Keric’s muscular forearms are works of art. His bare green chest catches the sunlight streaming through the windshield. Those tribal tattoos on his shoulders and arms are beautiful, with intricate patterns that probably mean something in orc culture. His horns are shiny and clean, those twisted black horns that humans call scary.
I think he’s gorgeous.
Those thick tusks, the strong jaw, the way his muscles move when he shifts to steer. Everything about him screams power and strength, but I’ve seen how gentle he can be. How careful. How kind.
The silence between us is comfortable. I don’t need to fill it with meaningless chatter. For once, the quiet isn’t lonely. I feel like we’ve known each other closely for years instead of days.
More cabins come into view, tucked between the trees. Some have smoke curling from chimneys. Flower boxes rest in windows, which I assume are human touches added to orc homes. Orc children play in yards, their laughter carrying on the breeze.
This is where the mated pairs live and families are built. And I wonder if I could have that, here, with Keric. Do I want to stay and marry this male and live out the rest of my days with him? Do I think we have something between us that could stand the test of time?
I bite at my lips, thinking this is a distinct possibility.
“Wait.” I sit up straight. “Is that—” I point to a cabin set slightly apart from the others. It’s more isolated, at the edge of the residential area.
“That’s Rothgar’s place,” Keric says.
“Is he... is that him on the porch?”
“Looks like it.”
“With... are those kittens?!” Sure enough, Rothgar is on his porch and small, adorable creatures tumble around him. “Can we stop? Please?” My voice comes out eager, almost childish. I don’t care.
Keric glances at me, surprised. “You want to see Rothgar’s cats?”
“Please. I love cats. Stop the vehicle. Turn around. I need to see them.”
His lips twitch. “Alright.” Keric turns back and parks in front of Rothgar’s cabin. The old orc looks up, mildly surprised to see us so soon.
I unbuckle and eagerly step down. A cardboard box is on the porch and small fuzzy shapes move around inside. A few have escaped and a tiny grey kitten tumbles down the porch steps with uncoordinated clumsiness.
I gasp with delight. “Hi Rothgar! I’m sorry to bother you, but are those kittens?”
Rothgar simply grunts in response.
The grey kitten reaches my feet, meowing pitifully. I immediately kneel down.
“Oh my goodness, hello baby!” I scoop her up carefully. The baby kitten is so tiny she fits in my palms, a grey tabby with stripes and big ears that are way too large for her tiny head. Huge eyes stare up at me. She’s a scrawny little thing, but absolutely precious and starts purring immediately.
“Heh. That one doesn’t usually like strangers.”
I look up at Rothgar, cradling the kitten against my chest.
“Come on then,” he says, standing. “Meet the others.”
I follow the older orc onto the porch, still cuddling the grey kitten. She’s purrs so loud I can feel it vibrate through my whole body.
Keric stays back slightly, giving me space but close enough that I can feel his presence.
I kneel by the box, still holding the grey one. “They’re beautiful!” The other kittens are playing, tumbling over each other. Black ones, orange ones, and a calico. All so fluffy and perfect.
Rothgar’s expression softens slightly. “They’re six weeks old and ready for new homes. I’ve been trying to find families for all of them. Those others are spoken for and getting picked up tomorrow.” He points to the grey kitten in my arms. “That’s the only kitten that doesn’t have a new home yet.”
My heart breaks. “What? Why not?”
“She’s considered not as pretty as the others. Runt of the litter.”
“She’s perfect,” I whisper. “Absolutely perfect.” My throat gets tight. This kitten is like me. Not conventionally pretty by some standards. My ex-boyfriend in grad school told me I was “cute for a chubby girl.” Another guy I dated said he “didn’t usually go for bigger women” but made an exception with me, like I should be grateful.
