“Alice in Wonderland,” Keric says thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of that human movie but never watched it or read the book for that matter.”
“It’s wonderful. Maybe... you could read it sometime? Or we could watch the movie version.” I’m not sure if he’d be interested in a children’s story, but I want to share it with him.
“I’d like that,” he says simply. “I’d like to watch the movie, Alice in Wonderland with you and I approve of the name you’ve chosen for the animal.”
My heart warms. “Then Dinah it is.”
We reach the cabin and I’m excited to get her settled and see her explore her new home. Inside, I set Dinah down gently on the living room floor. “Welcome home, baby.” She looks around with huge eyes, that tiny pink nose sniffing everything. The rug, the chair legs, the coffee table. “She’s so smart,” I say, watching with delight. “Look at her investigating.”
Keric sets up her supplies. He places a litter box for her in the bathroom, careful and methodical and fills it with the litter from Rothgar. Then he sets up food and water bowls for Dinah in the kitchen and fills them with fresh kitten food and water. The toy mouse goes on the living room floor. He’s being so careful with everything. making sure it’s all perfect for Dinah. He said he didn’t know how to take care of a cat, but he has natural caretaker instincts, which I find incredibly attractive.
Keric sits on the couch, finished with the setup and watches Dinah play. His expression softens. He’s already charmed, even if he won’t admit it. Dinah suddenly tries to climb his leg, her tiny claws catching on his pants. Keric looks startled and glances at me. “What do I do?”
“Pet her.”
He carefully helps her up onto his lap, so gentle with those large, rough hands, treating her like she’s made of glass. Dinah curls up into a tiny ball right in the center of his lap.
“Oh my god. Keric. Don’t move.” I fumble for my phone and snap several pictures from different angles. The tiny grey kitten snuggling on the big “scary” orc’s lap is the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.
Keric stares down at her, completely still, barely breathing.
I sit on the couch beside him. “Just let her sleep.” I’m smiling so wide my cheeks hurt.
“But she’s so small,” he says quietly. “What if I hurt her?”
“You won’t. Just be gentle.”
He carefully reaches down and strokes one finger along Dinah’s back.
Something shifts in my chest. I’m really starting to like this orc. I’m not just attracted to him—though god, yes, I’m attracted. That bare chest, those muscles, the way he moves. I’ve been celibate for three years and I’m very, very aware of wanting him. Of how my body responds when he’s close. But it’s more than that. I’m now perfectly fine with the idea of playing house with Keric Irontree.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “For letting me bring her home.”
He looks at me with warmth in his eyes. “She makes you happy. That’s what matters.”
Chapter Eleven
Keric
Ionly agreed to a kitten living in my cabin because this caused a bright smile to flash across Anna’s charming face.
Not that I dislike cats, but I’ve never understood why these animals are coveted. Loki was perfectly fine to live with in the large house in Truckee, but I didn’t have to feed or walk him, or be personally responsible for him, so that was fine.
Meanwhile, I am surprised at how quickly I’m charmed by this small creature Anna brought into our home and named Dinah. The name is acceptable, and the animal has soft fur and a comforting rumble in its chest. I’ve never petted a cat before and the texture is very addictive.
Dinah sleeps on my lap, completely relaxed. Her tiny paws and the small tail are appealing. She chose me specifically and climbed right up my leg like I was hers.
Anna still takes photos of this cat sleeping in my lap. The joy on her face makes agreeing to this animal worth it.
My female’s stomach grumbles loudly. She laughs, embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m starving.”
“I promised you lunch. Let me cook.”
I stand and carefully set Dinah back down on the couch in the warm spot I left behind. We had a long meeting in the Great Lodge and then ended up at Rothgar’s cabin and adopted a kitten. It’s been a busy day and I need to feed my female.
In the kitchen, I start pulling out ingredients.
Anna follows behind. “What are you making?”
