Chapter 15

Chapter

Fifteen

MIRANDA

“ Y -you can’t!” Miranda said breathlessly, bracing against his chest as he hauled her up and plopped her down on the barrel he’d just vacated.

Damn, sucking him off had been way hotter than she’d imagined, and now she wasn’t sure she had the willpower to hold him off.

“You think I give a blasted fuck about a little blood after your mouth was on me, Miranda?” he rasped into her ear, looming over her.

Miranda shivered and moaned and fought to clear her head. God, why did he have to be so good at working her up? Why couldn’t she think when he was all hot and close and gripping her hair tight? He forced her head back, delving his tongue into her mouth, and pushed reason right out of her head.

She groaned around his tongue as his hands moved down and flicked her nipples beneath the rough wool dress. “But... but it will make a mess.”

It was a shoddy argument, and they both knew it.

“I’m an orc, Miranda. I would sooner devour you than balk at your mess .”

“Oh god.” She shivered. His rumbling voice vibrated through her stomach, pooling delicious heat between her legs, making her throb and squirm against his rough fingers as they stroked up her thigh.

His hands caressed their way under her skirt. They were so hot against her sensitive skin, and she was panting. “Tell me no,” he grated. He swirled his thumbs closer to her pussy.

“Forget the mess.” She breathed. “I want you.”

“Good,” he growled so low, right into her neck. She was still half out of her mind when he yanked her underwear down and slicked his fingers into her slit without hesitation. Excitement warmed her at his obvious confidence.

And then his fingers flicked right against her swollen, throbbing clit and she lost her breath.

“G-Govek,” she whimpered, clinging to his chest, legs trembling.

He continued to stroke her. She was so wet. So slick. There was no resistance. He used his palm to press hard into her clit, and she ground into him mindlessly. “You smell divine . I can scent the need on you. You want me, don’t you?”

Oh fuck .

His fingers went still. “ Don’t you? ”

“Yes, yes.” She jerked her hips. “Yes, I want you.”

He growled with pleasure as a thick finger sank deep into her, forcing her to thrust and writhe. He pumped in and out, and she couldn’t manage words even as she tried to beg for more.

He must have been able to read her mind because he speared another finger into her, spread them apart, stretching her until the delicious sting made her eyes cross.

“Come for me, Miranda,” Govek demanded against the top of her head. “Relent.”

And she did, helplessly. Ecstasy exploded behind her eyes and rolled through her stomach. He made her take more and drove her mad as her brain flooded with deep, quaking bliss so powerful she saw stars.

She clung to him so hard it must be bruising him. She wrapped her legs around his calves and dug her heels into the back of his knees, shivering and gasping as her pleasure faded.

He held his hand up to her view, drenched and reddened from her orgasm. His face was a mask of brutal desire, all teeth and piercing golden eyes. “Now tell me, Miranda, should I wash or lick this clean?”

“ Fuck. ” She gasped as another shot of pleasure rocked through her, making her twitch. She should be demanding he go clean up, but instead she curled into him. Her core pulsing with delicious aftershocks and her mouth going dry with a desire to kiss him again.

He chuckled, the deep rumble warming her gut as he pressed his nose into her hair, right next to her ear. He dragged her scent into his lungs as if he were trying to breathe in her essence. “Fuck, Miranda. The things you make me want to do to you.”

“Like what?” She managed passed her own gasping, only to lose her voice again as his laughter rumbled. It vibrated through her, causing tingling over her skin.

He scooped her up off the barrel, grinning. “Allow me to take you home and I will show you.”

“I’m supposed to be showing you the things I want to do to you, not watching you slave over my stove.”

The kitchen was a complete mess of ingredients. She’d burned about half of what she’d tried to make. Almost every one of his dishes had been dirtied and Miranda couldn’t help being frustrated at how inefficient she was at preparing food this new way.

And Govek was getting impatient.

She couldn’t blame him.

“Here, taste this next,” Miranda said, holding a fork of fried onions up to his lips.

His irritation abated, and he took the fork into his mouth without hesitation. His eyes shuttered closed, and he chewed slowly as if that might make the tiny bite she’d given him last longer. As if she wouldn’t give him another one in less than five minutes.

“Does it need more salt?” she asked after he’d finally swallowed.

“No,” he said, voice somewhat hushed. He lingered next to her, clearly wanting more, but not wanting to ask.

She’d run out of ingredients before she put everything together if she wasn’t careful. Two pans of onions were still smoking and charred. Govek had said he’d eat them anyway, but she wanted to get this right for him.

He said he didn’t like cooking, so she fully intended to take the job over. Even if heating the wood fire stove with different types of magic-laced kindling was nearly impossible to comprehend.

She fiddled with one of the twigs nearest her, wondering if she should add more heat.

“Don’t use that one.”

She looked at him. “Will I light the house on fire?”

“No, but your onions will burn. Again.”

She sighed heavily. “This is impossible. It’s so hard to tell them apart.”

“That’s only because you cannot see the magic within them,” Govek said. “You need not do this, Miranda. I am happy to cook for you.”

“I want to do it,” Miranda said, reaching up to scratch at his hairline. “And you’ve barely eaten anything today.”

He stilled, brows pinched.

“Let’s get you refueled a little before you show me all the lavish things you want to do in the bedroom. Or on the couches. Or the table.”

His eyes lit and darted to the small table on the opposite side of the room. “It would likely snap.”

“Ooh,” she hummed as heat spiked her through. “Honey, that sounds like a challenge.”

But her teasing fell a little flat as he quirked a brow. “ Honey ?”

“You really want me sticking with tough guy, huh?” She ruffled his hair.

He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. “Call me what you will, Miranda, but honey suits you far better than me. It is what you smell of.”

“I smell like honey?”

His eyes opened and heated her. He bridged the gap between them, pulling her away from the stove and slanting his mouth over hers.

Pounding sounded at the door.

Miranda jumped and her cheek collided with Govek’s nose. He grunted and jerked back.

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry!” she said reaching up to rub at the bridge of his nose. “Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?”

Amusement flooded Govek’s features, and her worry drained away. “No, Miranda. You did not hurt me. It is doubtful that you could cause me any damage even if you headbutted me with your full force.”

“Hey, I’m not that weak.” This earned a dubious expression from him that made her huff. “I can take you down just fine without bruising your bits, and you know it.”

He leaned in close, lips against her ear, hot breath stirring her hair, and growled, “ That, I believe.”

A delicious shudder rocked down her spine.

The pounding thundered again.

“Who the heck is that?”

“I’ll get rid of them.” Govek set her down and stalked to the door. It snapped off entirely in his hand.

Miranda covered her mouth to hide her laugh as Govek grumbled. They’d both forgotten it was broken. All humor died a second later.

Rogeth stood there all blustery and puffed up. He tried to fill out the doorway, but he was too slender for that, and his two male counterparts could easily be seen in the background.

All three looked ready for a fight, but Miranda doubted even their combined muscle could match Govek’s.

Rogeth shot Govek a look of pure scorn. “Where is she?”

Govek growled and Miranda rolled her eyes. “Are you talking about me?”

“What are you doing to her? Are you forcing her to cook?” Rogeth snapped, stepping into the house and Govek instantly extended his claws, opened his jaw, and took a hard step toward the male.

“Hey, hey,” Miranda said, taking her onions off the heat and rushing over to Govek. “I thought I told you no brawling until after you get naked and get me to a safe place to watch.”

Her words snapped them all right out of their near rampage and Govek snarled down at her. “ What ?”

She grinned, winked, and took his hand in hers. His low growl of pleasure had her sighing with relief.

“Govek, let Miranda go.”

It was Maythra. Of course it was.

Miranda hadn’t noticed her behind the burly orcs. Maythra pushed past her three comrades crowding the stoop and stomped into the house like she owned the place. Her sharp gray eyes flashed with disdain. “Oh dear, this is where you have been keeping her? Miranda, please, allow us to find you better accommodations.”

“Thanks, but I’m good here.” Miranda gripped Govek’s hand. He was shaking with his attempts to control himself.

“Miranda,” Maythra said, stepping toward her. “I know you have been through quite an ordeal. But I promise you, the pain is over. Govek cannot hurt you again.”

“Again? He hasn’t hurt me at all.”

“Our wise chief told us you were lost, afraid. In a bad way. I know you feel you owe Govek for saving your life but?—”

“Whoa whoa. Hold on there. I don’t feel?—”

“Govek, come out. Now.”

“More visitors?” Miranda looked up at Govek and found his face stricken. “Hey, let’s just tell them all to leave.”

“No.” Another familiar orc pounded up from behind the two already crowding the stoop, forced both of them and Rogeth into the tiny kitchen. Miranda suddenly felt like a worm surrounded by gulls. Dang orcs were tall .

“Govek.” It was Agol and another younger orc who was basically a carbon copy of him. Maybe with a tad more muscle. “Chief Ergoth has demanded your presence.”

Govek tensed under her fingers and Miranda instantly clung tighter. “We’re about to eat right now, so he’ll have to go later.”

“Miranda, I have plenty of delicious food at my home that I would love to share with you,” Maythra said, stepping closer with her hands still extended. “Please, come enjoy my hospitality. We can eat and discuss your new lodgings.”

“I don’t want new lodgings, and I’ve got food here,” Miranda said as Govek began to pull away. “Where are you going?”

“My father has ordered my presence.”

“So, you have to go? Couldn’t you go later?”

“Do not keep the chief waiting, Govek,” Agol said.

“Rogeth, why don’t you join us for a meal at my home? I’m sure Miranda would enjoy the added protection and you can get to know one another better.”

“I don’t need extra protection. And I’m not going with you.” Govek worked his hand out of hers. “Govek, stop it. I’m not going.”

“I must go, Miranda.”

“Why?”

“Miranda, please, let us care for you. This is for the best,” Maythra said. “Rogeth is a fine male.”

Govek went still, a rumble in his throat.

“No, he isn’t,” Miranda snapped, keeping her eyes on Govek as his eye began to twitch, “I don’t want anything to do with Rogeth.”

There was a sharp intake of breath and Miranda’s eyes only flickered to Rogeth long enough to see him looking affronted.

“That is perfectly fine, Miranda,” Maythra said with a wave of her hand. “You needn’t bother with him if he isn’t to your liking. There are many males. Why, Wolvc is also here. He would be glad to offer you his aid, I am sure.”

“What the heck? Is this a meat market?” Miranda snapped, gripping Govek by the wrist since he’d balled his hands. “Look, I’ve already got a prime cut and he’s keeping me extra stuffed and satisfied so you can all just skedaddle.”

There was an instant stillness from the group before Govek broke it.

With bellowing laughter.

“For the will of Fades,” Govek managed, covering his eyes with his hand. “Miranda, fuck .”

“You need some water, tough guy?” Miranda asked, tension evaporating as Govek worked to recover.

Then Maythra ruined it. “Miranda, you are confused but we understand. You are only with him because you feel indebted to him for rescuing you. But you are safe now. We can care for you far better than this dangerous male ever could.”

“Wow. Bold of you to assume that. You don’t even know me.”

“I know Govek . I know what he is capable of. Please, trust me. I don’t want you to end up like Yerina.”

Govek visibly flinched.

“He did tell you of Yerina, did he not? Of what he did to her? Of the abuse she suffered at his hands?”

“It’s time for you to go. Where’s the broom?”

“Govek, you must come with us,” Agol said. “Now.”

Miranda had just found the broom when Govek began following the male out the door.

“Hold on there! Govek, don’t you dare!”

He froze in the doorway.

“Let him go, Miranda. It’s for your own good.”

“Govek.” Miranda looked into his eyes. All the laughter that had once been there was gone. “Do you want to go to your father?”

His eyes flashed, hands twitched and bunched, shoulders hunched.

That was a clear no.

“Come back over here.” Miranda waved him back in and he did so without hesitation. “All right, time to sweep y’all out.”

“ Excuse me?—”

Miranda cut Maythra off by smacking the bottom of her legs with the bristles of the broom. The woman scrambled away. “Out! Begone demons!”

“Stop that!” Maythra said, trying to wave her away, but Miranda continued to smack her until the woman was on the stoop. All the males scrambled out without resistance, only offering wide-eyed looks as they stumbled down the stairs and onto the path.

“Govek, get the door.”

The male Miranda assumed was Wolvc found his voice. “Govek, you dare ignore the orders of your chief?”

Miranda scoffed. “Chief? Sure.”

“He is your chief too,” Maythra said, her voice slow and deadly as she patted down her skirts. There were a few dust bunnies stuck to the wool. “You would do well not to forget who is harboring you.”

“The way I see it,” Miranda said slowly. “Either Govek is going to be made chief, or y’all are going to join Karthoc and he’s going to be your new leader. Ergoth’s days in power are numbered.”

Tension rolled off the group. Obviously, this was something they hadn’t quite put together on their own.

Before anyone could speak, movement up the path caught Miranda’s attention. Another group of orcs were walking toward them.

She didn’t know what they wanted, and she certainly didn’t want to find out. “You all had better fuck off or you’re going to get the broom too!”

The males froze, confused and uncertain.

“Govek will never become chief of this clan,” Maythra said, drawing Miranda’s attention again.

Miranda rolled her eyes. “Just leave already.”

“You will come to your senses soon, Miranda,” Maythra said, clipped and focused. “You will realize this male has taken advantage of your dire state and see reason. And when you do, know that I will be here, ready with open arms.”

“Cool. Govek, shut the door.” Miranda went back into the kitchen. Govek obeyed, thudding the broken door back into place behind her. It sat precariously. “We really need to get that fixed.” Govek pulled a chair over and wedged the entry shut.

“Oh my god. That was crazy. Does shit like that happen to you all the time?” Miranda asked, pressing her palm to her forehead.

“No.”

His clipped tone had her glancing at his tense expression.

“Well... I guess that’s good? I’m glad you don’t get accosted in your house all the time.” She put the broom back in the corner and went to the stove. Everything was done. She might as well serve.

She wondered if Govek even had an appetite still. Maythra’s words banged around in her head, bruising and goading her into anger all over again. “Where do they all get off trying to drag us around like that? Demanding I go with her to her house. She likes to make it sound like it’s in my best interest, but it’s really just what she wants.”

She piled her makeshift french fries, which had been cooked far too long, onto Govek’s plate before starting to slice a roll in half. “I made my choice. I’ve been very clear on my choice, haven’t I?”

Miranda caught Govek’s eye again. He was tense, fists bunched.

“I chose you ,” she said sternly, forcing Govek to blink as if even he were shocked. “Dang, you don’t even want to believe it. Everyone’s so determined to give me a choice as long as I don’t pick you . That’s not a choice at all. That’s manipulation.”

She spread her makeshift ketchup and mustard on the bun before plopping on veggies. The onions were done enough. Everything else was raw. The meat patty was huge. Beef burgers always shrunk down a bunch when you cooked them, but whatever this meat Govek had gotten them from the butchery certainly hadn’t.

God, she hoped it tasted good. The look Govek had given her when she’d asked him to turn the meat into pulp so she could make the patties had her tension easing into amusement. He was so funny when he was shocked.

“Sit down, tough guy,” she said, and he did so slowly, still tense, still watching her close. Miranda sighed. “I swear half of our relationship is you supporting me through my absolute worst moments and the other half is me convincing you I would never willingly give up that support.”

His throat worked in a gulp.

“I chose you , Govek,” she repeated. “I’m not changing my mind.”

“You... aren’t?” he asked, not even glancing at the monstrosity of meat and bread she set down before him.

“Just pause for a minute and do a mental inventory of everything you’ve done for me, Govek. Saved my life multiple times. Carried me through the woods. You gave me all your food. You haven’t gotten any solid sleep because you keep waking up to comfort me when I have nightmares. And through all that, you’ve never complained even once. ”

She moved her hands up to his face, massaging the corners of his jaw until it fell back into place.

“And aside from that,” she said, still caressing gently. “You’re funny and supportive and fun to talk to. We haven’t known each other for very long, but what I’ve seen so far, I like , Govek. Which is saying something, ’cause I never found anyone I liked on Earth.”

“I’m not leaving, Miranda.”

His vow eased the last few drops of irritation right out of her, and she plucked a kiss to his forehead. “Go ahead and eat before someone else shows up to ruin our day. Next time they try, why don’t you live up to your tough guy standards and give them what for? You keep saying you’re out of control, but I haven’t seen you lose control even once since I met you.”

He looked stricken. “I... don’t want to frighten you, Miranda.”

“So, you’re making the active choice not to attack because you don’t want to scare me?” He nodded slowly, and she rolled her eyes, exasperation lacing her tone. “Govek, that’s what control is .”

His eyes widened, and he blinked. His fingers raked across his scalp.

A lifetime of conditioning wasn’t going to change overnight. Miranda knew that and she had no qualms with chipping away at his insecurities one compliment at a time.

Govek turned his attention to the food and his brows screwed up adorably in confusion.

“It’s called a hamburger on Earth. This is a very loose interpretation of one, but should still be good.”

“It smells incredible. Where is yours?”

“I’ll get it in a minute.” She was fairly full since she’d been tasting things as she cooked.

She held her breath as he lifted the burger, took a bite, and began to chew.

His eyes closed and the groan that left his lips shivered right through her. Every trial she went through to make this for him was suddenly worth it a thousand times over.

“I’m totally going to be doing all the cooking from now on,” she said as Govek devoured the burger in minutes. She got up to fix him another.

“Is... there more?” he asked, and she shot him a grin, delighted beyond words.

“Oh yeah. There’s plenty.”

“I’m going to become a glutton,” Govek said as she heaped toppings onto the bun.

“Oh, don’t worry. I won’t let you get fat.” She brought the new plate over. “I have lots of ideas on how to burn off the calories. I bet you have a bunch, too.”

He growled low, lingering a hand down her back as she drew near and set down the plate.

“You gonna have me for dessert?” she asked, and his eyes lit with hunger that had nothing to do with the food.

Then a pounding came from the door.

“Oh, no,” Miranda moaned. “Who is it now?”

Govek pushed her to the side and walked to the kitchen window, throwing it open to snarl. “Get the fuck off my porch!”

Miranda burst with laughter, suddenly knowing exactly what kind of old curmudgeon Govek might eventually become.

An orc voice stammered. “We mean no offense. We only wish to ask if you plan to stop the merger?—”

Govek slammed the window shut and the voices could be heard outside, bickering back and forth about trying to knock again as he made his way back to the table.

“We’re gonna have to find somewhere else to hang out, aren’t we?” Miranda asked.

“Likely.” He picked up his burger and chewed for a few long moments, relishing it. “Do you enjoy waterfalls?”