Page 37 of The Savage Vow
“I need to see her. You won’t understand,” Nargol snapped.
Makhel swore under her breath. “You are letting this female distract you.”
“She is my mate,” Nargol said.
The word hung between them. Makhel didn’t say a word. Her expression shifted from disbelief to understanding.
“Then you know she will be a liability,” Makhel said.
“I know.”
They rode into town, the sky darkening with the promise of another storm. Nargol scented the incoming rain. Even after the downpour yesterday and the humidity today, it wouldn’t stop another storm from blowing in. The weather in Aghon could be unpredictable.
Her thoughts should be on the upcoming mission, but they were already elsewhere. The memory of her human’s small home, the scent and taste of the stew, the woodsmoke that had filled the air, and the way Orlena had looked at her once she’d placed her down onto her bed.
Every moment from that night replayed in Nargol’s mind with aching clarity. The way Orlena had studied her with something deeper in her eyes tore at Nargol. Had she felt the bond? This thing in her chest that pulled her to Orlena was new. She’d never experienced it before.
Orlena was hers, and it felt damn good to say it aloud.
And yet… She clenched her jaw tight.
To Orlena, she was Bula.
A false name. Hearing Orlena whisper it, call for her with a name that wasn’t truly hers, scraped against her nerves like a dull blade. Claiming her mate meant more than a touch or presence. It meant that she would have to tell Orlena the truth. It meant standing fully as herself.
But she couldn’t do that.
Not yet.
She had been sent to Soza for a reason. The goddess didn’t create bonds without purpose. This mission, the danger, the impossible balance of duty and desire, it was all a part of something bigger.
Makhel was right. Orlena would be a liability. But goddess help anyone who tried to take Orlena from her. She would burn this entire village down if she had to in order to protect her.
And the contract, the shop owner was going to release Orlena from it. She would not be bound to it any longer. She would see the world. She would accomplish her dreams.
Nargol straightened at the first signs of the center of the village coming into view. She would complete this mission, protect her mate, and when it came time, she would claim what was hers.
The shop smelled of oil, sap, and wood. It was comforting in a way that should have confused her, but she knew why it was. Because she’d smelled the same scents on Orlena. This was where she spent most of her time.
She paused inside the threshold and immediately took in the tension that hung in the air. The shop owner, Yambul, stood at the counter. He was broad-shouldered, scowling, and he leaned over Orlena. She stood stiff behind the counter, hands braced on it as if needing to ground herself.
“How the feck are you behind?” Yambul snapped. “That order for the north patrol better be finished by sundown or you’ll pay dearly for it.”
“Yes, sir.” Orlena lowered her head.
Something ugly and hot twisted in Nargol’s chest. This orc was overstepping a line, and Nargol would need to correct him. She bit back a growl.
Feck.
If she did that, then there was no telling what type of attention she would draw to herself. She would have to look into this orc.
Nargol stalked into the shop. Her boots struck the floor hard enough to draw his attention. His gaze slid to her, dismissive at first until he took in the weapons on her. He straightened to his full height and blew out a deep breath.
“Looking for anything in particular?” he said.
“I need to speak with Orlena,” Nargol announced.
Yambul’s lip curled up. He glanced over at Orlena and growled.
