Page 24 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

"Please, please be okay," I murmur into her hair. I clutch her tightly, as if I can will my own vitality into her.

Gradually her trembling eases. But she remains limp in my embrace, barely clinging to consciousness. Dark shadows ring her eyes, and her cheeks are gaunt. How long has she been suffering alone out here?

Rage wars with anguish inside me. If I ever discover who hurt her, left her so broken... Why is she out here, living by herself with no shelter to speak of?

I tamp down those turbulent emotions. Right now my only focus has to be on Hayden, getting her warm and cared for.

I grab one of the blankets I brought and swaddle her in it, still keeping her tucked close to my bare chest. Her faint breaths whisper against my skin. I whisper reassurances in return.

"It's alright, I'm here now. I won't let anything happen to you." My voice catches. "Please Hayden, stay with me. I... I need you."

It's the truth. At this moment I know - I cannot lose her.

I gently lay Hayden down near the wall of the cave and rush to gather up bits of dry firewood scattered around the edges. My hands shake as I quickly stack the kindling and spark a flame with my flint.

Soon a small fire is crackling. I gently lift Hayden closer to the flames, hoping the warmth will revive her. But she remains unmoving, locked in her fevered state.

As I smooth back her hair, worry courses through me. "Just rest here by the fire," I murmur, though my words cannot reach her.

Glancing around the bleak cave, I feel a pang in my chest. This tiny cavern is hardly fit for an animal, let alone a human. The chill stone floor, the lack of any bedding or shelter from the elements. How could she survive out here alone?

My throat tightens as I think of her enduring this harsh existence day after day. She must have been struggling to survive, yet she still fights to live each morning. Her strength astounds me.

I find myself desperate to know her better, get more of that glimpse of the real Hayden underneath the survivor's armor.

I pick her up and settle her into my lap. She leans into my touch even as she remains unconscious.

"I'll keep you safe," I whisper like a solemn oath into the quiet cave. "I swear it, Hayden."

She does not wake, but I mean every word. I will protect her with everything I have. She is too precious to lose.

When her shivering stops completely, I place her down and start pacing the small cave as much as it allows, muttering to myself. I’m angry that she’s been living like this. Eventually, I grow tired and settle down against the cave wall, studying her face as she sleeps. I can see the color slowly returning to her face.

I've been keeping a silent vigil over Hayden for what feels like hours. The fire has dwindled to glowing embers, casting a dim light around the cave.

Just as I'm about to get up to add more wood, a faint moan escapes Hayden's lips. I freeze, then rush to her side as her eyes slowly blink open.

"Hayden?" I ask urgently, taking her hand in mine. "Hayden, can you hear me?"

She swallows thickly, eyes roving the cave until they land on my face. I give her a reassuring smile.

"There you are. You had me so worried," I say softly, stroking back her tangled hair. "How are you feeling now?"

13

HAYDEN

My head is pounding, my throat on fire. I cast a confused glance around me, but I can’t see much beyond Cagan’s drawn face. I’m wrapped in a blanket – where did that come from? The answer becomes clear as Cagan speaks again.

“Are you okay?”

I open my mouth, but only a croak comes out. I wince at the scratching feeling. Cagan jumps up, disappearing from my eyesight for a second. When he returns, he helps me tilt my head up to drink some water from his skin. The cool liquid immediately soothes my throat. Cagan pulls back, studying my face.

“Here, let me help you sit up.” I shiver from the contact when he wraps an arm around my shoulders.

When was the last time I was touched like this? Without the intention of causing harm?

I shake off my initial shock and look at Cagan.