Page 30 of His Stubborn Mate

“Orcs dinnae use saddles, the padding is sufficient.”

Besides most of us were too big for stirrups.

“I’ve tied the bundles so ye have protection. Ye willnae fall off.”

“Come on, Mama! Maardok says I’m to ride behind you so you dinnae fall off.”

Still glaring in suspicion, Cataline allowed me to lift her up atop the horse’s back, and I hid my smile.

The hours passed, which is the best I could say about them. Eventually even Ewan’s chatter ceased, and when his eyelids grew heavy, I lifted him in my arms where I strode along beside the horse’s head. When Cataline grew tired, I walked beside the animal to hold her upright.

Throughout the day, she tried different positions—astride, both legs dangling off one side of the horse, and everything in between—but couldn’t seem to get comfortable. She even insisted on walking part of the time, which I objected to, and finally she interrupted me with a stubborn glare.

“Look, I am ready to drop this babe any day now. I am sore and achy and my arse is killing me. My arse and⁠—”

She glanced at Ewan, now riding on my shoulders, and blushed. “I am going to walk for a bit. You and Ewan can ride the animal.”

Of course I wasn’t going to ride, but the poor animal was likely grateful for the respite. We moved slower with her walking, but she seemed relieved for the break as well.

So ‘twas later than I intended when I finally called to camp for the night. Cataline sank gratefully down to sit on a boulder as Ewan—who had gained a second wind, it seemed—helped me tend to the horse and set up the tent with the bedding.

Cataline crawled inside while we made a fire, and soon I could hear her gentle snores. I kept Ewan occupied late into the evening, before I crawled in beside her and gently shook her awake.

“Ye must eat something, love.”

“Nay,” she groaned, rubbing at her side. “Just let me die.”

I grinned in the darkness. “‘Tis no’ so bad. Ye did so well today. I’m proud of ye. I’ll save the food for tomorrow morning, and try to convince Ewan to calm down before I send him in.”

Her hand found mine. “You will join us, right?”

“I’ll sit watch by the fire⁠—”

“We will be cold without you.”

Well, how could I say no to that?

So after the fire died to mere embers, I ensured the horse was as comfortable as could be expected, then I crawled into the tent. Cataline’s sweet arse cupped my cock, and Ewan’s small, wriggly body stretched along my back, and I knew I wasn’t going to get much sleep.

No matter what my Kteer howled at me, I knew I was at peace, with everything I’d ever need right here.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Cataline

I woke warm and comfortable, which I hadn’t expected…not after yesterday’s grueling pace and the constant discomfort I felt.

It took me a few moments to realize I was lying on top of Maardok, on my side, spread across his chest and stomach, my head pillowed by his shoulder and one of his large hands cupping my belly protectively.

Holding our babe, whom he refused to acknowledge.

‘Twas foolish to be enduring such hardship, such a journey, so close to birth. But he was right. The safest way to protect Ewan was to get far away from John, and the opportunity to cross into the orc world would only be available tomorrow night at midnight.

We had to travel now, and travel hard, in case the snows began again.

Beneath me, Maardok shifted, and I opened my eyes to see my sweet lad curled against the orc’s side, his head resting on Maardok’s bicep, his wee lips open as he drooled innocently.

Even in sleep, Maardok cared for and protected us.