He's probably hunting. Or doing whatever mysterious mountain men orcs do before breakfast.
I wander to the window, drawn by the silver-blue brightness outside. The storm's over. Snow stretches endlessly, sparkling under a pale sun. I catch my reflection, the messy hair, soot-smudged cheek, and his shirt slipping off one shoulder.I look like the heroine of one of my own books.
If I let my thoughts drift too far in that direction, I’ll start fantasizing about all the things I’d love for Thane to do to me.Mmm.
But that’s a dangerous line of thought, and it could get me into lots of trouble. I need a distraction…
The smart thing would be to obey the note. But I’ve never been good at following rules.
A cloak hangs by the door, heavy and fur-lined. I wrap myself in it, shove my feet into my boots, and crack the door. The air bites immediately, sharp enough to steal my breath. But the view…wow. The landscape looks sculpted in white and silver.
Snow squeaks under my boots as I step onto the porch. I should go back. Instead, I wander into the clearing, pulling the cloak tighter.
That’s when I feel it…someone is watching me.The hairs rise on the back of my neck.
I turn and see movement at the treeline. It’s another orc, even larger than Thane, watching from the shadows. His hair is long, braided down his back. A spear crosses his shoulders and he moves with the kind of stillness that meanspower.
He doesn't growl or threaten. Just watches. Measuring. Still, a shiver of fear rolls through me. I’m safe with Thane. Am I safe with this orc?
"Hi," I say, too bright.
His reply is low, even. "You are the human I smelled."
Smelled? I try not to take that personally.
"I’m Lila,” I say. “You must be one of Thane’s kin?”
“I am his brother.” He hesitates for a moment before adding, “My name is Garruk.”
I force a friendly smile onto my face, still unsure if I am in danger from this orc. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He ignores that. “Thane allowed you to be outside alone?”
I bristle at that, wanting to tell Garruk that I make my own decisions. But I quickly realize that arguing with him is probably not a good idea. And Thane clearly had good reason to ask me not to wander outdoors.
"He told me to stay inside," I admit. "You must be the reason why."
His mouth twitches. "I’m sure I’m not the only reason. Humans are fragile. They can get hurt or freeze to death.”
"I don’t intend to do either."
“Are you trying to run away?”
I blink at that. “Run away? From Thane?”
Garruk nods.
“Absolutely not. Why would I run from Thane? He’s wonderful.” Embarrassment colors my cheeks as I realize I’ve said too much.
Something softens in his expression. "The others say it can work. Humans and orcs. I’m still not certain I believe them."
"The others?”
He nods. "Our brothers. Drak, Varn, Kroy. They have chosen their mates. But Thane..." His brow furrows. "He is young. Wild. He follows his heart before his head."
I smile faintly. "That's not always a bad thing."
He looks at me for a long moment, then glances at the horizon where clouds gather. "The storm will return by nightfall. Stay close to him. The mountain is always testing us, making us stronger.”
