“You are my mate,” he said before I could even open my mouth. He stepped inside, his massive body barely fitting through the doorway, and kneeled in front of me. “You belong tome.”
Normally, that kind of talk would have me running. But when this orc said it… it sounded sogenuine. I could see the honesty in his eyes, the confusion, and the purewantcoursing through him. And the strangest part was, when he reached out to touch me, I felt it too. There was a spark, a connection between us that I didn’t understand. I didn’t know who he was, his name, or anything about him. But I did know I wanted him just as badly as he wanted me.
"Yes," I whispered, the word escaping me before I could even think about it. Something primal inside me responded to his claim, something that recognized the truth in his words.
The orc's golden eyes widened, his massive hands coming up to cup my face with surprising gentleness. "You feel it too," he said, voice filled with wonder. "The bond. It is rare for orcs to find true mates outside our kind."
I nodded, unable to explain the strange pull I felt toward him. "What's your name?" I asked, realizing how ridiculous it was that I was about to let this stranger claim me as his own without even knowing that basic detail.
“Namosh,” he replied. “And you, small one, what are you called?”
“My name is Kaleb,” I said softly, leaning into his touch. “And this… this doesn’t make any sense. I’ve never even met an orc before today.”
“Fate is mysterious,” Namosh smiled. He gave me a good once over before looking up at me with a soft smile. “You are so beautiful, small one. Lithe and fair and perfect…” His thick fingers traced over my ribs, sliding down to my hip with a featherlight touch. “You would look gorgeous with my cock inside you.”
A shiver ran down my spine at his words. The intensity in his eyes made my knees weak, and I found myself nodding without conscious thought.
"Yes," I whispered. "I want that too."
Namosh growled, a sound of pure satisfaction that vibrated through the small room. He stood, his massive frame towering over me, and in one fluid motion, he scooped me up as if I weighed nothing. I gasped, instinctively wrapping my arms around his thick neck.
"Not here," he rumbled. "Not for our first time. You deserve better than a glory hole stall, small one."
Before I could respond, he was carrying me out of the small room, marching confidently through the bathhouse with me cradled against his broad chest. I should have been embarrassed. I was completely naked in the arms of this enormous green stranger, both of us rock hard. But all I felt was a thrilling anticipation.
Patrons turned to stare as we passed. I caught sight of Darius, who raised an eyebrow and gave me an approving nod. The lizard-man Zex whistled appreciatively from his perch by the steam room. But Namosh paid them no attention, his focus entirely on me and whatever destination he had in mind.
"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice small against the rumble of his breathing.
"Private suite," he answered tersely. "I have one reserved."
We reached a hallway I hadn't explored yet, lined with ornate doors. Namosh stopped at one marked with a golden symbol I didn't recognize. He shifted me in his arms, supporting my weight easily with one massive arm while using the other to push open the door.
The room beyond was nothing like I expected. Where the glory hole area had been utilitarian and sparse, this was pure luxury. A massive bed dominated the space, covered in rich fabrics. Ambient lighting cast everything in a warm glow. There was even a small fountain in one corner, the gentle sound of flowing water adding to the sensual atmosphere.
Namosh carried me to the bed and laid me down with surprising gentleness. He stood back, his golden eyes roving over my body with such hunger that I felt myself hardening again despite having already twice today.
"You are perfect," he said, his deep voice almost reverent. "I have waited many years to find you."
I swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze. "I don't understand what's happening," I admitted. "What does it mean that I'm your mate?"
Namosh sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping significantly under his weight. His massive hand found mine, engulfing it completely.
"For orcs, there is one perfect match," he explained. "One soul that complements our own. We can love others, takepleasure with many, but there is only one true mate." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "When we find them, we know by scent, by taste. Something in our blood recognizes something in yours."
"And you think that's me?" I asked, still struggling to wrap my head around it all.
"I know it is you," he corrected firmly. "I felt it the moment your scent reached me through that wall. But when I tasted you, I was sure." He leaned closer, inhaling deeply near my neck. "It’s like forest rain and sunlight. Mymate."
His certainty was intoxicating. No one had ever wanted me with such conviction before. I reached up, tracing the line of his jaw, feeling the smooth tusks that protruded from his lower lip.
"What happens now?" I whispered.
Namosh's eyes darkened with desire. "Now I would like to claim you, if you will have me. I make you mine in body as you already are in spirit."
My heart raced at his words. This was moving so fast, defying all logic and reason. And yet, I couldn't deny the pull I felt toward him, this stranger who somehow didn't feel like a stranger at all.
"Yes," I said again, the word falling from my lips like a prayer. "Claim me, Namosh."
