6. Kharag

Odelia took my money and had her guards escort me out of her building quickly after the female chose me. Of course, the fire-haired female only announced that she wanted the orc. Since there was more than one orc present, the lordling demanded she clarify her choice. But the female leveled a steady look at me, despite the fear in her eyes, and pointed to me. I may have been the only one to note her quivering finger, and I wondered if it was fear of me or something else.

Outrage exploded from all quarters, but Odelia kept a tight control on her auctions, her guards strong and loyal. She had a policy of keeping all auction attendees in the house while winners departed as they won. Once the auction was over, the ones who did not get a prize were treated to a nice meal and drinks, but were not allowed to leave for a period of time to prevent any attacks in the town. Winners were strongly encouraged to leave as soon as they could to minimize conflicts. Once on the road, well, you were on your own.

Once she had the rest of my money, she strongly suggested that I depart quickly. I too had seen the rage in the goblin horde king, Azad's, eyes. It would be smart to not stay in town for the night but get on the road as soon as I could gather supplies. Fortunately, my gear was packed. However, I hadn't expected to have company or a female for the trip. Nuar would be a welcome guard on the journey.

Odelia took pity on me and gave me extra supplies in a sack, via her guard, and escorted me out front. The female was standing in the entry of Odelia's establishment, clutching a small bundle of clothing in her arms, looking lost. I stalked over to her.

"Do you have everything you need?"

She hugged the tiny bundle to her chest and stared up at me, her eyes wide and terrified. Reality was settling over her and I didn't like the fear I saw in her.

"I won't hurt you, lass. But we need to move before the auction ends. It would be best if we're not in town. Throw off anyone who decides to follow." I didn't want to scare her, but she needed to move quickly.

She nodded without saying anything. I stifled a sigh. Hopefully, she'd eventually talk to me. "Don't try to run. There are dangers far worse than me in the wild. Understand?"

Her shoulders slumped at those words. She looked at the floor. "I have nowhere to go."

I steeled my heart against her words. There had been other females who left their world and came to ours, whether by choice or not, and built a future. Unfortunately, being fire-haired attracted a lot of attention and there were beings who wanted her and didn't care who they hurt to possess her. Once I got her to my clan, she'd be safe. But that was several days' journey and, in my hubris and utter disbelief that I would actually find a mate this season, I hadn't thought to come with guards. I didn't think I'd need them since I left my unit the month before and was heading home permanently. If I had thought I'd have a mate, I would have sent word to the clan or asked a few of my unit to join me.

Now I regretted my arrogance.

I held out my hand for her bundle. "Is this all you have?"

She glanced at the sad little sack and gave a small laugh. "It's more than I came with. Odelia gifted me with some clothes and this cloak."

I frowned. The rumors were true then. The female had not chosen this, but had fallen through a portal and was unprepared for this life. Now she was stuck with me. I gave her a long look, noting the sturdy boots, split skirt designed for riding astride, and woolen cloak with a hood. At least she was dressed for travel, unlike the fancy dress she had on for the auction. While I loved the green dress, this simple top and split skirt was more practical for a quick escape on the road.

"I can't bring you back to your world. Portals are often roving, unpredictable, except those that are controlled by the fae, those tricky bastards. And going through one is no guarantee you'll make it back to your world. You could end up somewhere far more dangerous." I spoke bluntly, felt that she needed the warning, since I worried that she'd be running off at the first chance, putting herself in more danger.

She sighed, a small sound that sounded sad, resigned. "I have nothing to go back to. I'm aware that this is my life now."

I eyed her suspiciously. She said the right words, but there was a tone there, as if she was still hopeful about returning to her world. "Well, then. I'm sure this isn't how you wanted your life, but that's it. We'll do our best to get on. I'll treat you right as long as you respect me."

She blinked at me with blue eyes that had a hint of green in them. She nodded. "I'm sure we'll be fine."

"Let's go then. We have a long road ahead of us. I want to put distance between us and Azad tonight."

She followed, almost tripping over the cloak. "Is that the goblin? I don't like him."

"You're smart to think that way. Yes, we want to avoid him. I think we'll take a bit of a long way to throw him off track. Have you ridden before?"

"Horses?"

* * *

We were almost at the stables when I realized I never even asked her name. After so many seasons of trying to get a mate, I was woefully unprepared for one in reality. As a mercenary, I earned money and riches from my time making war. I sent much of it home, but saved some for a mate. I would end my time as a mercenary when I either found a mate or got too old for the fighting. While I wasn't too old, I was tired of fighting and ready for a quiet life. And my father needed me to take over the clan.

Several seasons ago, I began seeking a mate. Those first few seasons, I brought clothes, furs, food, and jewels for my prospective mate. My supplies slowly dwindled as my prospects died until I came with what I could carry. When had I grown so cynical, not believing that I would ever have one, that I traveled light, with only my clothes and travel rations for the road? Maybe that was why I never earned a mate. Because I never believed I deserved one.

And now I had one and there was a threat to her and I wasn't ready, leaving us both vulnerable to attack.

The female followed close behind me, her sack clutched tightly in her arms. I turned the corner to the stable and Nuar lunged for me with a growl of greeting. The female cried out and stumbled backward, falling into the dirt and scrambling backward in a frantic attempt to get away.

"Stop moving," I barked. "Nuar thinks you're prey and will attack."

Nuar had, in fact, gone still, focusing on the female, his nostrils flaring as he took in her scent. I spoke harshly to him before he could leap on her and he froze, his muscles shaking with the attempt to remain still. The female had also stopped, tears tracking down her face, the scent of her fear heavy in the air, exciting Nuar.

With one final stare at Nuar, I took two strides to the female and picked her up, pulling her trembling body close to me. "What is that?"

"That is my hound, Nuar. My clan breeds and sells them for protection and hunting. Nuar has been my battle hound for several years and our prize stud. He needs to get your scent, so he knows you are a friend and not prey."

She blinked at me, her green eyes wide with terror. Then she straightened and slowly nodded. "How should I do this? Hold out my hand or something?"

Maybe she had some strength in her. She'd need it where we were going. "Hold out your hand, palm up."

Nuar stalked over to her and cautiously sniffed her hand, focusing more on the wrist where the scent glands were more prominent. He then shoved his nose into her crotch, pushing the female back into me. She squealed and clutched my arm. "Nuar! Enough."

The hound gave me a look of reproach and sat back on his haunches. She gave a sound I hadn't expected. It sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "It's okay. I didn't expect that, though we have dogs in my world and they do exactly the same thing, though with less force usually. Are we good now?"

Nuar's tongue lolled out the side of his mouth as he watched us. "It appears so. I don't have a horse for you, so you'll have to ride with me."

She eyed my large horse, gathered at the post by the side of the stables, with a great deal of trepidation. "No worries. I've never ridden before, so it's probably for the best. What about Nuar?"

"He has as much stamina as Kasmir. He'll be fine." I took her bundle to tie on the saddle and paused. "What is your name?"

She smiled. "I'm Olivia."

I nodded. "Kharag. Let's ride before we have unwanted visitors."