“Sold? They were married!”
“Aye, but human marriages are like that. Females sold to make alliances.”
I couldn’t deny his words, and when Vrogul attacked again, I matched his patience, trading careful probing strikes, reading his guards and the slight shifts of his weight. His reach was immense—staying inside ‘twas the only real strategy I had.
When he overextended slightly to press me right, I stepped in close, too close for either blade to be useful, and we grappled for a breathless moment, his free hand closing around my wrist, mine braced against his forearm.
He leaned down, his jaw and tusks filling my vision.
“Do ye deny it?”
I twisted, trying to free my sword arm, but ‘twas fruitless.
“All marriages are thus,” I grunted. “Your parents, your sister?—”
“Nay!”
He pushed me away gently and I stumbled backward.
“Orcs dinnae marry. WeMate.”
Since he hadn’t lifted his sword again, I kept mine pointed at the dirt as well when I scoffed.
“That is just a word for tupping?—”
“Mating and fooking are different things, lass.”
His posture was loose, his expression serious.
“Surely ye’ve noticed we dinnae place the same stigma on physical relationships?—”
I cut him off by lifting my sword and scowling.
“Aye, your sister explained.”
And aye, I have noticed. Every time I turn around, I see another couple showing their affection.
Just the reminder of those sights and sounds sent a wave of warm arousal through me, causing me to shift.
“But Mating is just another word for marriage?”
Vrogul’s nostrils had flared, and the green spark in his eyes grew darker. I wondered if ‘twas possible for him to somehowknowmy arousal.
“Mating and marriage arealsoverra different,dkaar.”
His voice had gone low, dangerous as he lifted his blade into the ready position. When he stepped sideways, clearly trying to circle me, I suddenly felt what prey must feel when confronted with the hunter. His gaze was intense. Determined.
“Mating isnae a choice. ‘Tis a kenning—that is what all kitlings learn. We are drawn to our Mates, wekenthem, even when they are no’ with us.”
I swallowed, shuffling to the side to keep facing the threat. He hadn’t lunged, but I knew how fast he could move.
“What happens if you Mate to—with?—someone incompatible?”
Like an enemy.
Vrogul shook his head slightly, causing his braids to sway around his shoulders.
“Mates are always compatible, even if it cannae be seen at first. Physically, emotionally?—”
