Page 45 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby
“You and our family are everything to me. I’ll always make sure you know how much you mean to me.”
Hayden smiles, a look of pure happiness on her face. “I love you so much, Cagan.”
“I love you too, Hayden,” I reply, my voice filled with emotion.
We lie there in comfortable silence, wrapped in each other’s arms, dreaming of the beautiful future that lies ahead. And in this moment, I know that no matter what challenges we face, we’ll face them together, with love and unwavering commitment. Our little family is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us.
26
HAYDEN
The next morning, I’m awakened by the sun gleaming through the window illuminating the room in a bright yellow glow. I gently stir, still enveloped in Cagan’s arms from the night before. What a magical night that was! After months and months of missing him deeply and longing for his touch, to finally enjoy each other's body and soul, was just the remedy I desperately needed.
My stirring eventually awakens Cagan from his peaceful slumber. I don’t want to rush this moment and leave his strong, comforting embrace, but I start to feel anxious as I think about our daughter Amira.
“Cagan,” I say softly, running my fingers along his muscular arm. “We should hurry to find Hera and see our little one.”
Cagan’s golden eyes blink open, a smile spreading across his tusked mouth. He tenderly brushes a strand of hair from my face and kisses my forehead. "Of course, my love. You’re right, we should check on our precious girl.”
His gravelly morning voice sends pleasant shivers through me. I sigh blissfully as Cagan continues trailing gentle kisses down my neck.
“Maybe… just a few more minutes,” I murmur, melting into his affections. He chuckles, the sound vibrating against my skin.
“I can never get enough of you either, my love,” he rumbles. “But Amira needs her mother. We’ll continue this later…” The promise in his tone sets my blood aflame.
With monumental effort, I pull away and rise to dress, casting a coy smile over my shoulder. Cagan growls playfully and swats my backside. Laughing, I toss his clothes to him. “Come on, you insatiable beast. Our daughter is waiting for us.”
Soon, we find Amira with Hera in her own home. And we’re thrilled to be reunited with our daughter. After bidding Hera goodbye, we go back to our dwelling as one unit. Our own little family in the making.
That evening, heavenly aromas waft from Cagan's cooking. He serves us generously with piping hot meats and vegetables. As we feast, Amira burbles happy noises. Cagan grins, catching her chubby fingers in his massive hand and kissing them. I watch them, awash in a love so pure I'd never dared dream. Later, he places our sleepy babe into the finest furs to dream.
He returns to find me stoking the fire, lost in thought. Cagan sits and pulls me into his lap, wrapping his strong arms around me. "What troubles you, my love?"
I lean into his embrace. "It still feels like a dream to have this - you both, a home, peace. I'm scared it won’t last."
Cagan lifts my chin to meet his eyes, full of care. "We are real, and this life is yours. No one will take it from you again, I vow it." His words soothe my fears and I kiss him, feeling truly safe.
Over the next few days, we settle into a blissful routine as a family. Cagan dotes on Amira and me ceaselessly, his love washing over us in word and deed. Throughout the day, he finds small ways to make me smile - playing peekaboo with Amira and whispering sweet words in my ear.
In the evening, Cagan cooks hearty stews that fill our home with mouth watering aromas. As I move to help him, Cagan gently steers me away.
"Let me take care of you, my love," he urges. Though I insist I'm happy to help, he simply smiles and plants a kiss on my forehead. I relent, touched by his devotion.
Later, after Amira drifts off to sleep, Cagan draws me a warm, fragrant bath. The herbs swirl through the water – lavender, mint, chamomile – tingling against my skin. I sink into the tub with a blissful sigh as Cagan washes my hair, massaging my scalp with care. His hands glide over my bare skin, tracing my curves, reminding me wordlessly of his love and desire. When he looks at me, his golden eyes radiate adoration.
"You are the most beautiful creature in all the lands," he says.
I reply softly, "I never dreamed I could be this happy."
Cagan just smiles.
I've never felt this content and loved before. Like sunlight after an endless cold night, Cagan and Amira thaw my battered heart. For the first time, I have a true home and family. My only prayer is that we can cling to this peace and joy forevermore.
However, one morning that begins like any other, there comes a loud knock at the door that interrupts our domestic bliss. Cagan answers to find a breathless messenger bearing news that his father and sister still live, having fled to his sister’s new clan.
The messenger states, "Your father requests your presence urgently." Pausing to catch his breath, the messenger continues. “They’ve been searching everywhere for you.”
My heart drops into my stomach. Our happy haven feels suddenly precarious. I know how much Cagan's family means to him. But I can’t help but wonder if this summons will take him away forever? Panic swells within me like a raging sea.