Page 4 of Orc Charming (Love At First Orc #6)

Chapter 4

Deegar

C at was my true mate, and I wasn’t sure what to do about it.

If I was back in the orc kingdom, she would’ve known this when we kissed like I did.

Then I’d fling her over my shoulder and bolt into the woods. She’d encourage me to do this. Orc males had nesting spots prepared for just such a moment. I’d take her there, and we’d complete the mate bond in bed, not emerging until our heat had waned.

How could I tell Cat I would soon be nearly ravenous to possess her body?

I’d have to mention something soon. Walking around with an erection wouldn’t do.

We worked until the last customer left, then cleaned everything, getting it ready for the next shift, though we had two days off before that. Once everything was settled, we locked the front door and strolled in the opposite direction of where Cat lived.

“I thought we could pick up some chicken to bake for dinner. I can make broccoli and cauliflower with a cheese sauce, and if you’re really sweet to me,” she shot me a grin, “I’ll make my secret roasted potato recipe.”

“You’re my true mate,” I blurted out. Heat kept roaring through my veins, each time finding its way to my cock.

She stopped on the corner and despite the boxed walking figure on the pole indicating we could cross, she remained in place, frowning at me. “Excuse me?”

“I’m going into heat, and unless we have sex a billion times between now and when it wanes, I’ll need to find a cave and suffer until it ends.”

“I . . .” Her head tilted. “Is this some kind of joke?”

“No joke. Have you read about orc mating customs?”

She shrugged. “Only a little.”

“When an orc finds their true mate, which for me is you, they go into heat.”

“Like a hot flash?”

I didn’t know what that was. “True mates are rare, but when an orc finds theirs, they take them to a secluded spot where they have lots of sex.”

A woman pushing a carriage with a tiny infant inside stopped beside us. With a smirk, she waved to the child. “ This is what can happen when you have lots of sex.”

“Your infant is gorgeous,” I said. Someday, I’d love to have an orcling or two. It was very easy to see Cat holding our first.

“Thanks. She’s a sweetie.” After giving us a look I couldn’t define, the other woman hurried across the street.

Cat’s frown deepened. “Are you feeling okay?”

“When we kissed, I knew you were the one.”

“We said it was a nice kiss. Not groundbreaking or . . . heat-inducing.”

“It was an amazing kiss. Our first. I’ll treasure the memory always.”

“Explain more about matings and . . . heat, which I suspect has nothing to do with the temperature around us.”

At least she wasn’t running from me or backing away in horror. “When we find our true mate, we have certain rituals we follow.”

“Like what?” We crossed the street.

“I don’t have a nest, and I apologize for that.”

“A nest?” Her eyebrows lifted, and she strode all the way around me, stopping in front of me. “I don’t see wings. You’re not a bird with a nest.” Her lips twitched with humor, but her gaze was completely serious.

“Males have a nest waiting in case they meet their true mate.”

“If it’s rare, why not wait until—if—you meet her first?”

I shrugged. “This is how it’s done.”

“Did you have a nest prepared in the orc kingdom?”

“I did.”

“Yet you didn’t meet your true mate there.”

“Because she’s you.”

Cat shook her head as if denying my statement. “Why the nest?”

“Because I’m supposed to do this.” Lifting her, I flung her over my shoulder. I pivoted and raced back across the street, car horns blaring and people shouting.

“What . . .? What . . .?” Cat cried.

When we reached her home, I opened the door and went inside. I didn’t stop until we’d reached her bedroom, where I laid her gently on the surface.

“Your bed will have to substitute for my nest,” I declared, climbing up over her.

“I . . .” Her hands cupped my shoulders, and her voice deepened. “For whatever reason, I find this very appealing. Is it possible for a human to go into heat?”

“Among orcs, it’s very common. I’m going to make love to you over and over, Cat, and I promise you won’t want to end this. You’ll be completely satisfied.”