Page 29 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

I find myself more and more in awe with this friendship as the day continues--something I've never really experienced before, especially not with an orc. Cagan is different; he's kind, and he listens—a stark contrast to any other orc I've ever met. In these moments, as we work side by side under the sun, I find myself cherishing the novelty of this bond. It's refreshing to feel safe and valued, to laugh and share in this simple task.

The work is hard but fun, filled with laughter and playful teasing. He tries to show off his building skills, which turn out to be more about enthusiasm than expertise. We both end up laughing as the structure leans slightly to one side. "I guess it's more of a lean-to than a house.” He chuckles, and I join in, our laughter mingling in the open air.

As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows over our day's work, the skeleton of the lean-to stands proudly, albeit with its quirky angles and mismatched pieces. Cagan wipes his brow, steps back, and lets out a satisfied chuckle. "Not too shabby for a day's work, huh?"

"Not at all," I reply, my voice light, surprising myself with the ease of my laughter. "It might even withstand a gentle breeze."

Cagan laughs, "Only gentle? I guess we'll have to test it another day. For now, how about a swim? The pond's not far."

The thought of cooling off and just letting go for a while is enticing. "That sounds perfect," I agree, more readily than I would have expected. We make our way to the nearby river, the grass cool underfoot, the evening air beginning to soothe the day's heat. As we reach the water's edge, Cagan dives in with a whoop, splashing water high into the air. I can't help but laugh, the sound mingling with the chirping of the evening crickets.

Hesitating only a moment, I join him, the cool water enveloping me, washing away the sweat and dust of the day. We swim and splash, the water a refreshing contrast to the warm air. Cagan shows me how to float on my back, and I try, failing a few times before finally managing to balance myself on the gentle swell of the water.

"Look at you, a natural!" Cagan calls out, his voice teasing but encouraging.

I can't remember the last time I felt this free, this unburdened. The water, the laughter, his presence—it all weaves together into a tapestry of comfort and care I've never known. As we float and swim until the sky turns a deep orange, I realize I'm smiling, truly smiling.

When we finally clamber out, dripping and breathless, the world seems quieter, more peaceful. We sit at the water's edge, watching the sun dip below the horizon. "I haven't had this much fun in... I can't even remember when," I confess, my voice soft in the growing dusk.

Cagan turns to me, his smile gentle. "Me neither. It's been a great day."

16

CAGAN

As our magical night comes to a close, I regretfully inform Hayden that I won’t be able to see her for two days as my clan is being called away on an urgent mission. Though disappointment shadows her lovely face, she nods in understanding.

Now, two endless days later, I cannot stop thinking about her. I miss her terribly - the lilt of her voice, the melody of her laugh, the way her emerald eyes sparkle when she smiles. Her absence leaves an ache in my heart that I cannot ignore. Being apart from her has been pure anguish. I realize my feelings for Hayden go far beyond friendship. What I feel is deeper, more profound. I believe I am in love. The realization crashes over me like a wave, equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. I want nothing more than to be near her again, to tell her how I feel, but uncertainty gnaws at me.

I rush to her camp, desperate to see her radiant face again. But as I crest the mossy hill, my heart sinks like a stone in my chest. The little lean-to we had so carefully constructed together lies in ruins, its logs smashed to splinters and strewn about haphazardly on the ground. Hayden's tiny camp is utterly destroyed.

"Hayden!" I bellow in panic, my guttural voice echoing through the stillness of the trees. Sickening dread washes over me in frigid waves as I frantically search the area. She is nowhere to be found. What could have possibly happened here? Who or what could have committed this violence? Then I spot them - huge, clawed paw prints scored deep in the dirt all around the wreckage. Wolves. They must have smelled the food.

I sink to my knees, the earth trembling beneath the impact of my massive frame. Guilt and anguish ravage my insides like gnashing teeth. I was the one who had convinced her this spot was safe. But I have failed her. Cold, paralyzing fear for her safety clamps around my pounding heart like an iron vice.

With a burst of frenzied desperation I leap to my feet, turning over shattered logs and debris as I continue to search madly through the ruins. "Hayden!" I roar, whirling about frenetically. "Hayden, where are you?" My heart is hammering erratically against my ribs now. She must be here somewhere, must be unharmed!

But only the sigh of the wind through the lonely trees answers my frantic pleas. Could the wolves have dragged her off into the forest after all? Even at this very moment, might her life's blood be staining their jaws?

No! I tell myself firmly. I see no traces of blood anywhere. She must have managed to escape the attack unscathed. But then where could she have fled to? Why does she not answer my desperate cries?

With escalating panic constricting my chest, I scour every bush, peer with dread up every tree, yearning for even the smallest glimpse of her flowing golden hair.

"Hayden, forgive me!" I yell wretchedly into the empty forest. "I have failed you! I broke my solemn vow to keep you safe, and now you are lost!

"Cagan..." A longed-for voice speaks softly from just behind me.

I whip around so fast I nearly lose my balance. There, standing amidst a patch of gently dappled sunlight, whole and seemingly unharmed, is Hayden. Profound relief crashes over me at the sight of her. In an instant I rush to her, closing the distance between us. Without conscious thought, I sweep her into the embrace of my muscled arms, my entire body shaking uncontrollably.

"Hayden! You're alive, you're uninjured!" I cry out fervently as I sweep her delicate frame against my barrel-like chest. She feels so impossibly small and fragile cradled there. I tenderly stroke her long golden tresses with one trembling hand.

In this perfect moment I desire nothing more than to stand here for all eternity, sheltering this precious woman securely in my embrace. I make a solemn vow then and there to never allow harm to befall her again. She has captured my heart completely, in a way I never dreamed possible. For the first time in my life, I understand what it means to cherish something delicate and good.

But before I can think through the ramifications, primal instinct abruptly takes hold of me. Still caught up in a churning tempest of powerful emotion, I gently grasp her lovely face between my hands.

Unable to stop myself, I bring my mouth down onto her soft lips in a searing kiss. In that electrifying moment, weeks of suppressed longing, fear, and devotion surge forth explosively to overwhelm my self-control. I kiss her over and over, my actions first impassioned, then turning achingly gentle and reverent. For endless, blissful moments I am powerless to stop, intoxicated by her sweetness.

But then my conscious mind reasserts itself. What am I doing? Appalled at myself, I tear my mouth from hers, regret crashing over me in a scalding wave.