23. Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

Simon

Ilooked like a fool standing here.

My mate sat down next to Ellie, and I watched as a gentle breeze rustled through her hair. She reached out and began playing with the tiny monster sitting on Ellie’s lap. His vibrant green hue caught the setting light sources, which appeared to make him glow. Ellie commented on the orcling’s tiny tusks and his braided hair. The thing took after his father’s likeness.

Only parents could love such a thing, but my Lucy was being nice when she sat next to it. Surely, she didn’t think that thing was… cute.

She thought of me as cute; was she lying?

Thorn and Ellie chatted with Lucy. Her hunger for knowledge was evident. Ellie, being of the same species, understood Lucy and was helpful in explaining Thorn and her dynamic.

Thorn essentially kidnapped Ellie as well, and Lucy scratched her head in thought. This Wood was known for kidnapping, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it always remained that way.

Females needed to know when their males wanted them, and they would do anything to protect them.

The tiny green orc’s crying cut their conversation short. Thorn scooped up the child, held him in his giant arms, and stomped back to the cabin.

I wanted to have that—one day. I wanted a family of my own, a child, and a home. We would never be alone because we would have each other.

“We have a tent you both can use. I’m afraid we can’t invite you in,” Ellie said, brushing off her dress as she stood. “Orcs can’t have fun sleepovers.”

Lucy nodded and stood with her. I pulled her into my arms, happy to have her again. “I will find shelter, that is my duty as her male.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Simon, let’s take the tent. We don’t need to sleep in a tree again.”

I grumbled and nipped at her neck. Her knees buckled beneath me, and I held her up. “I will find shelter. I am your—”

Thorn huffed and threw a bundle across from the fire. “Take the tent. Otherwise, my Ellie will curse me the rest of the night, and I need to empty my sack.”

Lucy gasped, and I shouted out a bark of laughter. “I would like to do the same.”

“Oh my gods, Simon!” Lucy playfully slapped me on the shoulder.

Thorn shook his head. “Just unwrap it. It will have everything you need. It’s one of Osirus’ tents.”

Ah, I have spent time in many of Osirus’ tents. I knew with Lucy’s curious mind, she would find it most entertaining. Just this once, would I allow taking a tent from the orc so my mate can experience it.

She wanted to experience all things.

Perhaps more of my cock.

“Thank you for your kindness. I will repay you for all you have done for me.” I clenched my jaw at my idiocy of the past. My time getting to know my new body and how to survive out in the Wood was unfortunate, but I would repay all the orcs I had stolen from.

“Simon,” Ellie consoled. “You do not need to repay us. I can’t imagine how you felt being alone like that, in a new body and getting to know your new surroundings. I wish, as well as Calliope, that you would have asked for more.”

I turned my head away, my face filled with heat. I didn’t need pity. I was a male, and just like the orcs, I had some sense of pride.

Lucy wrapped her arm around mine. Instantly, my body calmed, but the embarrassment was still there. Lucy must think of me as a fool for stealing food.

Ellie, Thorn, and the orcling went inside their cabin. The fire was still lit, and in time, it would be nothing but warm embers. I untied the sack, ready to unleash a new moment for Lucy to experience. I have spent no time in the Cerulean Moon Kingdom, but I know the magic of the Golden Light was bright due to King Osirus.

Once I unrolled the tent, it unfurled with a satisfying rustle; the fabric billowed out and caught the light source’s fading light. It wasn’t abnormally large, but it provided enough space for Lucy to walk through without having to stoop. As I hammered the stakes into the ground, the metallic clang echoed, and my excitement grew. Lucy’s curiosity was piqued once the stakes were secure, as a soft glow from inside the tent seeped through the fabric, casting a warm and inviting light outside.

I stepped in front of her, bending at the hips and opened the flap to invite her in. I was ready to see the sense of wonderment on her face. “Come inside.”

Lucy tentatively stepped inside, and a gasp left her lips. My dick twitched from her innocent noise. I had heard once before when I had part of my cock inside her. I already wanted to do it again.

“This is, wow! It’s like out of a book.”

She gazed around the tent, taking in the mesmerizing sight of the ornate pillows and blankets arranged meticulously in the middle of the spacious interior. It smelled of the faint scent of musky wood, mingling with the earthy aroma of the furs that now adorned the walls. The furs of other creatures in the Wood replaced the absence of the tapestries that usually hung inside. It appeared that this was now a tent decorated for an orc instead of royalty, which usually these tents were made for.

Lucy strode in, her fingers touching every piece of fabric she could. The tulle that hung from the top of the tent, the silk pillows, even the furniture that was erected. One would not believe all this could come to be in just a small, bundled sack.

“How is this possible?” She let out a soft, melodic chuckle and gracefully lowered herself onto the plush bedding area. As I gazed at her, she appeared even more captivating; her beauty was overwhelming. It was a surreal moment, as if I couldn’t believe that she, in all her stunning glory, belonged to me.

“Magic,” I simply stated.

She let out a deep sigh, as her body sank into the soft cushions. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm, golden glow on her figure. As she leaned back, her arms supporting her, and her breast pushed out. My eyes were drawn to her, mesmerized by the way her breasts gently pushed against the clothing I had made for her. A nervous anticipation washed over me, causing my mouth to dry. I licked my lips.

“Of course it’s magic.” She ran her hand through her hair. “Everything is about magic here. If there isn’t an explanation, it’s blamed on magic.”

My brow furrowed, and I stepped closer to her and kneeled just below the platform so I could look up at her.

Like a servant for a goddess.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… I grew up in a human world where people didn’t believe in magic. I didn’t even believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. I knew they weren’t real because my father told me at a young age that magic wasn’t real. Coming here now, seeing that it is, just broke all of my belief system. It’s a blow.”

I tilted my head, reached up and placed a lock of hair behind her ear. I let my fingers linger on her neck, and she instinctively leaned into my touch.

She is breaking.

“I cannot imagine going from never believing in magic or gods. I see magic every day, so I’ve always believed. Even when I was an animal. Was it sad not to believe in the things you speak of? I have never heard of Santa, or a Tooth Fairy?” I questioned.

The corners of her lips twitched. “I know that they weren’t really real. They are entities that humans made up. It was to bring spirit into the holidays, to a world that didn’t believe in magic.”

“And now that you see it’s real? Do you believe it?” I don’t know why I needed to hear that she did. It was sitting right there in front of her face, but if she was actually believing in the magic, she could believe in the gods, too. Believe that there is such a bond.

Lucy’s lower lip quivered, and at that moment, my heart pounded with fear. Reacting swiftly, I gathered her fragile form into my embrace, feeling the weight of her against my chest. As I held her close, her scent entered my nose, mingling with the aroma of her teardrops. I could hear her soft whimpers, accompanied by tears cascading down her flushed cheeks. With tender care, I cradled her delicate head in my hands, using my fingertips to wipe away the salty trails that marred her beautiful face.

“Please don’t cry, Lucy. It hurts me.”

She sniffed and shook her head.

“I thought you would like the tent. That is why I did not fight it. Let us stay elsewhere. I will take you where this won’t upset you.” I made to stand, but she grabbed my arm, halting me.

“No, no. Simon, I’m so sorry. You must think I’m crazy. I just—”

“Shh, shh, I do not. You are the smartest human I have ever met.”

Lucy giggled and tilted her head back. “How many humans have you met?”

I twisted my lips. “You are the third, but I still stand by what I said. You are also the smartest of all the realm. You know how things work, you read and write. You care for the Wood and do not destroy it. You keep nature how it is and do not destroy it to find out the inner workings.”

When I watched her while she studied the Wood—before I took her—she was always careful, delicate. The orcs took care of the forest, but the shifters did not give as much care. The Wood is thick with vegetation. They use their claws to clear away trees and limbs to make room for their traveling packs. Lucy would take the path less traveled but not break nature. She was even more careful than I.

“You are the smartest I know. It may not mean much from me, since I do not speak with many, but you are the best.”

Lucy’s face turned a bright shade of red. “Thank you, but even with shifters, orcs and the like, I have a hard time believing in magic.”

I took her wrist and placed it on my heart. “The only magic you need to feel is my bond with you. I am not good with words, but my feelings for you are true.”

Lucy’s tears, I assumed of frustration, flowed again. “I’m scared you will find your real—”

“Enough,” I growled and tangled my fingers in her hair. “I may not know a lot of things, but I know we are meant to be. You feel it, you just deny it.”

“I don’t often feel powerful emotions such as this, and don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want my heart to break.”

“And it won’t, as long as you are with me.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “And I’ll have you know, I will not let you go—ever! “If this witch says we are not meant to be, I’ll tell her to fuck off, and I’ll take you anyway.”

Lucy blinked back in surprise. “You cussed, and you—you just said you would make me yours, permanently? Simon, a bond is sacred, you should—”

I pushed her down into the mattress and pinned her arms at her side. “Do not tell me what I will and will not do. You are my mate in every sense. I know it, so there is no reason to be upset over this.”

“I-it’s just—”

I pressed my lips to hers. It was the only way I could get her to see reason. She was mine, bond or not, but I knew there was a bond. It was infuriating that she didn’t see that—didn’t feel it.

I ran my hand up her leg, and she moaned and groaned when I removed it. “See, you crave me as much as I do you. Now, stop this nonsense of overthinking. Believe in the magic and the goddess’ will.”

She huffed when I released her and continued to lay there, unmoving. “We will get our answers soon, and you will see.”

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