“You don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“Then explain it to me.” He holds out his large, rough hand. “Come with me. Tell me everything. And we’ll figure it out together.”
“There’s no figuring this out. They want information I have. They’ve already killed someone to get it. And now they’ve found me and they’re going to…” tears start to run down my cheeks.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take you somewhere they won’t find you.”
I blink and sniff, using the back of my hand to rub at my face. “What?”
“Maine.” Keric’s hand is still extended. “To the orc commune. One hundred thousand acres, highly secured, completely isolated. If you’re looking for somewhere to hide, that’s it.”
“I can’t drag you into this. I don’t want you to get hurt too.”
“Too late.” His mouth quirks, just slightly. “You already did. The moment you looked at me like that at the wedding. The moment you let me give you my jacket. You think I’m walking away now? And also, I’m an orc who’s pretty good at avoiding getting killed by criminals. I’ve made a career out of it.”
The bus driver leans on the horn, long and irritated. “Last call, lady!”
“Anna.” Keric’s voice is softer now. Gentler. “You’ve been running for years. How’s that working out?”
Not great, actually. Not great at all.
“What if I said I have a better plan?” he continues. “What if I said you could stop running and start fighting?”
“Fighting.” I almost laugh. “Against the kind of people who?—”
“Yes.” He’s completely serious. “Fighting. With an entire family of orcs who specialize in protection. With resources inMaine you won’t have on your own. With me.” His hand is still there, waiting.
“You don’t even know me,” I whisper.
“I know enough.” Those dark eyes hold mine. “I know you’re terrified and trying not to show it. I know you were going to disappear rather than risk putting anyone else in danger. I know you care more about protecting others than protecting yourself. And I know—” He stops, swallows hard. “I know you’re my future Bride.”
My mouth drops open. I step forward. The bus pulls away from the gate, leaving without me. “Your what?”
“I’ll explain later.” Keric steps closer, his hand still extended. “Right now, you need to choose. Get on the next bus and keep running. Or trust me.”
Trust him? Trust an orc I barely know.
He wants me to give up control and stop running. Everything in me screams to refuse. I should push him away and protect him by disappearing, but I’m so tired of running and his hand is right there, strong and steady and offering something I haven’t had in years.
Help.
And I’m super curious about him saying he thinks I’m his Bride.
So I take his hand.
His fingers close around mine, warm and solid. Relief floods his features. “Good choice,” he says roughly.
“I reserve the right to change my mind. The bottom line is I will do what’s right for everyone else to stay safe and that might include me leaving on a moment’s notice.”
“Noted.” He doesn’t let go. “We need to move. Is this all you have?” He gestures at my go-bag.
“Yes.”
“Then let’s go. Jonus is waiting outside.” He leads me through the bus station, his grip on my hand firm but not tight. Like he’s afraid I’ll bolt.
He’s not wrong.
We’re almost to the exit when I stop, yanking him to a halt. “Keric.”
