Page 8 of My Orc Package Deal

After a few minutes—or possibly an hour?—Aswan and his Mate, Hannah, joined us. I’d known Aswan back in Bramblewood—he was one of the first from Colorado to move to Eastshore—and it made me happy to see him holding his Mate and youngest son.

But the happiness also tasted a little bittersweet, knowing what I’d lost.

I tried to focus on the conversation, especially after Dravik and Varron—two males who’d moved with us—joined the group. But I couldn’t seem to concentrate, not with Kesha pressed at my side.

Focus, you idiot. She doesn’t know any of them, and you’re forcing her to make conversation alone.

The reminder of my responsibility was enough to force me to join in the small talk, even though half my attention stayed on the female in my hold.

Eventually, Sakkara laughingly began to herd the rest away from us. “We should give the newlyweds some time alone.”

“They’re going to get all the time alone they need in a few hours!” Varron winked lewdly. “But there’s plenty of other well-wishers. Let’s go find Brakkor,” he said to Dravik. The scowling other male just shook his head and turned away.

Where was my brother? And for that matter, where had Jocelyn—Kesha’s best friend—disappeared to?

As the crowd around us dispersed, I felt Kesha exhale, felt the tension leave her body, the way a held note finally releases…and realized how difficult it must have been for her, to maintain that level of politeness when her nerves must be humming as much as mine.

Sakkara had been kind to leave us alone, but Varron had been right too; there were other pairs drifting toward us now, likely intent on congratulating us or whatever. The thought of fielding their teasing while introducing them to Kesha was exhausting…and it would be worse for her.

“Come on,” I murmured, tugging her backward. “Moving targets are harder to pin down.”

To my surprise—and delight—she chuckled at that, but it sounded tired. I supposed after so many days driving, so many days filled with uncertainty, she was allowed to be tired. Jay had planned this event for Friday night, right as the Brileys arrived, so they wouldn’t have to worry about finding a room to stay on Eastshore, which was expensive.

As we stepped back out of the circle of paper lanterns hung around the beach, Kesha craned her head. “Can you see the boys?”

The boys. Like Jay and Milo already belonged together. The thought made my Kteer vibrate in contentment, and I nodded toward the dessert table, not even needing to guess where my son was.

“Looks like they’re negotiating that second cupcake. Jay will take care of him, if you’re worried⁠—”

“I know,” she sighed, and it sounded pleased rather than resigned. “I trust him—trust them together.”

Knowing what I knew of Milo, that was a huge vote of confidence, so I was smiling when we strolled toward the dunes. Still, Kesha kept peering over her shoulder.

“Don’t we need to, like…be there?”

“Like,” I teased her, knowing she was a stickler for the English language.

To my delight, she snorted and nudged me with her shoulder, as if we were old friends. “You know what I mean.”

“I thought we could use a break.” Or maybe I just needed some time alone with her. “We can go back if you want.”

She pulled me around so we were facing the mingling crowd, but away from them. “This is great. Maybe just a few minutes to catch my breath.” Her little laugh didn’t sound funny. “A lot has happened.”

“It certainly has.”

And just like that, things were awkward between us once more. Still, she didn’t release my hand.

“Your friends are nice,” she finally said. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep everyone’s name straight, much less their wives’.”

“I’ll make you some lists.” I knew that would appeal to her editorial side. “But they’re not all married. Most married for legal reasons, but for some of them, the Mating was enough.”

In the darkness, I could feel her gaze on me. “Is that the orcish equivalent of a marriage ceremony?”

I was suddenly uncertain I wanted to go down this path. “Um…not really. Mating can be socially recognized, but it’s between the couple.”

Kesha wrapped her free arm around herself, and I sensed her attention on me rather than the gathering. “So it’s like dating?”

Hells, I was going to have to explain. With a sigh, I gently disengaged my hand and ran it through my hair. Kesha wrapped her other arm around herself, and I realized she was trying to warm herself. I suppose that little sundress was inadequate once the sun went down.