Page 48 of My Orc (Secret) Boss

The world would know now. My scent, my Mate, myforever.

But still, when she collapsed, breathing heavily against me, my lips twitched. Thank fuck for birth control, huh? We weren’t ready for kitlings—not sure I’d ever be—and the science of orc-human sexual relationships had taken a few big jumps in recent years.

“Oh, God,” she half-moaned, half-laughed. “I only just cleaned this blanket too.”

“That’s okay.” When she squirmed upward, my cock slipped from her core, but I was now able to kiss her. “Worth it.”

Her lips curled beneath mine. “Maybe. But I’m going to makeyouclean up out here while I go take a shower.”

My brows rose because I could be really happy just lying like this for another few hours. “What’s the hurry?”

“Memnon!” she scolded, pushing herself upright. “Tonight, remember? The barbeque?”

With a groan, I let my head thunk down against the pillows. “My brothers are assholes.”

She smacked my chest lightly as she clambered off me. “No they’re not. They’re happy for you—forus—and it’s important for them to see you’re settled and happy too. Simbel’s bringing Rissa and Trick, so that should take some of the heat off you.”

When she’d suggested this barbecue, I’d agreed to it—anything to keep my Mate happy. But now I was ready to scowl again at the thought of having to share her with any other male, even ones I knew.

But she was smirking when she leaned over me to drop a kiss on my forehead. “I promise you don’t have to do anything more than stand at the grill, drink a beer, and scowl at anyone trying to make small talk. I’ll be the polite one.”

“Deal,” I growled, reaching up to cup the back of her head and pull her down into arealkiss.

Unfortunately, she had the wherewithal to pull away before either of us got too invested in it.

“Love you,” she whispered against my lips, then straightened and began to collect our strewn clothing.

I propped my hand behind my head and stared up at the canopy of leaves over me. My Mate loved me, and I had a home and a purpose. I was helping to make Eastshore Isle a better place not just for us, but for everyone, including my brothers.

And every day, I got the opportunity to glory in all the natural wonders around me.

I felt my lips tugging upward into a grin. Guess I’d better go start seasoning the meat. And cleaning up out here. Anything to keep my Mate happy, after all.

Speaking of which…

My grin grew as I rolled to my feet. Maya was in the shower right now, yeah? Maybe she needed some help with her hair. Or washing her curves. As a dutiful Mate, I should probably join her and find out.

I hurried into our home, and behind me, the heron fluttered back to its perch.

At peace.