He turns, concerned.
“You have to understand, if I stay with you, they’ll come after everyone at that wedding because they’ll know they can use them to get to me. Ellie. Garlen. Zoe. Everyone who was in that photo. I can’t just leave and go to Maine, leaving them behind to get hurt.”
His jaw sets. “Already handled. Garlen and Dane are on it. By morning, everyone will know to be careful and we’ll keep them safe. And you’ll be on your way to Maine.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
I should argue again and protest, should do literally anything except follow this orc out into the rain and trust that he can keep me safe when no one else could. But I’m still holding his hand.
And when we step out into the cold pre-dawn air, Jonus Irontree waits by a big SUV that screams “orc family vehicle” and he grins when he sees us. “Found her,” he says cheerfully. “Excellent.”
“Keys,” Keric growls.
Jonus tosses them over. “Back seat’s already set up with blankets and pillows. Figure she’ll want to sleep. It’s a long drive to the airport.”
Airport? This is really happening.
Keric opens the back door for me.
“Why?” I ask. “Why are you doing this?”
He’s quiet for a moment, studying my face like he’s memorizing it. “Because you’re mine to protect.”
Chapter Two
Keric
Ican’t stop checking the rearview mirror.
My beautiful Anna sleeps in the back seat, wrapped in the blankets Jonus threw together before we left the bus station. Her face is peaceful now, no longer tight with fear. Dark hair damp against luminous skin. She looks smaller somehow, vulnerable in a way she never lets herself be when awake. She’s here and safe. And she took my hand.
The relief is so intense my chest aches. I drive through the pre-dawn rain, windshield wipers beating a steady rhythm. Neither of us speak now that Anna is safely asleep. She passed out faster than I thought possible, letting me know how emotionally and physically exhausted my female is after her trek to the bus station.
The engine hums, rain hits against the exterior of the car and Anna breathes softly from the back. I can’t believe I found her in time. Another five minutes and that bus would’ve pulled awayand then my future bride would’ve disappeared into a network of cities and false identities, and I might’ve lost her.
I’ve known Anna was mine since that moment Garlen lost control and I pulled her back to safety in the school hallway. The moment I caught her scent every cell in my body lit with recognition and I knew. But she doesn’t understand that yet. She’s human, with different biology and different instincts. For her, I’m just the orc who stopped her from running. For now, that’s enough. I’ll take what she can give.
“So,” Jonus says quietly, eyes on the road. “Your mate, huh?”
I grunt, not denying it.
“When did you know?”
“When Garlen went wild.” I shift in my seat, glancing back at Anna again. Still sleeping. “I caught her scent. Pulled her to safety. And I just... knew.”
Jonus nods slowly. “Been watching her since then?”
“Yes.”
“Waiting for her to feel the same?”
“Yes.” My jaw tightens. “Last night at the wedding was the first time I scented her reciprocal arousal.”
“Heh. Does she know what ‘mate’ means?” he asks. “To orcs?”
I shift uncomfortably. “I told her at the bus station.”
