Chapter 42

My back arches, a shameless moan spilling out of me as I grind against the smooth curve of Thorn's tusks. The orc king eats me up first thing in the morning, and I can't complain. Every time one of his tusks presses against my clit, I curl my toes in pleasure.

I never imagined teeth would make me this wet.

Thorn is the best bedmate ever. He's warm and though he's big, our bodies fit perfectly together. Thorn woke me up brushing his cheek against mine, his lips trailing down my pulse, pressing against my chest.

And then his head was between my thighs and no matter how many times I tell him we can do this later, he doesn't let go.

I think this orc is addicted to my pussy.

Thorn's stomach growls, a deep rumble beneath my thighs, and I can't help but chuckle.

"We really should pick this up later," I suggest, breath still hitched with desire. "After breakfast, maybe?"

But Thorn's dark eyes never leave the junction between my legs. He shakes his head, tusks glinting dangerously close to my heated skin. "You come first." And he slips a finger inside me.

I sprawl out on the bed, naked and wanting. Thorn devours me, starving not for food but for my taste. His tongue is relentless, a slick, hot muscle that knows every part of me. With each lap, each suck, he draws out sounds from me I didn't know I could make—half-sobs, half-sighs, all bliss.

Pressure tightens between my hip bones. "I'm close." I gasp, reaching down to thread my fingers through his long hair.

He hums against me, and the vibration sends shock waves through my body. It's messy, wet with his saliva mixed with my arousal, but wow, it's perfect.

My climax hits hard, shattering through me like a lightning strike, and I cry out his name. I buck against his face and he lets me, covering my pussy with his mouth and drinking every drop of my orgasm.

I smile like a fool, my eyelids closing with bliss as I ride the afterglow. Thorn's hands stroke up and down my legs and I part my knees, ready to take him.

Someone knocks on the door.

Adrenaline rushes through my veins, pushing all remnants of lust to the back burner. I scramble for the cover, hiding my body.

Thorn doesn't bother with such niceties; his voice is as steady as ever. "Who is it?"

"Ursha," comes the reply, muffled by wood. "It's almost time for the morning meeting. You two missed breakfast."

Thorn clucks his tongue, then shoots to his feet. He takes two seconds to get dressed, then helps me into my clothes. My legs still tremble when he helps me into my boots.

The orc king swings the door open. First, I see Ursha's red hair and her red stare, and then there's Eirik. He smiles when he sees us, reaching with his little hands for me.

I scoop him into my arms and kiss his wispy hair. Eirik giggles at me. Have his tusks grown since yesterday?

Thorn closes the door behind us. "You should go to the kitchens," he says, his eyes on me. "Ask Morga to make something for you."

"I don't want to bother."

Thorn arches an eyebrow. "Do you really think Morga would mind?"

I take a moment to think about the cook, with her friendly smile and how she never even hesitated to treat me well. "No. No, I don't think so."

Thorn nods, his lips curling into a smile.

Ursha rolls her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Never thought a human could take an orc. I'm surprised you're not split open."

Blood rushes to my face as I stare at her.

"Ursha," Thorn says, his voice colored in warning. "None of your business."

Ursha narrows her eyes, any hint of humor disappearing from her beautiful but sharp face. "You make it my business when you bring a human over to take care of the heir, and you make it everyone's business when the king gets on his knees for an outsider."

It happens fast. Thorn pushes me out of the way and steps straight into Ursha's face. She doesn't cower. He bares his teeth and roars at her. Ursha's eyes shoot daggers at him.

"Careful what comes out of your mouth," he says, and his voice is so low I almost miss it. "I wouldn't want to lose my best fighter because of something this stupid."

A shiver of apprehension crawls up my arms. I get that Thorn wants to defend me, but isn't this too much? Or is this just part of the Orc culture?

"I have always been faithful to the clan," Ursha hisses back at him. "I say what I see, your majesty. You know what happens when outsiders mix with orcs."

Ursha doesn't glance at me before striding away. My heart races as I squeeze Eirik.

Thorn waits for her to disappear, then turns to me, his hand finding the small of my back. "Don't mind her. She's forgotten who she serves." He takes a beat. "Come. I have a meeting and you must eat."

He acts as if Ursha is just being disrespectful, but that's not all.

I know very well that Ursha might be annoying and rude, but she's right. The marriage between Thorn's sister and an outsider ended in such tragedy that both are dead and the Wolfbone Clan is still attacking and killing.

Is it wise to love an orc?

Or will I create an irreparable rift that might destroy everything?