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The gate creaked open and two guards bristling with weapons stepped out, followed by a female a few years younger than Rhoslyn. She had my love’s same golden hair and blue eyes, plus her smile that wavered when her gaze landed on me.
She clutched a knife as she stalked closer. Her hand lifted, and she whispered, “Run to me, Rhos. I’ll hold him off with the knife, and we’ll escape inside the fortress. He won’t dare the village attack alone.”
“This is my mate, my husband, Lyneth,” Rhoslyn said with a laugh. “Please put your knife down. There’s no place I’d rather be than by his side.”
Lyneth froze, frowning. “You . . . care for this orc?”
“He’s wonderful. Adoring. He treasures me above all others, and just as much, he loves me. I love him too.” Her hand rested on her belly. “We’re going to have an orcling. Can you believe that? You’ll be an aunt.”
Lyneth swallowed hard, and the knife fell from her limp hand, thudding on the grass by her feet. “Youlovehim?” Her gaze searched mine, and whatever she saw there seemed to reassure her. Her shoulders curled forward, and she gasped out a breath.
“I’m Jaus,” I said, giving her a bow.
“Err . . .” She swallowed hard. “I’m Lyneth.”
“Tell the women who run through the woods that the mate hunt is a chance to meet an orc who will love them forever,” Rhoslyn said.
“It can’t be true.” Lyneth’s voice croaked. “Can it?”
“It is.” Rhoslyn held out her arms. “Get over here, little sis. I need a hug.”
“Rhoslyn,” Lyneth cried. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Lyneth rushed to my mate, and they held each other and cried. Thankfully, their tears soon dissolved into laughter.
When they parted, Lyneth stared up at me. “I’m still not sure what I think about orcs.”
“We’re quite amazing,” I said. “I assure you.”
Rhoslyn laughed. “And this one is quite conceited, Iassureyou. But I adore him so much.”
Lyneth held her hand out to me. Rhoslyn had told me the clasping of palms was a human way of solidifying an introduction.
Taking her hand, I bowed low toward her again. “It’s an honor to meet you. My mate speaks of you often. She’s missed you.”
“I . . .” A smile flitted across Lyneth’s face, and she blushed. “I’m honored to meet you, too, Jaus.” Her smile grew as her gaze met Rhoslyn’s. “He’s quite handsome, isn’t he? I’ve only seen orcs from a distance. He’s . . . big. Very muscular.”
Rhoslyn leaned into my side. “He’s kind and gentle too.”
“Would you like to come inside the fortress?” Lyneth gestured toward the gate. “We can visit longer. Things . . . have happened.”
“Is everything all right?”
Lyneth squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, and when she opened them, tears gushed out, streaming down her face. “I lost my husband to a fever a month ago. It’s been terrible, Rhos. I wasn’t sure how to go on after that.”
“Oh, sister.” Rhoslyn hugged Lyneth again, and they cried together once more. “We can’t come inside. You know how the others will react to an orc in their midst.”
“They don’t know what we do.” Lyneth’s eyes met mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t greet you as I should. You will always find welcome in my home, brother.”
“Thank you. We’re big, greenish, and fearsome. I can understand why you might hesitate to trust us for anything beyond providing protection.”
“Not any longer.” She rushed over to me and hugged me, and I grinned at my mate, who nodded with new tears in her eyes.
When we parted, I tugged Rhoslyn into my embrace.
Lyneth watched us with approval. “I’m glad you came to see me. I’ve missed you so much, Rhos, but knowing you’re happy with Jaus makes me feel much better.”
“She’s my tiny mate, my precious wife,” I said.
