He dons gloves and crouches down in the ground to begin the painstaking task of weeding.

“Would you sit with me?” Raudhan asks politely. I flush realizing I’d been ogling Hámundr’s rear.

I murmur an apology and Raudhan laughs. “You understand Bautul oft mate and fuck before all? One can appreciate a body, sweet camellia.” And with that, he sweeps his gaze over my own. His eyes dark and appreciative when they meet my own.

My cheeks will never be the same color again at the rate these males make me blush. I sit down, more plopping down to hide myself. Goodness. Mated males, single males. Or at least, the ones that I seem to be revolving around. It strikes a thought. “Are you two mated?”

Raudhan’s smirk falls. “No.” He murmurs, and starts to pull out our lunch.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—

“It’s not from lack of trying. I just thought Hámundr would want a woman. Not a male. I never leave the mountain truly. So a female finding me was less than a chance. Hámundr at least leaves to help other Bautul or Orcs outside with their gardens. To thrive. So, every time he asks, I have told him no.” He pulls out a plate and starts layering it with finger foods. From the way they are arranged, I’m sure they were made by his hands.

“That sounds sad.”

He hums handing me the plate. I take it and nibble on the food as he makes his own. “It is. Next he asks, I think I will say yes. But…” He sighs looking at the male in question. “I am unsure if he will, or if he is waiting on a sign.”
I nod, watching Hámundr as well. He is the only one in the Garden today. “He will. I know it. He loves you, Raudhan.”

“Ach but he likes someone else too.”

I gasp, my head jerking to him. “Are you bringing a third into your relationship? Or do you fear he will leave you for them?”

He shakes his head. “No. I did. At first but not anymore. He is mine. And I am his. But I think we would welcome a third.” His eyes do not move from Hámundr. They do not betray who this third might be. But it makes hope bloom in my chest. Hope that I quickly try to squash.

Just yesterday I lectured myself on why I shouldn’t want this. Any male.

But a little voice. A wretched voice whisper, until we learned mama didn’t die from childbirth.

I suck in a breath because, I realize, my excuse, no longer applies. Not truly, not completely. It is a fear any woman has to go through in our world. But with magic on our side, a midwife? How hard would it be? Truly? I stare at my plate for a moment. Until I hear a loud groan. My eyes dart up and there is Hámundr, taking his shirt off, sweating and stretching. And the hussy inside me is ogling all that green grey flesh.

“You saw us that day in the private rooms.” Raudhan murmurs softly. My whole body tenses as I remember Raudhan taking Hámundr’s heft inside him. His legs spread open for anyone to see as his arse was filled again and again by Hámundr’s need. “Would you like to know what he was saying to me?”

I gasp, surprised by his boldness. My gaze darting from him to Hámundr and back.

Raudhan chuckles, a flush gracing his green cheeks. “If you wish me to stop you can say so. I will not force anything upon you. But I wish you would tell me to continue.” At my silence he smiles, “Would you like me to continue?”

My breath is coming out in soft pants but I nod my head.

Raudhan shakes his head. “Words.”

“Yes.” I whisper.

“Such a sweet girl.” He murmurs, eyes hooded. He’s somehow scooted closer when I wasn’t paying attention. “Look at Hámundr for me.” I do. Following directions as though it was all I’ve ever known. He sits beside me. Doesn’t touch me, merely leans in to whisper in my ear. “He was growling. Very fierce and strong. Deep in his chest. It melted into my skin. He spoke of a small creature. So beautiful and rounded. Scent so divine and luscious it was crafted by the goddess herself to entice every orc she encountered. But she wasn’t worthy of any of them. Her inner strength, her love, her desires were not worthy of any of them. But oh how they will try. How we will try.” I feel my body quaking as the memory of them is burned into my brain. As I watch Hámundr’s muscles bulge and his hands wrestle with weeds that are difficult to grasp. Imagining them grasping and holding something down. Someone down makes my belly quiver.

“He told me how he would love to have their tongue on his prick. Licking him. Not alone. But with me. He wants us to worship him. To be annointed by him and his bautul seed. But he also wants to devour us. To worship us. To bask in our slick and our seed. Back and forth until we cannot think. Until we cannot breathe. Until all we know is the goddess and Hámundr’s name.” A whine escapes me as I imagine this. All of this. But in my imagination we’re not alone. It’s not just us. There are others. Shadowed figures waiting in the wings. Watching.

“Raudhan.” I whimper.

I can almost feel his wicked smile. “Hámundr is handsome.” He says, changing the subject, pulling away from me. Taking the heat of his skin with him. I am left bereft and wanting. But I don’t say anything. I pick up my plate with my shaking fingers and nod in agreement.

“He is.” I shove a berry in my mouth, some cheese, crackers of some kind. Anything so I don’t have to talk. But from the corner of my eye, I see Raudhan basking in the sun and Skai-kesh watch over me. Because these males are going to be the death of me.

We finish our lunch without anymore talk of licking anyone on their pricks. Thankfully. I doubt I could hide the arousal that I was already feeling let alone more. But watching Hámundr work has probably already made things worse for me. It doesn’t help that I noticed his pants have gotten tighter and he’s not turned around to look at us, especially near the end of our lunch.

It makes my cheeks flush just thinking about it. And how bold Raudhan has been today. A soft but sexy smirk on his lips. My heart. Be still.

“Afternoon, saucy minx.” Murmurs a voice I wasn’t expecting to hear so soon.

My head swivels to him without my say. Without my noticing until I’m staring into black eyes full of desire.

My cheeks flush for a whole new reason. Because different memories of yesterday come flooding my mind. Of a male catching me kissing his mate. Of that same male promising me he will not look at my naked self. And doing exactly as promised. But enticing me in so many more ways. Worse ways.

The bite on my neck, the one he caused, flares with heat. But it doesn’t just arouse me. It also angers me. Because I remember after the bath. When I bumped into the orc next to me. Raudhan. And I realized something.
Faron has been cheating.

I walk up to him. His nostrils flaring and his smirk turning into a full blown smug grin. I smile back. Placing a hand on his chest. I press gently as he leans in to kiss me, stopping him from progressing. My leg hooks around his own and I press harder into his chest, forcing him to loose his balance and landing flat on his back.

This happened within seconds. So the surprise in his gaze is welcome and a balm to my soul. I glare down at him, hands on my hips. “You ever ask anyone else about me. Try to ‘win’ me in secret by scheming and trying to go around me—” I shove a finger at him, pointing threateningly. “I will personally grind you into the dirt. Do I make myself clear?” My words are a hiss. A threat. I am tired of this Orc going around me. Walking roughshod over me. I am a person. Not a thing.

“Ach.” He agrees. “I understand.”

I nod at him and go to walk by. But his large hand reaches beneath my skirt and grasps my ankle. I look back at him, a glower on my face.

“You wish me to court you proper?” He asks. His voice smooth, silky and seductive. It causes gooseflesh to raise on my skin.

Someone sucks in a breathe of air, I think it is Raudhan. But I continue to stare Faron down. “No.” I state, pulling my leg from his grasp. Which is much more gentle than I would expect from him. “I want you to ask. You don’t get to choose for me. Only I do. And you haven’t given me the chance to even think about it.”

With that, I turn, thank Raudhan. I hand him his bag and tell him that there is a present for him inside. And just to spite the male who is lying on the ground, and because I really really want to, I kiss Raudhan on the cheek. I leave, to go visit Papa and Mari. Leaving the males to flounder. Faron on the floor. Raudhan gobsmacked. And Hámundr looking particularly sweet on Raudhan.

Chapter 42: Faron/Aaden POV

Notes:

Words spoken this bit;
Morgunmatur MOR-ghun-ma-thur (Icelandic: breakfast)
Fallegur Býfluga FAHT-leg-ur Bee-flew-guh (icelandic: Beautiful Bee)
Sætur Fiðrildi Sy-tur Fid-th-rih-dee (icelandic: Sweet Butterfly)

Again; My translations might not be accurate. They are not all used in Finley's books/glossary, but the words are Icelandic, just not sure if they would be the 'correct' usage. If anyone does speak and finds anything incorrect or if I am using it correctly, please take the time to comment and let me know <3

Faron

I doubt my prick has ever been as hard as it has been now. Ever. Not when Aaden agreed to be my mate. Not when we laid together for the first time. Nothing has ever made me this hard before. No. That’s a lie.

When she punched me. Her fury in her gaze and her outrage in her stance. It was beautiful. Utterly beautiful.

I groan and growl simultaneously, watching the sway of her hips exit the Bautul Gardens.

“Up.” Growls the large Bautul who is looking at me with both pity and annoyance. “’Fore you make a mess on the goddesses feet.”

I glare up at the male. “I care not for your pity.” I grouse.

He looks down upon me with a straight face. “Better pity than animosity.” He reaches a hand down and I raise a brow in surprise. Taking his hand, he helps me up effortlessly. “She was mad at me not very long ago. I spoke naught of Raudhan, you ken, and she was upset for some time.”

I grimace. “I marked her without her permission.” A rare flush crosses my cheeks at the pitying look intensifying. “Then asked my brother about her likes.”

Raudhan steps forward this time, shorter than myself, probably as tall as the woman we all seem to be in pursuance of. His expression is a bit miffed but tolerant.

 

Aaden

“So we are in agreement?” I ask before pouring the liquid metal into the cast I had just made.  I wipe sweat onto my brow and maybe some soot. But that’s fine. I’ll wash it off when I’m done. Right now, I have a task… well, two tasks to complete before the day is done.

“Ach.” Murmurs the orc. His face silent, stoic and unreadable. But he’s usually always that way. “We will see her tomorrow morn.”

“Morgunmatur?” I ask again, watching the metal set. I have to stop myself from touching it. Fingers twitching in excitement. It has been some time since I’ve been excited.

“For prayer. If you are yet awake then, mayhap you can speak with Raudhan.” A soft grumble leaves my lips as I turn my back to him to a table in the far corner, away from the heat of the forge but giving me plenty of light. I can practically hear him shrug. “You are the one who approached me.”

“Ach, but I did not think of them.” I roll my eyes. “Four is already enough.”

He snorts, the first amount of real emotion I can recall. “Two is enough.”

I sigh. “I ken you are right. I will speak with Raudhan. But after this afternoon, I do not know how he will react.”

A chuckle. I turn to see an almost smile on his face. “I would have loved to see him.”

I smirk. “So would I. But for different reasons, I am sure.”

The other orc shrugs, his bland expression returning. “Your mate is attractive but only Sætur fiðrildi has made me feel anything.” He shakes himself as if to clear his mind of his sweet butterfly. “I will speak with Jultin.”

“Thank you, Jul’m.” I call to his back. In which he raises his hand in farewell. I look down at the cast still cooling and grimace. That will likely not be the last cast. Especially if I must speak with Raudhan.

A dark gaze lances through the darkness, piercing me with shrewdness. And Faron.

Notes:

This is all I have of Handsown (as of 12/4/2024) if you haven't already, check out my other works! Hope to see you around and hopefully in downtime i can add more to these stories.