Hands rise. Not all, but enough. Four to three. The vote postpones.
The gavel bangs. "Hearing adjourned. We'll reconvene in two weeks with updated reports."
Chaos erupts. People stand, talk over each other. Reporters swarm, microphones thrusting forward.
Tess pushes through, her phone in hand. "Lacy! That was gold. Social media's blowing up. Hashtags for #OrcBelonging are trending."
Aunt Rene hobbles up, cane tapping. Her grin splits wide. "Told you, girl. Slap that dough and see what rises."
I laugh, relief flooding my veins like cool water. Stone's arm wraps around my waist, possessive and warm. He pulls me close in front of everyone. No hiding now.
"You were fierce," he murmurs into my hair. His breath smells like mint and earth.
"We were," I correct. Cameras flash. I don't pull away.
Public sentiment shifts right there. People approach, not with pitchforks, but handshakes. A young couple thanks us for speaking up. An older man shares a story about his elf neighbor. Blair slips out a side door, her face a mask.
Tess herds us toward the exit. "Escape while you can. Media circus outside."
We slip through a back hallway, Stone's hand firm in mine. Aunt Rene waves us off. "Go celebrate. I'll catch a ride with Tess."
Outside, night air hits crisp and alive. Streetlights buzz. Protest signs lean against walls, abandoned. The energy feels different now, hopeful.
Stone tugs me toward the parking garage. "Not home yet. I know a spot."
We catch a late cab, windows down. Wind whips my hair. His fingers lace with mine over the gearshift. My skin tingles where we touch.
He parks near an old warehouse district. "Trust me."
We climb fire escapes, his hand steadying me on rickety steps. Up top, a rooftop overlook sprawls empty. City lights sparkle below like scattered jewels. The river winds dark and slow in the distance.
"Found this scouting for herbs." Stone spreads a blanket from his pack. "Private. Ours."
I sink down beside him. Adrenaline still pulses in my blood. The hearing replays in my head. His words, my words, weaving together.
"We did it." My voice catches. "Postponed, at least."
"Because of you." He cups my face. His palms rough, warm. "You stood there, voice steady, and owned us."
"Us." I lean in. Our lips meet soft at first, then hungry.
His kiss tastes like victory. Tongue sweeps in, claiming. I melt against his broad chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle under his shirt.
Hands roam. Mine slide up his arms, tracing scars and strength. His dip to my waist, pulling me onto his lap.
Fabric bunches. My skirt hikes as I straddle him. His arousal presses firm against me through his pants.
"Here?" I gasp, glancing at the empty rooftop.
"Here." His voice growls low. "Now. To celebrate what we built today."
I nod, heat pooling low in my belly. Fingers fumble with his belt. He helps, zipper rasping down.
His cock springs free, thick and veined, green skin flushed darker with need. I wrap my hand around the base, stroking slow. He groans, head falling back.
"Lacy." My name on his lips sounds like prayer.
I shift, pushing panties aside. No time for full undress. Just need. I guide him to my entrance, slick and ready.
