I sip my coffee, thinking, processing.
“There are things you need to know about orc biology,” he says. “About what being mates means.”
“Like what things?”
He’s quiet for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Fertility. Permanence. The bond between mates.”
“Fertility. You mean pregnancy.”
“Yes.”
“How fast?”
“With mates... immediately.”
I bite at my lip. “This is too much. I just needed somewhere to hide. I didn’t sign up for…”
“Anna.” His voice is still gentle. Still patient. “You’re safe here. That’s what matters right now. The rest... we’ll figure out.”
“I can’t get pregnant,” I say desperately. “Not now. Not like this. Not when people are trying to kill me.”
“I know. This isn’t how I want us to start either.”
“So we can’t?—”
“I know,” he repeats. “And we won’t. Not until we’re both ready.”
“But we’re living together. In a one-bedroom cabin.”
“Yes.”
“And you think we’re mates.”
“I know we are.”
I laugh. It comes out harsh, a little hysterical. “This is insane.”
“Yes.” A hint of a smile. “But you’re safe. And that’s what matters.”
Chapter Five
Anna
I’m lying in Keric’s bed, well it’smybed now, I guess…and all I can do is stare at the beamed ceiling. The bedroom is nice, comfortable and very masculine, but not unwelcoming. I can’t help but glance around, thinking of how I’d love to add some touches of color to his bedroom though.
Because I guess we’re mates?
I reach up and start twirling my hair. Not that this is a bad thing. It’s just that instead of the two of us being able to get to know each other better while dating, texting and calling each other back in Truckee, I’m now living with him like we’re instantly married. We have to do this so I can hide out here.
He did insist I take his bedroom while he’s trying to squeeze himself on the couch to sleep at night. This is sweet of him.
My stomach is pleasantly full. Keric made dinner for us earlier, some kind of stew with venison and root vegetables that was honestly the best thing I’ve eaten in months. Icomplimented it extensively while he just smiled that small, pleased smile of his.
That orc cancook. I’m not a cook. Never have been. My specialty is takeout menus and microwave popcorn. But I can appreciate good food when I taste it, and Keric? He’s talented.
I insisted on doing the dishes afterward. It’s the least I can do when he’s feeding me, housing me, protecting me. Plus, I’m a tidy person. Always have been. And I noticed immediately that Keric is the same—everything in his cabin has a place, everything is organized. We’re going to get along well, living together like this. At least in that regard.
I reach for the new cell phone on the nightstand. It’s way nicer than the burner I’ve been using. Keric gave it to me earlier, already set up with contacts programmed in. I unlock it and scroll through the list, touched that he thought of everything, making sure I can reach anyone I might possibly need in the compound. The thoughtfulness makes my chest tight.
