Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Harper

The meeting was just as bad as I thought it would be, but it brought a surprising diversion: bitching about my ex under my breath with Meli.

The guy doing most of the talking—Geoffrey A. Harrison, according to my sister—was a regular asshole, trying to steer Eastshore in a direction he thought best…which often included high-rises, apartment buildings, and tourist traps.

Capitalism, yay.

Look, I'd only been here a short while, but even I could tell Eastshore's appeal was that it wasn't like that. It was cozy and welcoming, and everyone knew everyone else. Not the sort of small town I'd expected to find on an island, but it totally worked.

I mean, half the people at the meeting knew who I was already, without Meli having to introduce me!

Anyhow, Geoffrey's ideas weren't bad, and even I could tell they were thought out, but they weren't right for Eastshore. And more than half the audience agreed with my assessment. But the rest of the townspeople were listening intently, likely because he was talking about bringing in more money for the small business owners.

His opponent, an impeccably dressed orc named Sakkara, was too sympathetic, too polite for politics. He gave Geoffrey too much time to talk—any courtroom lawyer knew that wasn't a good idea. But when he did speak, Sakkara was…surprisingly in tune with the island.

Meli whispered that he'd only been here a short while, but he seemed to really get what Eastshore needed. He spoke about growth at a slower pace, one that was more in tune with what the island already had; ways to encourage more families to move here, instead of millionaires who wanted a third beach home.

The sincere, clearly intelligent orc spoke quietly but firmly about how Eastshore was more than just shops and buildings; it was a community, a home . And he knew that everyone deserved that sort of home.

His platform was definitely a feel-good sort of vibe, and a lot of people were agreeing, a few broke into spontaneous cheers or " You tell ‘im !" at opportune moments.

But Sakkara just seemed too polite for politics. Could he be the mayor of Eastshore? He certainly felt protective of the place.

Geoffrey A. Harrison, on the other hand, was a smooth talker. Well-dressed, handsome in a slick sort of way, a great smile. He knew how to use what he had, and as I looked around, I could see some people nodding along with him.

He might very well end up the next mayor of this town, and I told myself I didn't care, because I wasn't going to be around very long. After Thanksgiving, I will be out of here .

"See what I mean?" murmured Meli.

We were standing in the back of the room next to the table where she'd set up the snacks. Actually, she'd insisted I sit because of my ‘delicate condition,' but I'd decided I was tired of lounging around, and I wanted to do something, so now we were beside one another, heads tilted together.

"He sure is smarmy," I agreed. "Reminds me of some of the partners at my law firm."

Hell, he reminded me of myself .

My whole life I'd been told I'm pretty, mainly because I was tall and blonde. I knew how to dress for a courtroom, and I knew how to get people to listen to me and sway them to my viewpoint. I was used to feeling confident, which is why the last few weeks had been particularly hellish.

Meli shot me a smirk, which told me she could read my mind. "Yeah," she whispered, "but I like you more."

"You know who he kinda reminds me of?" I cocked my head and watched Geoffrey pace as he spoke. "My ex."

"Oh, no," Meli assured me. "Simon isn't handsome enough."

That surprised a laugh out of me, which triggered Meli's giggles, and we both tried to smother the sounds when a lady in the back row turned around to glare at us.

So my shoulders straightened, and I pressed my lips into a thin line to hold in my smile as I pretended to study Geoffrey's points. After all suspicion had been waylaid, I leaned closer to Meli, tipped my head toward hers, and breathed, "He texted me, did I tell you?"

Meli's gasp was loud enough to cause that woman to spin around again.

So my sister huffed a sigh and pulled out her phone. She typed something, and my phone buzzed in my pocket .

What followed was a text conversation between two people standing mere inches apart.

He didn't?

Yep. Told me how much he missed me, how much he wants me back.

Of course he does!!!!!! You're so much better off without him.

My fingers hesitated over the letters. I knew I was better without Simon. He wasn't right for me. One of those small men who tried to make himself bigger by climbing on top of the people he punched down. Oh, he was slick and charming, but eventually, I'd seen him for the jerk he was.

Thank God, I'd realized it before the wedding.

I know , I eventually typed. But sometimes I wonder…

When Meli glanced at me with a raised brow, I touched my belly. She rolled her eyes and lifted her phone.

Is he the dad?

You know he's not .

I'd dumped Simon before my sister's wedding, before my foolish one-night stand. Hell, dumping Simon likely was the reason for the one-night stand. I needed something to wipe away his memory.

Oh boy and had it ever.

I mean, aside from the getting knocked up part, that had been the best sex of my life!

My phone vibrated, and I glanced down at the screen.

Then you're better off with him out of your life. You have enough shit to deal with now, without his clingy butt all up in your business.

Smirking, I typed out, I'm glad I don't have to deal with his butt, period, no matter what's clinging to it.

Beside me, my sister snickered.

He was a twerp. I can't believe you tried to set me up with his brother !

My fingers flew. His brother was just as bad. They were both entitled assholes. Mom just wanted us to marry doctors .

Oh, believe me, I definitely remembered it had been my mother who hooked me up with Simon. He was the son of one of her friends from tennis or book club or something, and she'd been thrilled that I was marrying a doctor.

Actually, I think she was happier about the bragging rights more than anything.

My phone vibrated and Meli's text came through. Well I'm really happy with my mechanic, so Mom's just going to have to deal with that.

Honestly, I was surprised that Mom was dealing with the fact Meli married an orc. I mean, if Cairo had been a podiatrist, that might've helped, but Dad was an engineer, and recognized Cairo was just as smart, just as talented, as he was, so that was great. Mom was coming around.

I glanced at my phone as Meli's message popped up. Maybe you having a baby will keep the pressure off me and Cairo for a bit.

Eyes wide, I spun on her, to see Meli's smirk. "You're throwing me under the bus?" I hissed.

She shrugged. "Maybe she'll be thrilled. She always talked about the perfect grandbabies you'd give her."

There was a hint of vulnerability in those words that made me want to reach my arms around my little sister and remind her that she was perfect just the way she was. If she and Cairo decided to have babies—something that I now knew was totally possible—I knew they'd be perfect too.

Instead, I slowly exhaled and typed on my phone.

I'm glad I could help.

Meli's snort beside me was loud enough for the back three rows to hear, and it made me feel a little better .

As I was scanning the back of the audience's heads, I noticed two I hadn't seen earlier. And I'm not sure why, because they towered over everyone else.

There were two orcs sitting on the far right of one of the rows, but I couldn't tell who they were. This year, there'd been something of an immigration to Eastshore Isle, thanks to Meli's best friend Jess, who was currently sitting up on the panel of Town Council members, trying her hardest not to roll her eyes at Geoffrey's pontificating.

What I knew was that Jess, as the Community Development Coordinator, had come up with a revolutionary way to save Eastshore that didn't involve more tourist traps or whatever, and it was mainly thanks to the orc she'd fallen in love with. She'd reached out to Sakkara, who was sort of the leader of that first batch of orcs to join our world, and he'd been responsible for a bunch of them moving to Eastshore, himself included.

Since he was up on stage, that meant the two orcs in the audience were likely… Karnak was married to Jess, right? So maybe that was Karnak, come to support his Mate, and…Cairo?

I nudged Meli and whispered, "How'd you convince Cairo to come?"

She smirked for a moment, then realized I was being serious, and followed my pointed gaze.

Leaning closer, she murmured, "That's Thebes—you can tell by that neat haircut. It's his Mate's land they're discussing, after all."

Oh, duh . There was Ashlyn sitting beside him. I'd only recently officially met her, but we'd spoken on the phone a few times, and emailed a bunch more, when I'd helped her with an inheritance issue last month.

Realizing the town was in trouble if a particular sale went through, Meli had connected me with Ashlyn, who had such severe dyslexia that she'd never actually read her mother's will. I went through it with her, and we were able to stop the gutting of Eastshore's historical district.

Hopefully, I'd be able to visit with her tonight.

As Geoffrey sat back down, one of the older members of the Town Council stood. "Well, thank you for that, Mr. Harrison, you've given us plenty to consider. Now, that does wrap up our time for the evening with a reminder to everyone to vote next week."

And then the meeting was over, and people were standing to mingle. As my sister jumped into action to begin to serve the goodies she'd brought, I stepped up beside her to help.

"Oh my gosh, Harper, great to see you!"

I turned quickly to see Ashlyn beaming at me, her arms held open, offering a hug.

I wasn't necessarily the kind of person who jumped in for a hug right away—unlike Meli—but Ashlyn had become a friend. So I stepped into her embrace.

But I'll admit I leaned forward so she couldn't feel my stomach.

I wasn't ready to go public yet, not with that secret.

Ashlyn was already speaking, going on about the plans for the historic buildings and the park space the town was planning. She still held my hand, nodding enthusiastically, and I couldn't help but grin.

I was so glad I'd been able to help her, not just for Eastshore's sake, but her own.

"Oh, I have to introduce you to my Mate. Thebes! Thebes, honey, over here!"

I had to admit, it was pretty adorable how many of the women here in Eastshore had found love with the orcs who'd moved. And not just love , but…Matehood? Was that th e word? The way Meli described it, finding your Mate was like marriage, but not.

It was more about biology, I guess. She and Cairo just knew they were going to be together for the rest of their lives, and the wedding had been an unnecessary formalization. And to keep Mom happy.

"Oh, there he is," Ashlyn was saying, gesturing toward a group of tall green males who were talking. "Thebes, honey!"

One of them turned to us, and his entire face lit with joy when he saw us. Or rather, saw Ashlyn.

Which was weird, I mean, because he'd just been sitting with her through the meeting.

But it was impossible to deny; her Mate was joyful to see her, and from the way Ashlyn did a little bounce of excitement, I knew the feeling was mutual.

When he stepped up, Ashlyn introduced us, her tone suddenly shy, as if worried what I'd think. "Harper, this is my Mate, Thebes."

I stuck my hand out with a welcoming smile. "Very nice to meet you, Mr. Thebes."

Instead of shaking it, the orc took my hand in his, enveloping my fingers, and bowed over it charmingly, a rakish grin on his lips. "Very glad to meet you, Harper. Please, call me Thebes."

His voice was low, his tone smooth. Charming, just like Geoffrey and Simon, but…not. The way Thebes smiled, the way his eyes sparkled when he moved to wrap one arm around Ashlyn, told me he wasn't just charming me to be charming; he was a sweetheart.

And, to my surprise, I felt myself becoming flustered.

Maybe it was because Thebes was remarkably handsome? I mean, not just handsome for an orc , but handsome, period. He wasn't the hottest orc I'd seen, no, but I could admit I didn't mind looking at him.

It wasn't until I realized I was wiping my palm down the outside of my pants, taking deep breaths to calm myself, that I realized I wasn't happy about this realization.

Focus, Harper. Don't be a jerk .

Right. Right. So Thebes was handsome? So what? He was in love with Ashlyn, and she was in love with him, and…well…

Don't you think he's a bit young ?

What can I say? I have a thing for older, more experienced men.

Guys like Simon—and Geoffrey—talked because they didn't do . Simon used to love to talk up his prowess in bed, but it wasn't until I…well, let's just say, his so-called prowess wasn't anything to write home about.

One night—the night of Meli's wedding—had been enough to wipe all that from my mind.

As the two of them went on about the Council's plans, I nodded and hummed where appropriate, my hand protectively cupping my abdomen.

I did notice Thebes's gaze drop to my stomach once or twice, and I knew I should stop calling attention to my baby bump, but I couldn't help it. Touching my child brought me comfort, and yeah, I might still have no idea what I was going to do, but now I knew we'd be together.

So I just nodded and smiled and tried to pay attention to what Ashlyn was saying, while behind me, Meli chattered happily to the townspeople and handed out cookies.

Giz a

The assembly was just as bad as I'd expected. Not boring, but I could tell that Harrison's ideas were going to ruin Eastshore, even if half the audience couldn't. This place could become a tourist destination, with lots of opportunities to make money…but it wouldn't be the same place anymore.

And if Eastshore turned into the kind of place Harrison was describing, I didn't think I'd want to have a storefront on Main Street.

Sighing, I squirmed in my seat, then glanced sideways to see Sakkara frowning thoughtfully at Harrison, listening to his words. He didn't seem angry at the prospect.

So why was I?

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to understand my body's reactions. It was something I'd learned years ago, and something these younger males rarely understood; our bodies will tell us what's wrong, if we can listen.

Well, I was listening, and mine wasn't telling me shit.

Just that my heart was pounding, and I was feeling antsy for some reason.

I took another deep breath, and realized there was a scent . A tantalizing scent on the edge of my awareness, teasing me…

I spent the rest of the meeting trying to isolate it and identify it, but no luck.

Besides, Sakkara likely thought there was something wrong with me by the way I kept inhaling and holding it hopefully.

The scent…

It was coming from someplace nearby. No, someone.

And it was familiar. Too familiar.

After the meeting, Sakkara stood speaking with Thebes and Karnak, so I crossed my arms over my chest and pretended to listen. Instead, I was trying to figure out why the scent was so familiar.

It was the scent of my father, my brothers. Not the males who'd crossed the veil with me, the ones I called T'mak — little brother —now, but rather the males I hadn't scented in over a decade.

But they weren't here.

When Thebes was called away by his Mate, our little circle closed a bit, but I watched him over Sakkara's shoulder. The younger male—charming and suave, as always—stepped up to his new Mate and embraced her.

They were both speaking to a woman whose back was to me. A slender woman whose blonde hair rode high in a ponytail, who wore a black cardigan with sleeves that were too long, as if it was a comforting article of clothing.

She was nodding along to whatever Ashlyn was saying, but when Thebes bowed over her hand, her body language said she wasn't comfortable.

Something about her reaction caused my concern to spike. I slowly lowered my arms and watched her wipe her palm down her thigh, then reach around to touch her belly.

She hadn't been afraid of Thebes, I told myself. I didn't need to jump over and protect her.

But something about her reaction had heightened my scenes.

And that scent was back.

My nostrils flared, and I leaned forward, trying to identify it. I closed my eyes, hoping to isolate the scent. It was right out of reach, so familiar and yet…

And yet…

"Giza?" Sakkara sounded worried, but I couldn't open my eyes to check. "Are you okay?"

"It's me," I whispered, and my eyes popped open.

Sakkara and Karnak were eyeing me worriedly .

"It's me," I repeated. I was smelling… myself ?

No, not myself. The scent was mine, yes, but…mixed with someone else.

I spun about, gazing frantically around the room, trying to understand what was going on. What could be the source?

"Giza," Karnak hissed sharply. "What in all the hells? You just sniffed your own armpit."

Did I? I whipped my head around.

"Do you smell that?" I barked.

"I smell you," Sakkara said mildly, but I wasn't sure if it was a joke. "What's wrong?"

"I smell…" Myself, yeah, but mixed with…

When the answer hit me, I gasped and stumbled back, as if one of the younger males had landed a punch.

"A kit," I whispered. They were both staring at me as I lifted my gaze in shock. "I smell my kit."

"Wh—" began Karnak, but I pushed past them, all semblance of manners and politeness gone.

My kit was somewhere in this room. I knew it. I could feel him. "My son," I said, pushing past humans, trying to capture the scent. And then, since I couldn't seem to contain the panic clawing up my chest, I tossed my head back and bellowed, "My son!"

Well that quieted the room.

Every single being there turned to look at me, and I stalked in a circle, claws extended, inhaling purposefully, desperate to catch hold of that scent again. He was here.

My son.

And then.

And then.

My eyes landed on her .

The blonde Thebes had been talking to. The one holding her abdomen protectively .

The one staring at me now, wide-eyed. Terrified.

The one I'd fucked a half-dozen times, made her scream my name in pleasure around my tongue. Around my cock.

"My son," I whispered, wide-eyed as I stumbled toward her. She carried my kit.

As I came closer, she stepped back, twice, thrice, until it looked as if she was running from me. I rocked to a stop, trying to ignore her panic, my eyes on her stomach. Where my kit slept.

My hand reached out, claws extended, but for what I didn't know. She stumbled backward again, and then Meli was in between us, her hands on her hips, glaring up at me.

"Giza! What the heck? What are you doing?"

The blonde was watching me over Meli's shoulder, and I saw the similarities in their hazel eyes. They were related, then?

Without taking my eyes off her, I addressed Meli in a harsh whisper. "A…Apologies, Melinda. I need an introduction. Now."

I didn't know her name, but she carried my son, and that meant only one thing.

Meli frowned and turned slightly to glance at the taller woman. "This is my sister, Harper O'Donnell. Harper, this is Giza. He's—"

"I know."

The blonde woman's quiet whisper interrupted her sister's words, but the room was so quiet, everyone could hear.

"I know Giza," she repeated.

A strange sort of bubble rose in my chest. Panic? Anger? Laughter? "And I know you, Harper O'Donnell. I've been thinking about you since Cairo's wedding."

Her second hand joined her first, covering her abdomen. "Have you? "

I nodded once, holding her gaze, the truth coming easily. "You are mine." Then my eyes dropped to the precious gift she carried. "You and my son."

Meli's shocked gasp almost drowned out the murmurs around us, and she whirled to her sister. " Giza ? Harper, you hooked up with Giza and didn't think to tell me?"

Her chin rose, and she turned her glare to Meli. "I didn't know he was Giza! I didn't know he was still in Eastshore!"

"Still in—?" Meli sputtered. "He lives here! He's in my old apartment!"

"I only—look, you were the one— Gah! " Harper threw up her hands. "We only just decided to track him down like, two hours ago!"

Two hours ago? We ? I couldn't seem to focus on her words, or what they meant. I was only focused on one thing.

"Do you know what this means?" I asked, stepping closer, grateful that she didn't step away.

No, the woman who would be mine stepped closer , tipping her head back and glaring up at me. She was brave, yes, and I could see the anger in her eyes. But there was something else…fear, bravado. And…tears? At some point tonight, she'd cried—or almost cried—and that breaking made me want to gather her in my arms.

To protect her.

Of course I'd feel that way.

"I know what it means," she blustered. "It means I have a hell of a time ahead of me, trying to juggle my job and an infant."

She planned to raise this child herself. Well, why wouldn't she? We hadn't known one another—not even our names!—and of course she'd assume she'd have to do this alone .

But now I'd found her again.

I shook my head. "It means, Harper O'Donnell, that you are my Mate, and I am yours. Only Mated pairs can produce offspring, and that is my son you are carrying."

Holding her gaze, I inhaled again. And sure enough, that tantalizing scent wrapped around my heart. Part me, part her.

My kit .

But she hugged herself tighter. "You—you can smell it? Him?"

From the corner of my eye, I saw Thebes nodding, so I said merely, "Yes."

"He's—" Her voice broke, and I couldn't hold myself in check any longer.

I stepped forward, close enough to raise my hand, to trace her jaw with one clawed fingertip. "Harper, you are mine."

Her chin rose, defiance flashing in her eyes. "I'm my own . I can handle this, just like I've handled everything else. I don't need you!"

She was strong—she must be strong, to be my Mate and carry my son—but I could see her strength went even deeper. I had no doubt she could birth and raise this kit by herself, but the thought of not being there…

The thought of not being a part of her life…

I growled, reaching for my chest, trying to assuage the ache.

My claws dug through the material of my shirt until I hurt . Until the pain made me blink, made me realize she'd backed up again, frightened. I couldn't help myself; the fear of losing her and losing my son warred with sorrow at the way I was scaring her.

"Harper," I rasped, forcing my hand away from my chest, reaching for her .

But she just shook her head and stumbled back again. Meli reached for her, grabbing her, glancing around frantically.

But Harper's gaze hadn't left mine.

And…I prayed she could feel it. This connection we had.

Because the only way she could be carrying my kit was if we were Mates. We'd had sex before even realizing our Mate bond, but our bodies had recognized it. She'd taken my seed and created my son, and that should be impossible.

I had a son.

I had a Mate .

The understanding was so overpowering, my knees gave out, and even as I reached for her, my legs buckled beneath me. I felt someone grab me by the arms, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from Harper. My Mate.

She was shaking her head to whatever her sister was saying. Shaking her head, while watching me with wide-eyed fear. I'd scared her, and all I'd wanted was to hold her. Protect her.

Always.

Then she was running, leaving me, taking my son and leaving, and I couldn't stand the pain. With a roar, I tossed up my arms, throwing off whoever held me, and I threw myself after her.

But then Meli was there, her expression stern and her hand out to stop me. "I'll talk to her, Giza."

She paused, waiting for me to answer, but I had nothing to say. I had to get to my Mate!

Then she was grabbing my shirt, tugging me forward until my eyes were even with hers. "I said we'll talk to her, do you understand?" She shook me slightly, eyes angry. "Go home. We'll talk to her. "

And then she was releasing me, stomping off after her sister, and I watched them both…feeling as if my heart was leaving as well.

I had a Mate.

I had a kit.

And I'd lost them.