Page 47 of The Orc Protector's Secret Baby

Malamute continues happily, "I have negotiated with the Chieftain here. You are to take his daughter as your mate! An excellent match that will raise our status here. Isn’t that great?"

I stare at him, dumbfounded. Does he truly not know me at all? In a frustrated tone, I snap, "But Father, I must tell you...I reunited with my love Hayden at Burning Sun. She is my true mate. We even have a daughter, Amira. I came here to share this wonderful news with you."

Sharog smiles warmly, then shrieks excitedly. "A niece! I cannot wait to meet them, Brother."

Malamute interrupts abruptly, his pleased expression melting away, replaced by a scowl. "What? How can this be so? You've been gone only a week!"

I meet his glare steadily. "Hayden is my mate. Amira is our child. I did not come here to take another."

My father's face morphs into anger. "I will not acknowledge some random human's child as my grandchild! You will obey me and take the Chieftain's daughter as your mate!"

I feel rage boiling up inside me. After everything, he still tries to control my fate. Anger overtaking me, I shout, "I will not betray my family for your selfish ambitions! If you paid any attention besides furthering your status, you would know my heart belongs to Hayden. It has been this way for years!"

He scoffs derisively. "A human? Preposterous! I forbid it."

"You no longer control me! And you are not the Chieftain here!" I shout further. "I am not some pawn for you to manipulate. I make my own choices now."

His eyes blaze with fury. Spewing venom, he screams, "You are so ungrateful! After everything I did to prepare you as chieftain. This is how you repay me?"

"All you did was strip away my freedom and emotion!" I retort. "Since Mother died, you changed. You became someone I no longer recognize - cold, controlling, obsessed with power."

Pain flickers in his eyes but is quickly replaced by anger. "Power is all that matters in this world! I did what was needed to advance our clan."

I shake my head sadly. "At the cost of your own son's happiness. If this is the only reason you wished me to return, then I am afraid this is farewell."

I turn to leave but Sharog grasps my arm, her eyes glistening with tears. "Brother, please don't go!"

I embrace her tightly, wishing I did not have to cause her more pain. In a slight whisper, I reply, "I’m sorry, Sharog. I can’t stay where I am not free to love. Be well." With heavy steps, I make my way to the door.

"Stop!" My father's voice rings out. I pause and turn to see him slumped weakly in his chair, looking suddenly old. "Tell me… about my grandchild."

I stare at him warily. Is this some kind of trick? But his eyes hold a glimmer of something I have not seen since I was little. Some softness buried deep beneath the hard exterior.

Cautiously, I speak, a smile soon spreading across my face. "Her name is Amira. She is so tiny, but her spirit outshines even the brightest stars. And when she smiles, the whole world feels lighter. She even has Mother’s eyes!"

My father stares at me, stunned into silence. For the first time I can remember, the hard lines of his face soften.

"She has… your mother's eyes?" he asks quietly.

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "The same ones When she looks at me, it's like Mother gazing back."

My father's stern composure shatters. Tears spill down his weathered cheeks. The great chieftain crumbles before me, sobbing like a broken soul. Soon, my father embraces Sharog and I.

"My children, can you forgive this stubborn old orc for how I have wronged you?" he says, his voice thick with emotion.

I squeeze his shoulder, overcome with empathy for his inner turmoil. I say gently, "You were only doing what you thought was right, Father. Of course we forgive you."

Sharog nods, smiling through her tears. She whispers, "We’re just happy to have you in our lives."

My father takes a deep, shuddering breath. "I vow to atone for my cruelty and neglect. From now on, I will strive to be the father you deserve - caring, supportive, and loving." He pulls us close once more. "I am so proud of you both. Thank you for not giving up on this cantankerous old orc."

I chuckle, my heart brimming with hope. "We could never give up on family."

Sharog playfully nudges Father's shoulder. "Just wait until you meet little Amira! I bet she'll have you wrapped around her tiny finger in no time."

Father beams, his eyes shining. "I look forward to meeting her soon."

Laughter rings throughout the home, the sweet sound of healing and hope. My heart swells with joy to have my family made whole again. I feel as if a crushing weight has been lifted from my chest. The icy chill of anger and resentment that lingered between us has finally begun to thaw.