It had been Callor’s suggestion and, although I hated to agree, a good one. By matching my younger brother with one of Callor’s granddaughters, our clans would be connected by alliance, if not oath.
But ‘twould not be a Mating.
Maardok blew out a breath and tapped his scarred cheek.
“‘Twould have been me, brother, had Callor no’ thought me too hideous for one of his wee flowers. Sevren’s reputation is kenned throughout the Highlands, apparently. But if ithadbeen me…”
When he took a deep breath, his shoulders expanded wearily.
“I would have accepted it. For the safety and future of the clan.”
I knew what such an admission cost him.
Orc males grew up in a world that celebrated our females because there were so few of them compared to us. We dreamed of one day finding our Mates, but not all of us were as lucky as I had been, as our father had been. Iknewthat my brothers dreamed of one day finding their Mates…but that opportunity was being stolen now from Sevren.
“I hate agreeing to it without speaking to him first,” I admitted quietly, not wanting to wake Rowena.
“He’ll agree,” Maardok said instantly. “He will do his part for the clan.”
“I’ll no’ force him. Even if it means another war.”
“He’ll pledge to her, and fook her, topreventanother war,” Maardok vowed. “And if heislucky enough to find his Mate later, well…’twill no’ be the first time a male has broken his pledge for such reasons.”
He was right. And he was right that Sevren would do it, even if he didn’t like it.
Poor bastard.
My brother suddenly clapped my shoulder.
“Are ye hungry,D’malk?”
Mutely, I shook my head, lifting my Mate higher against my chest.
“I would keep my Mate warm.”
“Aye.”
Maardok pointed to the tent which had been made from a spare plaid draped over the limb of a tree some way from the others who were wrapping themselves in their plaids around the fires.
“Yer bed awaits, brother.”
He’d ordered that set up for me? For us. I nodded my thanks.
“Ye honor me.”
“I honor Rowena,D’malk,” Maardok smirked as he faded into the shadows. “Ye’re lucky to have her.”
I was, indeed.
Feeling the tightness in my chest finally easing, I headed toward the little private tent.
My people were safe, my Mate was in my arms, and our future was secure.
All would be well.
Rowena
I wokewhen Vrogul laid me on the ground. Missing the warmth of his arms, I reached for him, pulling him down beside me until I could roll atop him, stealing his heat. I felt him chuckle at my boldness.
