16. Turren

What could I say to my mate to ease her pain? She carried such burdens. If only she could see that I’d gladly share them with her.

I thought three days was enough, yet I was too confident, too sure in the mate bond. With orcs, a mating like this was a blessing. Both welcomed it. Who wouldn’t be happy that the fates made sure the person you’d love most entered your life?

Yet humans didn’t have bonds like this, not with each other.

I knew they could find a mate bond with orcs. I’d seen it with my friends and their human mates. They adored each other so much it hurt to watch them together. I’d felt envy, pain being with them, yet it also brought joy because in my heart, I knew I only needed to find my mate, and I’d share the same wonder.

Now I’d found her, and she couldn’t decide if she wanted me.

As I moved through the forest, seeking food to supplement the fish Brunnen would catch for our dinner, I clutched my pendant.

It blazed.

“The fates are not wrong. I must trust in this. I need to remain patient.”

Yet it hurt.

But pain was a fleeting thing, much like the possessions Kaila believed had the most value. Pain could be thrust aside in a moment. I’d done it once, when everything in my life had fallen apart.

Love did this.

What would I do if Kaila rejected me tomorrow?

Shaking my head, I put that aside for now. It was unwise to walk in the woods while distracted. My focus needed to remain on hunting and seeking food. Watching out for predators. And making sure I returned to my mate and her brother unharmed.

I still had tonight to win my mate’s love. She’d responded to my touch today, though that was a physical thing, not of the heart.

Or was it? Perhaps her body was telling me what her heart was too frightened to voice aloud.

That gave me hope and the strength I needed.

I picked berries and came across a tree with globules the size of my hand that, when cooked, were slightly spicy and very tasty. I collected an armload, placing them in the large pouch I’d brought with me.

I thought of setting snares, but we didn’t have far to travel tomorrow before we reached the village, and we wouldn’t need the meat the snares might provide.

Returning to the camp, I walked to the river, smiling to see Kaila and her brother cleaning fish. I lit the fire and placed the globules nearby to roast in the coals. Then I took a packet of well-ground grain mix from my larger pouch and mixed it with the berries. I’d fry the cakes and we could eat them for breakfast as we walked toward the village.

Kaila and her brother walked up from the river, joining me, and while Kaila didn’t give me the smile I ached for, her gaze met mine. I saw a calmness there that reassured me.

We ate, enjoying the food, and cleaned up after.

“I’m going to find a tree,” Brunnen said. “I’m tired.” His attention fell on me, and he closed one eye quickly before opening it again and giving me a subtle smile. Did he have something in his eye? That was a cause for distress, not smiling.

“Are you alright?” I asked.

“I am.”

Hmm. “Would you like help selecting your tree?”

“No, I can do it. I know how to find them now, and what to avoid.”

“Let me know if you can’t locate one.” I stood. “I’ll be glad to help.”

With a nod and a frown sent Kaila’s way, Brunnen strode into the woods with his staff ready for defense.

“He’s growing up fast,” Kaila said mournfully. “It seems like yesterday he was a tiny boy nestling in my arms.”

“He’s a strong warrior already. Brave and loyal.” Especially to his sister, who he clearly adored.

“He is,” she said with a sigh.

“Would you like to bathe in the river before it gets too dark?” I nudged my head to the bag with our clothing, though mine consisted only of loincloths.

“Yes.” She went to the bag and pulled out clean things.

Grabbing onto my bag and my hope, I followed her toward the river.