Page 3 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast (Sweet Monster Treats)

CHAPTER THREE

P osy tugged nervously at the neckline of her vintage dress as she paid her entrance fee and picked up one of the numbered paddles from the table just inside the Town Hall. How in the world had she let Flora talk her into this?

A group of nearby females - a human, a dryad, and two trolls - were discussing potential “merchandise” in hushed whispers. She caught the names of a local business owner, a visiting professor from the nearby college, and someone who apparently worked at the lumber mill outside of town. They didn’t sound like exciting dates, but she wasn’t sure what else she’d been expecting from a small-town bachelor auction.

The thought of bidding on any of them made her stomach churn, but she reminded herself yet again that she didn’t have to bid. She held her paddle against her side, hoping her full skirt would conceal it as she edged into the main meeting room.

“There you are.” Gladys smiled at her from behind a lavishly decorated table complete with a bubbling cauldron. She was in full witch regalia tonight, with flowing black robes to match the ever present witch’s hat. “Would you like some of my special punch? Only five dollars for a cup.”

She gave the bubbling red liquid a doubtful look.

“Um. What’s in it?”

“What do you think would be in a witch’s brew?” The older woman laughed. “You should see your expression. Actually it’s just mulled wine with cinnamon and honey and a little extra food coloring. And remember, it’s for charity.”

She returned Gladys’s smile and bought a cup, then took a cautious sip, sighing with pleasure as the taste exploded in her mouth.

“This is delicious.”

“Gladys always had a knack for potions,” a deep pleasant voice agreed, and she looked up to see a tall, handsome black man with short iron grey hair standing next to her. He was wearing a well-tailored suit that reminded her of one of Larry’s business suits, but it was topped with a colorful necklace composed of charms and feathers and what looked like tiny bones. “I would like a cup, please. It’s for charity,” he added quietly when Gladys glared at him.

The older woman’s smile had vanished, her lips pressed tightly together as she ladled out another cup.

“I’m surprised you’re not participating, Jeremiah,” Gladys snapped as she took his money.

“Now why would I do that? You don’t have a bidding paddle.”

For a fraction of a second Gladys’s face softened, but then she stiffened and looked away as Flora appeared.

“You look lovely, Posy. Doesn’t she look lovely, Jeremiah?”

Jeremiah obediently turned and looked at her, then smiled.

“She does indeed. I’m delighted to be surrounded by so many beautiful women.”

His gaze returned to Gladys, and color tinted the witch’s cheekbones before she gave a disdainful sniff. Jeremiah bowed politely and moved away as Flora sighed.

“I’ve never known anyone to hold a grudge as long as you can, Gladys.”

“He deserves it,” Gladys snapped, but Posy saw her gaze following Jeremiah.

“Stubborn old witch,” Flora muttered. “I’ve half a mind to-”

“Don’t you dare.”

Gladys glared at her friend and their gazes locked, neither one of them prepared to back down. Then Flora gave her a slightly terrifying smile and shrugged.

“Whatever will be will be.”

The words sounded ominous to Posy, and Gladys must have agreed because she immediately started to protest.

“I mean it, Flora. Don’t you-”

“Have to dash. It’s almost time to start.”

Flora darted away as Gladys gave a frustrated sigh.

“Sorry about that,” Gladys said, her cheeks pink as she avoided Posy’s gaze. “Flora can be a handful.”

“I’ve noticed.”

They both laughed, and then Gladys urged her to go and find a seat. She started to slip behind a column but Elara caught sight of her and waved her over. Grondar was seated next to Elara, a forbidding frown on his face. Robin, another newcomer to town, and her mate Eric - the big werewolf sheriff - were with them as well. Robin was practically glowing with happiness, the complete opposite to the haunted woman Posy had originally met.

“I saved you a seat,” Elara said cheerfully, patting the empty seat between her and Robin.

The seat was a little too close to the front of the stage for her liking, but it would be nice to be with people she knew, and she gave Elara a grateful smile as she joined them.

“We’ll get to see all the good stuff from here,” Elara said innocently.

“Good stuff?” Grondar growled. “You promised we were just here to support the shelter.”

“Of course, pookie. You know I only have eyes for you.” Elara fluttered her eyelashes at her mate, then winked at Posy. Grondar sighed and wrapped a massive green arm around her shoulders.

“I love your dress,” Robin said. “Vintage, I assume?”

She fingered the red silk nervously. “Yes. You don’t think it’s too dressy, do you?”

“Not at all. You look beautiful, and a lot of the females here are dressed to kill. You don’t need to be nervous.”

“Is that obvious?” she asked ruefully.

“Town events can be a little overwhelming.” Eric’s badge glinted under the lights as he turned towards her. “I was born here and I still managed to knock over the entire punch bowl at the Harvest Festival. Still haven’t lived that down.”

“I’m not sure that makes me feel any better.”

Robin laughed. “Just don’t knock over the punch bowl or people will start offering you sippy cups whenever you want a drink.”

She laughed as well, her shoulders relaxing. The punch warmed her hands as she settled into the comfortable chatter around her, happy to be included. These people didn’t care about her past failures. They just wanted to include her in their present.

The lights dimmed as Flora sauntered onto the stage. She’d changed into a white tracksuit decorated with tiny red hearts. The motto on the front said “I bet I can make Cupid blush,” and Posy heard Grondar groan.

“She’s going to be outrageous, isn’t she?”

“Is she ever anything else?” Elara asked, patting his leg.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!” Flora beamed at the crowd. “I can’t wait to introduce you to tonight’s bachelors. I guarantee that each of them is tall, handsome, and equipped with a huge…” She paused for dramatic effect, eyes sparkling. “Heart.”

The audience laughed, and Grondar sighed with relief.

“What did you think I was going to say?” Flora asked the crowd, looking the picture of the innocent old lady she most certainly was not. “Now get those bidding paddles ready, ladies. Remember, all proceeds go to the animal shelter, so don’t be stingy with those wallets.”

The first bachelor was an attractive man with long green hair who strolled onto the stage grinning.

“First up is Brannigan. Half-fae, all charm. Ladies, his green thumb isn’t the only magical thing about him.” Flora winked at the audience. “His hobbies include hiking, camping, and music.”

“Any type of music?” someone called out.

“Any type except country,” Flora answered. “He also owns that gorgeous piece of real estate down by the river - perfect for a little late night skinny dipping. What do you think, ladies? Let’s start the bidding!”

Brannigan was quickly claimed by a slender dryad with a seductive smile, and Flora introduced the next bachelor. He was a big, dark-haired male who strode out onto the stage as if he owned the place.

“Moving on to Rex, our local veterinarian. He’s a werewolf who really knows his way around anatomy. He’s looking to sink his teeth into something - or someone - new.”

Flora waggled her eyebrows suggestively and the crowd erupted in cheers and laughter. The bidding was fierce, with a human female finally claiming him. She didn’t seem to mind the smug look on his face as he left the stage.

Four more males followed, all of them playing to the audience, even a human male who responded good-naturedly to Flora’s teasing. Posy wasn’t tempted to bid on anyone, but she laughed along with everyone else at Flora’s outrageous comments. The bachelor auction was turning out to be more entertainment than dating event, which suited her just fine. Then Flora summoned the next bachelor to the stage.

“And now, my personal favorite - more than seven feet of pure muscle, with a heart as big as his biceps. Here’s Varek!”

The crowd went silent as Grondar swore under his breath.

“What the hell is she playing at?”

Her breath caught as the largest orc she’d ever seen stomped onto the stage. All of the other males had dressed up, but Varek was in an old flannel shirt and worn jeans that clung to his massive body. Her eyes were drawn to his broad shoulders, then dropped to the impressive bulge outlined by the faded denim, then back up to his face. His features were more rugged than Grondar’s and his tusks thicker, gleaming under the stage lights, but there was something appealing about that hard face. Brilliant amber eyes flicked briefly over the audience before he fixed his gaze on the back of the room.

The silence broke into a wave of whispers.

“Can’t believe he showed up-”

“Have you heard-”

“Flora’s lost her mind-”

“What’s going on?” she whispered to Robin, and Eric sighed.

“Varek has something of a reputation.”

“An undeserved one,” Grondar muttered.

“I’ve never had any trouble with him,” Eric agreed. “And everyone deserves an opportunity to leave the past behind them.”

“Ladies, ladies! Where are your manners?” Flora planted her hands on her hips, her eyes sparkling dangerously. “This fine specimen knows his way around the forest better than anyone. He also makes the most exquisite herbal oils and soaps. Just be careful where you rub them.” She winked at the crowd and turned to Varek. “Tell us, sweetie, what are you looking for in a female?”

He frowned down at Flora, his glower only highlighting the harsh planes of his face, and her heart gave a sudden thump. Despite the forbidding scowl, it was a lonely face.

“Someone who won’t be scared of me,” he finally said in a deep, low rumble. His eyes swept the audience again and their gazes locked for a second before he looked away. She felt a tug, low down in her belly, but she wasn’t sure why.

“Let’s start the bidding!” Flora said cheerfully.

A long, awkward silence followed as the single females in the audience gave each other uncertain looks. She couldn’t entirely blame them - he was huge and intimidating, especially with that scowl on his face. The fact that he loomed over Flora by a good two feet didn’t help. Despite that her heart ached for him. He reminded her of a wounded animal, braced for another blow.

Her throat tightened. She knew that feeling, remembered standing in the courthouse while her ex-husband’s new girlfriend flashed her engagement ring. Remembered the pitying looks, the judgment, the way people who’d called themselves friends suddenly had other places to be.

“What the fuck?” Grondar growled. “Elara-”

“I can’t,” her friend whispered. “It wouldn’t be fair. And I don’t even have a paddle.”

I have a paddle.

She bit her lip as the thought occurred to her, not sure she had the courage to bid. But then Varek’s fists clenched, his posture growing even more defensive, and she couldn’t stand it. Most of her money was in the business but she still had some left in her personal checking account.

“Two hundred and thirty-two dollars and eighty-eight cents.”

Her voice rang out with surprising strength, and Flora grinned at her as more whispers erupted from the crowd.

“Going, going, gone! Sold to the pretty newcomer who knows a treasure when she sees it.”

She managed a weak smile in return as she dropped back down in her seat, suddenly very conscious of all the stares and whispers.

Oh lord, what have I done?