“He’s leaving tomorrow,” Keric says quietly. “With a team of orcs at his back.”
My eyebrows rise. “Leaving? Where?”
Jonus exchanges a look with Keric. “There’s a journalist,” he finally says. “A human woman. She’s been investigating some dangerous people, the same ones you’ve tangled with recently, and she’s gotten herself into trouble. I’m going to find her and bring her home.”
The way he says it —bring her home— makes something click.
“Is she...?”
“I don’t know yet.” His jaw tightens. “But I need to find out.”
Keric claps his cousin’s shoulder. “Be careful. Call if you need more backup.”
“I will.” Jonus turns to me. “Take care of him, Anna. He’s been waiting his whole life for someone like you.”
“I will,” I promise.
He disappears into the crowd, and I lean into Keric’s side. “Will he be okay?”
“He’s an Irontree. He’ll be fine.” But I hear the worry underneath.
I make a mental note to ask Ellie what she knows about this journalist later. For now, I file it away and let myself sink back into the celebration.
The music swells. Someone gives a toast. Ellie makes a speech that has me laughing and crying at the same time. We cut portions of a huge chocolate cake and smash bits into each other’s mouths. I toss my bouquet behind me and everyone laughs when Zoe runs up and catches it with one hand.
And through it all, Keric never leaves my side.
Eventually, the sun sets behind the trees and the stars come out and his patience finally snaps. “Enough,” he growls a little too loud. “I’ve been patient, but I need you alone. Now.”
Before I can respond, he sweeps me up into his arms, lifting me like I weigh nothing. His strength never ceases to amaze me.
I squeal, grabbing his shoulders for balance. “Keric,” I laugh. “I can’t believe you’re really doing this.” And yet I guess I shouldn’t considering this is the male who carried me off to a cave to have his way with me.
He doesn’t answer, focused on getting us home.
I wave goodbye to our guests as he carries me away from our own wedding reception. Cheers and whistles follow us into the darkness. Drew yells something about stamina.
I bury my face in his neck and laugh. “You’re impossible.”
“I’m an orc who just married the most beautiful woman in the world. I’m allowed.”
He ignores the parked vehicles and instead carries me the entire way from the center of the commune, where our wedding and reception were held, all the way to the edge of the community, where our cabin stands by itself. I rest quietly in hisarms the entire time, not chilly because I’m snuggled against the warmth of his massive chest.
Meanwhile, I fantasize about what I’m going to do with this man the moment he sets me down.
Keric carriesme over the threshold of our cabin.
He sets me down gently, his hands lingering on my waist. We walk inside and I am in awe. Our small but comfortable cabin has been transformed into a luxurious, romantic setting, like something out of a movie. Candles flicker on every surface and the fire crackles warmly. We follow a trail of flower petals scattered down the hallway and into our room. More petals decorate the bed.
“Oh, this was so nice of them to do this for us,” I exclaim.
We stand there for a moment, just looking at each other in the candlelight. Me in my silk wedding dress, him bare-chested and beautiful.
“You are not only my Bride now, but also my human wife, legally mine according to human laws.”
“Mrs. Irontree.” I smile up at him. “How does it sound? I’ve been Anna Lee my whole life, except for that time I was in hiding. That name came from my parents and I loved them and enjoyed keeping it and being a part of that family with them, especially when I was growing up, but I think I’ve decided to take on your last name now and use it, even professionally. Is that okay with you, that I’m Anna Irontree from now on?”
He growls in approval. “You are an Irontree.”
