Page 13 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

Fuck. This is bad. If she runs deeper into our territory…

I lunge forward, my muscles protesting after the earlier beating. The rocks dig into my bare feet as I give chase, but I barely notice the pain. All I can focus on is the flash of pale skin disappearing into the undergrowth.

"Hey!" I shout, pushing through the foliage. Branches whip at my face and chest. "Come out. I'm not going to hurt you!"

She's fast for a human, fueled by pure terror. But I'm faster. I can hear her ragged breathing just ahead, the crash of her body through the brush. She's making no attempt at stealth, just blind flight.

I burst into a small clearing and spot her, stumbling towards the far side. She glances back, her eyes wide with fear. She is clutching a makeshift knife tightly in front of her.

I skid to a halt, suddenly aware of how this must look. Here I am, a massive orc, naked and charging after a defenseless human woman. No wonder she's terrified.

7

HAYDEN

"Hey!"

The deep voice slices through my peaceful moment. My heart leaps into my throat as I whip around, water droplets flying from my hair.

Orc.

Massive. Green. Dangerous.

Panic seizes me. I surge out of the stream, feet slipping on slick stones. My hands grasp blindly for the tattered flag I use as clothing. It's barely dry, but I don't care.

Stupid. Careless. How did I let my guard down?

I sprint, clutching the damp fabric to my chest. Twigs and rocks bite into my bare feet. I don't dare look back. The forest blurs around me as I run, branches whipping my face and arms.

My lungs burn. Every instinct screams to keep moving. To get as far away as possible.

Years of running from orcs have honed my survival instincts. I duck and weave through the undergrowth, trying to lose him in the dense foliage. But I hear heavy footsteps behind me, gaining ground.

No. No. No.

I can't go back. I won't.

My legs pump harder, muscles screaming in protest. I vault over a fallen log, nearly losing my makeshift clothing in the process.

"Wait!" the orc calls out.

Fat chance. As if I'd ever trust one of them again.

I veer sharply to the left, hoping to throw him off. My wet hair clings to my face, obscuring my vision. I swipe it away frantically, searching for somewhere to hide.

There – a tangle of roots from a massive tree. I dive into the small hollow, pressing myself against the damp earth. My chest heaves as I try to quiet my ragged breathing.

Please don't find me. Please don't find me.

I strain my ears, listening for any sign of pursuit. For a moment, all I hear is the pounding of my own heart.

Then... footsteps. Slow. Deliberate. Getting closer.

I clamp a hand over my mouth to stifle a whimper.

My back presses against rough bark, heart pounding so hard I'm sure he can hear it. Sweat mingles with stream water on my skin, making me shiver despite the warmth. This can't be happening. Not again.

The orc's footsteps crunch through the underbrush, slow and methodical. Hunting. Searching. For me.