Page 19 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

I blink, taken back by his ready acquiescence. Is that really it? No attempts to change my mind, no wounded pride or angry demands? Just a simple request for me to take care of myself?

Before I can formulate a response, Cagan is turning away, his broad shoulders squared as he starts to walk off. "I'll leave you to it, then," he calls over his shoulder, his voice carrying a note of cheerful nonchalance. "Enjoy the snake meat!"

I watch him go, my mind reeling with confusion and a strange, fluttering warmth in my chest. He's leaving, just like that. As if his only reason for being here, for going through the trouble of butchering and drying the anaconda, was to make sure I had enough to eat.

It doesn't make sense. Orcs don't just give without expecting something in return. Especially not men, and definitely not orcs. There has to be a catch, some hidden motive or agenda I'm not seeing.

But as Cagan's figure disappears into the treeline, I can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, he's different. That his kindness and concern are genuine, born of a pure and uncomplicated desire to help.

I turn back to the strips of snake meat, laid out neatly on the sun-warmed rock. The sight of so much food, freely given and carefully prepared, makes my mouth water and my stomach clench with longing. It's been so long since I've had a proper meal, let alone one I didn't have to fight or scavenge for myself.

A sudden, insidious thought worms its way into my mind, making me freeze with my hand outstretched. What if it's a trick? A trap, designed to lull me into a false sense of security? What if the meat is poisoned, or enchanted with some foul magic?

I snatch my hand back, my heart pounding with renewed fear and suspicion. I can't trust this. Can't trust him. It's too good to be true, too easy and convenient. There has to be a price, a hidden danger lurking beneath the surface.

But even as I try to convince myself to walk away, to leave the tempting offering untouched, a small voice in the back of my mind protests. It whispers of Cagan's gentle smile, the way his eyes had shone with genuine warmth and care. The selfless way he had risked his own life to save mine, expecting nothing in return.

"He's not like the others," the voice insists, soft but insistent. "He doesn't want to hurt you. He just wants to help."

I waver, torn between the ingrained paranoia that has kept me alive all these years and the tentative, fragile hope blossoming in my chest. I think of Cagan's parting words, the simple, earnest request for me to eat and take care of myself.

Maybe it's not a trick. Maybe, for once in my lonely, hardscrabble life, I've stumbled upon someone who genuinely cares. Someone who sees me for me, not a pawn or a prize to be won.

I take a deep breath, my decision made. Slowly, carefully, I reach out and pick up a strip of snake meat, bringing it to my nose to sniff gingerly. It smells rich and savory, with no hint of anything amiss. And beneath the smoky aroma of the dried flesh, I catch a faint whiff of something else. Something warm and comforting, like the memory of a kind smile and gentle eyes.

"Okay, Cagan," I murmur to myself, a tiny smile tugging at my lips as I take a tentative bite. "I'll trust you. Just this once."

The meat is tough and chewy, but it tastes like heaven on my tongue.

And as I settle down to enjoy my meal, I can't help but wonder what will happen in the near future. For me, for Cagan, for this strange and tentative connection forming between us.

Hmm… I'm not as alone as I thought. And maybe, with a little luck and a lot of courage, I won't have to be alone ever again.

10

CAGAN

The next day, I set out on a hunting expedition, my mind buzzing with ideas. I've seen the woman eating the snake meat I left for her, but I know she can't survive on that alone. She needs variety, nutrients, the kind of food that will keep her strong and healthy.

After a successful hunt, I make my way back to the clan, ready to trade my catch for some of our local produce. I'm in luck - the fields are bursting with ripe vegetables, and the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of sun-warmed strawberries.

I fill a large sack with the best of the bunch, carefully selecting an assortment of colorful veggies and plump, juicy berries. On a whim, I also stop by the clan's kitchen, where our renowned chef is hard at work preparing the day's meals.

"Hey, Grum!" I call out, grinning as the portly orc looks up from his bubbling pots. "Any chance I could snag some of those famous meat pies of yours? I've got a friend who could use a taste of your culinary magic."

Grum chuckles, his eyes twinkling with good humor. "A friend, eh? Must be someone special, for you to go begging for my pies." He winks, already reaching for a stack of waxed paper to wrap up a generous portion. "Here, take these. And don't forget the berry tarts, too - they're the perfect way to win a lady's heart."

I splutter, feeling my face flush with heat. "It's not like that," I protest, but Grum just laughs, shooing me away with a knowing look.

Shaking my head, I tuck the food into my sack and set off, my heart light and my step eager. I can't wait to see her reaction, to watch her eyes widen with surprise and delight at the bounty I've brought.

But when I reach our usual meeting spot, she's nowhere to be found. I frown, a flicker of worry sparking in my gut. Has something happened? Is she okay?

I cast about, searching for any sign of her, until finally I catch a glimpse of movement further downstream. Relief floods through me as I recognize her slender form, but it's quickly tempered by a pang of uncertainty. Why is she avoiding our spot? Does she not want to see me?

Steeling myself, I approach cautiously, my sack of goodies held out like a peace offering. She notices me, her body going stiff and tense, and for a moment I'm afraid she'll bolt like she usually does.

But I force a smile, determined to put her at ease. "Hey there," I call out softly, setting the sack down on a nearby rock. "I brought you some things. Thought you might like a little variety in your diet."