Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

A s if this crazy adventure could have gotten any crazier.

What the hell is a statue of my Great Aunt Charlotte doing here? And hand-in-hand with an orc no less. Her likeness is unmistakable. The mansion is full of portraits of her and her regal features.

What had initially been a chorus of gasps from the assembled crowd, has turned into a cacophony of whispers and exclamations. And it is getting louder. I feel Thokk's hand tighten around mine as we face the sea of shocked faces.

It feels like this could go either way. But then there I notice a bit of a commotion to the right.

"The elders." Thokk apparently can see them before I can.

Sure enough, in a moment, they emerge from the crowd, having pushed their way to the front. Their expressions are a mix of awe and disbelief as they too stare up at what has been revealed. Elder Faelar, the elf-like one, steps forward, his eyes fixed on the statue. The square falls silent, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

"My people," Faelar begins, his voice trembling slightly. "I... we... owe you all an explanation." He takes a deep breath. "For generations, we've hidden the truth about our history with humans. We believed it was for the best, to protect our way of life."

So they knew?

Murmurs ripple through the crowd. Faelar holds up a hand, silencing them.

"But this," he gestures to the statue, "is a sign we can no longer ignore. The time has come for change."

He turns to face Thokk and me. "Thokk, Zoe, I apologize for our treatment of you. We acted out of fear, not wisdom."

The tree-person elder, Oakenheart, steps forward, his wooden face creaking as he frowns. "Are you saying we should simply throw open our gates to humans? After all this time?"

Faelar shakes his head. "No, but we must begin to bridge the divide. It won't happen overnight, but we must try."

The fairy elder, Luminara, flutters forward. "I agree," she says, though her voice carries a note of reluctance. "Though it will not be easy. But signs are ignored at one's peril."

As the elders continue to discuss, I notice the varied reactions in the crowd. Some nod in agreement, while others look skeptical or even angry. Kalen catches my eye and gives me a thumbs up, while nearby, a group of younger monsters whisper excitedly among themselves.

Faelar turns back to the crowd. "Change is never easy, but it is necessary. We pledge our support to this new path, and we ask for your patience and open-mindedness as we navigate these uncharted waters together."

Talk about fate.

Of course, that statue only creates more questions for me, but all in good time. For the moment I am just happy to breathe a sigh of relief. I don't think Thokk is about to argue with this rather unexpected turn of events either.

The news has created a wave of excitement that seems to have quickly spread.

"You live in one crazy town Thokky."

"You got that right."

"Speaking of crazy, you are going to have to tell me more about this Aunt Charlotte of yours."

"This is as crazy to you as it is to me."

Between the elders and Elowen, and well, the reveal of the statue, it seems the crowd has been satisfied, and all but lost interest in us. It is largely dispersing as it breaks into smaller groups, probably to discuss the exciting news.

And not a minute too soon.

"I think I need a nap. Or maybe a drink. Otherwise, my brain is going to explode."

"That doesn't sound good. But I think I can help." He has a mischievous look in his eyes. I think I like it. "I'm afraid we have one last piece of business to take care of first."

"Oh, do we?"

No sooner have I said it than Thokk lifts me into his arms and carries me back to his cottage, my giggles echoing through the streets all the way. I can't believe how quickly things have turned around. One minute we're facing down an angry mob, the next I'm being whisked away for a "proper claiming." Whatever that means.

"You can put me down now, you know," I say, giving his back a playful pat when we are halfway there. "I do have legs."

"Hush, tiny human," Thokk rumbles, but I can hear the smile in his voice. "I'm being romantic."

I roll my eyes, even though he can't see it. "Oh yes, nothing says romance like being tossed over someone's shoulder like a sack of potatoes."

He gives my ass a gentle pat. "This is orc romance." For a moment he slows. "I though at least part of you would love it."

"More than part," I quip, batting my eyelashes at him.

He is totally right. I do love it. I love him. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. I, Zoe Bennett, professional cat lady and failed museum curator, am head over heels in love with a massive monsterly green orc.

Life is soooo weird.

As we enter Thokk's home, he finally sets me down.

"So are you going to tell me what this claiming thing is all about?"

"You are my mate Zoe, this is obvious to us both, yes?"

"Um, duh," is all I can think of to say in response.

"But I must claim you as mine to make it official," he says as if it's obvious.

"I mean, I am yours, what more is there to say?" I say, not entirely getting what he means. "Or do you mean a wedding?"

"No, I mean yes, we will have a binding ceremony, but this is different. I mean in the eyes of the elders and in accordance with the old ways," he says, his amber eyes dark with an emotion I can't quite place.

"Sure, if it makes you feel better."

His brow furrows, "Zoe, it will bind us for all time. There will be no going back."

"I said let's do it. Claim away! Why would I want to go back?

"Zoe," he says, his voice low and husky. "Are you sure about this? About us?"

"Of course, I am. Didn't I just say that?" I realize he doesn't get that I am right there with him. Totally onboard. I reach up, cupping his face in my hands. His skin is warm and surprisingly soft under my palms. "Thokk, I've never been surer of anything in my life. You're it for me. My person. Er, orc."

He leans into my touch, a soft rumble emanating from his chest. It reminds me of a cat purring, if that cat was the size of a refrigerator and could bench press a car.

"Then let me claim you properly," he says. "As my mate."

I quirk an eyebrow. "That's what I've been saying. But is it going to involve some weird orc ritual? There better be no sacrifices. I am an animal lover, that would be a deal breaker," I add.

Thokk chuckles, shaking his head. "As am I. No blood. Just this."

He leans down, pressing his lips to mine in another amazing kiss.

"Oh, I see," I say, finally getting just where he is going with all this. "You know you don't need to make up some big story just to get in my pants again Thokk," I say teasingly.

"My aim is not to get in your pants Zoe Bennet, it is to remove them completely." He breathes in my ear as he picks me up again and heads for his bedroom.

"Thank you for the clarification." I plant a kiss on his neck.

But rather than respond he simply lays me down on the bed.

This time though I lay on my stomach as he does indeed pull my pants down. But he doesn't stop there. With the shyness of our first love making out of the way, he is more masterful, more commanding. And I welcome it as I lift my butt up to him. He rewards me with a gentle slap across my ass cheeks.

I pause to pull of my top and panties before once again rolling to lay prone beneath him. He likewise is pulling down his own pants with haste.

The danger and excitement of the earlier events have raised our desire it would seem. Certainly mine. While those first few days of being his captive, even if it was just for show, were heady and intoxicating in a way, this newfound acceptance is unleashing a whole new level of desire between us. And perhaps celebration as well.

I feel my core heating up as his touch as he caresses my back for a moment before planting a kiss on my neck, and then on my lips as I turn my head back to him.

"Zoe, you are the most beautiful mate I could have ever hoped for."

He whispers in my ear as he continues to run his large powerful hands over my flesh, from my shoulders down to my thighs.

"You don't mind that I don't have tusks."

He pauses for a moment. "Do not repeat this in mixed company, but I have never been, um ... excited by lady orcs tusks as other warrior report."

"Good, cause your stuck with me as I am. Oh and yeah, I won't tell."

"If you do, you realize I would have to punish you." There is a new teasing quality in his voice now.

"Oh no, not that." The sarcasm is heavy in my voice and he chuckles warmly.

Without hesitation now he grabs at my waist and in a moment I feel his hardness laid across my ass, though he only presses his hot pulsing flesh against me. Happily, I purr and press back against him as he begins to tease me. I am already wet and ready for him and I can tell he is eager to drive his shaft inside me.

"You are sure?" He asks again.

"Gods, yes, I am sure!" It seems I have already picked up his speech patterns.

And before I know it, I feel his cock pressing insistently against my pussy as I lift my ass against him.

We both utter a moan as he enters me.

"Yes baby," I say, unable to contain myself.

He holds much of his weight off of me, but still I feel his power as he drives in deep almost immediately. I moan as my pussy stretches to take him. Soon he is thrusting in again, even as I push my pussy back against him. Before I know it, we are both panting as he begins to pound me, taking me from behind. Pleasure is radiating out from my core as I feel him penetrating deep inside me.

Almost immediately I am soaked and grunting with every thrust even as I feel his hands locked on my hips. He pulls me back toward him even as he plunges inside me.

This time there is no dallying, and I don't mind a bit. We are both bucking, moaning and grunting as we give ourselves completely to one another. There is no holding back of his beast – or mine. Our bodies slide against each other even as I feel the pressure building in my core.

"Fuck me Thokk!"

With each thrust I feel him impossibly deep in my belly. I am full to the hilt and feel closer to the edge each time he slides in, my lips split wide by his thick shaft. As his balls slam against my clit my moans start to come faster, and lose all control.

He is yanking me back with each thrust and I feel his hands tighten on my hips. I know he is close.

"Oh," I grunt as the pleasure and pressure builds.

"Zoe Bennet, you who is my mate. I take you. I claim you with all that I am."

"Yeah baby," I cry back.

Vaguely I hope that suffices? If there are any special words I am supposed to say, he hasn't told them to me.

"I claim you. I shall protect you... you are now mine!" he cries. And even as he does, I feel his hot seed erupt inside me.

Oh my god that's a lot. The heat of it and his climax sends me over the top and I feel my body rocked by my own orgasm as I scream.

"Oh Thokk!"

For a moment he just holds my hips as I feel him shake. We convulse together for a moment, before he again collapses at my side, immediately pulling me into him.

"Thokk," I breathe as I pull his arm around me and scooch my butt against him.

"That was amazin- Ouch!"

I feel a tingling sensation on my chest. It doesn't exactly hurt. It was more just the shock or surprise. "Um, Thokk? What's happening?" I say as I roll onto my back and try to look down at my own chest.

He grins, looking immensely pleased with himself. "This is the claiming mark."

As I see it, I gasp. Just above my left breast, an intricate design is taking shape in black etching. Is that a cat? I think it is. A very stylized one.

"It's beautiful," I breathe. "A kitty cat? How did it – how did it know?"

"No one fully understand the nature of the mark, but it always reflects the bond."

"I guess so. It's perfect." I lay back again into the pillows.

"Yes, it is perfect. Like you," Thokk rumbles, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I snuggle closer to him again, basking in the afterglow. For a moment, the whole world, both worlds, fade away. Right now, it's just me and my orc.

My orc. The thought makes me giggle.

"What's so funny?" Thokk asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," I say, grinning up at him. "I'm just... happy."

He pulls me closer. "As am I, my Zoe."

We stay like that for a while, wrapped up in each other. But eventually, real life comes knocking - literally.

But it's more a pounding. I hear his minotaur buddy, Kalen's booming voice at the door. "Thokk! in there forever. The whole town's is buzzing!"

I groan, burying my face in Thokk's chest. "Do we have to go out there again?"

Thokk sighs. "He said ‘buzzing.' "I guess we should find out exactly what that means."

"Let's do it," I say as I kiss him on the arm.

We get dressed and head outside, but apparently Kalen hasn't hung around to say more, so we head further into town. And this time, there's no collar, no pretending to be a prisoner. I walk proudly at Thokk's side, our hands intertwined.

Let them buzz.

Pretty soon it's apparent that the streets are indeed full of a new energy that definitely hadn't been there before. Monsters, or creatures, or whatever of all shapes and sizes are milling about excitedly. As we pass, conversations halt and heads turn. I resist the urge to hide behind Thokk.

Come on, Zoe. We've faced down elders and angry mobs. We can handle a little attention.

To my relief, it would seem that "buzzing" is, for the most part good. The looks we're getting aren't hostile. Curious, yes, even a little wary, but not angry. Not at all actually I realize. A few brave souls even approach us.

"Is it true?" a troll asks, eyes wide with interest. "Are you really mates?"

I smile, but resist the urge to show off my mark. Somehow that feels a little uncouth. Instead, I just tell him. "Sure are."

The troll's jaw drops. "Wow," he breathes.

Then I notice a group of unmarried male monsters eyeing Thokk with a mixture of envy and hope. One of them, a sasquatch, elbows his friend and whispers loudly, "See? If Thokk can find a mate, maybe there's hope for us too!"

"Did you hear that Thokk! Things are changing!"

I don't think he heard, but he gives my hand a excited tug as he keep walking.

But then, as if to remind us that the change won't happen overnight, we pass by a group of older monsters, and I overhear a gruff voice muttering, "This is madness. A human, here? It'll be the ruin of us all."

Thokk tenses beside me, but before he can respond, another voice chimes in, "Oh, hush, Dalen. The elders have spoken. If they say she's alright, then she's alright."

The first speaker, Dalen, snorts. "Elders can make mistakes too, you know. Mark my words, this won't end well."

For a moment I fear Thokk will confront, but instead he just chuckles and shakes his head.

"We can't expect everyone to just jump for joy overnight, Thokky. Give them some time."

He grunts in agreement. Truth is, the vast majority of the faces are now welcoming. There is a strong bit of curiosity too it seems, based on periodic whispers. For the most part though, it seems the townsfolk are heading back about their normal routines.

As we make our way through the village, I can't help but marvel at all the sights I was too scared to really appreciate before. The architecture is a fascinating mix of medieval and magical, with impossible angles and glowing runes etched into the stonework.

"Oh my god, Thokk, look!" I tug on his arm, pointing at a shop window. "Is that a wand shop? Like, honest-to-goodness magic wands?"

He chuckles at my enthusiasm. "Yes, though they're not as flashy as your human stories make them out to be. Mostly just glorified pointers for channeling energy. More for show than anything really. Or so I hear."

I press my face against the glass like a kid at a candy store. "Can we go in? Please?"

"There will be plenty of time for that, hon. Right now, there's someone I want you to properly meet," he says as I see Potions and Notions come into view.

He makes a beeline for it.

"I have so many questions-" I tug at Thokk's hand excitedly as I continue to look around.

And just like that Elowen appear in the doorway of her shop. "Well now, if it isn't our resident lovebirds. Feeling properly claimed, are we?"

I feel my face heat up. "I, uh..."

Thokk's face flushes darker, but there's a twitch at the corner of his mouth and a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Watch it witch."

Elowen cackles. "Oh, come on, can't a witch have a little fun. After all, I think I've earned the right. Pretty sure my spell somehow brought you two together, didn't it?"

"Seems that way, I thought it only fitting you should meet Zoe properly."

"A pleasure dear. I am Elowen. Welcome to Fablewood." The witch does a little formal bow.

I bow in response. "Thank you." I feel a little embarrassed, but then suddenly what she said hits me. "Wait, a spell?"

"Zoe, are you okay?" Concern returns to Thokk's face. And that adorable furrow.

"What about a spell," The witch peers into my eyes.

"Are you saying Thokk and I – that I am under some sort of spell?"

"Oh no dearie!" Elowen chuckles softly. "That's not how a mate summoning spell works, not really. I just gave fate a helping hand."

"Wait what? How can you give fate a helping hand?"

She winks. "Magic works in mysterious ways, dearie. Just remember all things are connected. Now we just need to talk about your binding-"

Just as she says that a small gaggle old fairy looking ladies interrupt her.

"Yes, yes," She addresses the ladies. "Please excuse me." Elowen drifts off to attend to her patrons.

And not a moment goes by before Thokk and I surrounded by a whole new gaggle of curious monsters. They pepper us with questions.

"Is it true you're from the human world?"

"How did you get here?"

"Are there really no monsters where you're from?"

I do my best to answer, feeling a bit like a zoo exhibit. But as I talk, almost holding court in the middle of the street, I see the last vestiges of fear and suspicion in their eyes slowly give way to genuine and pure interest.

"You know," I say, warming to my audience, "where I'm from, most people think monsters are just stories to tell kids at bedtime. I always suspected there was more to it. And now here I am!"

A young fairy type creature pipes up. "You are not half as terrifying as I was told either!"

"Thank you? I think?"

As the last curious creatures finally move on, Thokk and I are alone once again.

"Can we just go home?" I put my hands on his chest. "I feel like I could sleep for days! It's been a lot!"

"Of course, my Zoe."

As we make our way through the streets, the events of the day swirl in my mind. The statue, the elders' acceptance, the claiming – it's almost too much to process.

"Thokk," I say, breaking the comfortable silence, "I almost can't believe all this. It's like a dream. And it has all happened so fast."

He grunts softly, a sound I'm learning means agreement. "That's an understatement. But it is a wonderful beautiful dream. And I wouldn't change a thing."

"A perfect dream." I look around again at the magical setting.

As we walk, I notice how different the town feels now. The air of suspicion is gone, replaced by curiosity and, in many cases, genuine warmth. A group of young monsters wave enthusiastically as we pass.

"Hey, what was Elowen saying about ‘binding?'"

Thokk looks into my eyes. "Oh that, right." He says it in an obviously put-on blasé and overly casual voice. "I guess we have to make it official, right?

My heart skips a beat. "A wedding!" I practically scream.

Thokk laughs seeing my excitement.

I've heard of shotgun weddings but this is crazy.

It's all crazy, Zoe. Duh. Look around.

The idea both thrills and terrifies me. "Will they accept me? I mean, really accept me?"

Thokk stops, turning to face me. "They already have, Zoe. You've won them over, just as you won me. So is that a yes?"

"Of course it's a yes, you big dummy!" I practically jump into his arms. We continue walking, and I find myself imagining our future in Fablewood. The adventures we'll have, the friends we'll make, the life we'll build together.

As we reach home, a thought strikes me. "Thokk, do you think... could we visit my world sometimes? There's so much I want to show you."

He nods, pulling me close. "Hmm. Let's take one step at a time. I think there might be a few complications there..."

"But it's not impossible, right?"

"No, definitely not impossible. Where there's a will, there's a way, right? Worst case, there's always Halloween."

I laugh.

But yes, where there's a will there's a way.

Later, as we lay in bed, I think about Aunt Charlotte's statue. With so much happening I have hardly had time to process. What could it mean? And how the hell did it even come about? And what about those murals? So many questions. Is there a connection between my world and Fablewood? But that's an adventure for another day.

For now, I'm exactly where I want to be – in the arms of my orc, in our magical hidden village, ready to start our happily ever after.