Page 10 of Marked by the Wild Orc (Heat & Ink)

Talon

T wo years later…

It’s nine o’clock in the morning on a Saturday and I have a surprise planned for Krissy today.

First, I’ve let her sleep in while I take care of our sons, make breakfast, feed the cats and get the laundry started. I’ve also cleaned the kitchen and the dishwasher is humming. She will be pleased.

I cannot believe how lucky I was, to find my bride. I didn’t even have to search far and wide, she was my best friend’s human sister. I did have to wait for what seemed like an eternity. I thought there was the distinct possibility that I would never mate or have offspring. This happens to many orcs. And when I wasn’t looking at all, my bride was dropped right into my lap.

Krissy has finally published her next romance book and she claims it’s “doing well.” I am very pleased for her. “It’s in the top one hundred of the kindle store.” I don’t understand what that means but I assume this is something to be proud of. I’ve heard many humans and even orcs say they are writing a book too, usually it’s a memoir and not fiction. I am proud of her for finally finishing. I know Krissy has had little time to write with two sons and a full-time job, but I’ve done my best to give her space to finish a project that brings her so much joy. She’s even in the midst of writing her next book.

And today, Lukis, Donner and I are going to surprise her with a celebration.

She said she didn’t want to do any local book signings because she says it’s “just a little ebook.” I think in fact she’s just shy.

I want to give her a book release celebration at the local orc brewery, a place that she truly loves to frequent.

Surprisingly, Kavin’s wife, Mia, has decided to join us and is bringing a cake. In fact, she ended up planning the entire book signing. Normally, our brides are not friends, but Mia seems to have taken a newfound interest in my bride once she realized her sister in law was now a “badass, bestselling hot contemporary romance author.”

Finally, at nine o’clock I warn Krissy that she needs to take a shower and get ready because my mother is visiting. This is a lie, but at least it will get her started on what I know is a long-running beauty process. Two hours later I’m ready and so are the boys and my bride looks gorgeous, in a dress and sandals.

“I thought your mother was coming over for a visit. Why are we getting in the car? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Krissy brightens because she loves a good surprise.

Lukis and Donner can barely keep it together in the back seat because those boys love a good surprise too.

We arrive at the brewery and a huge crowd steps out of the courtyard to shout surprise when Krissy exits the vehicle. And the moment she realizes it’s a celebration for her book release the tears and hugs begin.

Lots of human brides, friends and family end up purchasing signed copies of Krissy’s book. There’s in fact a line.

Kavin stands next to me as we watch how happy both Mia and Krissy are at the same time, which never happens. “Do you think this means our brides will finally become friends?”

“Probably not,” I laugh.

“True. But at least they’re happy.”

“Thank you for suggesting I take your sister on as my new employee.”

He digs an elbow into my ribs. “And you’d better not ever make her unhappy ever again. Next time I will toss you into the fire pit.”

We growl and clink tankards of orc ale, chuckling over the good joke.