Page 11 of Charmed By the Orc
“Let me think…” Thad stroked the underside of his long snout thoughtfully. “The veil can act as a portal, and I’ve heard some theorize it could be used to pass between worlds, but I’ve never known it to be achieved.”
“My thoughts too.” I rubbed at my temple, trying to make sense of the impossible. “What of the florins?”
He gave a huff that caused puffs of smoke to escape his mouth. “They don’t use the veil. But best bring them up to the council.” He snapped the fingers of his right claw. “In the interim, I may have a book that can help.”
As Thad rounded the counter to a door at the back of the store, Sammy tugged on my shirt sleeve. “Florins?” she asked with a raised brow.
“Another sacred creature.” I shrugged, not sure if they could help my little human. “But the council can explain them better.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, her hip cocking to one side. “Fine,” she said, blowing a piece of hair out of her face. “But I should have told you before, I hate waiting.”
Her words did not match her actions as I stroked along her cheek to move the offending hair strand behind her ear. “It’ll be all right, Sammy. We’re in this together.” I couldn’t help lingering on the sensitive skin at her neck. Bending down, I whispered, “And sometimes waiting can be fun.”
The tips of her ears reddened and her lips pressed together. I trailed the tips of my fingers down her throat, then slid them across her collarbone and around her shoulder. She inhaled, eyes widening as she stared up at me. In the softest of tones, she whispered, “Guruk.”
The sound of my name on her lips undid me. I grabbed her around the waist and propped her atop the counter. Leaning over her and forcing her to angle back, I asked with the last of my sanity, “Tell me yes, Sammy.”
She glided her hands up my arms and around my neck, then hooked her ankles behind my thighs. “Yes, Guruk.”
That was all I needed to hear. I tugged her in close so that not a sliver of space remained between us. Then, my mouth crashed onto hers in a kiss to convey all the passion and desire I couldn’t say aloud. My tongue danced with hers while my tusks bracketed her face. Her jasmine and rose scent invaded my senses, spinning my world upside down. And I never wanted to be righted again.
When she moaned and writhed in my arms, I wanted to claim her there and then. Only a loud throat clearing halted my actions. Steadying Sammy on the counter, I straightened, then turned toward the noise and blocked her from Thad’s view.
“Apologies for the interruptions,” Thad said, casting a sardonic grin that proved his words false. “I’ve found the book.”
“Oh!” Sammy hopped off the desk, adjusting her clothes as she danced around me to stand at my side. “Let me see.”
I growled at my friend, but he puffed a smoking laugh through his nose and ignored me. “Of course, little human. I’d be delighted show you.”
Over the next five agonizing minutes, Thad talked us through his bookOther Realmsand indicated sections that might be relevant to Sammy’s circumstances. “Now, you take this and read it over,” he said when he finally finished. “And let me know if you have any questions.”
“I will. Thank you, Thad!” Sammy hugged the book to her chest, her smile lighting up her face with a radiant glow.
A pang of envy struck my gut again, and although I wasn’t proud of it, I claimed Sammy’s hand and guided her toward the door. “Appreciate it, but we’ll be going now.”
“Of course.” He chuckled, the sound irksome to my ears. The damnable dragon knew me too well, and I had no doubt his amusement was at my expense.
Sweeping her through the door, the bell chimed our exit. “Let me carry that for you,” I said, taking the book from her grip and tucking it into my vest’s interior pocket. I never let go of her hand. I should have. Internally, I ran through all the reasons I had to let go. But still…I didn’t. “Ready?”
Sammy glanced at our joined hands, then up at me. Her answering grin was worth every ounce of aggravation from Thad. “Let’s go.”
I guided her through the streets, the sights of the village a delight to my little human. She gushed over the minotaur café andbakery with its sugary aroma of baked goods, where villagers gathered to enjoy sweet treats, exchange stories, and share the latest gossip. The tavern and inn with patrons seeking a hearty meal or comfortable bed intrigued her. We watched briefly as the lyon owner tied back his mane as he moved gracefully between tables, serving ale and roasted meats.
We passed the sheriff’s station, sturdy and watchful as we moved along the path. Our gargoyle sheriff was perched high above the door, his stone visage surveying the scene with a keen eye, instilling a sense of safety among the townsfolk. We’d stop on our journey home to inform him of the poacher, but first we needed to see the council.
At the edge of the village stood the town hall, a simple stone and wood building, where the council convened to hear concerns and proposals. It also served as a gathering place for events when bad weather kept us indoors and for important meetings where all the villagers assembled.
I knocked on the arched wooden door for entrance. Sammy squeezed my hand. I hadn’t let her go since the bookstore. I brought our joined hands to my chest and turned to her. “I’m with you. It’ll be okay.”
She nodded, moisture gathering in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re with me.”
Always.My heart cried, but aloud I said, “For as long as you need.”
7
Sammy
I stood frozenon the entrance steps of the town hall. Meeting the council filled me with the same dread as facing my thesis panel had in grad school. Having to explain a project I had worked on for years versus a situation I had no clue how I’d gotten into, however, were two entirely separate things. Still, if I could handle Professor Edmer and her bizarre ramblings and rants, then I’d be able to take on anyone—even fantastical creatures.