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three

ulgan

W atching Ada leave the shop every day is torture.

Our brief exchanges when she comes in to get her breakfast each morning aren’t enough anymore, and to be honest, they never really were. Staring out the large glass window at the front of the shop, I find myself watching her until she disappears down the road.

“Ahem.”

Crap, had I been that distracted? “Sorry, Mrs. Urqhart. I’ll be right back with your tea.”

Mrs. Urqhart is one of my regulars, and comes in each day for a cup of English breakfast tea with a splash of milk and two sugars. She’s here for her usual order, so I quickly get to work brewing her tea. My mind floats back to Ada while I wait for the tea to steep. It took all of my self-restraint to not jump over the counter and pull her into my arms. Simply touching her hand has my head done in.

* * *

I’ve been hiding a secret for months now. As the days go by, it gets more and more difficult to keep it hidden. The first time I saw Ada, I knew she was my fated mate.

Her scent—calming lavender and vibrant lemon—hit me like a wall when she first entered the bakery. It’s a scent I’ve looked forward to everyday since. Once orcs reach maturity at around sixteen, we are able to identify our mates through scent. It’s something all young orcs hear stories about. Mom would tell my sister and I tales about the powerful pull fated mates feel toward one another. I’d almost given up hope that I would ever find my mate, and it still feels like a dream that she’s here.

My soul calls for hers every minute of the day, and leaves an ache in my chest. It’s become painful to be this close to the woman I’m meant to love with everything I am, but not feel that I’m able to claim her as mine.

Keeping this secret from my family and friends hasn’t been easy. My mother suspects that something is up with me, but hasn’t been able to figure it out just yet. Thankfully, my younger sister, Selene, is too busy with her new job in the city to be around much these days.

My childhood best friend, Theo, is another story entirely. The nosy elf knew instantly what was up, but took pity on me and didn’t mention it. He does, however, enjoy teasing me about my lack of game.

I should have told Ada immediately when I figured it out, but the bitter fear of rejection kept me from going through with it.

Fuck. She’s human, and I know humans don’t experience the mating bond as orcs do. What if the idea of being tied to me for the rest of our lives terrifies her? I could lose her forever before I’ve even had her. It’s been months now, and the few short minutes we interact with each other a day simply isn’t enough anymore. I need more. More of her sweet smile. More of her adorable laugh. Last but not least, I need her sinful curves naked and in my bed.

I need more of everything when it comes to her.

Our easy banter this morning confirms what I already know. That gorgeous little human was made for me. What would it be like to wake up next to her every morning and share those small, daily moments together? I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit pining after Ada, and it’s finally time for me to make her mine. I need to talk to Theo and see if he can help me figure out what to do.

A small part of me worries whether or not she’ll forgive me for keeping this from her. Ada deserves to be wooed and spoiled, not forced into a lifetime commitment. I shoot a prayer to the Goddess that she’s able to understand.

My mother comes through the double doors which lead to the back kitchen area, carrying a large tray of Halloween themed cupcakes. Each one was carefully decorated to look like either a jack-o’-lantern or witch’s cauldron. Mom is a retired baker and the former owner of Blissful Bites until I bought the shop from her. She shows up sometimes to help when she misses being in the kitchen. I always look forward to her visits and let her have free reign. As the one who fostered my love of baking, I owe her everything and more for helping me realize my dream of owning this place.

“Hey, Mom. Are you okay here by yourself for a little while? I was going to head over to Theo’s to see if he was free to grab lunch.”

“Did you forget I ran this bakery for years without help? Go have some fun.” She shoos me away with her hands. “You work too hard and deserve a break. While you’re at it, maybe go on one of those dating apps, find yourself a nice woman to take out.” When I don’t respond, she narrows her eyes. “You have considered using the apps, haven’t you?”

“ Mom .” I take off my glasses to rub my eyes. “I’m not going to use any apps. You’ll be happy to know there’s actually someone I’ve been thinking about asking out, but we are not going to discuss it right now.”

Her eyes light up. “There’s someone you’re going to ask out? Do I know her? What’s her name?”

“Ma.” I knew it was a bad idea to mention it to her.

“Right, right. I won’t pry. Now, you get out of here. Take as much time as you need. It’s slow right now and I’ll be fine. Tell Theo I say hello.”

I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her in to me, giving her a kiss on the head. “Thanks Mom. I love you. Call me if you need me.” She starts to push me out the door before I can change my mind and try to stay.

Walking down the street I make my way to see the one person outside of my family that truly knows me.

Theo may be a cocky prick at times, but he’s the best friend I’ve ever had. You’d think being larger than most of my classmates in school would’ve deterred them from picking on me, but as luck would have it, my size just added to their fun. Being nerdy and awkward certainly did not make me popular with girls. Thankfully, Theo was always there for me, and we continue to have each other’s backs.

Pushing the door open to his antiques shop, Out of the Attic, my nerves start to get the better of me. What if this whole thing with Ada is just another way for the universe to fuck with me? I’ve always been anxious, and at times my anxiety is overwhelming.

The voice of my therapist plays in my mind during these times: “You are safe, and deserving of happiness. What you are feeling is only temporary.” I’ve been seeing Dr. Mallory since I was in college to help with my mental health, and she hasn't steered me wrong yet.

I spot Theo with a heavy stack of books precariously balanced in his arms, walking over to the vintage book section. “Hey man, I’ll be with you in just a second,” he says with a grunt.

One thing I’ve always been envious of is how put together my friend is. Elves are known for their clean cut appearances, but Theo takes it to another level. All of his clothes are custom made, there isn’t a hair out of place on his platinum blonde head, and his pointed ears always shine with a fair amount of golden earrings. I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt man, but I give Theo credit for having style.

“Need any help with those?” I offer, pointing to the books.

“Nah, I should be okay,” he replies, placing the large pile on a nearby book cart. “Gotta keep my muscles in tip-top shape for the ladies.”

“The ladies, huh?" I laugh.

“Well, we can't all be built like the Incredible Hulk, now can we?”

I roll my eyes in his direction and walk with him to the back of the shop where he keeps his office.

“Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about something personal.” This is harder than I thought it would be.

“Personal, huh? How personal are we talking? Because I'm not a doctor,” he says with a smirk. I roll my eyes at his response. Theo’s such a smartass.

“It has something to do with my future.” Could I be any more vague? I just need to spit it out already.

“Does this have anything to do with the cute human that's your mate?” he asks, a shit eating grin on his face.

“What gave me away?” I’d suspected this, but to hear him say it out loud is another thing entirely. To hear anyone actually call her my mate is music to my ears. All of the anxiety leaves my body, and I relax into the chair in front of his desk.

“Well, either you’ve had a killer cold for months, or you’ve been scenting her. Also, you look like you’re in physical pain each time she’s around, like you’re holding yourself back.” Theo sounds concerned. “Has the mating heat hit yet? Because I would bet money that it has. You have all of the classic signs of an orc in heat.”

“Yeah, it started months ago, but the suppressants I’m on make it almost bearable.” Well, bearable might not be the best word to use. I crave Ada’s presence all the time, and it does hurt to be away from her.

“I hate to break it to you, Ulgan, but you have a terrible poker face. You couldn’t hide your feelings toward her even if you tried.” His grin disappears, a gentle smile taking its place.

“What do I do?” I ask, desperate for his help.

Theo sits down in the seat opposite me. “I should think it's pretty obvious. You tell her and see what happens.”

“Humans don’t have mates. I could scare the shit out of her if I’m like, ‘Oh hey, want to be bonded with me for the rest of your life?’”

“You’re in your head too much. You need to get out of your own way.” Theo leans back in his chair, crossing his legs at the ankle and resting his clasped hands on his stomach. “You don’t have to make some grand proclamation. Just ask her out on a date. A low key, casual date. Let her get to know you, and before you know it—BAM, you’ve got yourself a bonding ceremony to plan."

“Ask her out...I can do that.” My shoulders continue to relax and release their tension.

“Of course you can,” Theo says. “You wouldn’t be the first orc to mate with a human. I know this is new for you, but it’s nothing to worry about. Listen, you need to realize that you are a great guy who deserves to enjoy life with a wonderful little mate by your side.”

Now, this is why Theo is one of the best men I’ve been lucky enough to know. He’s always seen me for who I am.

Theo stands from his chair and grabs his jacket from a hook near the door. “There may just be someone who can help you. A certain witch with a bad attitude owes me a favor.”

If it’s who I think it is, I hope her inner bitch is still satisfied and in a charitable mood.